James Martin's rare Ferrari makes car show appearance

TV chef James Martin was a surprise guest at a Boxing Day car show in Hampshire, as he stunned onlookers by arriving in an extremely rare Ferrari.

The star of Saturday Kitchen Live attended Romsey's annual Boxing Day Classic Car and Bike Meet with his 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB, the Southern Daily Echo reports.

Steve Biddlecombe, organiser of the free event near Southampton, explained that Martin's car is one of only seven models in existence and the only right-hand drive version.

"James contacted me a few days before asking if he could visit and he sent a list of his amazing car collection," Mr Biddlecombe told the newspaper.

The organiser added that this year's event was a huge success, with a record number of people turning up to see the many cars and motorbikes on display.

Mr Biddlecombe founded the meet in 2002 as a causal get-together for local car and bike lovers, but it now attracts up to 700 cars and about 200 bikes.

Martin, a friend of fellow petrolhead Chris Evans, is well-known for his love of vintage motors and performance vehicles.

As well as the former Le Mans Ferrari, his enviable collection includes a Ferrari 288 GTO, a 1963 Fiat Abarth and several original Mini Cooper works rally cars from the 1960s.

In an article published by the Daily Mail earlier this year, the chef explained that he considers classic cars to be "moveable art".

Martin said: "I can't understand people spending a million quid on a painting, but I can understand this."

In September, the celebrity took several of his cars to CarFest, the charity motoring and music festival organised by Evans and former Formula 1 driver Jody Scheckter near Basingstoke.

Speak to the classic car insurance team at Performance Direct for an expert, professional service and a choice of cover from the UK's leading specialist insurance underwriters.

Posted by Michael Yates

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