Rowan Atkinson is parting with his Toyota GR Yaris, which heads to the auction block on February 21 at the Race Retro sale hosted by Iconic Auctioneers at Stoneleigh Park. The actor has owned the hot hatch for three years and is consigning it directly, with a guide price of £25,000 to £30,000.
A Well-Kept Example With the Right Options
Finished in Platinum White Pearl, this GR Yaris carries the sought-after Circuit Pack and has covered just 6,700 miles, with a full main dealer service history to back it up. The Circuit Pack is the version enthusiasts actually chase: it adds upgraded suspension, forged alloy wheels, and Torsen limited-slip differentials front and rear on top of the standard car’s 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system. There’s no indication of unusual modifications here, just a low-mileage example kept close to factory specification.
Why Atkinson’s Ownership Adds Confidence, Not Just Hype
Celebrity provenance can be a mixed bag at auction, since some famous owners rack up miles or modify cars in ways that hurt resale value. Atkinson’s history points the other way. He’s a regular at Goodwood Revival and the Goodwood Members Meeting, and his personal collection has included classic sports cars and modern supercars over the years, suggesting a level of care that goes beyond casual ownership. For a car like the GR Yaris, built in limited numbers specifically to satisfy rally-bred performance fans, that kind of documented, low-mileage stewardship matters more to serious buyers than the fact that a famous face once held the keys.
What to Expect on Sale Day
Bidding will be open both in person at Stoneleigh Park and online when the Race Retro Show gets underway, and the final price won’t be known until the car actually crosses the block. Given the combination of low mileage, desirable spec, and a documented ownership history, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this one land at or above the top end of its guide price.
