Harry Metcalfe is 'The Collector' at London Concours 2021

Each year, London Concours places one individual’s car collection firmly in the limelight. This year Harry Metcalfe, founder of Evo magazine, Harry’s Garage and proud Footman James partner, is to be celebrated along with his eclectic collection of vehicles as 'The Collector'.

The display will feature two icons of '80s excess: the Lamborghini Countach and the Ferrari Testarossa. Harry’s Ferrari Testarossa 'Monodado', featured in the Harry’s Garage YouTube channel when it took a legendary journey from Harry’s home in the Cotswolds to the Sahara Desert. It was originally launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1984 and is the epitome of ‘80s indulgence and excess.

The Lamborghini Countach is one of the most recognisable cars in recent history, the Countach epitomises the decade of the 1980s, despite having been in production since 1974, where it remained until 1990. Harry’s car was the car that launched the Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole at the London Motor Show in 1987, and he also had legendary Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni sign the interior during one if its many trips to Italy.

Several of Harry’s Jaguars will also be included in the display. Most notable among them are two Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) cars. These are the Jaguar F-Type ‘Project 7’ and a Jaguar XE SV ‘Project 8’, both cars are limited edition, fettled versions of Jaguar’s finest motor cars designed purely for motoring pleasure.

Motorbikes will, of course, feature in the collection. Harry is bringing with him a selection of six Paris Dakar winning motorbikes from 1979 – 1998. Harry’s love of motorbikes is longstanding after growing up in his parents’ house in Wales riding motorbikes around the countryside. Some of the bikes that visitors can expect to see on the stand include a 1978 Yamaha XT500, a 1984 BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar, a Honda XL500R Paris Dakar, a 1989 Honda Africa Twin 650 Marathon, a 1989 Yamaha Super Tenere 750 and a 1991 Cagiva Elefant 900ie.

In total, there will be a collection of eight cars and eight bikes from Harry for viewers to enjoy. Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “We always want our ‘The Collector’ feature to showcase a really personal selection of vehicles. And this year we are very pleased to welcome automotive afficionado Harry Metcalfe to join us at London Concours. What’s clear is that each of Harry’s cars and bikes is chosen for a reason; every single one has a story behind it, creating not just a spectacular visual display but a fantastic talking point too. Harry’s collection has been collected and curated over many years and perfected over many more – and we look forward to welcoming him onto the manicured lawns of the HAC’s Artillery Gardens.”

This year, London Concours will take place over three days. At the heart of each day will be the collection of nearly 100 rare and iconic luxury cars of all ages that has quickly cemented London Concours as one of the UK’s top motoring events.

The London Concours takes place from 8-10 June 2021. If you are planning to attend London Concours this year, use the code FJ2021 to get a 2 for 1 ticket when you purchase a general day ticket. Tickets are available from www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets