For sale: Edina’s Alfa Romeo from ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

For Eddy it was a bit of a false economy, bearing in mind she drove it uninsured, without a licence, parked up in front of Harvey Nicks, nearly ran people over on a zebra crossing and, erm, had maybe over-refreshed herself, bearing in mind she was driving and ended up in front of the judge.

The Alfa Romeo convertible featured in “Absolutely Fabulous” as a way for the diminished Edina to save some money on drivers, is set to be auctioned. Jake hears that this vehicle, widely remembered for its role in an episode where Edina Monsoon, played by Jennifer Saunders, swaps her luxury, chauffeur-driven car for a smaller, red Italian roadster, is anticipated to fetch around £30,000.

The Alfa Romeo Spider appeared in a 1994 episode where Edina and her equally eccentric best friend, Patsy Stone (portrayed by Joanna Lumley), find themselves navigating the bustling streets of west London in a state of inebriation. Their escapades lead them to a supermarket trip and eventually culminate in a parking mishap right outside Harvey Nichols, resulting in the car being clamped.

Initially owned by a marketing agency that leant it to the BBC for filming, the car has since had three owners, with the current vendor acquiring it in 2015. The 2.0-litre engine convertible, which has clocked just 46,000 miles, will be presented at the Iconics Auctioneers’ Silverstone Festival sale on 24 August in Ashorne, Warwickshire.

Arwel Richards, a classic car specialist at Iconics Auctioneers, expresses excitement over the sale, highlighting the rarity of cars being integral to television plotlines rather than merely serving as character props. Richards notes, “We are delighted to offer for sale this very special Alfa Romeo that starred in the much-loved Absolutely Fabulous. It is an ideal first-time classic or a must-have for any die-hard fan of the show. I’m sure the happy buyer will be cracking the ‘Bolly when the hammer falls.”

Jake News is aware that the car’s provenance is documented with its original registration papers and MOT certificates. Despite a few minor scuffs to the paintwork, the Alfa Romeo remains in solid working condition. Notably, it was delivered new to Fiat Motor Sales Ltd. in Wembley on April 1, 1993, complete with its factory hard-top roof. Although it began its journey as a left-hand drive vehicle, the car was later converted to right-hand drive, consistent with its televised appearance.

As the date of the auction nears, fans of the show and classic car enthusiasts alike are likely to watch closely to see if the memorable vehicle reaches its estimated price.