Harry Metcalfe’s 2018 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 – Bespoke by SVO, a car he has owned from new and whose development he was involved with, will be offered by Iconic Auctioneers at its Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show on Saturday 14 November. The unique Merlin Purple example, familiar to viewers of Harry’s Garage, is estimated at £140,000 - £160,000.

Metcalfe’s connection with the Project 8 predates his ownership of the car. As an external consultant and Executive Advisor to Jaguar’s Special Vehicle Operations team, he was involved during the early concept and development stages of the project. Following that involvement, he was able to secure what is believed to be the first customer Project 8 produced by the manufacturer.

The Project 8 was one of the most extreme road cars created by Jaguar SVO. Based on the XE saloon but extensively reworked, it combined Jaguar’s 5.0-litre V8 with all-wheel drive, carbon-fibre bodywork, bespoke suspension and substantial aerodynamic changes. At launch, Jaguar quoted a power output of 592bhp, a 0-60mph time of 3.3 seconds and a 200mph top speed. Production was limited to 200 cars worldwide, all left-hand drive, with 35 allocated to the UK. Just 27 UK cars had the four-seat configuration and only seven were specified in a bespoke paint colour. This is the sole example finished in Merlin Purple.

Metcalfe has covered 19,904 miles in the car, with its life documented extensively through Harry’s Garage, including dyno testing, track driving and a 200mph Autobahn run. It has a full history, with main-dealer servicing up to 2025 followed by two services with Jaguar specialist Tom Lenthall, most recently in August 2026. It is accompanied by a Litchfield dyno print-out showing 620bhp, a transferable warranty running from February 2026, and the cherished registration P8 SVO.

Harry Whale, Car Specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, said: “It is difficult to imagine a Project 8 with a closer connection to the model’s story. Harry was involved while the car was being developed, has owned this example from new and has shared much of its life with viewers of Harry’s Garage. Add the unique Merlin Purple specification and it becomes a very distinctive example of a modern performance Jaguar. It also reflects the breadth of cars we enjoy offering, whether that is an important classic, a competition car or something as specialised and rare as this.”

The Iconic Sale takes place at the NEC Classic Motor Show on Saturday 14 November. More details on the Jaguar XE Jaguar XE SV Project 8 – Bespoke by SVO and how to register to bid can be found at https://www.iconicauctioneers.com.