13 Distinctive Cars from James May’s Garage That You Have to See to Believe
James May is best known for his television work on shows like Top Gear and The Grand Tour, but his passion for cars extends far beyond the screen. His diverse collection of vehicles tells a fascinating story of his eclectic automotive tastes, from humble beginnings to the heights of motoring grandeur. In this article, we explore some of the most intriguing cars in James May’s personal collection, revealing his unique preferences and the stories behind each vehicle.
13. Volkswagen Up GTI – The Tiny Performer
James May’s Volkswagen Up GTI captures his love for compact, clever driving thrills. Sporting a turbocharged 1.0L three-cylinder with 115 hp, this lightweight hatch hits 0–62 mph in 8.8 seconds. Its agile handling and playful spirit prove that small cars can offer genuine GTI excitement in city and beyond.
12. Alfa Romeo 164 – The Italian Experiment
James May owned an Alfa Romeo 164 during his early career, using it as his daily commuter while working a “normal” office job. This Italian sedan became a trusted companion for his daily travels, showcasing May’s appreciation for Alfa’s distinctive design and driving experience even before his Top Gear fame. The 164 remains a notable piece in his diverse collection that spans from classics to cutting-edge electric vehicles.
11. Datsun 120Y – The Curious Acquisition
Despite access to luxury vehicles, Captain Slow surprised everyone by purchasing a Datsun 120Y (also known as B210 or Sunny). This humble Japanese classic joined May’s impressive collection in 2008, standing in stark contrast to his Rolls-Royces and Bentleys. It perfectly reflects May’s eclectic automotive taste that extends beyond prestigious brands.
10. Alpine A110 – The Lightweight Performer
James May considers his Alpine A110 “the best car he has ever owned,” calling it a “downsized supercar” despite having just four cylinders and around 250hp. At only 1098kg, this lightweight sports car delivers impressive performance with a 0-62mph time of 4.2 seconds in its S variant. May fell in love with it after testing it on The Grand Tour, appreciating its delicate handling, characterful engine, and plush ride.
9. Caterham 7 310R – The Off-Road Beast
James May’s Caterham 7 310R blends old-school racing feel with raw agility. Fitted with a 1.6-litre Ford engine tuned to 152bhp and weighing just 540kg, it rockets from 0-60 mph in under five seconds. Its light chassis and precise steering make it a true driving purist’s pick.
8. 1984 Porsche 911 – The Last Air-Cooled Legend
May’s Guards Red 1984 Porsche 911 3.2-Litre Carrera was an impulsive purchase made while recording a Radio 4 documentary. This 231-horsepower air-cooled icon represents the tail-end of the original 1963 design’s development. May called it “the best car I’ve ever bought” before selling it at the 2015 Goodwood Festival for approximately $78,225.
7. 2021 Toyota Mirai – The Hydrogen Commuter
James May’s 2021 Toyota Mirai Limited stands out for its cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology and zero emissions. May praised its comfort and range, with up to 357 miles per tank in the Limited trim—plus, it purifies the air as you drive. The Mirai exemplifies May’s eco-conscious yet distinctive taste.
6. Volkswagen Beach Buggy – The Grand Tour’s Custom Creation
James May’s beach buggy from The Grand Tour’s Namibia special became the only classic car in his collection. Based on the original Meyers Manx design with a 1.8-liter VW engine making 100 hp, it features a “Prowler” shell design. Despite its terrifying handling above 60 mph and “purely conceptual” steering, May insists “it’s impossible to be miserable when driving a beach buggy” – though he never actually takes it to the beach to protect its shiny bits from salt corrosion.
5. 1959 Bentley S2 Continental – The Last Gasp of British Luxury
May’s Continental represents a pivotal moment in British luxury motoring. Featuring the all-new aluminum 6.2L V8 engine producing around 200bhp, it offered 25% more power than its predecessor. This driver-focused grand tourer combined sporting coachwork with refined performance, capable of 115mph and 0-60mph in just over ten seconds – impressive figures for its era.
4. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 – America’s Sledgehammer Answer
This NASCAR homologation special packed a monstrous 429 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 producing 375 horsepower. With its semi-hemispherical heads and manual 4-speed transmission, the Boss 429 was priced at nearly $5,000—twice the cost of a base Mustang. Only 1,359 were produced during its brief 1969-1970 production run, making it one of the rarest and most collectible muscle cars today.
3. Ferrari 250 GTE – The Meticulously Documented Italian
May’s 1967 Ferrari 250 GTE represents the moment Ferrari realized not everyone wanted a race car for the road. This 4.0L Columbo V12 beauty makes 300 horsepower through six Weber carburetors that May says need “Swiss watchmaker precision” to tune. Originally ordered in subtle gray to avoid attention, May maintains detailed logs of every journey and temperature reading, even writing a 15,000-word essay on why it’s perfect for supermarket runs.
2. 1980 Bentley T2 – The Aristocratic Fuel-Guzzler
James May’s 1980 Bentley T2 epitomizes British luxury with its stately presence and plush ride. Powered by a mighty 6.75-liter V8, the T2 could sprint from 0-60 mph in around 11 seconds, but its estimated 10-12 mpg fuel economy earned it a reputation as an unabashed gas guzzler.
1. 1978 Vauxhall Cavalier MK1 – The Humble Beginning
James May’s automotive journey began with this modest 1.6L Cavalier, which he acquired at age 18. Complete with “pre-stolen hubcaps” and a stoved-in rear door, May recalls driving it for the first time as being “like going into space,” nearly killing him with excitement despite its humble specifications.
Conclusion:
James May’s automotive collection is a testament to his deep-rooted love for cars and his willingness to embrace both humble classics and rare masterpieces. Each vehicle in his collection holds a special place, representing a particular phase in his life or a specific passion. From the spirited Volkswagen Up GTI to the prestigious Ferrari 250 GTE, May’s garage captures the essence of joy in motoring and showcases his appreciation for both engineering excellence and nostalgic charm. His collection not only entertains but inspires future generations of car enthusiasts to cherish their own unique journeys on the road.
