Jeremy Clarkson Confesses to Jealousy Over Richard Hammond’s Classic Car in Candid Times Column

Jeremy Clarkson, the larger-than-life television presenter turned Oxfordshire farmer, has revealed a rare moment of vulnerability, admitting to feelings of jealousy and envy toward his longtime Top Gear and The Grand Tour co-star Richard Hammond. In a candid column published in The Times on September 21, 2025, Clarkson disclosed that Hammond’s purchase of a Series 1 E-type Jaguar during their Top Gear days sparked intense envy, not only for the car’s allure but also for its skyrocketing value. Now a prominent figure in British agriculture through Clarkson’s Farm and the owner of Diddly Squat Farm and The Farmer’s Dog pub in Oxfordshire, Clarkson’s admission offers a glimpse into the competitive camaraderie that defined his two-decade partnership with Hammond and James May, while also reflecting on the unpredictable nature of classic car investments.

Clarkson’s journey from motoring journalist to global TV icon began in the 1980s, culminating in his role as the outspoken host of Top Gear (2002–2015) alongside Hammond and May. The trio’s chemistry, marked by banter and daring stunts, turned the show into a cultural juggernaut, drawing millions worldwide. Their collaboration continued with The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video (2016–2024), cementing their status as motoring entertainment legends. Beyond cars, Clarkson’s pivot to farming with Clarkson’s Farm, filmed at his 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, has broadened his appeal, earning praise for spotlighting the struggles of British farmers. His pub, The Farmer’s Dog in Asthall, opened in 2024, further showcases his commitment to local produce, though he’s called running it “more stressful than farming.”

In his Times column, Clarkson revealed the source of his envy: Hammond’s savvy purchase of a Series 1 E-type Jaguar, a classic car revered for its sleek design and hailed by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car ever made.” During their Top Gear heyday, Hammond’s acquisition stirred Clarkson’s jealousy. “When Richard Hammond bought a Series 1 E-type Jaguar, I must confess I felt quite jealous,” he wrote. The car’s value doubled, then trebled, while Clarkson’s savings languished in a bank earning negligible interest. “He was driving about in his money, and it was going up in value at about 100 per cent a year,” Clarkson noted, highlighting the E-type’s meteoric rise in the classic car market. The fact that classic cars are exempt from capital gains tax in the UK deepened his despair, as Hammond’s investment seemed a financial masterstroke.

The E-type, produced by Jaguar from 1961 to 1975, became a symbol of 1960s glamour, with its 3.8-liter engine and top speed of 150 mph. By the early 2000s, pristine models were fetching premium prices, with some auction sales reported by Autocar in 2023 reaching £150,000. Hammond’s purchase, likely in the early 2000s when prices were lower, positioned him to capitalize on this boom. Clarkson, whose own car collection includes a Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser and a Range Rover TDV8, admitted to feeling outdone. “My money was in the bank earning sod all,” he wrote, underscoring the contrast between his conservative savings and Hammond’s lucrative gamble.

However, Clarkson’s envy was tempered by a twist of fate. The classic car market, notoriously volatile, saw E-type values plateau after years of growth. “Happily, he hung on to the car, assuming the money tree would continue to grow, and then, blam, the market for E-types stalled,” Clarkson wrote with a hint of schadenfreude. “It’s now worth roughly what he paid for it.” While insisting he wasn’t “punching the air,” Clarkson admitted to a sly smile, reveling in the leveling of the financial playing field. Market data from Hagerty in 2025 confirms a stabilization in E-type prices, with Series 1 models averaging £120,000, a drop from their 2018 peak.

This revelation sheds light on the dynamic between Clarkson and Hammond, whose on-screen rivalry often masked a deep friendship. Their Top Gear antics—racing supercars, wrecking caravans, and enduring Hammond’s 2006 jet-car crash—forged a bond that carried into The Grand Tour. Yet, Clarkson’s admission reveals a competitive edge, even off-camera. Fans on X reacted with amusement, one commenting, “Jeremy’s jealousy is peak Clarkson—grumpy but honest.” Another noted, “Hammond’s E-type was a flex, but the market humbling him is pure karma.”

Clarkson’s column also reflects his broader evolution. Clarkson’s Farm has transformed him into an unlikely advocate for British agriculture, with his protests against 2024 inheritance tax changes earning him the nickname “the farmers’ friend” on BBC’s Farming Today. His estimated £59 million net worth, per Forbes 2025, stems from TV, journalism, and Diddly Squat’s farm shop, which drew 25,000 visitors in 2024 despite local complaints about traffic. His pub, serving only British-sourced food, has faced challenges, with Clarkson admitting to The Sun that supply chain issues make it “a nightmare.” Yet, his commitment to rural causes, like fundraising for Chipping Norton’s lido, has bolstered calls for a knighthood, though Clarkson remains skeptical, joking on X about his “lifeboat thing” donations.

The E-type saga encapsulates Clarkson’s knack for blending humor with candor, a trait that defines his appeal. Whether navigating the Cotswolds’ muddy fields or reflecting on past envies, he remains a polarizing yet compelling figure. As Clarkson’s Farm films its fifth season, set for 2026, and with The Grand Tour concluded, Clarkson’s legacy spans cars, farming, and unfiltered commentary. His jealousy of Hammond’s car may have faded, but his storytelling endures, proving that even in moments of envy, Clarkson’s wit keeps him firmly in the driver’s seat.