Old Top Gear - James May drives a Bugatti Royale replica

From Series 41, Episode 10, originally aired 20/05/1999. James May investigates Tom Wheatcroft, a man who had his own Bugatti Royale replica built for him.
For the full episode and more, please visit / top_gear_ultimate_pack... for further information.

[@bordersw1239]

Brothers father in law bought an old headlight at a car boot sale for about £40. My brother asked him why on earth he bought it - his answer, it’s a Bugatti and there’s a guy in Australia that needs one. Sold it for £12.5k.

[@ruski171]

hahah look at that 😂😂

[@chip9177]

I miss Top Gear, the real Top Gear

[@johnpotter8039]

Back in 1968, I visited the Briggs Cunningham Museum. It was mid-week, and empty, except for me and my friend. I knew a good bit about Cunningham and the curator let us crawl all over, and under the cars. We focussed on the Bugatti Type 41, which Cunningham had traded for 2 refrigerators after WW2, and the Deusenberg SSJ. It is so much more interesting on the inside of the velvet ropes.

[@richardkryston2990]

Completely barking mad, this Tom is! Thank GOD for men like him, the world is a richer place for him.

[@jcgabriel1569]

James' first ever corner in a Bugatti Royale, is actually Donington Park's old Melbourne hairpin...

[@nvery5497]

His voice never change!

[@1234567marks]

I knew Tom, he was a great old guy, he used to invite me to his “play days” at the track where he and his friends would take their historic race cars for a spin, great days!, he did an awful lot of work for charity, especially the NSPCC, he was someone that I regard it a privilege to have known, rest in peace Tom, a life well lived!.

[@fireplacedude23]

I've had the pleasure of seeing a 1931 Type 41 Royale. Absolutely stunning.

[@leosaura1993]

One of the most beautiful cars every made.

[@krispykremes2482]

I love that his "move your arms awkwardly like a robot" walk hasn't changed either.

[@allansbullet]

Captain Slow was amazing in Top Gear, as they all were! One of his best traits was his humility, even though he was every bit the equal of Richard and Jeremy! He gave them plenty back too! But to find a guy who built a from-scratch REPLICA of one of these things?? Holy shit!!

[@Skybluematth]

I had no idea he appeared on nighties top gear before the rebranded series.

[@FAT8893]

In fact, May was the one who replace Clarkson who left Top Gear to focus on his television shows.

[@bicyclist2]

I love it! I'd much rather have the remake than the original anyways, and save a few million. Very cool! Thank you.

[@stephenberry1205]

Stupendous example of inspired determination.

[@goodwood-rc4nx]

saw 4 of them at the Goodwood festival of speed in the mid 2010's the other 2 in a museum in mulhouse in France sadly did not have a camera at the time

[@stephenhenion8304]

Jjjjjaaaaammmmmeeeesssss! Very well done, even for you!🇬🇧🎩🇬🇧🎩🇬🇧🎩

[@henriknilsson7851]

Ah, somehow it is so appropriate for James May to be on gearknob.

[@garyhaber333]

Omg. Capt Slow used to be young?

[@dmg_steegmans]

Most people

[@AnneOnymaus]

@G H And cute, apparently?!

[@crushingvanessa3277]

Is the original no.7 car the one in the museum in France? Nice to finally hear what it sounds like.

[@kenharris5390]

Ya gotta luv Tommy.

[@50YearOldTeenager]

That model maker could possibly be Gerald Wingrove?

[@user-pl7sf9qm9o]

Was this the last time May went to a barber?

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

During a Danish Royal Wedding, an Englishman offered to drive the couple in his original Royale, with a fitting Uniform, and he did! Sadly the marriage didn't last.

[@MH-fb5kr]

Tom did it because he could… easy, peasy

[@dazzaMusic]

The most imposing car ever made puts rolls royces to shame

[@alexk8792]

And keeps the Bentleys on their toes

[@MattAutoMotive]

Bloody hell James it seems you've always had bad hair to be fair from your debut to present your hair has always looked much better than it used to because at least you no longer look a bit dodgy

[@jandoerlidoe3412]

Quit an achievement..

[@user-eg7fx4jg4k]

Зер Гут!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SepiaChild]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Regent