Those of you who watched the second episode of Top Gear Series 20 last Sunday saw the BAC Mono sports car setting an amazing lap time of 1 minute 14.3 seconds – a second or so slower than the Pagani Huayra. Turns out the car’s presence at the show has had a profound effect on its sales.

Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) has just announced a major expansion program including moving to a new factory in Liverpool. That is probably to stop Jeremy from mocking BAC’s Cheshire roots.

They have cut a deal with the city of Liverpool. They gave BAC a nice place in Speke Hall Industrial Estate in South Liverpool, and in return the Mono will serve as an ambassador for Liverpool all over the world, with the city brand emblazoned on the car’s body as it takes part in high profile international racing events.

The British sports car maker hopes that by 2015 they increase the production to 100 cars per year. The company is now looking to recruit to its team, with a mixture of jobs on offer for local people.

Apparently, being featured on Top Gear was the boost BAC needed. The Mono is essentially a 100 grand toy, which means it is very hard to sell, unless it gets the seal of approval from someone people like – in this case Jeremy Clarkson. During the Sunday’s show Jezza likened the BAC Mono to an iPad, which is also expensive and basically useless, but very desirable because “it’s just a lovely thing.”