In a move that signals the definitive end of an era for automotive television, Jeremy Clarkson has announced the sale of three significant vehicles from his tenure on The Grand Tour. The collection, which includes the Lancia Montecarlo Spider driven during the emotional series finale, is set to cross the auction block this November. This sale represents more than just a disposal of assets; it offers fans and collectors a rare opportunity to own tangible artifacts from one of the most successful eras in broadcast history.
The cars will be handled by Iconic Auctioneers as part of The Iconic Sale, held at the NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham, England. Scheduled for November 14 and 15, the auction is expected to be a centerpiece of the event. Notably, all three vehicles are being offered without reserve. In the auction world, a "no reserve" status means there is no minimum price required for the sale to be finalized; the highest bid, regardless of how low or high it may be, will secure the vehicle. This strategy often generates significant excitement, as it guarantees that the cars will find new homes by the end of the weekend, potentially inviting a bidding war among Clarkson’s most dedicated followers.
While Clarkson has publicly stated that he rarely finds the time to drive or enjoy these specific vehicles anymore—a common sentiment among high-profile collectors with rotating fleets—the auction house has teased a more intriguing motivation. According to Iconic Auctioneers, the underlying reason for the sale will be revealed in the upcoming season of Clarkson’s Farm, the hit Amazon Prime series documenting his often-turbulent life as a farmer in the Cotswolds. Whether the funds are destined for a new barn, a specialized piece of agricultural machinery, or another ambitious project at Diddly Squat Farm remains to be seen.
Lancia Montecarlo Spider: Clarkson’s Final Grand Tour
The undisputed jewel of the collection is the 1982 Lancia Montecarlo Spider. This vehicle holds a unique place in television history, as it was the primary car driven by Clarkson in the final-ever episode of the long-running partnership between himself, Richard Hammond, and James May. Titled The Grand Tour Presents: One for the Road, the special saw the trio traversing the rugged landscapes of Zimbabwe and Botswana, retracing steps that echoed their early adventures on Top Gear.
As the final car Clarkson ever drove for the franchise, the Lancia carries an immense amount of emotional weight. However, it was far from a standard showroom model when it began its journey across Africa. To prepare the mid-engined Italian classic for the rigors of the expedition, several modifications were made, some for performance and others for survival. The car was fitted with rear lights from a Ferrari 308, a quad-exhaust system, and iconic wheels from a Lancia Delta Integrale. The front end was also modified with a revised grille and headlight setup to give it a more purposeful, aggressive stance.
Inside, Clarkson made practical adjustments to ensure the car could withstand the intense African heat and the mechanical gremlins often associated with aging Italian electronics. The original leather seats were replaced with breathable cloth versions, and a simplified Alcantara-covered steering wheel—devoid of modern buttons and complexities—was installed. These changes were aimed at minimizing potential points of failure in remote locations.
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.
The interior of the Lincoln remains largely as it appeared on screen, featuring the luxury appointments of the era, including the Cartier-branded clock that Clarkson famously admired during the trip. In a nod to the car’s time in the Highlands, a set of bagpipes is still located in the trunk. These small details provide a direct connection to the "Lochdown" special, making it an attractive prospect for collectors who value a vehicle with a story to tell.
The Significance of the Sale
The appearance of these three cars at the NEC Classic Motor Show is expected to draw significant crowds. The NEC event is the UK’s largest indoor classic car show, making it the ideal venue for such a high-profile auction. By offering the cars without reserve, Clarkson and Iconic Auctioneers are ensuring that the market will determine the true value of these television icons.
For fans of The Grand Tour, the Lancia Montecarlo Spider is likely to be the most sought-after lot. As the final "hero car" of the original trio’s era, it symbolizes the conclusion of a 22-year journey that began at the BBC and ended in the wilderness of Botswana. It is more than a car; it is a piece of cultural history.
The Alfa Romeo GTV6 appeals to the purist and the Alfa Romeo enthusiast, offering a blend of genuine performance and a well-documented history with one of the world’s most famous motoring journalists. Meanwhile, the Lincoln Continental Mark V serves as a reminder of the show’s penchant for absurdity and the "ambitious but rubbish" philosophy that defined so much of the trio’s work.
As the automotive world prepares for the auction in November, all eyes will also be on the next season of Clarkson’s Farm. The revelation of why these prized possessions are being sold is expected to provide a narrative bridge between Clarkson’s past in global motoring entertainment and his current life on the farm. Whether the sale is a practical necessity or part of a larger grand plan, the departure of these three cars from Clarkson’s garage marks a significant milestone in the legacy of The Grand Tour.
