Following the completion of filming, Clarkson did not allow the Lancia to be returned to a production warehouse or sold off to a random buyer. Instead, he chose to purchase the car himself, adding it to his private collection. Since returning to the UK, the Montecarlo has undergone a period of refurbishment. Iconic Auctioneers confirms that the vehicle is now in running condition, ready for its next owner to either preserve it as a museum piece or continue its life on the open road.
Alfa Romeo GTV6: To Scotland And Back
The second vehicle offered in the auction is a 1983 Alfa Romeo GTV6, a car that starred in the Grand Tour episode "Well Aged Scotch." This particular special, which aired in 2019, featured the trio exploring the breathtaking scenery of the North Coast 500 in Scotland. Clarkson’s choice of the Alfa Romeo for the journey was no coincidence; he has long been a vocal proponent of the brand, famously claiming that one cannot be a true "petrolhead" until they have owned an Alfa.
This GTV6 is powered by Alfa Romeo’s legendary 2.5-liter Busso V6 engine, a powerplant renowned for its smooth power delivery and what many consider to be one of the greatest engine notes in automotive history. During the Scottish special, Clarkson frequently praised the car’s character and its ability to handle the winding coastal roads. The auction listing indicates that the car has covered approximately 28,315 miles and has been meticulously maintained by Clarkson’s in-house team.
The history of this specific GTV6 is particularly personal for Clarkson. He had actually owned the car once before, years prior to the filming of the episode. After selling it, he experienced a classic case of "seller’s remorse," eventually tracking the car down and reacquiring it for his collection. His decision to let it go for a second time suggests that the upcoming reason featured in Clarkson’s Farm must be substantial. For many enthusiasts, the GTV6 represents the pinnacle of 1980s Italian grand touring, and this example’s celebrity provenance only adds to its desirability.
Lincoln Continental: Yes, It Still Has Nitrous
Rounding out the trio is a vehicle that represents the antithesis of the nimble Italian sports cars: a massive 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V. This American land yacht was featured in the Grand Tour special "Lochdown," filmed during the height of travel restrictions. The episode saw the presenters navigating the narrow, winding streets of Scotland in oversized American luxury cars, a premise that led to the expected comedic friction and logistical challenges.
The Lincoln is a rolling testament to 1970s American opulence, measuring nearly 20 feet in length. Under its expansive hood sits a 6.6-liter V8 engine. However, in true Clarkson fashion, the engine was not left in its factory state. For the show, a nitrous-oxide injection system was installed to give the heavy cruiser an extra burst of speed. According to the auction details, the nitrous system remains installed in the vehicle. While Clarkson noted during the episode that the system didn’t provide the expected performance boost—largely because the engine lacked the necessary internal upgrades to fully utilize the gas—it remains a quirky and authentic part of the car’s television history.
