James May Net Worth: Career & Lifestyle

One of the brilliant personalities in the entertainment industry, James May’s net worth is $40 million.

James May is a journalist and television presenter from the United Kingdom who began his career in the 1980s.

He is quite famous for co-hosting ‘Top Gear‘ with Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond. Top Gear is a television show about cars.

James May (Source: Pinterest)

James was even called “Captain Slow” due to his cautious driving technique, and he frequently finished last in the hosts’ high-speed track races.

May played a brilliant role to offer programs with subjects such as science and technology, wine culture, toys, and the problem of manliness in modern times.

James May | Quick Facts

Let’s explore the personal details of the charming old man.

James May | Net Worth and Income

James May’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million, the majority of which came through his successful career.

May has made most of his money as a television host and journalist.

His salary in Top Gear made him one of the highest-paid television presenters.

In addition to this, he also earned a massive amount of money from his involvement in Man Lab and Toy Stories, both of which were programs related to Top Gear.

James May, along with his partners in Top Gear, made a $165 million deal with Amazon Prime to create a three-season series.

His other series, including a cooking show on the Amazon Prime streaming platform, is also doing well financially and making fortunes for James.

Moreover, other ventures, such as his Internet presence, his books, and his part-ownership of a pub, have all helped him make an additional fortune.

In 2006, he published a book titled “Motors.” Motors has over a million sales worldwide and is a significant source of passive income for James.

Interestingly, he has endorsed some of the famous brands in the country. He was the face of London Pride beer. This partnership collected a whopping £250,000 for James May.

In 2019, May began producing films for the Drivetribe spin-off company Foodtribe, typically employing a tiny, bedsit-style kitchen setup called “The Bug-out Bunker.”

And now he has entered into the production business, James May’s net worth is only going to increase more in the future.

James May Net Worth in Different Currencies

Let’s explore James May’s net worth in different currencies, including BitCoin.

James May | Houses, Cars & Airplanes

Houses

The affluent man is also interested in acquiring and renovating properties. He ultimately found his ideal home after a lot of trading.

May now resides in Hammersmith, West London, for which he spent a whopping £3 million. He lives with Sarah Frater, with whom he has been in a relationship since 2000.

James May Home in London (Source: Variety)

May refurbished the property and has finally concluded work on his London home after a five-year renovation project.

The TV celebrity demolished his former house in West London to construct the mega-mansion to accommodate his fleet of supercars.

Following the makeover, the property has become the epitome of luxury and comfort for the television celebrity.

Cars

The television personality is a car fanatic; you may know that he even modified his home solely to construct his ideal garage for his supercars.

James May is a huge fan of Ferraris, or Fezzas, as he refers to them. Despite his passion, he was only able to obtain the very last special edition 458 series. He previously owned a 458 Italia as well as an F430.

Popular celebrities with large bank accounts, such as Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney, own Corniches, as does James May. James is the proud owner of a Rolls Royce Corniche, which he truly appreciates.

Rolls Royce Corniche Owned by James May (Source: Pinterest)

He drove a Fiat Panda on a regular basis and enjoyed the vehicle for so many years. Unfortunately, his Panda broke down in 2014, so he replaced it with a BMW i3, which cost him just £35,000.

Some of the vehicles in his super garage include a 1984 Porsche 911, a Datsun 120Y, an Alfa Romeo 164, a Triumph 2000, a Rolls Royce Phantom, a 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S, and several Ferraris.

He does, however, ride a Brompton folding bicycle to work on a regular basis. Furthermore, his garage also contains six stunning motorbikes.

Aircrafts

James’ obsession with transportation does not end with automobiles.

That is why in 2006, he went all out and acquired his pilot’s license after training at White Waltham Airfield in Berkshire.

Super Decathlon Light of James May (Source: Google)

Since then, he has purchased a number of small aircraft. In 2006, he purchased a Super Decathlon light plane worth around £120,000.

The aircraft is based at White Waltham airport in Berkshire and is registered G-OCOK after his famous catchphrase.

James May | Lifestyle and Vacations

The affluent man lives a luxurious yet peaceful life.

He also likes to play darts and cook his favorite food. As seen by his Instagram stories and vlogs, he enjoys cooking in his leisure time.

James invests a fortune in his health and well-being since he seems younger than his actual age.

He is frequently spotted wearing designer shirts and Savile Row coats, indicating that he spends too much money on his attire.

The TV-personality has remained with long-term partner Sarah Frater for twenty years now.

James With Sarah (Source: Pinterest)

The adorable couple does not have children of their own. They do, however, have a cute pet cat.

James and Sara are frequently seen together at events and gatherings.

They also plan luxurious vacations throughout the world’s most beautiful cities.

The pair has a wonderful bond and unconditional love even though they are not married.

James May | Charity

James May is a generous and compassionate individual. He has contributed to several humanitarian organizations and charity causes.

He also distributes the proceeds from his business ventures to fund different charitable causes.

Moreover, James May donated his Leftovers Stir Fry recipe to help overcome food waste at home, which was called The Felix Project.

The project saves food that would otherwise go to waste and repurposes it to feed those in need.

James May | Journalism, TV-Shows, Investments, Endorsements and Book

Journalism

May began his journalism career as a sub-editor for the journals “Autocar” and “The Engineer.”

This was his previous work before becoming a television broadcaster due to his extensive driving knowledge.

In addition, he has a regular column in Car Magazine called England Made Me. James has also written several articles for Top Gear magazine.

He has admitted that journalism has always been his passion because it was this pursuit that kept him alive during his hard times.

TV Shows

James also has several top television experiences in his resume.

He appeared on Top Gear in 1999, but the show was canceled due to low ratings. However, the show revived and re-launched in 2003, with him as one of the hosts.

James With a Cast of Top Gear (Source: Pinterest)

His previous television credits include hosting Driven on Channel 4 in 1998, which was favorably received by viewers.

Moreover, he also co-hosted the ITV1 coverage of the 2006 London Boat Show and narrated an eight-part BBC One series called Road Rage School.

May also created and hosted the Christmas show James May’s Top Toys for BBC.

He is now associated with Amazon Prime and is creating several shows for the platform.

Investments and Ventures

James is the proud owner of the Royal Oak Pub and Hotel. The pub reopened after the 2020 lockdown and reclaimed its profits handsomely.

May launched his own YouTube channel, “JM’s Unemployment Tube,” in 2015 when the BBC postponed Top Gear due to Jeremy Clarkson’s resignation.

May and his former Top Gear co-hosts created DriveTribe, a social network for car enthusiasts, in 2016.

Books Publications

The TV host also has a few books under his name, which contribute to the overall net worth.

He contributed a weekly commentary to The Daily Telegraph’s monitoring section.

May On Motors, published in 2006, is a compilation of his previously published pieces.

James also co-wrote Oz and James’s Big Wine Adventure, which was based on a TV show of the same name.

He wrote the afterword to Long Lane with Turnings, the final book of motorsport journalist L.J.K. Setright.

James May | Career

James May was born in the English city of Bristol. He grew up in South Yorkshire with his parents, brother, and two sisters.

After finishing high school, James May went on to study music at Pendle College, which is part of Lancaster University.

Following graduation, he worked briefly for the civil service and as a records officer at a hospital.

In the early 1980s, May worked as a journalist (sub-editor) for the magazines ‘The Engineer’ and ‘Autocar.’

He has hosted a number of popular television shows, including ‘Oz and James’s Big Wine Adventure’ in addition to ‘Top Gear.’

May left Top Gear in 2015 after his contract with the BBC was not renewed.

In 2015, he signed a deal with Amazon to star in the spiritual successor The Grand Tour, a role he still holds today.

Interesting Facts About James May

• Since he enjoys anything mechanical that may be repaired or made, he collects penknives and tools. He considers anyone who cannot connect a plug to be a “moron.”
• James is really interested in music and plays the piano brilliantly. He also has a music degree.
• In 2019, he was awarded for his brilliant journalism movie Motown Funk.

FAQs

Who is the richest member of Top Gear?

It is Jeremy Clarkson who is the richest Top Gear crew member. He has a net worth of $60 million, which is $20 million more than James May’s net worth.

Is James May related to Brian May?

Well, we all know Brian May, the cool guitarist of the historic rock band Queen. Brian May and James May are not brothers, however, in an interview, James has revealed that he would love to be Brian’s brother.

What is the name of James May’s production company?

The name of his own production company is W. Chumps and Sons. He partnered with his Top Gears friends to build this firm.

Read About Ratan Tata’s Net Worth, Businesses, Career & Lifestyle

Categories: Net Worth
Source: ASIA EDU