‘Richard Hammond’s’ VW Polo for sale

The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion driven by Top Gear star Richard Hammond on his epic hyper-mile trek is for sale on Auto Trader.

For an episode screened earlier this year, Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May were challenged to drive from Switzerland to Blackpool on one tank of fuel – a total of 750 miles.

Those who would make it to the North-West seaside town would have the prize of turning on the world famous Blackpool Illuminations with the Stig.

Clarkson chose a diesel Jaguar XJ for his method of transport and was hoping to run out of fuel on the M40 – just outside his house and in time for dinner.

A more focussed James May chose a diesel Subaru Legacy diesel, savouring the chance to let his Captain Slow nickname earn him victory and drive efficiently enough to arrive in time with fuel to spare.

And Richard Hammond went for this little car – a 2008 Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion 2, powered by a 1.4-litre diesel engine developing 79bhp and 144lb/ft of pulling power.

The Polo is not a powerful car, but it was chosen by the Hamster because it boasts an average fuel economy of 74.3mpg and a tank range of 736 miles.

While the range wasn’t enough on paper, Hammond got the Polo to Blackpool on the single tank – beating Clarkson who, to his disappointment, had comfortably passed his house and May who drove so slowly he missed the light switch completely.

On top of the brilliant fuel efficiency, the Polo emits just 99g/km of carbon dioxide making it road tax free.

Now you can get your hands on Hammond’s little Polo – which has covered 5,500 miles – for £11,990.

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