James May Net Worth

James May, a celebrated British television presenter, journalist, and author, has built an impressive net worth estimated at $40 million. He rose to international fame as one-third of the iconic trio on Top Gear, alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. His extensive career in television, publishing, and business ventures has made him one of the most recognizable faces in automotive entertainment.
| James May Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Date of Birth | Jan 16, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Bristol |
| Nationality | Brits |
| Profession | Television Presenter, Journalist, and Author |
A Career Steeped in Television Success
May’s biggest claim to fame came through Top Gear, where he served as co-host between 2003 and 2015. Known affectionately as “Captain Slow” for his cautious driving style, May’s contributions to the show spanned over 170 episodes, during which he demonstrated a mix of dry wit and encyclopedic knowledge of cars. Despite his nickname, May once drove a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport at 259.11 mph, breaking the show’s speed record at the time.
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After Top Gear, May co-created and presented The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video, continuing his collaboration with Clarkson and Hammond. He has also led several successful solo projects including James May’s Toy Stories, James May’s Big Ideas, James May’s Cars of the People, and the popular Amazon cooking and travel shows Oh Cook! and Our Man in Japan.
Writing and Publishing Ventures
James May is also a prolific writer, contributing regularly to publications like The Daily Telegraph, Top Gear Magazine, and Car Magazine. His books span both personal essays and tie-ins with his TV programs. Notable works include May on Motors (2006), James May’s Car Fever (2009), and James May’s Man Lab (2011). In total, he has authored or co-authored over 15 books, further boosting his income and industry influence.
Business and Investments
Beyond media, May has invested in hospitality. In 2020, he became a part-owner of The Royal Oak, a historic pub in Wiltshire, England. His role as a director of the production company W. Chump & Sons, which was instrumental in launching The Grand Tour, also added to his wealth.
Real Estate and Property Holdings
James May’s real estate portfolio includes a five-bedroom home in Ansty, purchased in 2015 for £770,000. He also made headlines for his ambitious project in Hammersmith, West London, where he demolished two adjoining properties bought for a combined £635,000 and began construction on a £3.5 million luxury superhome in 2019.
Personal Life
May has been in a long-term relationship with art critic Sarah Frater since 2000. He’s known for his love of classical music, aviation (he holds a light aircraft pilot’s license), and vintage cars. His car collection is enviable, featuring models like the Bentley T2, Ferrari 458 Speciale, and a 1984 Porsche 911.
James May Net Worth
James May net worth is $40 million.
