James May's Grand Tour Triumph Stag Goes to Auction
James May has decided to part ways with his iconic 1974 Triumph Stag MkII, a vehicle that gained significant attention during the final episode of The Grand Tour, titled "One for the Road." This distinctive Magenta-colored car, featuring a black vinyl interior, is currently being auctioned through Collecting Cars, with the bidding concluding on October 29. May's ownership of the Stag spanned approximately three years, and the listing candidly details the vehicle's history: it retains its original powertrain, has undergone two restoration processes, and its mileage reading cannot be officially verified.
This sale follows a similar pattern observed with other prominent figures from The Grand Tour, as Jeremy Clarkson also recently offered several of his notable vehicles from the show for sale. These concurrent divestments suggest a collective transition for the cast, marking the end of an era associated with their popular automotive series.
The Grand Tour's Iconic Finale Vehicle
The 1974 Triumph Stag MkII currently up for auction is not merely a replica but the actual car that played a central role in The Grand Tour's concluding special, "One for the Road." This particular episode marked the poignant culmination of the trio's extensive automotive adventures, a journey that captivated audiences for many years through numerous Grand Tour specials starring Clarkson, Hammond, and May. The vehicle's direct involvement in such a significant broadcast elevates its status from a mere classic car to a piece of television history, making it a highly desirable item for fans and collectors alike.
Following its appearance on the show, the car was meticulously returned to a near-standard configuration, with most of the modifications made for filming purposes being reversed. However, one distinctive detail that remained post-production is a speedometer sourced from an earlier MkI Stag, an anachronism in the MkII model. This unique quirk, along with the car's provenance, adds to its character and narrative. The current sale coincides with Jeremy Clarkson's recent disposal of three of his own famous Grand Tour vehicles, indicating a broader trend among the cast to close this chapter of their careers.
Vehicle Specifications and Restoration History
The Triumph Stag, an elegant British roadster designed by Michelotti, was first registered in October 1974. Under its hood, it houses its original 3.0-liter Triumph V8 engine, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox that channels power to the rear wheels, offering a pure and unadulterated driving experience without any automatic transmission options. The odometer currently shows a reading of 83,368 miles, though the seller explicitly refrains from warranting the accuracy of this figure, acknowledging potential discrepancies given the car's age and history.
The car's maintenance records indicate that its most recent service was conducted in July 2025, at an indicated mileage of 83,100 miles. It is worth noting that the documentation pertaining to previous restorations was unfortunately misplaced during the period of television production. The vehicle has undergone two restorations, with the most recent one completed by the previous owner before James May acquired it. A significant repaint, which contributes to the car's current aesthetic, was reportedly carried out at Richard Hammond's workshop, The Smallest Cog. The sale includes an ignition key and a quantity of leftover paint from this restoration. While the seller generally describes the paintwork as being in good condition, they also highlight minor panel alignment issues that could be addressed. The interior exhibits an appealing age-related patina, and while some trim components might benefit from replacement, the car maintains its classic charm. It is currently fitted with 14-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, shod with Hankook Optimo tires, completing its authentic vintage appearance.