Is it possible for a celebrated, limited-edition sports car from a marque renowned for its racing heritage to actually depreciate in value? In the often inflated world of collector cars, it sounds almost counterintuitive. Yet, that’s precisely the situation surrounding the Jaguar F-Type Project 7. Recent sales figures reveal that this exclusive model is currently trading hands for less than its original sticker price, raising eyebrows and prompting questions among automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. One example recently sold on Collecting Cars for £105,000 (approximately $131,000 before fees), highlighting this unexpected market trend. Let’s delve into the story of the Project 7 and explore why this unique Jaguar, designed to be an instant classic, finds itself in this peculiar position.
Celebrating Jaguar’s Racing Legacy: The Birth of Project 7
To truly understand the Jaguar F-Type Project 7, we need to rewind to Jaguar’s illustrious past. Long before modern rivalries dominated the Circuit de la Sarthe, Jaguar etched its name into Le Mans history during the postwar era. The 1950s witnessed an unprecedented run of success for the Coventry-based manufacturer, securing five overall victories at the legendary 24-hour race. This golden era forged a powerful performance identity for Jaguar that resonated for decades. Further victories in 1988 and 1990 with the iconic Silk Cut-liveried XJR-9 LM and XJR-12 LM race cars reaffirmed Jaguar’s commitment to speed and performance in a contemporary context.
Image: Rear three-quarter view of the Jaguar F-Type Project 7, showcasing its unique design elements and limited-edition status.
By 2013, while Jaguar remained a luxury brand, its performance image needed a jolt. The introduction of the F-Type was a significant step in revitalizing this aspect. To further emphasize its heritage and commemorate those seven Le Mans triumphs, Jaguar unveiled the F-Type Project 7 concept at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This wasn’t just a concept car; it was a statement.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Jaguar D-Type’s iconic styling and blending it seamlessly with the contemporary F-Type’s inherent appeal, the Project 7 immediately captured attention. Public and critical reception exceeded expectations. What began as a marketing initiative swiftly transformed into a production reality, with Jaguar announcing a limited run of just 250 examples of the F-Type Project 7.
Image: Rear view of the Jaguar F-Type Project 7, highlighting its distinctive rear styling and aerodynamic features.
Project 7: Performance and Design Highlights
Upon its release, the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 was celebrated by automotive journalists for its enhanced F-Type character and formidable 575-horsepower V-8 engine – a notable 25-horsepower increase over the standard V-8 F-Type. Reviews also pointed out its raw and engaging driving experience, suggesting it demanded respect and skill to drive at its limit. Beyond the power boost, Jaguar engineers implemented chassis upgrades, including modifications to the springs, dampers, and sway bars, to sharpen the car’s handling and dynamic capabilities.
Weight reduction was also a key factor in the Project 7’s performance focus. It shed approximately 190 pounds compared to the standard V-8 convertible, partly due to the minimalist manual roof – designed more for occasional showers than extended top-down touring. Visually, the Project 7 distinguished itself with a lower windscreen, a distinctive fairing behind the driver’s seat, and racing-inspired roundels on the doors, directly linking it to Jaguar’s racing lineage.
The Unexpected Market Trend: Project 7 Value Depreciation
Given its limited production run, historical significance, performance credentials, and the generally buoyant collector car market, the current depreciation in value of the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 comes as a surprise to many. The aforementioned 2015 example, sold for around $131,000 before fees, is described as well-maintained, regularly serviced, and in excellent condition, despite having covered a relatively higher mileage of 3387 miles compared to some collector cars. Considering its original MSRP of $165,995, this sale price signifies a considerable discount from new.
Image: Interior of the Jaguar F-Type limited edition, showcasing the unique appointments and driver-focused cockpit.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Data from Bring a Trailer indicates a similar trend, with four out of six Project 7s sold in the past two years fetching prices below their original sticker price. European auction results echo this pattern, suggesting a broader market correction for this particular model.
Contrasting Fortunes: Porsche 911 Speedster vs. Jaguar Project 7
To highlight the anomaly of the Project 7’s value trajectory, consider the 2011 Porsche 911 Speedster. Another low-windshield, limited-edition model with historical inspiration, the 911 Speedster, with a production run of 356 units, originally retailed for $204,950. Today, these Porsche Speedsters command significantly higher prices, with values in excellent (#2 condition) around $379,000 and consistently selling well above their initial MSRP.
This stark contrast begs the question: what factors are contributing to the Jaguar F-Type Project 7’s unexpected market performance? Is the Project 7’s historical homage to mid-20th century racing a less compelling narrative for contemporary collectors compared to Porsche’s heritage? It’s a possibility, but examining market trends of other similar vehicles may offer further clues.
Market Dynamics and Future Outlook for the Project 7
The collector car market might still be in the process of defining the Jaguar F-Type Project 7’s place within the hierarchy of collectible Jaguars and limited-edition sports cars in general. This valuation ambiguity isn’t unique to Jaguar. For instance, the Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, another open-top special edition, has demonstrated stronger value appreciation than the Project 7, yet its exact position within the Ferrari collector car spectrum is still being established, resulting in price volatility.
Time and evolving market perspectives could also be at play. The BMW 507, now a highly sought-after blue-chip classic, initially faced commercial struggles and took time to gain recognition. While the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 might not reach those stratospheric heights, a brighter future for its value is plausible. With Jaguar discontinuing the F-Type after 2024, signaling the end of an era for Jaguar sports cars and pivoting towards electrification and SUVs, enthusiasts may increasingly view the F-Type and its performance variants, especially the Project 7, as a significant and characterful final chapter in Jaguar’s performance legacy.
Image: Front view of the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 limited edition, emphasizing its aggressive styling and roadster configuration.
For now, in the landscape of modern, limited-run sports cars, the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 remains a comparatively accessible and potentially undervalued option. This presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire a piece of Jaguar’s heritage at a price point that might not last.
