James May Lists Classic 1974 Triumph Stag for Auction
The television presenter is selling his magenta 1974 Triumph Stag MKII via an online no-reserve auction.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Car Culture
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Former Top Gear presenter James May has listed his 1974 Triumph Stag MKII for auction on the platform Collecting Cars. The vehicle, which May owned for nearly three years, is currently available for bidding with no reserve.
Why it matters
The sale offers automotive enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire a classic British roadster with a well-documented history, including recent restoration work. The auction is expected to conclude in late October 2026.
The vehicle is a 1974 Triumph Stag MKII equipped with a 3.0-litre V8 engine and a four-speed manual transmission. It currently shows 83,000 miles on the odometer.
The players
James May
James May is a well-known British television presenter and journalist who rose to international fame co-hosting the long-running motoring programs Top Gear and The Grand Tour.
Richard Hammond
Richard Hammond is a British broadcaster and writer who co-hosted Top Gear and The Grand Tour alongside James May and Jeremy Clarkson.
The Smallest Cog
The Smallest Cog is a classic car restoration business based in the United Kingdom founded and operated by Richard Hammond.
Collecting Cars
Collecting Cars is an international online auction platform specializing in the sale of collectible, performance, and classic automobiles.
The details
Finished in a distinctive magenta exterior, the roadster features a retro-style stereo system with modern Bluetooth connectivity. Notably, the car previously underwent restoration work managed by The Smallest Cog, a business owned by fellow presenter Richard Hammond.
Timeline
1974: The Triumph Stag was originally manufactured.
October 2026: James May listed the vehicle for auction.
Late October 2026: The online auction is scheduled to close.
Roadmap
The Triumph Stag remains a significant artifact of 1970s British automotive design, representing a transition toward more complex V8-powered grand tourers. Its presence on the secondary market highlights the ongoing demand for analog driving experiences in an era dominated by rapid electrification.
Prospective buyers can participate in the ongoing auction via the Collecting Cars website without the barrier of a reserve price. Successful bidders should anticipate potential maintenance requirements typical for a 50-year-old vehicle with 83,000 miles.
The takeaway
Collectors interested in acquiring celebrity-owned vehicles should review the specific documentation and restoration history provided by the listing platform. Prospective owners should always factor in the long-term upkeep associated with vintage British performance cars.
Further reading
Explore more collector news in our Car Culture section.
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