If you have any interest in cars, you will be aware that James May, as well as Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, are no longer involved in the presentation of the popular TV series Top Gear. In fact, the trio are just about to front a number of live motor shows in Perth and Sidney in Australia starting on 19th July 2015 in Perth Arena.
Whilst on Top Gear, James May (52) was given the nickname “Captain Slow” as he was felt to be a careful driver. Having said that, he did drive a Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport at 259.11 mph back in 2010 during an episode of Top Gear. He has owned numerous cars and motorbikes over the years including a Rolls Royce Phantom, Bentley T2, Ferrari F430, Alfa Romeo 164 and a Porsche 911 Carrera.
Interestingly, the 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe with a 3.2 litre engine owned by James has just been sold by Bonhams at The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale, Collector’s Motor Cars and Automobilia auction on 26th June 2015. Its target price had been estimated at £28,000 to £34,000 but it actually sold for £51,750 with that figure including the premium.
James bought the classic sports car that was in excellent condition back in 2007 having borrowed it to record the sound of the engine for a TV documentary entitled
“Speed, Greed and the M25”. The car has also appeared in other TV shows. It has only done 55,000 miles and for the last 4 years has been used by his father.
This particular Porsche Carrera is a nippy, great looking sports car that is not easy to find in such condition. With a 231 bhp engine, it can get from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.3 seconds, break through 100 mph in 13.6 seconds on its way to an exhilarating top speed of 152 mph. Perhaps not the ideal car for the leisurely motorist!
Included with the vehicle were things like a service booklet, Haynes workshop manual, service history, old MOTs, tax discs and V5’s as well as the most recent Vehicle Registration Certificate in James’ name.
Perhaps the fact that he owned the car had some bearing on the fact that it sold for considerably more than its target price. Anyway, its new owner will hopefully cherish and take good care of it as James had obviously done.
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