The final episode of The Grand Tour featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May has reignited interest in some iconic classic cars. Titled One For The Road, the episode not only marks the end of an era for the beloved motoring trio, but it’s also sparking a resurgence in popularity for two of the vintage vehicles driven by May and Hammond.
The cars in question? James May’s 1974 Triumph Stag and Richard Hammond’s Mk I Ford Capri GXL. Following the release of the episode, Auto Trader reported an astounding 793% increase in search traffic for the Triumph Stag. While the British sports car might not have been on many radars before the episode, May’s adventure across Zimbabwe has clearly sparked curiosity among car enthusiasts.
Richard Hammond’s Ford Capri also saw a surge in interest, with search traffic jumping by 185%. The Mk I Capri, often hailed as the European answer to the Ford Mustang, already had a dedicated fanbase, but Hammond’s spin in the classic coupe appears to have reignited the public’s affection for the model.
Curiously, Clarkson’s choice for the episode—a Lancia Montecarlo—hasn’t seen the same spike in interest. Despite its sleek mid-engine design and modest 120-horsepower engine, the Montecarlo remains a less sought-after classic, even with Clarkson’s fanbase.
Erin Barker, editorial director at Auto Trader, noted, “Classic cars like the Ford Capri and Triumph Stag have always held a special place in the hearts of British car enthusiasts. The latest episode of The Grand Tour has brought these iconic models back into the spotlight, reminding viewers of their timeless appeal and how seeing their favorite petrolheads driving them adds to that allure.”
As The Grand Tour draws to a close, the episode, available on Amazon Prime, serves as a nostalgic farewell to Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s two-decade-long run in motoring entertainment. While they drive off into the sunset, the classic cars they piloted in Zimbabwe are now cruising back into the spotlight, sparking renewed interest in British automotive history.
