Only Fools and Horses is a classic British sitcom that ran from 1981 to 2003, following the lives of two brothers and their dodgy business dealings. The show has become iconic in the UK, with its catchphrases and characters remembered fondly by viewers. One of the most memorable moments of the show was when the brothers, Del Boy and Rodney, won a million pesetas in a Spanish quiz show. But how much is 1 million pesetas in Only Fools and Horses?
What is the Exchange Rate for Pesetas?
In order to work out the value of 1 million pesetas in Only Fools and Horses, it is necessary to look at the exchange rate for pesetas. At the time that the show was set, the exchange rate was as follows:
- 1 Peseta = 0.0059 GBP
- 1 GBP = 169.30 Pesetas
This means that 1 million pesetas is worth 5,930 GBP.
What Did Del Boy and Rodney Spend the Money on?
Del Boy and Rodney did not squander the money on luxury items, instead they chose to invest it in a number of business ventures. Their first investment was a dodgy deal involving a consignment of faulty teddy bears, which they sold to a toy shop. They also bought a pub, the Nag’s Head, which they intended to turn into a wine bar. Unfortunately, their plans were scuppered when they discovered that the pub was already owned by their uncle Albert.
What Would a Million Pesetas Buy in 1981?
In 1981, when Del Boy and Rodney won the million pesetas, the UK was in the midst of a recession. As such, a million pesetas would have gone quite a long way.
- Car – A new Ford Fiesta would have cost around 3,000 GBP, while a luxury car such as a Jaguar XJ6 would have cost around 18,000 GBP.
- House – A semi-detached house in London would have cost around 25,000 GBP, while a detached house in the countryside would have cost around 45,000 GBP.
- Holiday – A two-week package holiday to Majorca would have cost around 350 GBP, while a trip to the USA would have cost around 1,000 GBP.
What Would a Million Pesetas Buy Now?
In 2020, a million pesetas would still be worth 5,930 GBP. However, due to inflation, the value of the money in terms of what it can buy has changed.
- Car – A new Ford Fiesta would now cost around 17,000 GBP, while a luxury car such as a Jaguar XJ6 would cost around 40,000 GBP.
- House – A semi-detached house in London would now cost around 500,000 GBP, while a detached house in the countryside would cost around 800,000 GBP.
- Holiday – A two-week package holiday to Majorca would now cost around 1,000 GBP, while a trip to the USA would cost around 4,000 GBP.
How Much Would a Million Pesetas be Worth in Today’s Money?
In order to calculate the value of 1 million pesetas in today’s money, it is necessary to factor in the effects of inflation. According to the Bank of England’s inflation calculator, 1 million pesetas in 1981 would be worth 22,109 GBP in 2020.
What Was the Quiz Show?
The quiz show that Del Boy and Rodney won the million pesetas on was called ‘The Millionaire Maker’. The show was set in Spain and featured a host and two teams of contestants competing for a million pesetas. The show was broadcast on Spanish television and was a huge hit in the UK.
Did Del Boy and Rodney Really Win the Money?
Contrary to popular belief, Del Boy and Rodney did not actually win the million pesetas. In reality, the money was given to them by the show’s producers in order to make the episode more exciting.
How Did Del Boy and Rodney Spend the Money?
Despite the fact that Del Boy and Rodney did not win the money, they still managed to spend it as though it was their own. They invested it in a number of dodgy business ventures, such as the faulty teddy bear consignment and the failed wine bar.
What Happened to the Money?
Unfortunately, the money was not a good investment and Del Boy and Rodney eventually lost it all. In the end, the million pesetas was nothing more than a fleeting dream, with Del Boy and Rodney returning to their usual hustling and scheming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 1 million pesetas in Only Fools and Horses is worth 5,930 GBP. The exchange rate at the time was 1 peseta to 0.0059 GBP, meaning that in 1981 a million pesetas would have been enough to purchase a car, a house or a holiday. However, due to inflation, the value of the money has changed and in 2020 a million pesetas would be worth 22,109 GBP. Despite not actually winning the money, Del Boy and Rodney still managed to spend it on various business ventures, although they eventually lost it all.