The Grand Tour brings classic cars 'back into the spotlight' as drivers search for British vehicles

Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond posing in front of vehicles in the final episode of The Grand Tour

Interest in the vehicles used in the final episode of The Grand Tour has grown massively

AMAZON
Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 23/09/2024

- 13:23

Interest in one of the British classics jumped by almost 800 per cent

The final episode of The Grand Tour has contributed to a dramatic surge in demand for two classic British cars as drivers look to get their hands on a piece of motoring history.

The Grand Tour recently aired its final ever episode on Amazon Prime as Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May announced an end to their on-screen partnership.


The Grand Tour: One for the Road saw the three stalwarts of motoring television trek across Zimbabwe in three cars they have always wanted to own.

Richard Hammond opted for a 1974 Ford Capri 3-litre, James May drove a 1974 Triumph Stag and Jeremy Clarkson chose a Lancia Montecarlo, which he had amired since he was a child.

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A Ford Capri 3-litre

Richard Hammond drove a Ford Capri 3-litre across Zimbabwe in The Grand Tour finale

AUTO TRADER

New data has found that since the release of the episode, online vehicle marketplace Auto Trader has seen a massive spike in advert views thanks to the cars used in The Grand Tour.

Views for the Ford Capri were up 4.4 times on the day the episode aired compared to the previous week, while May's Triumph Stag saw views increase to 15 times higher.

Since the show launched, advert views for the Ford Capri GXL have increased a staggering 185 per cent, while interest in the Triumph Stag spiked with a remarkable 793 per cent increase.

Traffic data from Google Trends also highlights how the vehicles are becoming more popular thanks to their use in the final episode of the show.

Erin Barker, editorial director at Auto Trader, commented on the data, noting that it was clear how the three former Top Gear presenters were influencing interest in the classic cars.

She said: "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 that seeing their favourite fellow petrolheads driving them is part of the appeal.

"As a result, we’ve seen a huge surge in interest, with both models becoming incredibly popular on our platform in the days following the show’s release, proving that celebrities and popular culture still have a huge impact on our lifestyles, including purchasing a new car."

The Ford Capri and Triumph Stag are two of the most well-known and beloved British classic cars in history.

The Capri is often referred to as the "European Mustang" allowing motorists to get behind the wheel of a powerful sports car, while still retaining an accessible price.

Drivers can get their hands on the sports car for as little as £10,495 on Auto Trader. The 1987 reg hatchback has 74,000 miles on the clock with a 1.6-litre engine.

Meanwhile, the Triumph Stag's V8 engine has ensured it remains popular with motorists, gaining a cult status among classic car enthusiasts.

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A Triumph Stag

Interest in the Triumph Stag has spiked in recent weeks

AUTO TRADER

The Stag is available from as little as £8,495 on Auto Trader, although one private seller is offering their convertible with 17,732 miles on the clock for £25,000.

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