Richard Hammond has made the difficult decision to sell several cherished vehicles, including his Riley Alpine Sports Tourer, to fund an ambitious restoration project for his Hereford business, The Smallest Cog. The former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter revealed the plan in the opening episode of series six of Richard Hammond's Workshop.
Parting with a Piece of the Past
The Riley Alpine Sports Tourer holds fond memories for Hammond, who recalled taking his former wife and their two daughters out in the car for Sunday lunches. Reflecting on the sale, he said: "It's a car from the past, from my past, but in many ways it represents the future."
Taking the Riley out for one last drive before parting with it, Hammond told viewers: "At least I've still got my trusty old Riley, but for one more day. Time to take it for a final drive before it makes its noble sacrifice."
Funding the E-type Project
The proceeds from the vehicle sales are earmarked to fund the complete restoration of an E-type from the ground up. Newly appointed business manager Roy had suggested Hammond needed a major project to showcase the capabilities of The Smallest Cog.
Speaking from his new home following his separation, Hammond said: "New home, new start. Last time you joined me, I was going through a divorce, living in my rented cottage, making the best of it. That's all behind me now, and I've moved into a new home and I love it. I love where it is. I'm a creature of the hills and I live amongst the mountains, and there's no better place for having a good think."
Rebuilding After Divorce
Hammond separated from his wife in 2025 after many years living at Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire. Away from the programme, he has spoken about rebuilding his life, including on the High Performance podcast, where he discussed his changed circumstances while now dating therapist Keira "Kiki" Glen.
He said: "In the last two years, I lost my father, my dog, my marriage, my house, most of the chunk of the money I earned from The Grand Tour. And I don't give a s***. The happiest I've been in years was living in a rented cottage, my divorce cottage."
He added: "I lived there for like a year. I loved it. No furniture really to speak of, bits and pieces. Bit draughty in winter. But when friends came over, they came over to see me. Not the house, not the collection of cars – because that'd all gone. I would cook a Sunday roast for like 14 of us and have to bring the outside table in and move all the furniture to get everyone in. And it was just, I loved it. Absolutely adored it. Very, very happy times."
Hammond and his former wife share two daughters, Izzy and Willow, with Izzy co-hosting their podcast, Who Are We Now. Richard Hammond's Workshop airs on Tuesdays from October 27 at 9pm on Quest and discovery+.
