The end of a year is typically one for reflection, and Harry Metcalfe delivers his last update for 2021. Metcalfe, who founded Evo Magazine, typically has a garage that shelters some of the finest cars you could think of, as evidenced by his summary of annual spendings on each of his prized possessions.
We start off with a walkthrough of his latest project: the Jaguar XJC V12. The XJC had been sitting in Harry’s garage for quite a while before the team decided to begin working on it. But it’s evidently been a popular restoration, with the process pulling in a total of 1.8 million views. Of course, now sitting proudly with its one of one paint color and re-chromed accents, it’s not quite so hard to see why.
Looks aside, a lot has gone into this car to make sure it produces that Jaguar coupe-style experience. We’re talking about a stiffer, full suspension kit, poly bushes, and adjustable dampers that allow it to sit closer to the ground. Inside, a few leather updates bring it all together. Under the long hood is the ever so recognizable Jaguar V12. As Metcalfe mentions, there was a bit of tuning done to it by its previous owner, but it sounds perfect with an aftermarket exhaust currently fitted. Overall cost? Around £67,000 (approx $90,350) — a lot when you consider the base car was picked up for £5,000 ($6,750), but worth it due to the rare spec and condition of this V12 manual.
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Moving on to another British icon, the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, Metcalfe talks about how the new bodywork has completely transformed the MK1 Silver Shadow, giving both driver and onlooker a real sense of royalty. Sitting next to it are two more Jags, both from the modern era. Neither the Project 8 nor F-Type had work done to them, bar maintenance in preparation for a European trip which saw the Project 8 hit over 200 mph (320 km/h).
Progressing deeper into the collection, Metcalfe introduces us to his beautiful Porsche 930 Turbo S. This car has a rich background, from a rare 3.4-liter motorsport engine fitted by Porsche itself, as well as a set of 17-inch RUF wheels. However, a beautiful Lotus Esprit was sacrificed to obtain the German.
The Italian contingent consists of some drool-worthy specimens too. Metcalfe’s Ferrari Testarossa and F40 seemingly had an uneventful year, but the former still needs a little bit of work to make it drive perfectly. Metcalfe says that the Testarossa provides one of the most enjoyable driving experiences, and he even went as far as to state that it might be one of the best sounding Ferraris, but that’s left up for debate. The Lamborghini Countach, on the other hand, needs a fair bit of work doing to it that will also be looked into next year.
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On a slightly more obtainable note, Metcalfe talks about his Yaris GR, a great daily driver that can also perform on the track, living up to its “typical Toyota” esteem. It hasn’t been all plain sailing though — a coil pack needed changing, although it was covered under warranty. Nothing more than £2,500 was spent on upgrading the Yaris, with Metcalfe swapping in Litchfield’s suspension.
Other cars in the garage are the Lotus Elan and Fiat 500, while the Aston Martin Zagato is away being rebuilt. The total cost to keep this fleet running in 2021? A slightly eye-watering £106,000 ($143,000), the majority being taken up by the XJC and Zagato restorations. However, considering the pedigree on offer, you’d be hard-pressed to conclude anything but it being money well spent.