Did Jeremy Clarkson Buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia

Jeremy Clarkson has never officially confirmed buying an Alfa Romeo Giulia, despite frequent speculation. While he’s praised the car’s design and driving dynamics, his actual vehicle purchases lean toward British and German brands. This article dives into the rumors, his real car history, and what the Giulia means to car enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• No confirmed purchase: Despite rumors, Jeremy Clarkson has never publicly confirmed owning an Alfa Romeo Giulia.
• Praise without ownership: Clarkson has praised the Giulia’s styling and driving feel but hasn’t added it to his personal garage.
• His real car choices: Clarkson favors brands like Jaguar, Aston Martin, and BMW, often favoring performance and heritage.
• Giulia’s polarizing reputation: The Alfa Romeo Giulia wins hearts with design but faces criticism for reliability and ownership costs.
• Media influence on perception: Clarkson’s reviews shape public opinion, making his non-purchase of the Giulia notable.
• Why the rumor persists: His past Alfa Romeo ownership and love for Italian cars fuel ongoing speculation.
• What it means for buyers: Even without Clarkson’s endorsement, the Giulia remains a compelling sports sedan for enthusiasts.

Did Jeremy Clarkson Buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia? The Truth Behind the Rumor

For years, car enthusiasts and fans of *Top Gear* and *The Grand Tour* have debated one burning question: Did Jeremy Clarkson buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia? The sleek Italian sports sedan, with its aggressive stance, driver-focused cockpit, and Ferrari-inspired engine note, seems like the kind of car Clarkson would admire—or even own. After all, he’s known for his love of powerful, characterful vehicles, especially those with a bit of flair and history.

But despite the persistent rumors, there’s no solid evidence that Jeremy Clarkson has ever purchased an Alfa Romeo Giulia for his personal use. While he’s driven it on television, praised its design, and even raced it against rivals, he’s never confirmed adding it to his collection. This absence of ownership is surprising to many, especially given his past relationship with Alfa Romeo. Clarkson once owned a 1970s Alfa Romeo Spider, which he famously described as “a beautiful car that leaks oil like a sieve.” That love-hate dynamic with Italian engineering might explain why the Giulia rumor won’t die—it fits the narrative of Clarkson being drawn to flawed but charismatic machines.

Still, the question remains: Why hasn’t he bought one? And what does his non-purchase say about the Giulia’s real-world appeal? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the rumor, examine Clarkson’s actual car history, analyze the Giulia’s strengths and weaknesses, and unpack what it means for drivers who are considering this Italian sports sedan. Whether you’re a die-hard Clarkson fan or just curious about the Giulia, this deep dive will separate fact from fiction.

The Origins of the Rumor: Why People Think Clarkson Bought a Giulia

The rumor that Jeremy Clarkson bought an Alfa Romeo Giulia didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s rooted in a combination of his public persona, his history with Alfa Romeo, and the way he’s reviewed the car on television. Let’s break down how this myth gained traction.

Clarkson’s History with Alfa Romeo

Jeremy Clarkson has a long and complicated relationship with Alfa Romeo. As mentioned earlier, he once owned a 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider, which he drove during his early days as a motoring journalist. In his book *And Another Thing…*, he described the car as “a thing of beauty” but also admitted it was unreliable, prone to rust, and required constant maintenance. Despite these flaws, he clearly had affection for it—calling it “the car that taught me to drive properly.”

This nostalgic connection to Alfa Romeo makes fans assume he’d be drawn to the modern Giulia, which carries forward the brand’s legacy of style and driving passion. The Giulia, launched in 2016, was Alfa’s first serious attempt in decades to compete with German luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. With its rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and a twin-turbo V6 in the high-performance Quadrifoglio version, it felt like a spiritual successor to classic Alfas.

His Reviews of the Giulia

Clarkson has reviewed the Alfa Romeo Giulia multiple times on *The Grand Tour* and in his columns for *The Sunday Times*. In a 2017 review, he called the Giulia “the most beautiful car on sale today” and praised its handling, saying it “drives like a dream.” He even compared it favorably to the BMW M3, noting that while the BMW is faster in a straight line, the Alfa feels more alive and engaging on twisty roads.

These glowing comments naturally led fans to assume he must own one. After all, Clarkson is known for buying cars he loves—like his Aston Martin Vantage, Jaguar F-Type, and various Land Rovers. If he loves the Giulia so much, why wouldn’t he have one in his garage?

The Power of Social Media and Fan Speculation

Once a few fans on Reddit, Twitter, and car forums started speculating that Clarkson owned a Giulia, the idea snowballed. Photos of him driving a Giulia on set were misinterpreted as evidence of ownership. Even though he was clearly testing it for a review, some viewers assumed it was his personal car. The lack of a clear denial from Clarkson only fueled the fire.

Additionally, Clarkson’s tendency to be vague about his personal car collection adds to the mystery. He rarely posts photos of his garage on social media, and when asked about his cars in interviews, he often gives humorous or evasive answers. This secrecy makes it easy for rumors to take hold.

Clarkson’s Real Car Collection: What He Actually Drives

To understand why Clarkson hasn’t bought a Giulia, it helps to look at the cars he actually owns. His personal collection reflects his tastes: performance, heritage, and a bit of British pride.

His Current and Past Vehicles

Clarkson’s garage has included a wide range of vehicles over the years, but certain brands and models keep reappearing. Here are some of the highlights:

– **Aston Martin Vantage**: Clarkson has owned multiple Vantages, calling them “the perfect sports car” for their blend of luxury, power, and classic styling.
– **Jaguar F-Type**: He’s praised this car for its exhaust note and handling, even driving it across continents on *The Grand Tour*.
– **Land Rover Defender**: A favorite for off-road adventures, Clarkson has owned several Defenders and often speaks fondly of their rugged charm.
– **BMW M3 (E92)**: He’s owned this generation of the M3, appreciating its naturally aspirated V8 and driver engagement.
– **Porsche 911 (997)**: Clarkson has called the 911 “the best sports car in the world” and has owned at least one during his career.

Notably, none of these are Italian. While he respects Italian design—especially from Ferrari and Lamborghini—he tends to favor British and German engineering for daily drivers.

Why He Skips the Giulia

So why hasn’t Clarkson bought an Alfa Romeo Giulia? Several factors likely play a role:

1. **Reliability Concerns**: Even though the Giulia is more reliable than older Alfas, it still lags behind German rivals in long-term dependability. Clarkson, who values cars that “just work,” may be hesitant to deal with potential electrical gremlins or service issues.
2. **Resale Value**: Alfa Romeos traditionally depreciate faster than BMWs or Mercedes. For a car enthusiast who buys and sells vehicles regularly, this is a practical concern.
3. **Brand Loyalty**: Clarkson has a soft spot for British marques. He’s often said that he’d rather drive a Jaguar or Aston Martin than a foreign car, even if the foreign one is technically better.
4. **Practicality**: The Giulia, especially the Quadrifoglio, is a high-maintenance car. With its carbon-ceramic brakes and track-focused suspension, it’s not ideal for daily driving in the UK’s wet and potholed roads.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia: A Love Letter to Driving Enthusiasts

Even if Clarkson hasn’t bought one, the Alfa Romeo Giulia remains one of the most compelling sports sedans on the market. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it special—and why it continues to attract attention.

Design and Styling

The Giulia’s design is often described as “timeless” or “sculptural.” With its long hood, short overhangs, and aggressive front grille, it looks like a car that belongs on a racetrack—even when parked in a supermarket lot. The interior is equally impressive, with high-quality materials, a driver-focused layout, and a minimalist dashboard that avoids the tech overload of some rivals.

Clarkson himself has called it “the most beautiful car on sale,” and it’s hard to argue. Compared to the more conservative BMW 3 Series or the overly digital Mercedes C-Class, the Giulia feels alive and passionate.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The Giulia shines where it matters most: on the road. The base models come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the real star is the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 in the Quadrifoglio. With 503 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds, it’s a legitimate super sedan.

But it’s not just about speed. The Giulia’s rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect weight distribution, and responsive steering make it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Clarkson has praised its handling, saying it “communicates with the driver in a way few modern cars do.”

Technology and Features

The Giulia comes well-equipped, even in base trim. Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a premium audio system. The infotainment system, while not as polished as BMW’s iDrive, is functional and easy to use.

The Quadrifoglio adds performance-oriented tech like launch control, torque vectoring, and multiple driving modes. It also features carbon-fiber trim, Brembo brakes, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Reliability and Ownership Costs

This is where the Giulia stumbles. While Alfa Romeo has improved reliability in recent years, the brand still ranks below average in long-term dependability studies. Common issues include electrical problems, infotainment glitches, and premature wear on suspension components.

Ownership costs are also higher than average. Parts and labor at Alfa dealerships can be expensive, and the Quadrifoglio’s carbon-ceramic brakes cost thousands to replace. For drivers who want a car that “just works,” the Giulia may not be the best choice.

Why the Giulia Still Matters—Even Without Clarkson’s Endorsement

Despite Clarkson’s non-purchase, the Alfa Romeo Giulia remains a significant car in the sports sedan segment. It represents a return to form for Alfa Romeo, a brand that had faded into obscurity before the Giulia’s launch.

A Statement of Intent

The Giulia was Alfa Romeo’s declaration that it could compete with the best. For decades, the brand had been known for style over substance, but the Giulia proved that Alfa could build a car that was both beautiful and capable. It’s a reminder that driving should be fun, not just functional.

A Car for Enthusiasts

While the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class appeal to a broader audience, the Giulia is aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts. It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it focuses on delivering an engaging, emotional driving experience—something Clarkson has always valued.

The Legacy of Italian Passion

Even if Clarkson hasn’t bought one, the Giulia carries forward the spirit of Italian automotive passion. It’s a car that makes you smile when you drive it, whether you’re on a mountain road or just cruising through town. In a world of increasingly homogenized cars, that’s something worth celebrating.

What This Means for Potential Buyers

So, should you buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia? The answer depends on your priorities.

If you value:
– **Stunning design**
– **Engaging driving dynamics**
– **A sense of occasion and passion**

Then the Giulia is a strong contender. It’s a car that stands out, both visually and on the road.

But if you prioritize:
– **Long-term reliability**
– **Low ownership costs**
– **Resale value**

Then you might be better off with a BMW, Mercedes, or even a Genesis.

Clarkson’s non-purchase doesn’t make the Giulia a bad car—it just means it’s not the right car for him. And that’s okay. Not every great car needs a celebrity endorsement to be worthy of consideration.

Conclusion: The Myth vs. the Machine

The rumor that Jeremy Clarkson bought an Alfa Romeo Giulia persists because it feels true. He loves beautiful, driver-focused cars, and the Giulia fits that description perfectly. But the truth is simpler: he hasn’t bought one, and likely won’t.

That doesn’t diminish the Giulia’s appeal. It remains one of the most exciting sports sedans on the market, a car that reminds us why we love driving. Whether or not Clarkson owns one, the Giulia will continue to turn heads and spark conversations—just like the best cars always do.

So, did Jeremy Clarkson buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia? The answer is no. But the question itself says something important: in a world of cookie-cutter cars, the Giulia still matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Jeremy Clarkson ever own an Alfa Romeo?

Yes, Jeremy Clarkson once owned a 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider, which he drove in the 1980s. He described it as beautiful but unreliable, highlighting his complicated relationship with the brand.

Has Clarkson reviewed the Alfa Romeo Giulia on TV?

Yes, Clarkson has reviewed the Giulia multiple times on *The Grand Tour* and in his newspaper columns. He praised its design and handling but never confirmed owning one.

Why do people think Clarkson bought a Giulia?

The rumor stems from his past Alfa ownership, his positive reviews of the Giulia, and fan speculation online. Photos of him driving it on set were misinterpreted as proof of ownership.

What cars does Jeremy Clarkson actually own?

Clarkson owns or has owned vehicles like the Aston Martin Vantage, Jaguar F-Type, Land Rover Defender, and BMW M3. He favors British and German brands for personal use.

Is the Alfa Romeo Giulia reliable?

The Giulia has improved in reliability but still lags behind German rivals. Common issues include electrical problems and higher maintenance costs, especially on the Quadrifoglio model.

Should I buy an Alfa Romeo Giulia?

If you prioritize driving enjoyment, stunning design, and emotional engagement, the Giulia is a great choice. But if reliability and low costs are key, consider a BMW or Mercedes instead.