Wednesday 11th November

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 | PH Auction Block

Less perfect Project 8s are available - but if you're after the cat's pyjamas, look no further 

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The potential was there for all to see, back when the Jaguar XE launched, for a proper performance variant. Here was a rear-drive junior Jag, at last, the 3.0-litre V6 S drove brilliantly, and from Giulia to AMG there was ample competition. That a fast XE happened was not a surprise - the shock came from just how mad it was…

Nobody really expected Jaguar to make anything quite like the Project 8, which made its confirmation all the more brilliant. To call it a £150k XE still was to do the engineering effort a disservice, really; the Project 7 was miles closer to being an F-Type than the 8 was a normal Jag saloon. The headlights were moved forward to accommodate the huge front wheels and tyres, bespoke panels feature throughout (including new doors at the back because of wider rear tracks), four-wheel drive was made to fit, the dampers were competition grade, ceramic brakes were included and so on. From machined billet knuckles to the flat underfloor (to assist with actual downforce), Jaguar claimed that 75 per cent of the Project 8 was unique. For a run of 300 cars (and it’s reckoned that not even that number were made), it was an extraordinary effort. Totally mad, in fact, but that’s what makes it such a fascinating machine.

Probably Jaguar would have sold more cars if the Project 8 wasn’t so extreme (or, criminally, LHD-only), but as a demonstration of just what SVO could achieve the brief was absolutely nailed. Here was a 200mph Jaguar saloon that was also the fastest four-door on the Nurburgring; making another super-skiddy supercharged one wouldn’t have had the same impact. This was proof that Jaguar could make limited-run machines that were just as spectacular as anyone else’s. 

With so few made (some estimates say not much more than 200), such an unhinged driving experience on offer and absolutely nothing like it from Jag (or any other manufacturer) ever again, Project 8s don’t come up for sale very often. Owners are too busy enjoying them - or clinging onto one of the greatest things Jaguar ever made. After all, what on earth would replace one of these? 

So to have a Project 8 on offer through PH Auctions is a big deal. Especially when it's one that’s never really had its circuit-honed hardware extensively tested: this is a one-owner car, showing just 1,500 miles since first registration at the start of the decade. As good as new basically, without blemish or imperfection. If there’s a lower mileage version of the most exciting Jaguar since the XJ220 out there, we’ve not seen it. 

It’s also the four-seat version, which is ideal for showing off 600hp to friends. (The two-seat one may have claimed the record, but it always felt strange to have a four-door car with no rear bench.) Some may prefer the look of the Touring, but don’t forget that version was speed-limited on account of its missing rear wing. For the full 200mph experience, this is the one to have.  Along with a full Jaguar service history, this XE has had the rear suspension issue sorted under warranty and has always been kept in climate-controlled storage. At 1,531 miles, it’s as close to factory fresh as you’re going to get; an exciting prospect at any point since 2020, and never more so than now.  Bidding starts on Tuesday; interest is guaranteed, the last hurrah for the supercharged Jaguar saloon signing off in epic fashion. And if miles need adding immediately, don’t forget the final Sunday Service of the year is next month…

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See the original advert

[Familymad]

Yes

[HughG]

I’m surprised by the timing of this. Surely you’d wait until after Harry Metcalf’s has gone across the block at Iconic on Saturday, likely set a new high bar for the Project 8, and then publicise this. That would avoid potentially removing bidder(s) from the other auction.

[_Neal_]

HughG said:

I m surprised by the timing of this. Surely you d wait until after Harry Metcalf s has gone across the block at Iconic on Saturday, likely set a new high bar for the Project 8, and then publicise this. That would avoid potentially removing bidder(s) from the other auction.

Think the auction starts next week.

Bit criminal to put so few miles on one of these but I guess at least some of them will be more investment than car.

[_Rodders_]

Odd timing IMO.

[fantheman80]

The modern day lotus Carlton for me and a place awaits one in my euromillions stable

(Not in red though)

[GreatScott2016]

As the piece says, verging on criminal being LHD only .

[fflump]

Given 75 per cent of the Project 8 was unique it’s a shame they didn’t make it look less like an XE, one of the dullest designs around.

[Andy86GT]

GreatScott2016 said:

As the piece says, verging on criminal being LHD only .

It does seem a very odd decision. No doubt they would cite ‘engineering reasons’ why it wasn’t possible, but surely it was if they had really wanted too.

As it is, the market was reduced considerably, Japan, Australia, New Zealand etc and of course its country of origin. Australia especially like a V8, perhaps this explains why the build run was so small in the end.

[Portofino]

Amazing cars & engineering LHD aside.

These just didnt get the kudos they deserved, but as time goes on & the skunk works nature of the car comes out, the more its appreciated.

In a few years these will be double the asking.

[BigChiefmuffinAgain]

Glad it doesn't have the stupid decal down the side....

[akadk]

HughG said:

I m surprised by the timing of this. Surely you d wait until after Harry Metcalf s has gone across the block at Iconic on Saturday, likely set a new high bar for the Project 8, and then publicise this. That would avoid potentially removing bidder(s) from the other auction.

there are not that many buyers for these cars, so its perfect timing - as this is a much more attractive car with the mileage than Harry's used and abused car - so someone in the market for Harry's will now buy this one for much less

[Bluehorseshoe]

I read recently rhd was not done because new emissions regs meant they had to rush ot to market and rhd would take too long. I like they did it but something just makes me like other 4 doors more

[WPA]

Andy86GT said:

GreatScott2016 said:

As the piece says, verging on criminal being LHD only .

It does seem a very odd decision. No doubt they would cite engineering reasons why it wasn t possible, but surely it was if they had really wanted too.

As it is, the market was reduced considerably, Japan, Australia, New Zealand etc and of course its country of origin. Australia especially like a V8, perhaps this explains why the build run was so small in the end.

It was because of the exhaust that it was impossible to engineer for RHD and also for only 300 cars it was never worth the expense of making the special parts required as it would mean expensive homologation again.

I believe they were also short on time with the forthcoming new emission regs

[Magikarp]

WPA said:

It was because of the exhaust that it was impossible to engineer for RHD and also for only 300 cars it was never worth the expense of making the special parts required as it would mean expensive homologation again.

I believe they were also short on time with the forthcoming new emission regs

"Impossible". Hardly. At worst a little awkward.

[sdiggle]

Another reminder of just how good Jaguar WAS.

[smilo996]

Wanting some reflected publicity from Harry Metcalf absolutely caning social media with his (very nice) Project 8. Going on about it continually he is.

Not sure red is THE colour but yet another example of Jaag being brilliant when bold.

[el romeral]

Wonderful that Jaguar produced this model and it will be a lasting reminder of what they once did. Amazing performance and more power than an XJ220. The only part of the design which troubled me is at the lower rear of each wheel arch. Almost looks like a bit is missing, or it needs a mud flap! You’d think it could cause stones and debris to damage the bodywork - not a problem if the car is never used though.

[E30KB]

You wait ages for a Project 8 and then 2 come along at once.

[SydneyBridge]

Harry's has done nearly 20k miles but prefer the colour

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/2018-jaguar-xe-p...

[JerryF]

If I had the money, it would be a no brainer. Already have an SVR and the engine is that car is a monster and the dynamics fantastic.

I would say this and Mr Metcalfe's compliment each other. There has to be room for two for sale out there.