Jeremy Clarkson Admits Jealousy Over Richard Hammond’s Classic Car Fortune
A Long History of Friendship and Rivalry
Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond have shared the screen for more than two decades, first as co-presenters on the BBC’s Top Gear and later on The Grand Tour for Prime Video. Their chemistry, filled with banter, teasing, and competitive rivalry, has entertained millions of fans worldwide. But behind the humor, Clarkson has recently revealed that Hammond’s enviable car collection once left him feeling more than a little green with jealousy.
The Car That Sparked Clarkson’s Envy
In his Sunday Times column, Clarkson admitted that his co-star Hammond once purchased a Series 1 Jaguar E-Type while they were filming Top Gear. Known as one of the most iconic and beautiful cars ever built, the E-Type quickly became a centerpiece of Hammond’s collection.
“When Richard Hammond bought a Series 1 E-type Jaguar back in the days when we were doing Top Gear, I must confess I felt quite jealous,” Clarkson wrote.
The envy only deepened as the value of Hammond’s car skyrocketed. Over the years, the vehicle doubled and even trebled in worth, transforming from a classic car into a lucrative financial investment.
Hammond’s Million-Pound Garage
Richard Hammond’s garage is no ordinary collection. Among his most prized vehicles are two Jaguar E-Types: a silver-blue 1969 edition valued at over £72,000 and a rare 1962 version once worth more than £220,000.
In addition to these, Hammond owns a Ferrari 550 Maranello, a 1931 Lagonda M45, and numerous other historic and modern cars. Together, his collection has been estimated to be worth around £1.5 million ($2 million), making him one of the wealthiest car collectors among British television personalities.
Clarkson’s Frustration With Missed Opportunities
While Hammond was enjoying the rising value of his garage, Clarkson admitted his own finances were tied up in more traditional ways.
“My money was in the bank earning sod all,” Clarkson explained. “He was driving about in his money and it was going up in value at about 100% a year. And there’s no capital gains tax on a classic car, which filled me with even more despair.”
The remark highlights Clarkson’s frustration at watching Hammond enjoy both the thrill of driving a classic and the benefits of a booming car market.
The Market Takes a Turn
But as Clarkson gleefully pointed out, the golden days of soaring car values have not lasted. The classic car market, once red hot, has slowed dramatically. The value of Hammond’s prized E-Type has now dropped close to the original purchase price, erasing much of the profit he could have made had he sold at the market’s peak.
“Happily, he hung on to the car, assuming that the money tree would continue to grow,” Clarkson wrote. “And then, blam, the market for E-types stalled, so it’s now worth roughly what he paid for it.”
A Smiling Clarkson
Though Clarkson insists he is not gloating, his words suggest otherwise. “I’m not punching the air as I write this, I promise,” he concluded, “but I am smiling.”
It’s a classic Clarkson response—half serious, half tongue-in-cheek. While he may have envied Hammond’s luck in the past, he seems to take great satisfaction in knowing that fortune doesn’t always favor even the luckiest collectors.
The Clarkson-Hammond Dynamic
This playful rivalry is nothing new. Over the years, Clarkson and Hammond have traded countless jabs about their cars, driving abilities, and personal lives. Their on-screen chemistry works precisely because their friendship allows them to tease one another mercilessly.
To fans, Clarkson’s confession is less about bitterness and more about entertainment—a glimpse into the genuine camaraderie that has kept audiences engaged for decades.
Lessons From the Classic Car Market
Beyond the humor, Clarkson’s story also reflects the unpredictability of investing in classic cars. While some vehicles soar in value, others plateau or even lose money. Hammond’s decision to hold onto his Jaguar highlights the risks of assuming that markets will always rise.
Clarkson, ever the commentator, uses the moment not only to poke fun at his co-star but also to illustrate a wider truth about money, risk, and patience.
Clarkson Today: From Cars to Farming
Of course, Clarkson’s career has shifted dramatically since his days as a full-time motoring journalist. Now, he is best known for Clarkson’s Farm, the Prime Video series documenting his often disastrous but always entertaining attempt at running Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire.
While Hammond restores classic cars at his workshop The Smallest Cog, Clarkson wrestles with crops, sheep, and the unpredictable British weather. Both have found new paths beyond Top Gear, but their shared history and playful rivalry remain as strong as ever.
A Rivalry That Fans Love
In the end, Clarkson’s jealousy is less about money and more about friendship. Fans adore the banter, the sarcasm, and the rivalry that has defined the Clarkson-Hammond-May era of motoring television.
Whether it’s Hammond buying a rare car or Clarkson suffering another setback on his farm, their adventures continue to capture attention. And if Clarkson admits to smiling at Hammond’s misfortune, it’s all part of the act that has made them one of the most beloved duos in British television history.
