- Jeremy Clarkson paid just £450 or about $600 for the Alfa 75 featured in Top Gear.
- The auction estimate is up to £15K or $20K despite its rough and unrestored looks.
- A rebuilt gearbox, new clutch, and servicing have kept the car in running condition.
Next month, fans of Top Gear will have the rare chance to take home a piece of the show’s history, a car that not only appeared on-screen but also took part in one of its more memorable challenges. The vehicle in question is a 1989 Alfa Romeo 75, once driven by Jeremy Clarkson in an episode that aired back in 2008.
It’s expected to fetch between £12,000 and £15,000 (about $16,000 to $20,000), which is quite a step up from what Clarkson originally paid.
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In the third episode of Season 11, Jeremy Clarkson, along with co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, was given a simple challenge: buy an Alfa Romeo for less than £1,000 (around $1,300). True to form, Clarkson managed to track down this particular Alfa 75 for just £450 (roughly $600). He then gave it a quick respray in a striking shade of green and took it for a spin around Rockingham Motor Speedway.
A Bargain With a Story
Top Gear was able to buy the compact sedan so cheaply because it had previously been extensively damaged and was declared a loss by the insurer. It’s been in the possession of the current owner for the past 11 years and looks exactly the same as it did when featured on the show. Importantly, it has been serviced and maintained over the years, receiving a new clutch, a fully-built gearbox, and undergoing a cam belt service.
The Alfa has covered just over 51,000 miles (approximately 82,000 kilometers) and is the desirable 3.0 Veloce model, which sat at the top of the range. Adding to its appeal is a rare leather interior, something not commonly found in these cars, especially in those that spent their early lives as budget buys.
Unsurprisingly, the car’s exterior is still battered and bruised, so it looks as though it’s been taken immediately from the Top Gear set. The interior also leaves a little to be desired, with areas of exposed wiring visible and plenty of wear on the seats and steering wheel.
If you’re in the market for a piece of TV memorabilia, this might be right up your alley. However, if the pre-auction estimate proves accurate, it certainly won’t be cheap.
