Since Top Gear was reborn in 2002, celebrities have been competing to set the fastest lap time around the test track in comically sedate sedans and hatchbacks as part of the show's staple 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car' segment. A modest Suzuki Liana was the car of choice for the first seven seasons, before it was replaced by a Chevrolet Lacetti. The American sedan was then replaced by the Korean Kia Cee'd hatchback, which featured in some of the show's most memorable moments.
And now the star car that was used in the show is looking for a new owner. Listed for sale on eBay, the 2010 Kia Cee'd served as Top Gear's reasonably priced car for five seasons and was driven by 24 celebrities, including Alice Cooper, Rowan Atkinson and current show host Matt LeBlanc, who set the fastest lap time. But perhaps the most famous guest to tame the Cee'd was Hollywood star Tom Cruise. Known for performing his own stunts in films, Cruise managed to tip the hatchback onto two wheels on the last corner and nearly rolled over - though he was probably just showing off. The Kia Cee'd was later replaced by a Vauxhall Astra in 2013.
After Clarkson, Hammond and May moved to Amazon to host rival show The Grand Tour, Chris Evans tried to shake up the segment by introducing off-road sections in the renamed 'Star in a Rallycross Car' featuring a souped-up Mini. This wasn't popular with fans, and the segment returned to its track roots in the last series, albeit with the more potent Toyota GT86 which, being the first rear-wheel drive car to cart celebrities around the track, has provided some lively laps, particularly in the wet. The Kia Cee'd listed for sale has done just 7,150 miles, most of which were clocked up on the test track, and is powered by a 1.6-liter gas engine.
The cabin has been stripped out and fitted with bucket seats and a roll cage. The listing states that the Cee'd "drives and feels like a new car," and that the tires have "loads of tread left." At the time of writing, the celebrity car has a bid of 3,354 GBP ($4244.76), but the reserve hasn't been met.