Now, it's been a while since we last came across a news story of some gorgeous old motors being found hidden away, but we have one for you now - and boy is this one a cracker. A rare model of the 1965 Jaguar E-Type has been unearthed after 49 years off the road.

The E-Type in question is the 4.2 Coupe model, which is extremely sought after but rare to find nowadays. Its previous owners are believed to have had it since 1971, and whilst they were reluctant to disclose how it came to be found again, it was believed to have been located in a barn somewhere on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk in East Anglia.

Even its bucolic five decades' worth of layers of dust and grime couldn't diminish the charm of what Enzo Ferrari himself once famously called "the most beautiful car in the world". This sleeping beauty from the sleek cat of the British motoring industry has subsequently gone under the hammer at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, Cambridgeshire.

The successful bidder now has it to the tune of £41,400 following the auction last Thursday (24th March). H&H Classics, the classic car dealership based in Warrington who held the auction, said that what makes this such a unique find for them to have been involved with was that "Series 1 4.2 litre machines are particularly sought after because of their improved gearbox, torquier engine and better brakes."

Further pressed, they added that if the E-Type 4.2 Coupe - which also still has traces of its original paintwork, original factory-fitted interior and 'matching numbers' engine - was faithfully restored by its new owners, it could increase its value by as much as £150,000.

We await with interest to see what becomes of this E-Type under new hands, but one thing's for sure, it makes us that bit more inquisitive about what looks, from the outside at least, like a rickety old barn on our next country walks - another set of hidden motoring treasures, perhaps?

Visit our Jaguar Driving Experiences page today on the Driving Experience website to book your next driving day in a classic Jaguar E-Type at UK wide venues. Book directly via our Events Calendar or purchase one of our open Gift Vouchers!