James May Triumph Stag: James May's real 1974 Triumph Stag from The Grand Tour finale is up for auction. Bidding closes October 29 on Collecting Cars.
James May Triumph Stag
🚀 Key Takeaways:
• Bidding on the 1974 Triumph Stag closes on October 29 through Collecting Cars.
• Power comes from the original 3.0-litre Triumph V8, mated to a four-speed manual.
• The odometer reads 83,368 miles, though the seller does not guarantee the figure.

A genuine slice of television history is heading to the auction block. According to a report by THESUPERCARBLOG.COM, the James May Triumph Stag from The Grand Tour finale is for sale through Collecting Cars. This is no replica or stand-in. It is the actual car featured in One for the Road, the final special starring May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.

Why the James May Triumph Stag Matters

Few cars carry this much cultural weight. The Stag was Triumph’s ambitious grand tourer, a sharp-edged rival to the Triumph Stag competitors of its day, and it suffered from Leyland-era reliability woes that colored its reputation for decades. Collectors now prize unusual provenance as much as factory rarity, a trend mirrored by the Porsche Is Building 15 One-Offs program. A TV presenter’s name on the logbook changes the conversation entirely.

Under the skin, the 3.0-litre V8 remains original, paired with a four-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels. On paper, the engine produces roughly 145 hp (est.), modest by modern benchmarks but rich in character. Production modifications were stripped out after filming, although an earlier MkI speedometer stays fitted, a quirk purists will debate over coffee.

⚡ James May Triumph Stag
Fast Specs
⚙️Engine / Powertrain 3.0L Triumph V8
🐎Power Output 145 HP (est.)
⚡Peak Torque 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) (est.)
⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) 0-60 mph in 8.5s (est.)
🚀Top Speed 120 mph (193 km/h) (est.)
🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox 4-Speed Manual / RWD
💰Starting Price / Est. Auction estimate not disclosed

Mileage, Service History and Buyer Caution

The odometer reads 83,368 miles, but the seller does not guarantee that number. The last recorded service in July 2025 was logged at 83,100 miles, offering a recent paper trail. Buyers should still scrutinize mechanical condition, because a five-decade-old British V8 demands an honest inspection.

Ultimately, the final price will hinge on how much the Grand Tour connection is worth to collectors. The auction estimate is not disclosed in our source material, but a celebrity provenance usually pushes results well above a standard MkII. Still, bidders will judge whether the car’s story outweighs its ageing mechanicals. Bidding closes October 29, and the winner gets a slice of Grand Tour folklore. More industry intelligence lives at Auto News Magazine.

Liam Campbell
Written By

Liam Campbell

Industry Intelligence & News Editor at Auto News Magazine. Tracking prototype spy shots, Nürburgring development mules, automaker corporate moves, and breaking global automotive scoops.

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