Clarkson bought this battered Alfa Romeo for pennies. Now it costs a fortune

Car from Top Gear is being auctioned

Next month, fans of the iconic show Top Gear will be able to purchase a unique 1989 Alfa Romeo 75 that participated in one of the program’s most memorable episodes. This car was driven by Jeremy Clarkson himself during filming in 2008.

It is now expected that the car will be sold for a sum between £12K and £15K ($16K-$20K), which significantly exceeds its original cost. In the third episode of season 11, Clarkson and his colleagues were tasked with finding an Alfa Romeo cheaper than £1K. He managed to purchase this specimen for £450, after which he repainted it bright green and tested it on the track.

History of an unusual car

The low price of the car is explained by the fact that it had previously sustained serious damage and was declared a “total loss” by insurers. For the last 11 years, it has been with one owner and has retained its appearance from the filming days. Despite the external condition, the car has received a new clutch, a fully repaired gearbox, and regular maintenance.

This is the top-of-the-line 3.0 Veloce version with a rare leather interior, making it particularly valuable for collectors. The mileage is only 51K miles (82K km). The exterior remains as “battle-worn” as after the filming – with damages and scratches. The interior also requires restoration, with visible sections of wiring and worn elements.

This lot will undoubtedly become a valuable exhibit for fans of the show, though the cost may prove to be quite high. Preliminary estimates from auctioneers indicate significant interest from collectors in cars with history, especially those associated with iconic TV projects. The condition of the car allows it not only to be displayed but also to continue being used on public roads.

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