James May has an estimated net worth of approximately $40 million (£31 million) in 2025. This substantial fortune is primarily derived from his lucrative tenure as a co-presenter on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, where he commanded one of the highest salaries in British television alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. Beyond broadcasting, May has diversified his income streams through a successful gin brand, best-selling books, and a portfolio of assets including a classic car collection worth millions and significant real estate holdings in London and Wiltshire.
James May Net Worth Analysis
The “Captain Slow” of motoring journalism has built a financial empire that contradicts his on-screen persona of a bumbling hobbyist. While his early career in print journalism at The Engineer and Autocar provided a modest income, his wealth exploded after joining the BBC’s Top Gear in 2003. The show’s global syndication turned May into a household name, but it was the move to Amazon Prime Video in 2016 that cemented his status as a multi-millionaire.
In 2025, his wealth is not just sitting in a bank account; it is actively deployed in business ventures like James Gin and The Royal Oak pub. Analysts estimate that while his liquid cash reserves are high due to the Amazon payout, a significant portion of his net worth is tied up in tangible assets, specifically his “superhome” in Hammersmith and his curated garage of rare vehicles.
The Grand Tour & Amazon Earnings
The financial turning point for James May was the historic deal signed with Amazon in 2015. Following their departure from the BBC, the trio of May, Clarkson, and Hammond secured a reported $250 million (£160 million) contract for three seasons of The Grand Tour. This deal was one of the most expensive in streaming history at the time, allocating a massive budget per episode for production and talent fees.
During the peak of The Grand Tour, May’s annual salary was estimated to be around £7.2 million ($9 million). This equates to roughly £600,000 per episode, a staggering increase from his BBC earnings, which were reportedly closer to £500,000 per year. Although The Grand Tour has officially concluded with the final special One for the Road, the residual value of his production company ownership and continued relationship with Amazon for solo projects continues to generate revenue.
Post-Grand Tour Projects (2025)
Life after The Grand Tour has been incredibly busy for May, with 2025 marking a shift toward solo creative projects. He launched a new series on Quest titled James May’s Shed Load of Ideas, which premiered in November 2025. The show sees May attempting to solve “Britain’s bugbears” through engineering and invention, returning to the workshop format fans loved in Man Lab.
In addition to television, May embarked on a major live tour titled Explorers: The Age of Discovery. The tour, which visited Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK throughout 2025, featured May recounting stories of history’s greatest adventurers. This move into live theatre represents a lucrative new revenue stream, with ticket prices for the UK leg averaging between £35 and £75.
Business Ventures: Gin & Pubs
James May’s business portfolio is a mix of passion projects and serious commercial endeavors. His standout success is James Gin, a brand that has defied the “celebrity alcohol” skepticism to become a genuine market contender.
James Gin Success
Launched in 2021, James Gin has grown rapidly, with sales surpassing £1 million ($1.3 million) annually by 2025. The brand focuses on unique, savoury flavours like “Asian Parsnip” and “American Mustard,” which have found a cult following in both the UK and the US. In April 2025, the brand signed a major distribution deal with Craftwork to expand its presence in UK bars and shops, signaling a move from a niche online product to a mainstream spirit.
The Royal Oak Pub
Conversely, May’s ownership of The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe is driven by sentiment rather than profit. May publicly admitted in 2025 that the pub is “losing quite a bit” of money and described it as a “very expensive way of going for a beer”. Despite the lack of profit, the pub remains a key asset in his portfolio, serving as a community hub and a filming location for his culinary adventures.
Car Collection & Real Estate Assets
A significant chunk of May’s $40 million net worth is parked in his garage. His collection is eclectic, favoring engineering curiosity over pure flashiness, yet it holds immense value.
The Garage
The crown jewel of his collection is the Ferrari 458 Speciale, a limited-edition supercar he bought new for roughly £208,000. Today, this vehicle has appreciated significantly, with values estimated near $500,000 (£400,000). Other notable cars include a lightweight Alpine A110, a Tesla Model S, a Porsche 911 Carrera S, and a vintage Rolls-Royce Corniche.
Real Estate
May owns a home in Hammersmith, West London, where he famously purchased a neighboring property to create a larger “superhome” development. He also owns a countryside retreat in Ansty, Wiltshire, near his pub. The combined value of these properties is estimated to be in the region of £3.5 million to £5 million, depending on current market conditions.
Practical Information: Experiencing James May’s World
For fans wanting to engage with James May’s ventures, here is the practical information for 2025/2026.
The Royal Oak Swallowcliffe
- Location: Swallowcliffe, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
- What to Expect: A traditional country pub with a high-quality menu. It is not a “theme park,” but you might catch James there if he is in the area.
- Cost: High-end pub pricing; expect to pay premium rates for food and local ales.
- Tip: Book a table well in advance, especially on weekends, as it remains a pilgrimage site for fans.
James Gin
- Where to Buy: Available online via the James Gin Global store or in select UK retailers following the Craftwork deal.
- Key Flavours: Asian Parsnip (sweet/spicy), London Drizzle (classic dry), American Mustard (savoury).
- Price: typically retails around £35-£40 per bottle depending on the retailer.
Live Tours
- Tickets: Sales for the Explorers tour were handled by major outlets like Ticketmaster and ATG Tickets. Keep an eye on verified resale platforms if you missed the 2025 dates, as recorded versions may become available on streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James May’s exact net worth in 2025?
James May’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million (£31 million). This figure combines his cash earnings from Amazon, TV royalties, book sales, and the value of his property and car assets.
How much was James May paid for The Grand Tour?
May reportedly earned approximately £600,000 per episode during the peak of The Grand Tour. His annual income from the show and related Amazon deals was estimated at £7.2 million ($9 million).
Does James May make money from his pub?
No, James May has stated that The Royal Oak currently loses money. He views it as a passion project to support the local community rather than a primary income stream.
What is James May’s new TV show for 2025?
His latest show is James May’s Shed Load of Ideas, which airs on the Quest channel. It features May inventing creative solutions to everyday problems in a workshop setting.
Is James May richer than Jeremy Clarkson?
Generally, Jeremy Clarkson is considered wealthier, with estimates often exceeding £55-£70 million due to his longer tenure as a solo host and the massive success of Clarkson’s Farm. However, May’s £31 million fortune is substantial and places him in a similar financial tier.
What represents the biggest asset in James May’s portfolio?
His share of the Grand Tour income aside, his most valuable tangible asset is likely his Hammersmith real estate development, followed closely by his Ferrari 458 Speciale, which is a highly appreciating collector’s car.
Does James May still own the Fiat Panda?
Yes, James May is known for keeping his Fiat Panda, which he often praises for its utilitarian design. It is a stark contrast to his Ferraris but remains a beloved part of his collection.
Where can I buy James May’s gin?
You can purchase James Gin online through its official website or at select retailers in the UK and US, including Total Wine in California.
Did James May retire after The Grand Tour?
No, he did not retire. While the trio ceased working together on The Grand Tour, May continued with solo projects like his Explorers live tour and his Quest TV series in 2025.
Is James May married?
James May has been in a long-term relationship with Sarah Frater since 2000. They live together in West London but have kept their private life relatively low-profile compared to other celebrities.
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