James May Revives a Beloved Grand Tour Classic
James May has officially brought one of The Grand Tour’s most memorable cars back to the UK, delighting fans of the long-running motoring franchise.
The 63-year-old presenter, who spent years touring the world alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, revealed that his maroon Triumph Stag has now joined his personal car collection.
A Farewell Journey That Became Iconic
Before The Grand Tour, the trio famously fronted Top Gear between 2003 and 2015, reshaping automotive television with their mix of humour, travel, and engineering challenges.
Their shared journey concluded in 2024 with One For The Road, an emotional final special filmed across Zimbabwe and Botswana, ending at the striking Kubu Island.
For that last adventure, each presenter chose a car they had always admired but never properly owned.
Why James May Chose the Triumph Stag
While Clarkson selected a Lancia Monte Carlo and Hammond opted for a Ford Capri, May chose the classic Triumph Stag—a bold decision given its reputation.
Built by British Leyland in the 1970s, the Stag’s V8 engine is infamous for overheating issues. Despite this, May’s car survived the demanding African journey and completed the trip, earning admiration from fans who doubted it would make the finish.
“It’s Back”: The Stag Returns to the UK
May confirmed the car’s return via Instagram, sharing a photo of the maroon convertible and writing simply:
“It’s back. It’s the Staaag.”
Fans quickly responded with enthusiasm. One praised the colour as “beautiful,” while another joked about whether Hammond had reattached the wheels correctly. Others hoped the car was still running its original V8 engine.
A Car With Sentimental Value
The decision to bring the Stag home suggests the vehicle means more to May than just a television prop. It represents the final chapter of a decades-long collaboration that began on the BBC and ended on Amazon Prime.
Rather than being sold or retired overseas, the car now stands as a personal memento of the trio’s last journey together.
James May’s Continued Connection to Oxfordshire
Away from motoring adventures, May has spoken openly about his ties to Oxfordshire. In a recent interview, he noted that he regularly visits the area due to long-standing friendships and connections to Oxford University.
Speaking about live events and appearances, he added that audiences can expect a relaxed experience—with humour, reflection, and a few unexpected moments for those who attend.
A Quiet but Meaningful Return
The Triumph Stag’s return may seem like a small gesture, but for fans of The Grand Tour, it carries symbolic weight. It is not about spectacle or nostalgia for its own sake—but about preserving a piece of television history that marked the end of an era.
For James May, the Stag is no longer just a car from a final episode. It is now part of his story—parked safely back on British soil.
