Loading...
Top Gear(1978–2009)
July 13, 197845 Seasons · 530 Episodes
Ended
Documentary
4.0from 113 users
Overview
Motoring programme featuring reviews of and reports about cars of all types.
Created by Derek Smith
Network BBC Two
Loading...
Motoring programme featuring reviews of and reports about cars of all types.
1979
Every day in central London approximately 140 vehicles are towed away by the Metropolitan Police and taken to compounds. Angela reports on what happens to your car when you park it illegally. Noel Edmonds tests some of the new cars just coming into the showrooms and Judith Jackson takes to the country in a new four-wheel-drive vehicle. Alec Jones, Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
Three-quarters-of-a-million motorists take their cars to Europe each year and one in ten end up needing some kind of help whilst abroad. Angela investigates how motorists can best cope with unfamiliar situations. Barrie Gill reports on a special Top Gear economy run and Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms now. Cars of the Stars: Dave Lee Travis tells us about his dragster. Alec Jones , Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
Would you drop your child face downwards from a third-floor window? The impact is exactly the same for an unsecured child in the passenger seat of a car crash at 30 mph. Judith Jackson investigates child seat safety. How Fair are those Speeding Fines? Dr. Vernon Coleman has made a special study of the variations in punishments handed out by magistrates and Geoffrey Norman , Secretary of the Magistrates' Association, answers the case. Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms and Alec Jones, Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
Technology has totally changed the performance of today's tyres and Angela examines the latest developments. Are You Thinking of Buying a New Car? Mike Dornan and Gill Pyrah begin a series designed to help the prospective buyer. Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
Angela joins the motoring press at Donington race circuit. Are You Thinking of Buying a Used Car? with Mike Dornanand Gill Pyrah. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
Each day of the year six pedestrians are killed and fifty seriously injured, and half involve children under 14 years of age. Angela Rippon reports on research towards safer car design. Are You Thinking of Buying a Banger? Mike Dornan and Gill Pyrah continue the series designed to help the prospective buyer of a well-used car avoid a few of the pitfalls. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
The Problems People Have with Their New Cars: New owners have a chance to air their grievances about unsafe and badly made cars. Mike Dornan reports on a new method of weighing lorries which could be bad news for overloaded juggernauts. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
Citizens' Band Radio - Mike Dornan investigates whether we should be free to make CB Radio the motorists' friend. Judith Jackson spends a day with perhaps the most enthusiastic motorcyclists in Britain - Junior Grasstrack Racing. and Noel Edmonds tests a new car.
Angela Rippon goes to the Ruhr to discover technology in a new road information system. Last year Mike Dornan took part in a drink-and-driving test in conjunction with Motor magazine at Brands Hatch. This is a second chance to see this award-winning film. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.
Barrie Gill reports from the International Transport and Traffic Exposition in Hamburg. Noel Edmonds drives around Silverstone in his own Ford GT40.
1980
Tonight "Top Gear" shows just what happens when motorcyclists run into trouble. Frank Page checks out four of the most economical cars on the market and we also report on a new cross-Channel ferry. Today a new car arrives on the British market and a new motoring newspaper comes on to the bookstalls.
Frank Page continues his road tests on the ' Frugal Fellows ' - the most economical cars on the market. Peter Macann reports on Carfax, a new system of vehicle communication now under test, and Gill Pyrah takes a look at the country's first do-it-yourself motor maintenance centre at Milton Keynes. George Bailey analyses and demonstrates a recent motorcycle crash.
Are heavy lorries the lifeblood of our industrial society or are they juggernauts, destroying the environment? Mike Dornan investigates. Frank Page tests more of the ' Frugal Fellows' - the most economical cars on the market, and Noel Edmonds tries out a brand-new British car. George Bailey analyses and demonstrates another recent motorcycle crash.
The recent Turin Motor Show gave an opportunity to Italy's motor designers to show their ideas for the decade. Gordon Wilkins goes behind the scenes of the world's pre-eminent auto designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, and Frank Page reports from the show. Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss? Yesterday Britain's best-known racing driver demonstrated his old flair to the holiday crowds at Brands Hatch. Noel Edmonds reports.
The AA celebrates its 75th birthday this year. Top Gear takes a nostalgic look at motoring since the turn of the century. A new passenger terminal opens this week at Calais which should assist summer holiday traffic. Top Gear reports. Frank Page tests more ' Frugal Fellows' and George Bailey analyses and demonstrates another motorcycle crash.
Half those taking a driving test fail. Why? Peter Macann looks at the examiner's point of view. The holiday season begins next weekend and Top Gear reports on the latest models and equipment from the Caravan Festival and Exhibition at Brands Hatch. Peter Macann joins Cop Drive - an international cross-country event for police forces. George Bailey analyses another motorcycle crash.
1981
Frank Page and Merrill Boulton report from the International Motorcycle Show at the National Exhibition Centre on the latest products from the industry, including a brand-new British motorcycle. One of the most spectacular offbeat car races is the All-Wheel Drive Event, and Judith Jackson reports on this cross-country race from Scotland. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell us of design faults with their cars, and Frank Page illustrates manufacturers' shortcomings. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.
Garages have received much adverse publicity for indifferent servicing. Sue Baker finds a consumer watchdog service in New York which could have implications here. One of the most spectacular offbeat car races is the All-Wheel Drive Event and Judith Jackson reports on this cross-country event from Scotland. Back to the Drawing Board: Car owners tell us of design faults and Frank Page demonstrates what they mean. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.
Chris Goffey reports from Germany on the ways Volkswagen are tackling the problems of fuel economy. Which British motor manufacturer has an order book with a waiting list for the next five years? Frank Page reports. Ted Clements , Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell Frank Page of design faults in their cars. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.
Top Gear reveals a revolutionary new engine and plans for the manufacture of an entirely new all-British motor car. Frank Page reports from the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham where they smash cars to help reduce insurance premiums. Ted Clements continues with advice to improve your driving technique and Frank Page takes us Back to the Drawing Board again. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up to date with the news of the motor industry.
Who cares for the handicapped driver? Sue Baker investigates some of the latest ways in which their special problems are being overcome. Speed limits: are the restrictions on many of our roads as low as they need to be? Frank Page reports. Ted Clements , Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell Frank Page of design faults with their cars. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up to date with news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.
Sue Baker goes out on a day and night patrol with the Leicestershire Police when their unique major incident vehicle takes to the highway. Dixie Dean, Lorry Driver of the Year, and Dickie Duncalfe, a Fleet Service Manager, assess the new Ford Cargo lorry with Chris Goffey, and the new Fiat Panda is road tested by Frank Page. Ted Clements, Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell Frank Page of design faults in their cars. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with news of the motoring scene, togetherwithnew products and ideas.
Back-ache Driving: thousands of motorists suffer as a result of poor car seat design. Dr. Bernard Watkin highlights some of the common faults. Six Months On: the Metro and Escort are not now the cars they were when launched last year. Judith Jackson outlines some of the significant changes. Ted Clements , Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: owners tell Frank Page of design faults in their cars. What's New: with Sue Baker
Frank Page reports from the final of the Halfords Popular Motoring Do-It-Yourself Mechanic of the Year competition. Top Gear salutes the Triumph Sports Car with a look at some of the highlights of its successful career. The Metro Job: a report on the introduction of the Metro into Italy. Ted Clements, Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.
1991
From the Retromobile classic car show in Paris. Tony Mason visits Chamonix, near Mont Blanc, a new venue for motor racing — on ice. And Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey road tests the new Nissan Sunny. Presented by William Woollard.
William Woollard and Sue Baker report from the Geneva International Motorshow. Jeremy Clarkson compares the Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser and re-vamped Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Plus a road test of Mitsubishi’s new Sigma.
William Woollard presents the programme from the first RAC Historic Rally. Sue Baker visits the Detroit Auto Show; Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey examines the Malaysian Proton; and Jeremy Clarkson investigates Britain’s company car phenomenon.
William Woollard visits the Donington Museum in Leicestershire, home to the largest collection of single-seater racing cars in the world. Plus Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey tests the new BMW 3-series.
Car designer Raymond Loewy, the latest Mercedes-Benz, America’s home market and new changes to the driving test. With William Woollard.
Tony Mason and Tiff Needell report from this year’s Daytona 24-hour race in Florida on the fortunes of the Jaguar racing team. William Woollard tries out three new estate cars — the Ford Escort, the Fiat Tempra and the Nissan Primera.
Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey road tests the new Mazda 121, claimed to be the new super Mini and tries out a new high mobility vehicle; Jeremy Clarkson examines the system for car recalls; and Tony Mason looks at how to start in single class rallying.
Eric Richard, from The Bill, rides the new Triumph 1200 model, Jeremy Clarkson road tests the new Citroen ZX and Tony Mason talks to the 20 finalists of the Rally Quest at Donington.
From the newly revised Silverstone Racing Circuit. Tiff Needell tries out some historic racing cars, Nicky Fox samples a rally for enthusiasts of new and old buses. Korea’s growing car industry is beginning to challenge even the Japanese. Jeremy Clarkson tests the new Hyundai Lantra. Presented by William Woollard.
Last programme in the series. Spain is now a major centre for car production. Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey tests Seat’s new family saloon, the Toledo. Also in Spain, Jeremy Clarkson puts the new Mitsubishi Shogun through its paces and, nearer home, Tiff Needell tries out the extensively remodelled Silverstone track in Jaguar’s new £500,000 sports racing car, the XJR 15. Introduced by William Woollard from Barcelona.
1983
From midnight on 30 January it becomes law for most drivers and front-seat passengers to wear a seat belt. But who is exempt? How are the police going to administer the law? What happens if you are caught not wearing a seat belt? Answering questions from the motoring public are Jackie Stewart long-time advocate of seat belts Dr Murray Mackay, Head of the Accident Research Unit, University of Birmingham and Roger Birch, Chief Constable, Warwickshire Constabulary.
As Britain's latest and perhaps most important new car, the Austin Maestro, is launched, Top Gear goes to the production centre to find out how it is being assembled. Sue Baker gives the Austin Maestro a rough ride in Spain, and Frank Page compares it with some of its competitors. Chris Goffey road-tests another new car to reach the showrooms, the BMW 3 series.
'The shop window of Europe' is how the international motor manufacturers describe Geneva. Sue Baker reports on some of the latest models on show. Chris Goffey continues the Swiss theme by visiting a car factory at Iverdon, testing out the new Audi 80 Quattro on the snowy slopes and reporting on a bus driver's nightmare. Frank Page jungle-tests a new British four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Top Gear visits TVR, one of Britain's sports-car manufacturers. Sue Baker joins up with the Autocar road-testers at the Motor Industry Research Association's testing ground. Chris Goffey attends a course on how to avoid being hi-jacked, and Frank Page joins Sue Baker in giving their first impressions of the new Fiat Uno car.
All the latest news from the world of motorcycling. Frank Page reports from Monza race-track on a new motorcycle tyre. Chris Goffey reports on a new lease of life for the Panther car.
The heart of the American motor industry is also the venue for the Society of Automotors Engineers annual symposium. William Woollard reports from the Exhihition Hall and visits the Ford Motor Museum. Rob Mahr looks at a new concept in labour relations at a General Motors plant, reports on a Jaguar success story and discovers one of the most influential organisations related to the motoring scene: the Mothers Against Drunk Driving campaign.
Top Gear looks at the latest research and development work, including the ECV-3 Energy Conservation Vehicle. Sue Baker reports on two new ideas for handicapped drivers. Frank Page gives his impressions of the latest Ford, the XR4. Chris Goffey finds out more about the new breathalyser regulations at a Warwickshire police station.
1978
The big holiday rush begins this weekend and many drivers plan to travel through Friday night. How dangerous is this practice? What are the stress factors and what are the signs of fatigue? Angela finds out for herself by night driving to the West Country. Twenty people are killed and over 200 seriously injured each week yet these figures could be cut to one tenth if we used our seat belts. Should we leave it to persuasion or is compulsion the final answer?
The training of a British police driver is said to be the best in the world, but what makes it so good? Angela becomes a pupil of the Police Training Centre at Hendon and discovers rather more than she expected about her own driving standards. The Scottish Six-day Trial. The world's top trials riders spend a week in the mountains around Fort William in fierce and punishing competition.
The MOT test continues to be controversial. Is the interpretation consistent from station to station and does the motorist get a fair deal? Angela makes a comparison between the British system and the way it is done in Belgium, where they have been testing longer than anywhere else in Europe. Motor Caravans Reporter Mike Woodhead and family have their first experience of this fast-expanding do-it-yourself type of holiday.
Tonight Angela Rippon reports from Northern Ireland where to park your car can cost £600, a taxi fare is cheaper than a bus ride and where you are twice as likely to be killed in a road accident as in the rest of the UK. Driven to Drink. How much alcohol can you take and still drive safely? Mike Dornan reports on a special test day at Brands Hatch.
Tonight Angela Rippon climbs into the cab to report on the latest situation about tachographs in lorries. Colin Chapman talks to Barrie Gill about this season's Formula One motor racing scene.
Angela attends the finals of a nationwide search to find a girl rally driver who can take her place beside international stars Roger Clark and Russell Brookes. Predictably she takes a turn at the rally wheel herself. Rust and corrosion cost the British motorist £200-million a year. But savings could be made. Barrie Gill reports.
Traffic jams make the headlines almost every weekend of the summer. When the cause is an accident, the emergency services often have difficulty getting to the scene and the police can do little to ease the congestion. Faced with similar problems seven years ago Belgium solved theirs by using helicopters.
Every year a quarter of a million people go to Le Mans to watch this premier sports car race in the international calendar. This year Top Gear cameras followed the fortunes—and misfortunes—of the Ian Bracey entry, the Ibec-Hesketh 308LM, from the moment when it made its debut at Donnington Park and then throughout the 24-hours-race, until the final climax.
Top Gear invited international teams of four-wheel-drive vehicles to decide who is King of the Country. Could cross-country cars from the US, France, Japan or Russia break the time put up by the British Rovers round a specially designed course through the mud of tank terrain in Dorset?
Brum revs up for the Motor Show. The largest Motor Show ever held in Britain opens its doors in five weeks' time at the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham. Angela Rippon and Barric Gill report on the plans, facilities and entertainment in a special preview edition of Top Gear.
1984
William Woollard and the Top Gear team return with a review of highlights from the British International Motor Show. There's a detailed look at the new Scimitar sports car and at Reliant, the company that makes it. Sue Baker travels the roads of Southern Ireland in Vauxhall's latest Astra, while, just a stone's throw away from the Motor Show, William Woollard gets to see some of the hundreds of bikes on display in Britain's first National Motorcycle Museum, which opened at the weekend. And if you think regular checks on your tyres with your own tyre pressure gauge or pump keep you safe, beware. Chris Goffey reports on an investigation that reveals serious inaccuracies in many gauges on sale in Britain.
If you've ever wondered how police drivers chase bank robbers, then watch Top Gear tonight. William Woollard visits the Metropolitan Police Driver Training School at Hendon, which celebrates its golden jubilee this year. Every day on Britain's roads there are eight accidents between vehicles and horses. Chris Goffey climbs into the saddle to report on new guidelines. And an exclusive look at this year's British Grand Prix - or at least a scaled-down version.
Giant racing monsters take to the track in a special Top Gear from the first British Truck Grand Prix. William Woollard meets the stars and the working truckers who unhitch their trailers to push five tons of highly-powered steel to the limit round the Donington Park circuit, while reporter Chris Goffey climbs into the cab in an attempt to fight his own way to the final. And between races there's a chance to see spectacular two-wheel stunts, a jet truck and Britain's fastest delivery service -the 170 mph Supervan.
Sixty years ago Fiat's new factory at Lingotto in Turm was hailed as a masterpiece of industrial building. Now it has been turned into giant exhibition halls. Today for the first time they house the Turin Motor Show. William Woollard and Chris Goffey report. Frank Page climbs to the famous roof-top test track and there's a look at the new Lancia Thema. David Willey reports on the harsher realities of Italian life - bullet-proof cars.
Have you ever thought how nice your car might look with different-coloured tyres? Perhaps a tasteful shade of green, yellow or blue? It's not as outrageous as it seems, as William Woollard found out when he visited one of the world's major tyre manufacturers at its research and development centre in Luxemburg. Closer to home, Top Gear drops in at a spectacular get-together of Rolls-Royce owners and takes to the racetrack testing 'hot hatchbacks' to the limit.
1985 is to be heralded as the centenary of the birth of the car. Karl Benz is usually held to be the father of the motor car. The French, on the other hand, have discovered a gentleman by the name of de Boutteville who had a car running on French roads a year earlier in 1884. Earlier this year in Paris, the French mounted an elegant exhibition to celebrate this event. William Woollard and Sue Baker visited this dazzling display of invention, exquisite taste and downright quirkiness. Four-wheel drive vehicles made an appearance in 1916 and since then they have acquired a macho upmarket image that has caused quite an explosion in the 4x4 market. Now almost every car firm has a rugged, mud-plugging, go-anywhere vehicle. Chris Goffey assesses some of the market leaders.
For the last programme in the present series William Woollard and the Top Gear team look back at highlights from the past year and forward to motoring in 1985. Chris Goffey tries out the Audi 200 Quattro Turbo to see if it matches up to claims that it's destined to become one of the world's great cars. And in a year when figures showed that one in three drivers is now a woman, Sue Baker reports on their move into another important area of motoring; while Frank Page recalls MG's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Streaming availability information not available
1984
Geneva — the first major Motor Show of 1984 opens today with William Woollard and Sue Baker there to look at what you could be driving in the near future. Frank Page has been on a tour of Europe, testing two of the show's new cars, the Renault 25 and Volkswagen's Jetta, and stopping off in West Germany to sample the highly personal service offered by one manufacturer to its customers.
The Top Gear team takes to the road with A Second Chance for Motorists: William Woollard 's report on a unique scheme set up by police in Nottinghamshire. Now drivers are no longer automatically prosecuted if they're found with a faulty vehicle; they have a chance to put the defect right. Office on the Move: a look at the limousine that has a video, a computer, a word processor - everything for today's jet-setting businessman. Toy Cars: replicas of famous vehicles that children can drive - if dad's got 12,000 or more to spare.
It is ten years since wearing a crash helmet became compulsory, but today you're still 25 times more likely to be killed riding a motorcycle than driving a car. Helmets are vital, of course, but just how safe are they? Are the tests conducted by the British Standards Institution (BSI) good enough? Does the BSI pick the right designs to reduce death and injury in the future? In a special report Tony Baker investigates the helmets you can buy in Britain. Over in Holland, Frank Page tries out Saab's latest offering which sports a 16-valve engine, and nearer to home turns his hand to DIY panel beating.
A look at motoring in the year 2000 with William Woollard and Frank Page at the London Design Centre for the opening of the 'Drive Forward' exhibition. How will cars be powered in the 21st century? Electricity or hydrogen? Could towns and cities change to suit our motoring needs and one day will cars drive themselves? Also a special report from Paris on the lady designer who's created a car which changes colour to suit the weather.
British skier and rally driver Konrad Bartelski joins the Top Gear team to give his verdict on Audi's 200 Turbo, which has just arrived on the British market. But if your car's not so new and the cost of spares is giving you headaches, Tony Baker may have the answer. A national network of scrap dealers is using the latest technology to help you save time and money. William Woollard introduces the programme from the Transport and Road Research Laboratories.
Of the 25,000 car fires in Britain each year less than 2% are caused by collision. So what makes your average saloon catch light? And if it does, how do you cope? Sue Baker looks at the increasing problem and shows you how to deal with a fire. And liquid engineering William Woollard asks how much motorists actually know about the oil they put into their engines.
William Woollard sets out to show how travelling on the Continent can be a pleasurable experience, even for first time drivers abroad. Sue Baker follows the story of one young couple who found that it really pays to take out adequate insurance. And Frank Page drives all the way from Calais to Nice with his eyes closed!
On the day that Britain's latest family car, Austin Rover's Montego, comes on to the market, Top Gear goes behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the company's new multi-million-pound design centre at Canley, Coventry. While Frank Page and Sue Baker road test the full range of Montegos, William Woollard reports on the years of creative effort and refinement that lie behind the car. A fascinating blend of the traditional, with full-scale craftsmen-built models and the latest in computer-aided design techniques which will shape cars of the future. Once you've bought your new pride and joy you may need a workshop manual to look after it. Frank Page examines the painstaking way in which they are compiled.
1980
How will our motoring change during the 80s? Tonight Top Gear takes a look into the future to find out some of the new ideas and new products in road transportation likely to be seen within the decade. Top Gear also features the latest news on the motoring scene.
Top Gear continues its look into the future of road transportation in the 80s, highlights the problems of child seatbelts, looks at two new vehicles and attempts to improve your driving technique.
Top Gear takes a closer look at accident investigators; Ian Breach discovers Britain's least-known motor racing champion; Frank Page takes to the hills with the new V8 Land Rover; and Mike Dornan attempts to improve your driving technique.
Mike Dornan takes an early look at the prospects for this year's Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre. Frank Page gives his impressions of two new small cars; and some driving instructors air their views on driving examiners' interpretation of the rules for passing the test.
Ian Breach meets the contenders for a world title when he goes stock-car racing at Bradford. Top Gear cameras visit the Lucas Electrathon at Donington - a competition to find the battery-powered vehicle which can travel the furthest. Sue Baker gives a progress report on a Trail Park - an area of derelict land where young motor-cyclists can learn to ride and fall safely.
The Paris Motor Show: The world's motor manufacturers exhibit their latest products in the first of the autumn season of motor shows. Frank Page drives to Paris in the new Rolls-Royce and reports on many other new cars.
1985
William Woollard finds out just how much 'blood, sweat and tears' is needed to build your own kit car and looks at the way in which the British component car industry is cleaning up its cowboy image. For more than 20 years Allan Garland has lavished great care and attention on the exhibits in Vauxhall's own motor museum at Luton. Now he's retiring as curator and Sue Baker spent a day with Allan and some of the cars he has loved for so long. And Frank Page drives through the Yorkshire Dales to find out how Fiat's new Uno Turbo shapes up against the opposition.
Top Gear turns its attention to West Germany tonight with a special programme direct from Europe's major motor show of the autumn which opened its doors just a few hours ago in Frankfurt. William Woollard and Frank Page report from the giant exhibition halls on the latest trends and technical developments. Sue Baker gets to grips with VW's new 16-valve version of its cult car, the GTI, and looks at an accident alert system still under test in Germany. Away from the show, Frank Page tries out Subaru's hi-tech XT model, and there's news from Berlin of a spectacular driving simulator.
Chris Goffey reports on an £8 billion-a-year business — the company car. The motor manufacturers sell about half their cars to the company fleets, so it's vital that they get their models right. How do companies choose and what do the manufacturers do to woo them? Sue Baker rediscovers her youth when she tests the new Naylor sports car. It looks and feels like the old MG she drove as a teenager. Frank Page rides a new BMW motorcycle and there's some advice on how to transport the family pet happily and safely.
The pressure is on! Between next year and 1990, legislation will be introduced in stages to reduce the level of pollution caused by car emissions. William Woollard examines the various options open to motor manufacturers, and the price motorists will have to pay. Frank Page meets up with a motor club with no cars, and nowhere to go. The recently-launched Citroen BX Estate is road tested by Chris Goffey and compared with one of its predecessors.
For most people a Grand Prix starts with a green light and ends with a chequered flag, but for the organisers work starts a year in advance. Tonight William Woollard tells the story of the army of 15,000 that makes it happen. Top Gear spent five days leading up to the British GP looking at the side of motor racing the spectator never sees. William Woollard also reports from the M1 on the unnecessary risks drivers take, and Frank Page tries out an interesting newcomer to the British motoring scene, the Bitter SC two-door coupe.
Tonight William Woollard, Sue Baker and a 1930s Bentley Tourer represent Top Gear in the Great English Wine Run. One hundred teams driving a variety of vehicles leave Alfriston in Sussex en route for Paris. Sue Baker also reports from Transport in Action, the trucks 'shop window'. Chris Goffey tries out the new Volvo 760 Estate car for size; and Peter Burgess travels to Sardinia to get to grips with Ford's latest additions to their range: the 4WD Granada and 4WD Sierra XR4.
Four out of ten motorists break down each year — everything from running out of petrol to bursting into flames. William Woollard explores some of the organisations that could come to your rescue. What will succeed the Vauxhall Astra as Car of the Year? Chris Goffey looks at the contenders and discovers how the judges make their choice. Sue Baker looks at the future for the micro car: cheap to buy and tax and economical to run.
Next year, Austin Rover unveil their latest executive saloon car, code-named Project XX. Much of its success, or otherwise, will depend on its penetration into the lucrative US market where Austin Rover have been absent for a number of years. William Woollard visits Canley in Coventry to see the preparations for this important launch, and to find out what the future holds in terms of design and further collaboration with Honda. Frank Page tries out an interesting newcomer to the British motoring scene, the Bitter SC two-door coupe, and Peter Burgess explains your rights, and what to do if the second-hand car you bought is not what it seemed.
1982
Frank Page reports on two new ideas for public transport in West Germany. Sue Baker investigates new transport concepts in overcoming some of the risks to women travelling in London at night. Judith Jackson tells the story of the resurgence in three years of one Japanese motor manufacturer from financial disaster to profitability without government aid.
1992
The motoring series returns with a test drive of the new Dodge Viper, an ultra-high performance sports car that demonstrates renewed self-confidence in the American car industry, and a report on the sinking values of classic cars in Europe. Plus British rally news. With Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson.
In the next few years the technical changes in lorries are likely to be considerable and this week William Woollard reports on quieter, heavier trucks, improved fuel consumption through better aerodynamics and a new vibration rig. Chris Goffey reports on the finals of the Lorry Driver of the Year competition and Bob Friend, in Tokyo, reports on a strange car-blessing ceremony.
Britain's best-selling car, the Cortina, is replaced by the Ford Sierra. Frank Page traces the story behind the launch of this new multi-million pound model. Sue Baker visits Dunlop's new facility at the Motor Industry Research Association's track, which enables motorcycle tyres to undergo more stringent safety tests. Bob Friend reports on a new computerised navigation system aimed at easing Tokyo's traffic problems.
Chris Goffey highlights some of the pitfalls of buying a secondhand car and gives advice on how to avoid buying a 'pig in a poke'. From Japan, Judith Jackson discovers some of the new materials likely to be found in our cars in the future and Bob Friend reports on a development to assist the severely disabled driver. Wearing seat belts becomes compulsory in three months' time. Top Gear explains the new law.
This is the first chance for the French public to see the new Ford Sierra and compare it with a new Citroën. Frank Page reports the highlights of the show and Sue Baker road tests the Citroen BX. Chris Goffey reports on the cars the French can buy but the British cannot; he joins French drivers having a typical Relais Routiers lunch and visits the Schlumpf Museum in Mulhouse.
How do they make the best car in the world? William Woollard looks at the British craftsmanship that goes into making a Rolls-Royce. Judith Jackson completes her stories from Japan by looking at the Wankel rotary engine while Bob Friend reports on some new ideas from Tokyo taxi drivers. As Jaguar celebrates its 60th and most successful year, Frank Page asks Chairman and Managing Director John Egan to explain the recent change in its fortunes.
Launched 26 years ago, the Toyota Corolla has become the world’s best-selling car and has been revised no fewer than six times. Can the latest Corollas stay on top? Plus the Mobil One Top Gear British Rally Championship — the Manx International. With Jeremy Clarkson and Tony Mason.
Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle road-tests the fastest and most expensive (£415,544) car in the world — the Jaguar XJ220 — to see if it can justify another superlative: the world’s best supercar. Three unlikely imports from an earlier age are also tried out: the Hindustan Ambassador and Enfield motorcycle from India, and the VW Beetle from Mexico. And there’s a look at new automatic cameras aiming to catch speeding motorists. Presented by Tiff Needell, Chris Goffey and Janet Trewin.
Rover’s new coupe version of the 800 has all the extras, but is it worth its £30,000 price tag? Jeremy Clarkson finds out. And Chris Goffey goes motor racing in a VW Beetle.
On the first day of the Motor Show, the programme comes from the NEC, Birmingham, and features the most important new models, including Rover’s fastest road car, the 200 coupe, Ford’s updated Escort, and the British-built Nissan Micra. Plus a road test of two new exciting sports coupes, the Mazda RX7 and the Mitsubishi 3000GT. And a chance to win a highspeed ride in a Jaguar XJ220.
Jeremy Clarkson drives some of the glorious Maseratis that made the firm famous, as well as its new model, the 222. And Tony Mason reports on the Midland Rally, the final round of the Mobil One Top Gear British Rally Championship.
Road-testing new competition to the big Volvo estate from Ford, BMW and Toyota — can they threaten its pre-eminence as family transport? For the last 24 years, drivers in Northern Ireland have had to display an “R” plate for 12 months after passing their test. Does the system work and should it be followed in the rest of the UK? And a look at Formula Ford, celebrating its 25th anniversary at Brands Hatch.
A visit to the Isle of Man TT Races, and the two-week festival of motorcycling that accompanies them, and a road-test for Alfa Romeo’s new 155.
Chris Goffey examines two new diesel cars from Citroën and Honda. And Tony Mason sets up a challenge between British rally champions past and present — Colin McRae, who next week seeks to win the Lombard RAC Rally, and Roger Clark, who won it 20 years ago.
Tests for two high-powered four-wheel-drive saloons, Ford’s new Escort Cosworth and Vauxhall’s Calibra turbo. Plus a look behind the scenes of the Lombard RAC Rally.
Featuring new models at the Motorcycle Show at the NEC, Birmingham, two new developments to help lorry drivers avoid skidding and overturning, and a test-drive of the Renault Safrane.
A look back at the 50s and 60s when bigger meant better, especially in America, with a visit to Frank Lancaster’s collection of “Yank tanks”.
Last in the series pays a visit to the Le Mans 24-hour kart race. Plus the Syclone pick-up truck and Subaru’s new coupe.
1988
Brooklands was the first motor racing circuit in the world, the scene of many record-breaking attempts in the 20s and 30s. Now after years of decay, there are plans to build a new museum and reopen the track. William Woollard and Tiff Needell look at the nostalgia they’re trying to re-create. The British company, Cosworth, is one of the success stories of motor racing today. Their engines are found in many of the world’s victorious Formula One and Indy 500 cars. Chris Goffey examines the reasons for their success and road tests the new Sierra Cosworth. Consumer reports reveal that cars are hardly ever serviced properly. Sue Baker investigates what can be done to improve the situation. Frank Page tests the new Peugeot 405.
From the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull. Can motorcycling be made safer without destroying its inherent excitement? The ‘Feet First’ design concept is claimed to offer just that. Paul Blezard reports on various British attempts at designing such machines and tests the extraordinary Swiss Oekomobil — a fully enclosed motorcycle capable of 160mph and yet offering 90mpg at 75mph. Four-wheel steering is said to offer safety advantages to car drivers. Chris Goffey compares the two cars, both Japanese, that are now available fitted with the system. It also forms the basis for a new technique for teaching all drivers how to control a skidding car. William Woollard tries out the new device that may offer the key to skid training for all learner drivers. Tony Mason reports on the result of the Radio Times Rally Quest 88 competition.
The Turin Motor Show is the showcase of the Italian motor industry — a chance to show off the latest design concepts and, increasingly, the latest in high tech. But does the Italian view of style and innovation still lead the world? And has the Italian industry — dominated by the Fiat Group — had too easy a time in its home market for too long? William Woollard and Sue Baker report from the show. Chris Goffey road-tests two new cars — the Fiat Tipo, which its makers hope will supplant the Volkswagen Golf as Europe’s best-selling car, and the executive-class Alfa 164. With Lancia set to dominate the World Rally scene for a second year, Tony Mason looks at their latest contender — the Integrale.
Introduced by William Woollard from the South of France, where he road-tests the latest Jaguar XJS, at last offered in fully convertible form. Jaguar’s 20-year-old V12 engine is challenged by another from BMW. Chris Goffey compares the two power plants and the cars they propel. Car road tests can help you make an informed choice, but what about buying tyres? Which provide the best grip, life and handling? Also Sue Baker visits an adventure school in Scotland to learn how to drive ‘cross country’ and Frank Page test-drives current kit cars.
What is a classic car? Seemingly anything from an Aston Martin to a 1960s Ford Anglia. William Woollard presents Top Gear from the National Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham, and looks at the varied range of cars on display, He also roadtests the Lynx D-Type, a modern replica of the legendary cars that won at Le Mans for Jaguar in the 50s. BMW is about to replace its rather old-fashioned five-series. Sue Baker drives BMW’s latest offering for the up-and-coming executive and compares it with the recently revised Audi 100. Also in the programme, Top Gear asks which new cars depreciate least and Tony Mason samples the thrilling world of Formula One stock car racing.
William Woollard tests Toyota’s new four-wheel-drive Celica intended to challenge for world rally honours, but also the first car on sale in Britain that runs only on unleaded fuel. On the race track, the long standing Formula Ford is joined this year by Formula Vauxhall-Lotus, as a showcase for young talent. Tiff Needell tests cars from both formulas around the challenging Snetterton circuit in Norfolk. Plus Chris Goffey assesses the chances of Mazda’s newly-released 121 in the fierce supermini sector, and Sue Baker takes a look at the esoteric world of trials riding.
This year is the 40th anniversary of the Land Rover. But has the company done enough to update this once world-beating product? William Woollard looks at the Land Rover’s past achievements and examines its future. The Passat has never had a reputation as the most exciting of Volkswagen’s model range. There’s a more spacious and aerodynamic replacement, but is it much of an improvement? A Top Gear family tests the new car with Chris Goffey. And Sue Baker asks why manufacturers don’t do more for the driver that’s taller or shorter than average.
In the last of the current series, William Woollard joins a cavalcade of memorable cars celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Prescott Hill Climb in Gloucestershire, and also reports the serious side of this motorsport — where the competition may last no more than 35 seconds. Horses and traffic are an uneasy mixture. Chris Goffey asks what can be done to reduce the number of accidents involving horses and riders. Frank Page talks to some of the winners of the first Prince Michael Safety Awards — launched this year to help awareness of road safety. Plus, Sue Baker tries out the new hatchback version of the successful top of the range Rover — the 800 Fastback.
1992
Return of the motoring magazine programme. Jeremy Clarkson investigates rumours of the Ford Capri’s comeback and test-drives the Mazda MX-6; Radio Times writer Chris Goffey looks at cult cars; and second-hand car dealer Quentin Willson reveals the workings of the motor trade.
Reports on how Ford’s new Escort XR3i faces up to the competition from hatchback rivals like the Volkswagen Golf GTi, Britain’s new tyre-test law, and cruising America’s Sunshine State in the original “muscle car” — the Mustang.
With the new Renault A610 launched yesterday and the recently introduced Venturi, does this new brace of sports cars from France have the excitement to take on Ferrari?
Should drivers be re-tested regularly once they reach a certain age? Plus test-driving Fiat’s latest small car, the Cinquecento, and a new kind of football, Motaball.
Buying an MGB may be the best route to reliable summertime fun — an almost risk-free classic and, better still, cheaper than might be expected. Plus this week’s Vauxhall Sport Rally — round 1 of the Mobil 1 Top Gear British Rally Championship.
A report on Mitsubishi’s claim that their new Colt brings true quality to small cars for the first time. Plus secondhand bargains in importing large American cars; and motorcycle sidecars. Plus the launch of the Radio Times/Top Gear competition.
Including a road-test on the Porsche 968 and Jaguar XJR-S to answer accusations that those two manufacturers have given up introducing all-new models. And a report from the Lake District on the Cumbria Rally.
Including a road and track test of the Rocket, a new sports car that looks like a 60s racer. Plus the safety of Britain’s ten most popular cars and the history of the early Ford Thunderbird.
Is it worth paying extra for the privilege of being seen in a coupe? Jeremy Clarkson drives the new BMW 3-series and the Honda Prelude. Quentin Willson discovers a car which is gold-plated, weighs three tons, and was custom-made for a flamboyant Texan in the 1920s.
The Ford GT40 beat Ferrari at its own game at Le Mans in the 1960s. Tiff Needell races and road tests a replica of one of these legends in American motoring. And Jeremy Clarkson drives the new Volvo 850.
In the last of the series, Jeremy Clarkson drives Hitler’s Mercedes convertible and Mussolini’s 1939 Lancia.
2000
The series returns after a short break with a special edition from Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Tiff Needell test-drives the new Shelby Series land talks to the car’s creator, Carrol Shelby. Plus a night-vision Cadillac and an appraisal of the new Ford F-150 Lightning.
Quentin Willson assesses high-performance estate cars.
The team mark the 20th anniversary of the Audi Quattro and test a 1985 model against a Mitsubishi Evo 6.
Vicki Butler-Henderson tests the new Mitsubishi Shogun and goes head to head against Kate Humble in a top-of-the-range Land Rover Discovery in a battle of the four-by-fours. Quentin Willson has advice on buying second-hand off-roaders.
Motoring magazine show, tonight revealing the results of a survey of 24,000 British motorists who assess top-selling models.
Motoring magazine, this week looking at racing tips ahead of the weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Hard on the heels of Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Vicki Butler-Henderson takes a ride in an Arrows Formula One racing car. Plus the usual roundup of automotive reviews and advice.
Tiff Needell test-drives Jaguar’s latest Formula One car on the track in Barcelona, while Quentin Willson offers tips on buying the marque’s sixties classic — the E-type.
Quentin Wilson takes a look at the new Ford Transit and Tiff Needell test-drives the Audi TT.
To close the series, the team choose their favourite luxury vehicles.
1985
The Geneva Show always has a surprise or two in store and this year is no exception. This is the international event that many of the manufacturers use to launch new products into Europe or show off their styling exercises. William Woollard and Sue Baker look at some of the highlights and, with Frank Page, test three new cars coming on to the market, the 150 mph BMW M635CSi, the Mercedes 200 Series and Lancia's new small car.
With the recent launch of Sir Clive Sinclair's controversial new electric vehicle, interest has been rekindled in using electric traction for personal transport. This week William Woollard tests the Sinclair C5 and other contenders in the market, from both the UK and Denmark. Chris Goffey, meanwhile, points the way ahead with Peugeot's research vehicle - the 205 Electrique. Sue Baker road tests the latest sporting offer from Japan, the Toyota MR2. With the Budget only a week away Top Gear reports on the pressures on the Chancellor to replace Vehicle Excise Duty with a higher tax on petrol.
Over 3,000 young hopefuls try their hand at Brands Hatch Racing School every year and William Woollard follows in the tyre tracks of James Hunt to discover the joys and costs of single-seater racing. William Horsley reports from Japan on a prison where motoring offenders are taught to drive legally. Sue Baker travels on a novel form of public transport in Hong Kong, and David Minton checks on just how protective motorcycle clothing is.
As the motor industry prepares to celebrate its centenary, the 100th edition of Top Gear comes from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu with William Woollard taking a nostalgic look at the joys and hazards of motoring over those years. It's also the 50th birthday of the driving test, and in that time it's changed very little. Frank Page asks if now, with more than 20 million licence holders on Britain's roads, the standards of 1935 are still good enough. He also takes to the road to test the Porsche 944 Turbo.
Behind every new car lies years of planning and hundreds of thousands of miles of testing. This week William Woollard visits Ford's top secret proving ground at Lommel in Belgium, to experience for himself the testing of the new Granada. But how will it fare in the market place? Sue Baker compares the Granada with some of its rivals, the Renault 25, Volvo 740 and Rover 2300. How thief-proof is your car? Why do cars worth many thousands of pounds have vulnerable locks costing only a few pence? Frank Page gets locked into the world of car security and also test drives the new Rover 216.
Spring not only brings the flowers, but also the caravans from their winter hibernation. This week William Woollard looks at the new season's touring- and motor-caravans, and examines a new, safer towing hitch. Diesel cars have increased in popularity over the past few years, but are they a good investment? Sue Baker goes into the pros and cons, and tests a selection of diesels currently on the market.
William Woollard reports from a derelict 30-acre site in the heart of Birmingham that is being converted into an exciting new adventure centre for the young and unemployed. It provides facilities for everything that runs on wheels from roller-skates and BMX, to motorcycle scrambling and karting. Sue Baker has news of help for the disabled driver and Frank Page tries out the new Subaru 4x4 Turbo saloon.
William Woollard talks to Formula Three Champion, Johnny Dumfries at the launch of a tyre, claimed to be the 'fastest high performance tyre in the world', and asks if this new tyre technology means safer driving. Frank Page road tests the 126 mph MG Montego Turbo, while Sue Baker drives the 'Blackpool Flyer' - the TVR 390SE and tunes in to the latest in in-car entertainment.
With Spain about to join the EEC, William Woollard travels to Seat, the Spanish motor manufacturers in Barcelona, to look at their products and assess their impact on the British market. He also visits Coventry to find out more about an all- British development in four-wheel-drive technology that is catching on with the major car companies. Four-and-a-half million used cars are bought and sold each year and for many buyers this can be a traumatic, and sometimes expensive, business. Frank Page gives hints on best buys and points out potential weaknesses.
1988
William Woollard presents the first of the autumn series from the Paris Motor Show. Long one of the most prestigious venues for the world’s motor manufacturers to show off their latest products, it benefits greatly from France having a very strong domestic car industry. Tom Boswell, a new recruit to the team, reflects on the constantly changing fortunes of that country’s two mighty domestic producers — Peugeot Citroen and Renault. Chris Goffey road tests the most important new model at the show — the Renault 19 and, on its 40th birthday, Beki Adam looks back at that most typical of French cars — the Citroen 2CV. Plus a look at some of the problems that motorists have to contend with in France.
Forty years to the day after the first post-war British Grand Prix was held there, William Woollard visits a much developed Silverstone circuit for the final round of the Formula 3 Championship. To complete his reports on the various training formulas leading to Grand Prix status, Tiff Needell track tests a Formula 3 and Formula 3000 racing car. Forty years ago this month, the motoring world was astonished by the arrival of the Jaguar XK120. Frank Page reassesses a classic sports car that lifted a little of the gloom of post-war Britain. Plus a road test on the new Vauxhall Cavalier, and Chris Goffey investigates the arcane world of the salvage trade.
William Woollard and Tom Boswell at the Motorcycle Show at Earls Court, and a look at a vintage bike rally. But it’s not all two wheelers — Beki Adam enters the world of drag racing involving prize custom cars and Chris Goffey reflects on 40 years of Porsche sports cars. And do motorists get a good deal from specialist fitting centres?
William Woollard at the British International Motor Show which opens on Saturday. Chris Goffey road tests the estate version of Peugeot’s successful 405; and reports on Malaysia’s emergence as a car-building nation with the Proton. Tom Boswell sheds some light on lead-free petrol. Beki Adam looks at the late Sir Alec Issigonis’ ‘poached egg’, the Morris Minor, 40 years old this year.
When police surveillance systems catch motorists breaking the law, the onus is increasingly on drivers to prove their innocence rather than on the police to prove guilt. William Woollard investigates this apparent change in emphasis. Tony Mason reports on preparations for the Lombard — RAC Rally. Chris Goffey drives the 440 — the new Volvo made in Holland and Tom Boswell tackles rust warranties — how much protection do they offer? Jeremy Clarkson visits a firm that pulls apart new Rolls-Royces, and rebuilds them.
From the Transport and Road Research Laboratory in Berkshire. William Woollard reviews the progress on computerised systems to ease traffic congestion and Chris Goffey reports on ways to make motorcycling safer. Beki Adam talks to some dedicated supporters of three-wheelers and Tiff Needell assesses the latest Reliant Robin as practical transport. Plus a road test on the Honda Concerto, the Japanese equivalent of Rover’s Maestro replacement, out next year.
The first London to Brighton veteran run in 1896 marked a newly-won freedom for early motorists — being allowed to drive their vehicles without a man walking in front carrying a red flag. William Woollard joins this annual motoring spectacle. Tiff Needell visits a firm of car restoration specialists, who have prepared some of the vehicles for this year’s London to Brighton event. And taller-than-average Jeremy Clarkson follows up your letters about difficulties with fitting into your cars. Tom Boswell asks why owners are unable to find out more easily which vehicles are safer than others.
William Woollard visits the Caravan, Camping and Holiday Show at Earls Court to review the latest in mobile homes, while Tom Boswell assesses the luxury end of the market, the bespoke motor caravan. Tiff Needell reports on the coming sport of supercross — motorcycle scrambling in an arena. Tony Mason previews Top Gear’s coverage of next week’s Lombard RAC Rally.
1987
Is the increasing cost of motor racing discouraging young British talent? Chris Goffey reports from Brands Hatch on Formula First - a new, cheaper formula designed to solve the problem by giving more new hopefuls access to the first rung of the racing ladder. Sue Baker tests the new Sierra which has a boot - the Sapphire, and Frank Page asks if this new car can return Ford to the dominant position in company car fleets it once held with the old Cortina. Also, take to the streets with the lastest trend in custom cars; and William Woollard checks the accuracy of some of the do-it-yourself alcohol breath-testing machines which claim to tell you when you are over the limit.
As the Eurotunnel consortium prepares for the second phase of its fund-raising effort, William Woollard examines the full-scale models of the special car and truck wagons that could be carrying thousands of vehicles a day under the Channel by 1993. Each year over 1,000 children are killed or seriously injured while travelling in cars, but 83 per cent of children wear no form of restraint. Sue Baker reviews the wide range of safety devices now available for children, and talks to parents about why they ignore their obvious benefits. Frank Page road-tests the new three-litre Vauxhall Carlton , which eased out the new Jaguar XJ6 and BMW series as Car of the Year of 1987. Chris Goffey investigates the esoteric world of sporting trials, off-road hill-climbing, known as ‘mud-plugging’.
As Jaguar prepares to launch its new Sovereign in the United States, William Woollard compares it to its deadly rivals from Mercedes and BMW. At the cheaper end of the market, a look at the range of mopeds available — how well do they perform and how safe are they? Chris Goffey asks whether car manufacturers can learn from the sophisticated electronics fitted to the latest tractors, and Frank Page investigates some deals and discounts available when you try to buy a new car. And the end of an era - as the last Ford Capris reach dealers’ showrooms around the country, Sue Baker looks back on the British motorist’s love affair with the car you always promised yourself.
‘Discretion is probably exercised more in traffic law enforcement than in any other single area of the law.’ William Woollard asks whether this Oxford University research conclusion means a fair deal for the motorist stopped by the police. Sue Baker tests two new economical models competing in the crowded super-mini class, and visits Sweden to inspect a new anti-skidding device currently in production and a prototype computer-driven suspension system. Dan Cherrington, presenter of BBC1’s Farming, tests the new Isuzu Trooper on and off the road, and compares it with the popular Mitsubishi Shogun, and the all-British vehicle that created the market for sophisticated four-wheel-drive cars, the Range Rover. Strictly off the road, Chris Goffey reports on a ‘competition safari’: four-wheel drive is essential, but pots of cash are not.
Nostalgia is the order of the day as Top Gear looks at yesterday’s road sweepers, fire engines, steam lorries and buses. William Woollard takes part in this year’s London to Brighton run of historic commercial vehicles. Frank Page tests the latest in ‘hot’ hatchbacks, the Peugeot 309 GT and the Vauxhall Astra 2000 GTE. Sue Baker drives two versions of a new small car from Japan, the Daihatsu Charade — one very fast, the other very economical. Chris Goffey rides in the new taxi, the Metrocab, and asks taxi drivers if it will replace the familiar ‘London taxi’. And Top Gear forsakes the town to examine the particular problems of road safety in the countryside.
William Woollard tests one of a new generation of stepless transmissions, soon to be available in the Fiat Uno. With the approach of summer, Frank Page looks at a range of camper vans, while Chris Goffey hears of the conflict that can arise when trail riders and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts penetrate green lanes the ramblers feel should be ceded to them. For the motorist seeking high performance, the names Lotus and Maserati carry a special cachet. Sue Baker compares two of the latest models: the Esprit Turbo HC and the Biturbo Spider.
The Skoda Trophy, the Lada Challenge, the Astra-Nova Challenge — some of the championships where car manufacturers support would-be works rally drivers; William Woollard evaluates the schemes on offer. Frank Page has been to Hungary to drive the latest version of such models as the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit and Bentley Turbo R. Just after the Second World War, Britain produced the Jowett Javelin — then one of the most advanced cars you could buy. Sue Baker talks to the car’s designer 40 years on and examines why such promise turned sour. And the Highway Code. Chris Goffey investigates aspects of this quasi-legal charter for drivers.
In the last of the series, as a celebration of summer William Woollard, Sue Baker, Chris Goffey and Frank Page take to the hills of North Wales in four British designed and built sports cars, to try and recapture the lost joys of ‘wind in the hair’ motoring. Chris Goffey brings us up to date with the fortunes of Chris Goodwin and the other novice racing drivers from the first programme of the series, with a report from Oulton Park on the sixth round of the Cellnet Formula First Championship. Does the MOT test, first introduced in 1960, still serve a useful purpose? Sue Baker tries to find out how sure you can be that a car carrying an MOT certificate is, in fact, safe to be on the road. William Woollard road tests what’s claimed to be Britain’s first motor car, the 1894 Santler, and asks which eight cars would be voted the 20th century’s ‘cars of the decade’.
1986
The carnage at last month's Portuguese Rally in which four spectators died, exposed the need for tougher action from rally organisers to control the crowds. Top Gear asks what the sport can do to prevent it happening again. William Woollard tests the new Ford Escort and its anti-lock brake system. As Nissan prepare for assembly of the Bluebird at their Tyne and Wear factory, Frank Page looks at the shape of things to come. And Chris Goffey looks back to the spring of 1966 and the start of the Japanese invasion.
1998
Jeremy Clarkson slips behind the wheel for the new 15-part run of the motoring magazine and road-tests the Ford Focus, while Tiff Needell sees how Aston Martin’s latest DB7 compares with a flying Jaguar. Plus a report from Quentin Willson on used cars imported from Japan.
2000
The motoring show returns, with new presenter Jason Barlow joining the team. Tonight, there’s a road-test of the new Audi A2, a look at 17 cars set to re-define the market, and Tiff Needell goes head-to-head with Formula One’s Jenson Button in the new BMW 330.
Cosworth engines have powered their way to more than 100 Grand Prix victories. Tonight William Woollard revs up in the Sierra Cosworth, the first road car to carry the famous name, and looks behind the scenes at the company's Northampton headquarters. There are road tests on two of the winter's newcomers, the Peugeot 309 and Vauxhall's Belmont. Are the days of motorists struggling with road maps numbered? Chris Goffey travels to Holland to try out an amazing in-car navigation system.
The Turin Motor Show is traditionally the place where the top European car-designers exhibit their latest fantastic creations. William Woollard examines tomorrow's shapes and reports on what the manufacturers are offering today. Chris Goffey visits the Pininfarina Museum and discovers 'what might have been' for some of Britain's most popular cars. Frank Page road tests the latest executive model from Fiat, the Croma Turbo, ie, and sees how they put fire into the Panda 4x4.
Are the days of the traditional, much criticised car service numbered? Chris Goffey looks at a new breed of cheap, fast-turnover, top-you-up operators — US-style franchised chains that look set to revolutionise servicing and threaten one of the bastions of Britain's garage trade. William Woollard takes to the kart track — the training ground of future Grand Prix champions. There's a road test on the Renault 21 and Sue Baker finds out what special 'magic' a car needs to make it a classic.
With the 480 ES, Volvo set out to produce a car which 'radiates dynamic appeal and gives exceptional levels of driving pleasure'! William Woollard discovers whether they've succeeded. Sue Baker and Russell Bray take to the hills, wrestling with a range of all-terrain vehicles, undaunted by forests, hills, axle-deep mud and water. And Top Gear looks at two developments in safety: the air bag and a device to reduce fire risk.
William Woollard reports on a controversial scheme to re-educate drink-drive offenders who can't kick the habit. Chris Goffey and Russell Bray take to the track for a side-by-side comparison between the Porsche 924S and its new Japanese look-alike, the Mazda RX7. Frank Page drives the new breed of Hondas and Sue Baker takes to the high seas to report on some of the dos and don'ts of taking a car abroad this summer.
How fast can your car accelerate from 0-60 mph? Well, whether it's fewer than seven seconds, or slightly more than 30, it's the one magic figure which manufacturers sell and motorists believe is the true test of a car's potency. But is it all that important? How do the testers achieve such dazzling figures; do the results accurately reflect what average motorists can expect from their cars? Chris Goffey reports. One hundred years on, Top Gear looks at the pioneering achievements of Karl Benz and how to give accident victims a safer ride in Britain's ambulances.
Peter Burgess drives one of the newest entrants in the hot hatch race, the Renault 5 turbo, and compares it with the Peugeot 205 GTI. Why don't they teach them something useful at school? William Woollard discovers that you can do motor mechanics and road traffic studies at CSE; and in 1988 there will be a new exam - but could he pass? All cars will soon have rear seat belts as standard; but as yet there is no compulsion to wear them. Chris Goffey looks at Volvo's dummy back seat drivers, and the tortures they endure for research.
Rallying's governing body FISA has reacted quickly to curb the power of the super cars following the tragic death of Henri Toivonen in the Corsican Rally. Following its earlier report into rally safety, Top Gear looks at the dramatic effects the new rules will have on the sport. Chris Goffey test-drives the new Alfa 75 and drives safely among pedestrians in Holland. When is a spare not a spare? Sue Baker examines the phenomenon of the 'skinny' spare tyre - are they safe or merely convenient for manufacturers?
Supermarket shopping in Britain takes on a new look this week when you'll be able to add saloon cars to your shopping list. William Woollard goes to London's Isle of Dogs to see an experiment started yesterday by one major supermarket chain to sell cars to its customers. Sue Baker road tests a convertible from Eastern Europe, the Skoda Rapide, and Frank Page reports on the concerned mum whose interest has led to a baby-seats-for-hire scheme which encourages young mothers to belt up their new babies from the moment they leave hospital.
The Peugeot 205 was a practical, fun hatchback that many drivers found irresistible. Will the 206 be as popular? Vicki Butler-Henderson takes it for a spin. Jeremy Clarkson is given the chance to try out three executive motors, starting with a sporty little Italian model: the Ferrari 456M. He moves on to the Aston Martin Vantage and, finally, selects the Bentley Arnage. Will the Italian model prove superior to the best of British? Road-tests reveal all.
As motor racing returned last weekend to Goodwood in Sussex for the first time since 1966, Tiff Needell tells the story of the circuit’s revival and races a Lister Jaguar; Jeremy Clarkson tests the heavyweight contenders in the four-wheel drive market; and Quentin Willson reports on crash-test research on large cars.
Since its launch in 1989, the original Land Rover Discovery has been Britain’s best-selling four-wheel drive. Tiff Needell tries out the new model to see what’s changed. Andy Wilman climbs aboard Britain’s biggest motor home, the American-made Windsor Monaco, while and Jeremy Clarkson and racing driver Damon Hill try out two versions of the new Honda Accord.
Alfa Romeo are hoping to put past design problems behind them with their new saloon models. Tiff Needell test-drives the latest offering — the Executive Express — which goes on sale in Britain early next year and replaces the much-loved, if slightly quirky, 164.
Owing to concerns over safety the Mercedes A-class was withdrawn shortly after its launch earlier this year. Jeremy Clarkson test-drives the new, modified version. On a weekend break, Vicky Butler-Henderson gets to drive a Formula One car.
Featuring reports from the British International Motor Show in Birmingham. Rover are hoping to steal the limelight with the 75, their first new car since BMW bought the company, while Jaguar are optimistic that their new, smaller S-type will be as well received as their XK8 sports car, which won many fans.
The Ford Puma was such a hit with the Top Gear team that they voted it their Car of the Year for 1997. Now Ford has followed it up with a bigger coupe, the radically designed Cougar, but will it see off the competition?
Volkswagen’s Golf GTi first came to Britain in 1976 and soon became the choice of the fashionable set. Over the years model changes blunted the sharp edges of this original hot hatch but now, with the emergence of an all-new Golf, there’s also a new GTi. Jeremy Clarkson asks whether this latest version can beat the competition.
As the latest manufacturer to enter the sports-car market, Audi hopes to take on rivals Porsche and BMW with the new TT, which goes on sale in the spring. Jeremy Clarkson asks if the TT’s good looks and high build quality are enough to help Audi see off the competition.
The appearance of the luxuriously equipped V8-engined Seville STS marks the return of the Cadillac name to the British market. But will it tempt buyers away from more established makes, such as BMW and Lexus, as well as next year’s Jaguar S-type? Jeremy Clarkson test-drives it to see whether it offers a viable star-spangled alternative.
Steve Berry travels to Seattle to look at Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee, which is huge and available for the first time in right-hand drive. In contrast Vicki Butler-Henderson considers the tiny tearaway Tommy Kaira ZZ sports car, an open-top two seater which is Japanese but made in Norfolk.
Tony Mason looks back at two of Britain’s failed attempts to infiltrate the US market during the post war years: the 1949 Austin Atlantic, which was considered overpriced in relation to its power, and the 1950 Triumph Mayflower, an unpopular miniature variation on the Rolls-Royce. Plus a review of the latest version of the Subaru Legacy, a four-wheel drive with an urban appearance.
Back in the seventies the BMW 3.0, Fiat 130 and Peugeot were the coupes to be seen in-glamorous, rare and expensive. Steve Berry learns what made these models the must-haves of days gone by, while Quentin Willson drives the new, high-tech Mercedes Benz S Class.
In the concluding episode of the current series, Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needell, Quentin Willson and Vicki Butler-Henderson select their favourite cars of the year. Last year it was the Ford Puma that won the plaudits for its overall performance. Can the team find common ground to agree on the best of 1998?
Jason Barlow investigates ways of buying a car, from dealerships to the internet and importing from abroad. Tiff Needell races the GT version of the Lotus Elise and looks at a road version of the sports car — the Lotus Exige. Plus, the new Mercedes C-Class and the Australian Holden.
Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out why the motoring world is talking about the new Vauxhall VX220, while Jason Barlow test drives the new Peugeot 607. Meanwhile, Tiff Needell proves that the Audi RS4 estate is definitely not boring.
Tiff Needell looks at British sports cars, while Vicki Butler-Henderson reaches for the convertible hood in some upmarket machines from Mercedes, Saab and BMW.
The motoring magazine stages a “Fuelympics” to find out which one of five low-emission cars best marries performance with environment friendliness. Jason Barlow, meanwhile, assesses the new-look Vauxhall Corsa.
Today, Jason Barlow road-tests the new Ford Mondeo, Vicki Butler-Henderson uncovers some surprisingly affordable and stylish second-hand coupes, and Tiff Needell revels in the power of one of the last Aston Martin V8s.
The motoring magazine visits Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre for Motor Show 2000, where Jason Barlow surveys the range of cars available under the Ford monicker. Tiff Needell tests Renault’s hatchbacks, and there’s a chance to see Aston Martin and MG Rover’s new models.
Jason Barlow assesses Alfa’s new Sportswagon, Adrian Simpson reveals some surprisingly attractive options for those wanting to put a car on the road for £1,000, and Tiff Needell lines up on the grid at Goodwood — in an Aston Martin valued at some £2.5 million.
Jason Barlow gets to grips with the latest Audi A4 and asks if it will be able to hold its own against stiff competition from BMW. Vicki Butler-Henderson attends a track day at Brands Hatch, where drivers of all kinds of cars get the chance to push their vehicles to the limit.
Tiff Needell joins the Ferrari Formula One team in Italy as they celebrate their first victory in 21 years. Meanwhile Jason Barlow test-drives the new Lexus LS 430, and Vicki Butler-Henderson takes the wheel of Ibiza’s Cupra R model.
Tiff Needell joins owners and drivers on the grid as he enters the glamorous finals of the biggest Ferrari Festival ever in Italy. Plus highlights from this year’s international bike show in Birmingham.
Tiff Needell celebrates the 40th birthday of Cosworth, the engine that revolutionised Formula One motor racing, while Vicki Butler-Henderson has a test ride on the bestselling 50cc scooters. Plus a look at the Ford Ka, three years after it first hit the market.
In this week’s edition of the motoring magazine, Tiff Needell investigates the growing popularity of the push-button gear-shift, and the recently beefed up Vauxhall Astra coupe goes head-to-head with Toyota’s newly boosted Celica.
Jason Barlow finds out whether Renault’s new Laguna can prove serious competition for Ford’s new Mondeo, while Andy Wilman visits the state-of-the-art safety centre of a company known for its strong emphasis on passenger care, Volvo.
In the last of the current series, Tiff Needell learns some tips from Hollywood movie stunt drivers. Jason Barlow takes a look back over a significant year for motorists which has seen massive cuts in car prices and a fuel crisis which brought the country to a standstill.
1995
Jeremy Clarkson and the team return with a look at Ford’s new Scorpio, the most controversially styled carto appear in years. Plus Tiff Needell drives the latest three-wheeled Grinnall Scorpion.
Buyers don’t expect many surprises when a new Escort-sized car appears. But, according to Jeremy Clarkson, the Alfa Romeo 145 is one motor that dares to be different. Impressed by its Italian good looks, he gives it a test drive to see if its performance is equally stylish. Plus Quentin Willson tries to identify what could be the classic cars of the next decade.
Some four-wheel-drive off-roaders are becoming more like plush saloons. Jeremy Clarkson and Tiff Needell find out how well they handle on the road. Plus Quentin Willson test drives the new Lexus LS400, a luxury saloon with “1,700 refinements” — but is it really now one of the best cars in the world?
Jeremy Clarkson test drives the new Audi A4, while Chris Goffey drives modern replicas of two great classics, the Porsche Speedster and the Ferrari 500 Mondial. Steve Berry visits John Fletcher, a former miner and motorbike enthusiast, whose home in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, is virtually a shrine to two-wheelers.
Jeremy Clarkson visits the JCB excavator factory in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Plus Chris Goffey test drives Honda’s new Civic and compares it to the the Ford Escort.
From the Geneva Motor Show, Jeremy Clarkson reports on the launch of some new British cars, including a Bentley convertible and the first MG roadster in 25 years. Plus a look at a Mercedes with three body options, and the Fiat Barchetta which replaces the Spider. With Steve Berry, Quentin Willson.
Fiat have taken their tiniest car and created a sporty version of it. Jeremy Clarkson drives the new Cinquecento Sporting to see whether it offers more fun than Britain’s Mini Cooper. And Tiff Needell tests a new racing car built to look like one from the 50s. It’s set to compete in a race series called Formula Classic.
Daewoo is the latest car manufacturer from South Korea to launch cars in Britain. Chris Goffey drives the Nexia and Espero, which go on sale here later this month, and assesses the company’s strategy of selling direct to the public through its own showrooms rather than through dealers. Plus Tiff Needell test drives the new French supercar, the Venturi 400 GT, to see how it fares against the Italian opposition.
Jeremy Clarkson investigates the practice of “car chipping” by which computer boffins give a car a boost by reprogramming the engine management chip for speed rather than fuel efficiency. For as little as £200 it may be good value for money, but how will the insurance companies react, and will the engines be able to withstand it? Plus Quentin Willson reveals this year’s results in the Top Gear survey of customer satisfaction.
With the prospect of warm weather ahead, drivers’ thoughts turn to convertibles. Jeremy Clarkson test-drives the new soft-tops on the market, which range from Fiat’s avant-garde Punto and the Pininfarina-styled Peugeot 306, to the Saab 900 and Toyota’s Celica GT Cabriolet. Plus Tiff Needell tries out the new 911 Turbo Porsche, the first with four-wheel drive and a turbocharger, to find out how it compares with Porsche’s classic 959 model.
Jeremy Clarkson test drives the new Škoda Felicia, which replaces the popular Favorit, the model that helped change the company’s image. The Felicia has been re-styled and now features many components, including the engine, from Škoda’s parent company, Volkswagen. Chris Goffey looks at the latest offering from Tatra, manufactured in the Czech Republic, and gets a feel of the past in a Type 87. Plus Steve Berry tests the handling of the Chrysler Atlantic, a luxurious modern coupe with echoes of 30s glamour.
Chris Goffey drives the new Rover 400, the final car to emerge from the Rover-Honda partnership. And Steve Berry goes to Italy to visit one of the newest motorcycle companies, Aprilia, whose strategy of marketing bikes as fashion items includes the new Moto’ 6.5, styled by designer Philippe Starck.
In the last in the series, four teams compete to build a Westfield sports kit car against the clock. Quentin Willson considers the pros and cons of buying a secondhand XJ series Jaguar, and Andy Wilman attends the Orange Show Art Car Festival in Houston, Texas, where last year’s customised exhibits included cars covered in human hair, dog biscuits and empty beer cans.
1998
Jeremy Clarkson looks at the new Volkswagen Beetle. Will its combination of retro styling and new technology gain it the same cult status as its older brother? We also see Tiff Needell pit a pair of uncompromising sports cars against each other as the latest BMW Z3, with a more powerful engine than an earlier model, meets Britain's TVR Griffith.
The VW Golf continues to be one of the most popular small cars as Quentin Willson assesses how it fares in the second-hand market. Plus Jeremy Clarkson preaching the virtues and vices of the new BMW 3 series, and Tiff Needell trying his hand at ice racing at Isola in France.
The new Toyota Avensis enters a fiercely competitive market where sales reps and families are the main customers. Jeremy Clarkson asks whether the Avensis is good enough to win a share of this sector, and looks at the other contenders. And Vicki Butler-Henderson tries out the Peugeot 106 Rallye.
Jeremy Clarkson test-drives the star of the Geneva Motorshow the new Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph — and, accompanied by Quentin Willson, analyses the pros and cons of the latest debutantes and concept cars.
Tiff Needell takes to the track to test road cars with a racing heritage, such as the Porsche 911, Nissan Skyline and Honda NSX. Jeremy Clarkson reports on Vauxhall’s new Astra — can it continue to attract customers despite growing competition?
Jeremy Clarkson attempts to prove his assertion that fast cars are the safest, Quentin Willson looks at prices for a second-hand Saab 900, plus a guide to Swedish car-buying.
Jeremy Clarkson test-drives America’s 170 mph Vector, which boasts a powerful 5.7 litre V12 engine. Has it got what it takes, though, to beat the might of Ferrari and Lamborghini? Meanwhile, Quentin Willson discovers which cars offer credibility and practicality for the young driver on a tight budget.
Quentin Willson discovers the people’s choice in terms of performance, reliability, economy and customer care with the announcement of the results in the fifth annual survey gauging customer satisfaction. In Europe, motor-racing grew on road circuits. In America its home is the oval, where fans are treated to the incredible sight of nose-to-tail racing at speeds of 200 miles per hour. Tiff Needell travels to the US to find out what it takes to be a Nascar racer.
Jeremy Clarkson squeezes inside the sleek MX5 to find out whether Mazda have improved their modern-day sports classic. In an item postponed from last week, Tiff Needell tries his hand at Nascar racing, and Tony Mason discovers one of the most extraordinary car collections in the world.
One-third of the half-a-million cars stolen annually in England and Wales are never recovered. Quentin Willson reports on evidence that suggests that many are being given the identities of legitimately owned vehicles. How well does the latest Lotus Esprit compare with its illustrious predecessors? Tiff Needell tests the new supercar. And Jeremy Clarkson sees how the new Mercedes M-class fares in the four-wheel-drive market.
Jeremy Clarkson reports on successful women and the cars they drive. Have roadsters and coupes replaced diamonds as a girl’s best friend? Quentin Willson reports from the Turin Motor Show and also test-drives Fiat’s new small car, the Seicento, the replacement model for the Cinquecento.
Why is it so difficult to import cheap cars from the continent? Quentin Willson attempts to untangle the red tape. Tony Mason helps Land Rover to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and Jeremy Clarkson takes a look at Renault’s new Clio.
In the last of the series, Jeremy Clarkson looks at the opposition that the Cougar, Ford's new coupe, will face, while Tiff Needell tests the supercharged version of the Jaguar XK8. Quentin Willson also follows up an earlier report on why it is so hard to buy a right-hand-drive car outside the UK.
1989
William Woollard and Sue Baker present the first of a new series from Europe’s biggest and brightest motor show at Frankfurt. On the road, Chris Goffey has been driving the new Citroën XM — will it live up to the French company’s reputation for innovation and comfort? And there’s a road test of Mercedes’s new SL sports car, soon to be launched in Britain. But are German motorists’ attitudes to the car changing? Jeremy Clarkson reports on how the nation with more cars than any other in Europe is coming to terms with congestion and pollution.
The switch to lead-free petrol has created a lot of confusion for the ordinary motorist — confusion that now seems to be stalling the growth of sales of unleaded fuel. Tom Boswell seeks to shed light on the introduction of the new high-octane ‘super’ unleaded. As Britain moves closer to Europe, businessmen are less concerned about being seen driving only British cars. Chris Goffey compares three desirable executive saloons from the continent: the Alfa 164, the Saab CD and Lancia’s Thema. Plus, a look at the arcane world of autojumble; and Tiff Needell demonstrates what it’s like to drive a 500hp Ford Sierra.
Politicians in southern California have agreed to a scheme to ban petrol and diesel vehicles within the next 20 years. William Woollard reports from Los Angeles on the implications of this drastic decision and on the more immediate threat to European luxury car manufacturers whose rich markets in the USA are being threatened by the Japanese. Back on this side of the Atlantic, Chris Goffey road tests new versions of Renault’s 19 and 21 and visits Peugeot’s new museum at Sochaux in France.
William Woollard and Tony Mason report from Brands Hatch at the end of the Autoglass Tour of Britain on the success of this newly revived event. Chris Goffey assesses the chances of Skoda’s new front-drive model, the Favorit, improving the company image. This week, the Department of Transport introduces a new pursuit test for learner motorcyclists. Tom Boswell looks into the way motorcyclists are trained.
Britain’s car industry is booming for the first time in a decade, partly thanks to Japanese investment. William Woollard presents the programme from the new Honda engine factory in Swindon. There’s a look at two of Honda’s new models, the Accord and the Concerto, and a road test of a car from Honda’s great Japanese rivals — the Mazda 323. Beki Adam looks back at the celebrations for 30 years of the Mini and Tony Mason reports on the progress of Top Gear’s Rally Quest competition winner.
Three major new British models are being launched at this year’s Motorfair. William Woollard and Sue Baker report from Earls Court on these and other highlights of the show, while Chris Goffey compares one of them, the Rover 200, with its Japanese counterpart, the Honda Concerto. A spate of crashes during police chases has raised worrying questions about the rules governing the pursuit of suspects. Tom Boswell examines the problem and asks whether police driver training might be at fault. Tiff Needell has been partnering Derek Bell in a full season’s sports-prototype racing in the Richard Lloyd Porsche 962. Beki Adam watched a day’s testing at Silverstone to see what goes on behind the scenes preparing and improving these sophisticated cars.
What if your new car turns out to be a lemon? In the United States there are tough laws to protect you, but in Britain you’re still at the mercy of your individual dealer. William Woollard examines proposals to give car buyers more rights. Chris Goffey visits one of the world’s largest car museums, the Musee national de I’automobile at Mulhouse in France. Acquired over many years by the famous Schlumpf brothers, it has a particularly spectacular Bugatti collection with no less than three of the famous Royales. Beki Adam experiences the full terror of 200mph in a straight line — drag racing, of course!
William Woollard reports from the Motorcycle Show on the latest in two-wheeled transport. Vic Allan tests the new Norton F1 road-going version of this year’s Formula 1 British Championship winner, and the Voyager, the latest ‘feet first’ motorcycle. The Brighton Speed Trials are among the oldest events in the British motor sport calendar. Tiff Needell joined a wide variety of men and machines, trying out three contemporary sports cars. Plus, Tom Boswell reports on this summer’s massive gathering of Lotus enthusiasts at Donington, and Chris Goffey road-tests Peugeot’s new executive saloon, the 605.
Throughout most of its history, the motor vehicle has been to war. William Woollard visits the Museum of Army Transport in North Humberside to try out some of the unusual machines which have seen action. Last year Top Gear mounted a special programme on the Pirelli Classic Marathon — a successful attempt to recapture the spirit of 50s and 60s rallying. Europe’s longest classic car event has been run again this year, providing an opportunity for famous names from the sport to be reunited with their old machines. And Chris Goffey tests Ford’s new Fiesta XR2i against its recent rival from Seat — the Ibiza SX1.
William Woollard reports from Autotech 89 on the latest engineering advances in prospect for car owners. This summer Top Gear sponsored the Heritage Team Challenge to help promote club racing between traditional British sports cars. Chris Goffey took over the wheel of an MGB. Plus, Tony Mason reports on the Radio Times Rally Quest winner Liz Jeffries as she prepares for the Lombard RAC Rally with Tiff Needell.
1981
Top Gear takes a look at the development of the motor car during the past 100 years while Frank Page anticipates the innovators of tomorrow's cars by looking at some of today's concept cars. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of a classic car - the Aston Martin - and Sue Baker takes a long, hard drive in the new Vauxhall Cavalier.
Top Gear checks on the servicing of cars at a busy garage, while Frank Page finds other ways to have servicing done. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of a classic car - the MG - and Sue Baker road tests a recently introduced British car.
Top Gear goes to Earls Court for the Caravan Camping Holiday Show. Frank Page reports on one of the fastest-growing areas of the motor industry - kit cars. Sue Baker reports on the value of air deflectors to save fuel, particularly as they relate to caravans.
Top Gear sets out to cover some of the most exciting action on this year's Lombard RAC Rally and in particular the progress of Tony Pond in the Dealer Team Vauxhall Chevette and Mike Jackson,'the one-armed rally driver, in a Ford Escort.
Motorway Control Centre. How does a disabled driver cope with breaking down on a motorway, refuelling without getting out of his car or with parking? Martin Duffy reports. Operation Mole: the code-name of the heavy duty vehicle check carried out by the Gwent Constabulary to discover whether trucks are safe and legal and drivers' records are up to date. Every year two million pounds' worth of vehicles are stolen from the London area. Frank Page reports from the Stolen Car Squad Headquarters.
A brand new racing circuit has been constructed to bring motor racing to the Middle East. Drivers and personalities from the world of Grand Prix racing will be flown to Dubai to celebrate this spectacular event. The Land-Rover, for 20 years the workhorse, of the desert, is under increasing competition. Top Gear looks at the rivals in Dubai, and Dan Cherrington road tests two newcomers in Britain. Sue Baker reports on a new versatile vehicle which could have a big impact in Third World countries.
Frank Page takes a driving lesson from legendary rally driver Erik Carlsson to learn how best to cope with winter road conditions. Sam Toy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford of Britain, reviews the past year and looks forward to the future, in conversation with Peter Smith. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of another classic car, the Jaguar, and William Woollard suggests some useful Christmas presents for the motoring family.
1997
The motoring series returns for a 17-week run with Jeremy Clarkson test-driving Ford’s new Puma — a tiny coupe based on the Fiesta-through the Yorkshire Dales. Quentin Willson travels to Long Beach, California, to try out the latest Chevrolet Corvette. Now with right-hand drive, is it ready to be taken seriously in Britain?
Tiff Needell plays rough on tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine with the tough guy’s off-roader. The armour-plated Hummer was developed for the US Army, costs £70,000, and, with celebrity owners such as film star Bruce Willis, claims to be the ultimate 4x4. Jeremy Clarkson tests the new Toyota Corolla. Will it convince him that one of the most reliable cars in the world isn’t also one of the dullest?
In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine, Jeremy Clarkson compares the new midsize coupe from Mercedes, the CLK, with Peugeot’s new 406. The programme also reports from the Frankfurt Show, featuring the debut of the new Porsche 911 and the launch of the Freelander from Land Rover.
Jaguar are 75 years old but show no sign of slowing down. Jeremy Clarkson drives the fastest version of the new V8 XJ series, the new XJR, and races it against some full-blooded sports cars in the shape of the Aston Martin Vantage, the Mercedes SLK and the Porsche Boxster.
For those who cannot wait six months for the brand new BMW 5 Series or who feel that buying a German car is just following the executive herd, the Saab 9-5 could be just the answer. The 9-5 replaces the ageing 9000, a model that failed to make a big impact against tough German opposition. Jeremy Clarkson goes for a test drive to see if this new Saab has got what it takes.
Jeremy Clarkson takes delivery of the Range Rover Autobiography, the latest gadget-laden luxury off-roader from Land Rover. While he decides on the colour scheme and tries out its satellite navigation system, Michelle Newman investigates the latest four-wheel-drive models from Honda. Toyota and Subaru.
Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson are at Earls Court for this year’s London Motor Show. They look at the new Porsche 911, Land Rover’s Freelander, the new Vauxhall Astra and the latest version of the Volkswagen Golf.
Since its first appearance in the sixties, the Porsche 911 has become a design classic and a motoring legend. Now aged 34, it has had a major makeover. Tiff Needell test drives the new 911 for the nineties.
The A Class is Mercedes’s first entry into the crowded small car market. Flouting conventional ideas of small-car design by enlarging the cabin space, it looks to set new standards for the supermini. Jeremy Clarkson tests what could be the most important car for a generation.
Steve Berry visits the International Bike Show in Birmingham, where he looks at the latest models including BMW’s new cruiser, the R1200C. Meanwhile Michele Newman tests the Xsara, the new family hatchback from Citroën.
Land Rover hope to overturn their rural image with the launch of the long-awaited new utility vehicle — the Freelander. It has sporty looks and claims not to have lost any of Land Rover’s rustic ruggedness. But can it cope with the likes of Toyota’s Rav4 in this very competitive market? Jeremy Clarkson reports.
Quentin Willson looks at a BMW 7 Series that has been round the clock twice, and argues that buying high-mileage cars can represent value for money. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of their RAC Rally victory, Tony Mason and Roger Clark are reunited with their newly restored Ford Escort for a final thrash through the forest.
The Lotus 49 changed the face of motor racing. Driven by Jim Clark and powered by the V8 engine, it gave Ford their first Grand Prix victory, back in 1967. Thirty years on, Tiff Needell revs up the famous Cosworth. Meanwhile, Andy Wilman discovers Cold War cars from eastern Europe, such as the Wartburg and the Moskvitch, that are still up and running thanks to dedicated British enthusiasts.
When the stock market trembles, the effects on the classic-car market are never very far behind. With auction prices falling, there are bargains to be snapped up. Quentin Willson looks at highly desirable models available at knockdown prices.
With two new models on the British market, Lexus is trying to change the ways of top people who prefer a more prestigious badge. Quentin Willson tests Japanese claims to a place in the executive car park.
Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needell and Quentin Willson select their favourite cars of 1997. Among the contenders for top car are the Porsche 911, the new Corvette, the Ford Puma and the Land Rover Freelander.
1989
Once again Radio Times Rally Quest is searching for a budding rally driver to win a chance-of-a-lifetime drive in November’s Lombard RAC Rally. William Woollard presents the first of a new series from the qualifying rounds at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. Tony Mason offers advice on rally driving technique with the help of top rally driver Louise Aitken-Walker. The Ford Fiesta, Britain’s best-selling supermini, is relaunched this spring. Chris Goffey assesses whether the new model is good enough to retain class leadership. Sue Baker has been to the Geneva motor show to preview the rest of spring’s new cars while the latest executive toy is the chauffeur to answer the car phone. Jeremy Clarkson reports.
Next Sunday a beautifully restored 1907 Itala sets out to repeat an epic expedition from the pioneering days of motoring. In that year, the same car won the famous Peking-Paris race by three weeks. William Woollard tried it out in Turin, before it left for China. In 1989, a Range Rover might prove a more appropriate choice for such a trip. Chris Goffey compares this latest model with the best Japanese competition, the new V6-engined Mitsubishi Shogun. At 110 mph sideways over slippery dirt on slick tyres, Tiff Needell reports on his initiation into the sport of rallycross at the British Grand Prix.
William Woollard visits the British Commercial Vehicle Museum at Leyland in Lancashire to sample Britain’s unique contribution to the truck and bus industry. The original Audi Quattro was a tough act to follow. Tiff Needell drives the new Audi Coupe with four-wheel drive to see whether it makes the grade. Chris Goffey samples Britain’s latest turbo-charged diesel Montego. Tom Boswell examines how anti-lock brakes work and whether they’re always an asset. 1989 marks 30 years of the Mini. Beki Adam looks at the way this brilliant family car has been raced, rallied, customised and abused.
William Woollard looks at ways to mitigate traffic congestion, while Jeremy Clarkson examines some of the competing solutions to London’s problems and comes to a novel conclusion. Off-road motorcycle rallies have given rise to a new breed of commercial bikes. Chris Goffey assesses their leisure use off the road, and their practicality in towns. The AC Cobra still evokes a special excitement among enthusiasts. Beki Adam reviews this marriage of a big American V8 engine and a sophisticated British sporting chassis. Tiff Needell tests two Grand Prix Karts — 250cc machines capable of 150 mph.
What better way to drive old racing cars than on the limit at Silverstone? William Woollard meets enthusiasts of the Vintage Sports Car Club who do just that. Four-wheel drive has enormous benefits for road cars. Chris Goffey tests the latest Cavalier 4x4 against newcomers from Citroën and Peugeot. Tony Mason reports from the Radio Times Rally Quest finals, and Tiff Needell performs stunts with some of the best drivers.
William Woollard reports from the new Langbaurgh complex on Teesside, catering for a series of two-and four-wheel motorsport events. Tiff Needell looks at the design of Jaguar’s Le-Mans-winning XJR9 and puts it to the test at Silverstone. Back in the north east, Washington is now the site of an important new Nissan car plant. Chris Goffey reviews this spring’s changes to their range and takes a particular look at their redesigned Prairie. Beki Adam assesses the new deal for cyclists in Middlesbrough.
Presented by William Woollard with reports from Tiff Needell, Tony Mason, Chris Goffey. Aston Martin owners from all over the world met last weekend at Brands Hatch to race their cars. William Woollard traces the history of the marque while Tiff Needell drives their latest car, the Virage. Why is Britain one of the very few countries in the world not to close public roads for rallying? Tony Mason investigates. And Chris Goffey drives two new sporting hatchbacks — the Maestro Turbo and the 16-valve Vauxhall Astra GTE.
Presented by William Woollard with reports from Beki Adam, Tom Boswell, Chris Goffey, Tony Mason. For the last of the current series, William Woollard and Beki Adam travel to northern France to report on the pleasures and perils of taking your car abroad, and Tom Boswell looks at how to learn to love your caravan. Lancia are making a determined effort to win back lost markets with their new mid-range saloon. Chris Goffey test drives the Dedra in Spain. For a seasonal touch, Tony Mason takes his car on to the beach at Weston-super-Mare, but finds tough competition in Britain’s only sandrace meeting.
Jeremy Clarkson
Self - Host
Richard Hammond
Self - Host
James May
Self - Host
Ben Collins
The Stig
1999
Presenter Tiff Needell tries to break a British speed record in the McLaren F1, while new recruit James May test-drives the Rover 75.
James May tries out the Jaguar S Type, a new version of the popular sixties model. Quentin Willson goes to Holland as part of the programme’s campaign to expose Britain’s high car prices. Tiff Needell takes to the road in the latest Vauxhall Vectra.
James May and Julia Bradbury road-test the Yaris, Toyota’s new supermini, which contains several surprises — including a digital instrument reading pod in the centre of the dashboard. Plus a new docu-soap feature in which real-life car buyers search for their perfect motor.
Tiff Needell takes a two-seater Jaguar XK sportscar, one of only two in existence, for a trip around Silverstone. In the mould of the classic XK120 and XK140 of the forties and fifties, this car packs a 450 bhp supercharged engine. Quentin Willson presents the annual Top Gear customer satisfaction survey.
A new Japanese contender to be the dream car of young executives has appeared — the Lexus IS200. James May tests out the £21,000, two-litre sports salon from Toyota which has more gadgets than its rival, the BMW 3-series, but will it be more fun? Tiff Needell takes to the track in two four-door supercars that would be equally at home shopping or racing: the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 5 and the Subaru lmpreza 22B.
An average of eight million people a year buy a second-hand car. For many, it will be one of the most fraught purchases they’ll ever make. Quentin Willson continues his series of items offering help and advice to individuals who have the cash, but not the knowledge, to buy a bargain. Plus James May says happy tenth birthday to a little Japanese roadster that sparked a revival in affordable sports cars — the Mazda MX-5.
At an auction selling hundreds of ex-police cars, Quentin Willson reveals that they can make a surprisingly good buy — and they’re cheap too. They only come in white, and most have covered globe-spanning mileages, but they are always well looked after and at giveaway prices. Top Gear’s used-car guru even finds some bargains in discreet metallics from the plain-clothes branch. Meanwhile, in a deserted airfield, Tiff Needell test-drives a new British sports car, the Noble M10. With a 2.5-litre engine mounted behind the driver, the Noble gives near supercar performance.
The Peugeot 205 Gti was in demand a decade ago, but its popularity declined in the face of the recession and soaring car theft. Tonight Tiff Needell tests its successor, the new Peugeot Gti, which is a little larger, heavier and faster — but is it a lot better? Meanwhile Steve Berry reports from the Isle of Man on the progress of motorbike trials champion Dougie Lamkin in the World Outdoor Trials.
Tiff Needell drives Honda’s replacement for the sporty NSX, the S2000, to find out whether it lives up to expectations.
The new Ferrari Modena coupe has all the classic ingredients — mid-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive and a sumptuous leather interior. Yet it is user-friendly, with a clutchless gearbox controlled by a fingertip lever and plenty of space inside. Tiff Needell is in Italy to test it. The Bugatti Royale is a legend — there are only six in existence and if one comes up for sale it would cost more than £6 million. James May meets racing circuit boss Tom Wheatcroft, who couldn’t live without a Royale and built an exact copy.
Vicki Butler-Henderson reports on the latest Lamborghini Diablo, while Jay Kay, Ferrari fanatic and lead singer of top pop band Jamiroquai, seeks to prove his worth as a potential Top Gear presenter by joining Tiff Needell to test the most powerful Aston Martin ever built.
Tiff Needell flexes the muscles of the mighty BMW M5, with its 400-brake horsepower, 5-litre V8 engine, and assesses its chances against the opposition of the Jaguar XJR and Mercedes E55. James May is in America to sample some startling concept cars from Chrysler, including the Dodge Charger R/T and the Citadel. Chrysler has a history of making dream cars become reality, as demonstrated by the Viper and the outlandish Plymouth Prowler.
1996
The return of the motoring show. Jeremy Clarkson test-drives the Audi A3 hatchback, the latest addition to the range of a booming car manufacturer, while Tiff Needell takes the two-seater Lotus Elise for a spin. Off the road, Quentin Willson looks at worrying EU plans to make car parts more expensive.
In tonight’s edition, Tiff Needell gets behind the wheel of a 200 mph dragster. Jeremy Clarkson compares the new Nissan Skyline coupe with the original, which he reckons is one of the best cars he has ever driven, and Quentin Willson evaluates the Citroën Saxo.
Tiff Needell test-drives the Boxster, Porsche’s first new car for almost 20 years, while Jeremy Clarkson has a spin in a Lamborghini Diablo. Steve Berry explains why now is an opportune time to take a motorcycle test.
In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine programme, Jeremy Clarkson tests the Peugeot 306 GTi, Michele Newman tries the Renault Mégane Scénic and Andy Wilman drives a new version of the Nissan Micra.
Tonight, Jeremy Clarkson gives his verdict on Jaguar’s long-awaited new coupe, Tony Mason enters the Reliant Robin Championship and Steve Berry rides the Honda Blackbird “superbike”.
In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine programme, Michele Newman visits the home of Škoda in Prague to view their new Octavia model. And Quentin Willson casts his eye over the S-class Mercedes.
Tonight, an insider’s guide to the Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham. And Jeremy Clarkson tests the Ford Ka while Andy Wilman reports from Japan on the new mini people-carrier from Mazda.
Jeremy Clarkson travels business class with Audi, Mercedes and BMW, as he weighs up the winners and losers in up-market estate cars. And Quentin Willson discovers the latest market prices on personal number plates.
Quentin Willson tests the new Volkswagen Passat, a car previously known for its family-sized practicality, but which now promises a little more excitement. Does it deliver? And Steve Berry goes to Hednesford Raceway for the National Hot Rod championship.
In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine, Tiff Needell tests the grown-up version of the legendary Caterham Seven. And Andy Wilman reviews La Passione, rock star Chris Rea’s tribute to the Ferrari.
In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine, Quentin Willson traces the troubled history of the NSU Ro 80, one of the world’s first rotary engine cars. And Steve Berry visits the International Motorcycle Show, where the Buell Lightning superbike is on display.
Andy Wilman visits Japan to drive the RX01, Mazda’s latest up-market sports car. Plus action from Spain in the Catalunya Rally.
In the motoring magazine tonight, Andy Wilman visits the annual Volkswagen “Beetle Bash”, an event that revels in rave culture and performance art as much as cars. Plus there’s a review of the latest turbo diesels.
Jeremy Clarkson tests the latest sports roadster, the Mercedes SLK, and Steve Berry drives the SSC, an experimental car full of gadgets including radar.
1987
From Press Day at the Frankfurt Motor Show — William Woollard and Sue Baker report the latest cars. Frank Page drives the new medium-sized Peugeot 405. On the road, there are test reports on the BMW V12, Mercedes Coupe and Porsche 959. You can still drive as fast as you like on the German autobahn, but is it just too dangerous? Chris Goffey reports on the political pressure to slow down.
Surrounded by the glories of Britain’s motoring past at the Heritage Motor Museum, Syon Park, William Woollard introduces a new feature — the Top Gear Car of the Decade — and road tests nine cars with a claim to be the most significant designs of their decade. In the first test, the programme looks at the original 1906 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, a car that set a standard of excellence in engineering that has been a benchmark for designers ever since. Ten pre-1915 Rolls Royces were among the 26 veteran cars that set out on a 2,500 mile tour of Britain earlier this summer. Sue Baker viewed £2 million worth of machinery at Stratford-Upon-Avon. Frank Page has been sifting through viewers’ suggestions on how to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists on rural roads, and visits Water End in Hertfordshire to illustrate how some of them might work in practice. Chris Goffey tests Toyota’s new family saloon out this autumn.
Are Top Gear viewers dissatisfied with their cars? Several hundred of you wrote in to complain last series, in response to an invitation to air your problems. William Woollard investigates some of the more interesting cases. Sue Baker road-tests Vauxhall’s new flagship, the Senator. Is it prestigious enough to compete with established luxury cars? At the Acropolis Rally earlier this year Hannu Mikkola became the first driver ever to take part in 100 world championship rallies. Tony Mason was there to discover why Hannu is regarded by many as the world’s greatest rally driver. Chris Goffey drives a Ford Model T, the car that put America on wheels — and much of the rest of the world, too — and which Top Gear viewers have voted their ‘car of the decade’ for 1910-20. Frank Page, meanwhile, has been to Southend to examine the latest in car customising — California-look Volkswagens.
Car design in Eastern Europe has lagged behind the west, but with the new Lada Samara, has caught up. Sue Baker visits the Togliatti factory in central Russia, to drive one of the first righthand drive versions of the hatchback. Disabled drivers using conversions, fitted to conventional cars, are faced with a confusing range of devices. Chris Goffey visited the Mobility Roadshow to see how well the market caters for their special needs. Road safety depends on good tyres, inflated to the right pressure, but how sure can you be that the gauge is accurate? Frank Page looks at new machines that may be better. This week’s car of the decade is the Austin Seven, the first genuine car for the working person. For many people, the only accessible motor sport is ‘banger racing’. Tony Mason reports from Wimbledon on the Top Gear team’s courage and skill behind the wheel.
This year’s motorcycle show at the NEC Birmingham is set against a continuing background of falling bike sales. William Woollard views the latest models the industry hopes will encourage people out of their cars and back onto two wheels. Frank Page investigates the revival of the Norton company and the new bike they’ll be launching on the private market this autumn, and Top Gear looks at some of the more radical machines on which hardened bikers keep the cult of biking alive. One of Top Gear’s family of test drivers joins Sue Baker to evaluate the new small Citroen, the AX, and compares it with its established rivals from Ford and Peugeot. And why are Britain’s motorways so frequently in need of repair? Chris Goffey reports on new ways to try to make them last longer.
This week’s car of the decade is from the 30s. William Woollard tests the Citroen Traction Avant that introduced a new level of engineering to the family car, and foreshadowed front wheel drive. Chris Goffey reports on the latest Mazda 626 which breaks new ground with a rear-wheel steering system designed to improve highspeed handling. On a lighter note, Sue Baker tests the special Buick used to take the Duke and Duchess of Windsor into exile after the abdication. Some of the presenters try out an unusual motor sport — tractor pulling.
William Woollard presents the programme from London’s Motorfair 87. Sue Baker drives the latest Lotus, and there’s a report on the apparent revival in British car manufacturing — is it a genuine success story? Chris Goffey reports on the British Truck Grand Prix and Tiff Needell monitors the progress of the ‘Formula First’ entrants whose careers were featured in the last series. The VW Beetle was the car of the decade for the 1940s — Frank Page rediscovers the car in which he learnt to drive.
Britain’s motorway network seems constantly clogged by road repairs. William Woollard asks why the surfaces need rebuilding so frequently, and looks at an alternative way of funding road repairs being tried out in Arizona. Also in America Chris Goffey reports on a glimpse into the future shape of the car, through the eyes of design students at Detroit’s Centre of Creative Studies. What was it like to race motor cars at the turn of the century? The first car to carry the British Racing Green, a Napier, has just returned to Britain, and Tiff Needell test-drives it over the tracks and lanes round its new home at Beaulieu. In the car of the decade series, it’s the 50s and a car whose shape and engineering would make it remarkable 30 years later; the Citroen DS.
Traditional car design in Eastern Europe has lagged decades behind the west, but with the new Lada Samara, the Russians seem to have caught up. Sue Baker visits the Togliatti factory in Central Russia to drive one of the first right-hand drive versions of the new hatchback. This week’s car of the decade is the Austin Mini, a symbol of the 60s. Chris Goffey samples the cheaper end of the 4x4 market — how useful are they as transport for families in rural areas?
William Woollard tests the new right-hand-drive version of the Honda Civic hatchback. Sue Baker returns to Birmingham’s ‘Wheels’ project to see how the scheme to give people real experience of driving before they go on the road is working. The 70s saw the birth of the ‘hot hatchback’. Tiff Needell drives the nominated ‘Car of the Decade’, the Alfasud. In ten days’ time, the Lombard RAC Rally gets under way in Chester. Tony Mason visits a rally school to see aspiring drivers improve their technique.
In this final programme of the autumn series, William Woollard puts the spotlight on more complaints made by Top Gear viewers about car design and performance. Sue Baker looks at the way photographer David Bailey goes about selling a new model as he directs his first car commercial. The MOT test: should Great Britain adopt the Northern Ireland solution of government-run testing stations? With the start of Britain’s premier rally three days away, Tony Mason sees how Ford whittled down 15,000 aspiring drivers to find a single winner to be given an entry in the Lombard RAC Rally. Plus the final ‘Car of the Decade’: the rally-bred Audi Quattro is the Top Gear car of the 80s.
1990
This year Britain’s Louise Aitken-Walker was at the Monte Carlo rally with a full works team in her first bid for the ladies’ world championship. Tony Mason follows her progress. Why are more child pedestrians killed on British roads than in most other European countries? William Woollard looks at some possible ways to reduce the statistics. Sue Baker and Chris Goffey report from the Geneva show on the new models.
The new Lotus Elan is eagerly awaited. Have Lotus designed a civilised, high performance sports car with front wheel drive? Chris Goffey finds out. In the first of a short series, William Woollard considers technical solutions to the problem of carbon dioxide and its contribution to global warming, starting with solar energy and hydrogen as alternative fuels. Plus, Tom Boswell looks at the latest in car security, and Beki Adam is initiated into the new sport of supermoto.
Ford recently paid £1.6 billion for Jaguar cars. They wanted a prestige name and a ready-made slice of heritage. William Woollard looks at the history of the marque and what Ford may do with their new acquisition. Tiff Needell drives the Yugo Sana, the most modern-looking car yet to emerge from eastern Europe. And there’s the second part of Top Gear’s analysis of the alternatives to petrol which may help to reduce the contribution made by cars to global warming.
William Woollard reports from the Ultimate Truck Show at Stoneleigh in Warwickshire on the biggest, fastest and safest trucks on the scene. Steve Webster has been world motorcycle sidecar champion for the last three years. Tiff Needell takes the place of his regular passenger around the challenging Cadwell Park circuit in Lincolnshire to try out one of the most dangerous and spectacular jobs in motor sport. For the disabled, mobility itself is a challenge. Simon Barnes of the One in Four programme investigates how to go about learning to drive and buying a car if you are confined to a wheelchair. Plus Jeremy Clarkson examines the return of the car with a boot, with three new models which started life as hatchbacks.
The Italian city of Turin is now the home of the world’s most influential car stylists. William Woollard presents the programme from the city’s prestigious Motor Show where they display their latest ideas. Chris Goffey road tests Fiat’s new mid-sized saloon, the Tempra. The Chevrolet Corvette is America’s classic sports car; Beki Adam looks at its history. Tony Mason reports from a classic British sporting event — the Land’s End Trial.
William Woollard reports from Donington Park where the final selection of the Rally Quest 90 winner takes place. Tony Mason follows the finalists to find who will have the chance of an entry into this year’s Lombard RAC rally. Tiff Needell assesses Toyota’s new MR2 and Celica GT4. Tom Boswell tests the Honda CN 250, a new breed of bike-cum-motor scooter. Plus, Jeremy Clarkson reports on two novel ways of recovering a stolen car.
Interest in classic cars has never been greater and the prices they fetch have never been higher. William Woollard reports from the International Classic and Sportscar Show and Sue Baker asks whether the bubble of inflated values is about to burst. Chris Goffey tests two cars from less well-known Japanese manufacturers, the Subaru Legacy and Daihatsu Applause.
William Woollard reports from the Veteran Car Club’s diamond jubilee rally at Stratford-upon-Avon. Chris Goffey assesses the new versions of the Rover Metro and Fiat Uno. Jeremy Clarkson investigates the falsification of mileage on second-hand cars, and why this multi-million-pound fraud isn’t taken seriously enough. Tiff Needell tries his hand at rallying behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi Galant that won last year’s Lombard RAC Rally, with expert tuition from winning driver Pentti Airikkala.
1993
The motoring series with a report on the best small car in Britain today — with Jeremy Clarkson and Michele Newman sifting through the ten leading contenders. And Kristian Schmid (who played Todd Landers in Neighbours) gets advice on good second-hand cars that teenage drivers like him can afford to insure. Plus a report on the new semiautomatic Ferrari Mondial.
1986
Metro, Maestro, Montego and now the new 800 Series of executive saloons make up an Austin Rover range aimed at enhancing the company's sales and reputation at home and abroad. But can the recently renamed Rover Group, headed by Graham Day improve Austin Rover's image for reliability and quality? Top Gear takes a detailed look at the 800 Sterling, puts the 820 Si model up against its rivals and William Woollard assesses how big a task the company faces to win back customers. Chris Goffey's also trying to keep up with the competition racing round the streets of Birmingham at last month's Superprix.
1982
Easter is the first get-away weekend for many motorists and Top Gear finds out how they have fared on the motorways and what they think of the services offered. Also our cameras join a motorway police patrol car to report on typical holiday traffic problems. For those who prefer someone else to do the driving Sue Baker reports on a new super-coach which runs between Glasgow and London and Chris Goffey reports on two new garage ideas which could save time and money. Frank Page reviews some of the latest cars coming to showrooms.
2001
Tonight, chasing the Mondeo and the Renault Laguna, the Lamborghini Miura and how it will blow your doors off, and the future may well be bright but does it make sense.
The new 900 is the first car Saab has produced since General Motors took a controlling interest in the company. Jeremy Clarkson discovers whether the traditional Saab virtues of solidity, safety and individuality have survived the American influence. Tiff Needell reports on the Blackpool-made TVR Griffith. And Tony Mason reports on the Ulster Rally.
Chris Goffey, a long-time MG enthusiast, tests the new RV8 sports car, and Jeremy Clarkson compares the legendary Cadillacs of the 1950s with the latest models from Detroit.
If the 80s was the decade of the hot hatch, the 90s looks like being the decade of the four-wheel-drive leisure vehicle. Chris Goffey tests two new 4x4s, the Nissan Terrano and Ford Maverick. And Tony Mason reports from the Manx Rally, the latest round of the British Rally Championship.
Statistics show a drop in road deaths, but are our roads really safer? Top Gear looks at the plight of the pedestrian. There is also a road-test of the Toyota Supra a celebration of Goodwood racing circuit.
Sales of Mercedes-Benz cars are falling. This week Jeremy Clarkson sees if the new C-class Mercedes has got what it takes to reverse the trend. Plus, optional extras such as leather upholstery can add thousands of pounds to the cost of a new car. But how much do they fetch when the car’s second hand? Quentin Willson investigates.
On the day the London Motor Show opens Jeremy Clarkson, Michele Newman and Chris Goffey seek out the new models and ideas. Quentin Willson assesses the new smaller Lexus; Tiff Needell tests the spartan Westfield Cosworth and the latest Porshe 911.
An opportunity for car enthusiasts, without minimum £67,000 to spare, to fantasise about owning and driving a Ferrari. In this programme devoted to the car more deeply immersed in motoring mystique than any other marque, presenter Jeremy Clarkson, a self-confessed addict, visits the factory, interviews owners and test drives the new 456GT, the world’s fastest four-seater car. “This is classical elegance,” says Clarkson. “And it’s four times more powerful than your Golf GTi.” For those still dreaming, a top of the range Ferrari — the 512TR — costs almost £125,000 and has a top speed of 195mph.
Including a look at some adventurous car designs from the next generation of stylists at the Royal College of Art, a report on Damon Hill’s momentous year, a road-test of the latest Daihatsu Charade, and advice on second-hand Vauxhall Senators.
This week featuring a test drive of Britain’s new £47,000 Lotus Esprit S4 — is it really such a big improvement? There’s also a visit to Silverstone to discover quarter-scale racing cars, and a report on the Honda Pacific Coast motorcycle, a bike that in the USA seems to have won the hearts of a few car drivers.
A look at how the latest diesel cars from Ford, Citroën and BMW match their petrol cousins and reports from Germany and the Czech Republic on the preparation of two contrasting teams — Toyota and Škoda — for next week’s RAC Rally in Birmingham. Plus the exotic automobiles that cruise over Albert Bridge in London every Saturday night.
There’s a test of the latest Lada Riva and Škoda Favorit in search of real value for money, and a report from the tough 200-mile Welsh Hill Rally.
Jeremy Clarkson goes to one of the world’s highest motor shows, in the Alps, to test Land Rover’s latest V8 Defender, and asks why it’s not on sale in Britain. Chris Goffey visits a project in Oxford designed to prevent teenagers drifting into car crime. Tiff Needell takes road and race versions of the Jaguar XJ220 and Lotus Sport 300 to Silverstone to assess their performance.
Entries in the British Touring Car Championship tend to look like the cars we drive ourselves, though they’re very different beneath the bonnet. Jeremy Clarkson puts top drivers to the test in the production-line versions of their racing machines. And Tony Mason reports on 45 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts, re-creating an event last held before the First World War. Can the “best car in the world” still tackle 1,700 miles of Europe’s toughest alpine roads at more than 80 years of age?
In the last programme of the series, Chris Goffey tests Mazda’s new sports saloon, the Xedos 9, and assesses how much of a threat it may be to the BMW 3 series. The Middle East is an expanding market for expensive and specialist cars. Jeremy Clarkson reports from the Dubai motor show, and tests the sort of vehicle designed to replace the camel as a means of transport in the national sport of falconry. And Tiff Needell looks at American-style midget racing.
Overweight, overblown and over-decorated, the 1970s Pontiac TransAm summed up everything that was wrong with American cars at the time. But it’s still a classic. Steve Berry drives the latest model. And Jeremy Clarkson looks at Top Gear’s highlights of 1993.
The emphasis this week is on performance cars. Jackie Stewart shows William Woollard that what he learnt as a racing driver can help people to drive more safely on the roads. And Sue Baker tests the new Renault GTA V6 Turbo. But, with so many powerful cars on the market at the moment, do the glossy ads that sell them actually encourage drivers to break the law? Top Gear talks to the ad men and their critics.
For most of us, owning a Ferrari is just a dream, but at the annual meeting of the Ferrari Club of Great Britain, owners come together to show off their pride and possession. The petrol companies desperately offer everything from glasses to cricket bats to induce people to buy more of their products. Why do the giants place such an emphasis on free gifts and forecourt shops? And the new Audi 80 is roadtested.
Car manufacturers will be launching their latest models at the Birmingham Motor Show in two weeks time. But tonight, Chris Goffey previews one of the latest offerings from Germany, the BMW 7 Series. William Woollard casts an eye over a selection of cars at the budget end of the market. Still with economy in mind, Sue Baker questions the increasing popularity of buying second-hand tyres. Rallying attracts people from all walks of life. The reggae band UB40 is not only sponsoring a car but is training for a more active long-term participation in the sport.
Jaguar has done very well since its recent privatisation — especially in its sales in the United States. Now it prepares to launch its most important new car in almost 20 years. Chris Goffey road tests the new XJ6 and asks if it will be a big seller in both home and export markets. William Woollard has been trying out the latest addition to the Citroën family. Top Gear viewers played their part in suggesting some of the features that have been incorporated in its design. So how will the Citroën AX fare in the fiercely competitive smaller end of the car market? And, apart from fuel consumption, running costs and the sheer aesthetics of a new car, should you pay more attention to how much it will depreciate. Why do some cars lose more value than others, and who decides, anyway?
This week sees the start of the 1986 British International Motor Show, held this year at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. William Woollard guides you round the latest creations from the world's leading manufacturers and assesses how the best of British stands up against the opposition. Sue Baker examines the slowly reviving British sports car market and road tests the new TVR 420. If luggage space is your problem, then Frank Page could supply the answer when he compares three estate cars, including the new Renault 21 Savanna.
Surprisingly, almost as many convertibles are sold in winter as in summer, in the United Kingdom. William Woollard takes an unseasonal look at the best-selling Cabriolets in Britain. Status symbol or necessity? We look at the latest in car phones and examine likely changes in the regulations governing their use.
In the last of the present series, especially for motor bike enthusiasts, Chris Goffey previews the International Bike show, which opens at Olympia tomorrow, including a look at the new super-bike from Honda. If you thought steam cars were a thing of the past, meet a new one capable of an astounding 90mph, and Frank Page talks to a man who arranges transplants for much-loved Morris Minors.
Does it pay to buy or sell second-hand car at an auction? William Woollard inquires into the world of the used car market. Martin Muncaster tells the story of how Lord Riverdale found a Sheffield Simplex in Australia and restored this unique car. Sue Baker gives her impressions of the Ford Fiesta XR2 and Frank Page on the new Austin Ambassador. Finally Top Gear reports on children's car safety.
Introduced by William Woollard from Turin Motor Show, the show where the Italian stylists illustrate why they are among the world's leaders in car design. Frank Page and Sue Baker report on the latest motoring products. Maintaining the Italian theme, Chris Goffey interviews perhaps the world's most eminent car designer, Pininfarina, reports on a new Italian tyre designed for increased grip in the wet and discovers the Mille Miglia is about to be revived.
From now on the weekend roads become busy with caravans and this week William Woollard looks at new products and ideas for the outdoor holiday-maker. Frank Page and Sue Baker give their impressions of two more recently announced models and Tom Boswell reports on a unique British motorcycle front suspension. Look what they have done to the Metro! William Woollard traces some of the modifications carried out on the Austin Metro since its launch 20 months ago and Top Gear looks at a car club which takes to the water.
From a Forties production platform William Woollard finds out what happens to the oil on its way to the petrol pump. Sue Baker examines the issue of lead in petrol and whether there is a future for liquid petroleum gas as a viable alternative fuel. The oil companies reveal their marketing plans to change the face of the garage forecourt in the 80s.
Motor manufacturers spend millions of pounds on research and development and part of that money goes on the practical road testing of vehicles. William Woollard looks at Britain's longest test track to find out if the expense and effort is justified. Jackie Stewart looks ahead to the new law to make the wearing of seat belts compulsory. If you thought it was difficult enough to take your driving test, Sue Baker finds out how the professionals do it at the Army School of Mechanical Transport.
Each year 8 million cars and 111 million passengers pass through Britain's premier port. Top Gear goes behind the scenes as the holiday season builds up at this busy port. Why do we feel guilty when we go through Customs even when we have nothing to declare? Dr Michael Argyle of the Department of Psychology, Oxford University, explains. Chris Goffey reports on how the AA trains its patrolmen to cope with around two million breakdowns a year and there are road impressions on two recently announced cars.
This year marks the diamond jubilee of the Austin Seven. To commemorate it Top Gear has arranged its own Austin Seven motor show, including driving tests and a concours d'elegance for the Top Gear trophy. Sue Baker and Frank Page give their road impressions of two recently announced cars.
Jason Barlow takes a ride in the new Alfa 147, which Alfa Romeo hopes will make waves in the small-car market. Tiff Needell, meanwhile, road-tests the 180 XKR-R, a souped up performance Jaguar which could soon grace showrooms.
Vicki Butler-Henderson looks at whether the brand new Volkswagen Lupo GTi’s sporty credentials live up to its looks, while Jason Barlow tests the remarkable new Citroën C5.
Jason Barlow tests the new MG F Trophy, one of Rover’s new sporting models, while Vicki Butler-Henderson checks out Vauxhall’s lastest Astra diesel — the Eco 4.
Tonight’s show reveals the results of a special customer satisfaction survey — a study into buying, owning and running a car that reveals the very best and worst of different models, including which car registered an amazing 1,800 faults.
This week in the motoring magazine Vicki Butler-Henderson tests Citroën and Peugeot hatchbacks that offer better-than-average performance for little more than the cost of a standard model. Plus Tiff Needell learns how to handle a high-powered motorcycle on the road.
The latest model from Jaguar’s production lines, the X-Type, marks a radical departure for the luxury brand. Jason Barlow takes the saloon sports car for a spin to see whether its makers will succeed in appealing to a younger demographic, or whether the X-Type will damage their reputation as a top people’s car manufacturer.
A look at the new Peugeot 307 — has it got what it takes to lead the family hatchback pack? Plus, is the recently revived, Dutch-designed Spyker CS Spyder worth its £150,000 price tag?
Tiff Needell sees how BMW’s new Mini One compares with its rivals, and competes against Vicki Butler-Henderson in a downhill race at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Tiff Needell and the team test the quality of the new MG road cars and take a look behind-the-scenes at John Travolta’s new film Swordfish, which features a TVR Tuscan in the spectacular car chase sequence.
Twenty percent of Britain’s income is spent on motoring. Jason Barlow, Vicki Butler-Henderson, Adrian Simpson and Tiff Needell explore ways of halving that figure by offering advice on the best second-hand deals, reducing insurance premiums, fuel economy and inexpensive maintenance.
Tiff Needell test-drives the eagerly-awaited Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, the most talked-about supercar ever to come out of Britain. So does the beautiful two-seater coupe with a top speed of 190mph meet expectations?
Vicki Butler-Henderson road-tests the new Tuscan S, which is rumoured to reach speeds of up to 200mph. Plus a look at where to buy cheap cars, and the new number-plate system.
Jason Barlow tries out the latest update of the Ford Thunderbird, Tiff Needell assesses the merits of the BMW M3 convertible, while Adrian Simpson tries to understand how the inside of a car can tell you about its owner.
Tiff Needell test-drives new models from TVR and AC, while Vicki Butler-Henderson rides in the Arrows three-seater Formula One car. Jason Barlow assesses the future of green-engine technology, and tries out a fuel cell-powered car.
Jason Barlow compares the new Rat Stilo with the Ford Focus, there’s a report from the Frankfurt Motor Show including the lowdown on next year’s new cars, and Tiff Needell drives sideways as he participates in a stunt competition.
Jason Barlow, Adrian Simpson and design guru Richard Seymour assess what makes the Ford Focus a bestseller.
Jason Barlow and Adrian Simpson take a look at the Land Rover Freelander and its competition in the off-roader market, while Tiff Needell test-drives the FBS Census.
Vicki Butler-Henderson sizes up the new Volkswagen Polo, while Jason Barlow and Adrian Simpson report on BMW’s fortunes in the competitive executive-car market.
Vicki Butler-Henderson and Adrian Simpson compare the merits of British roadster the MG F with international counterpart the Mazda MX-5. Tiff Needell races a Mini Cooper and Jason Barlow tests the new Mercedes SL500.
1990
Earlier this year, Tiff Needell and Tony Mason joined a remarkable collection of sports racing cars assembled on the Ecurie Ecosse Historic Motor Tour of Scotland. Vauxhall’s new Calibra is a sleek four-seater performance coupe. Radio Times’s motoring columnist Chris Goffey assesses how well it fills the gap left by the Ford Capri. Traffic congestion can turn serious accidents into fatal ones by delaying medical help. Helicopters have proved a cost-effective answer in Germany. Presented by William Woollard from the Midland Motor Museum in Shropshire.
William Woollard and Sue Baker report from the prestigious Paris Motor Show on what’s new on the stands. Radio Times’ motoring columnist Chris Goffey road-tests the new Renault Clio and looks at some of the ways French motoring retains its individuality.
Hispano Suiza is a make of car more exclusive even than Rolls-Royce. The company stopped making them over 50 years ago so it is rare today to see even one in public. Willie Rushton accompained 40 of these elegant reminders of a bygone age and their equally distinctive owners on a nostalgic visit to their native Spain.
William Woollard presents the programme from the Motor Industry Research Association in Warwickshire, used by many of the world’s motor manufacturers to develop their new models. Tiff Needell explores the different ways cars behave in emergency situations, Jeremy Clarkson tests the new model Ford Escort and Tony Mason joins former motorsport stars Paddy Hopkirk, Stirling Moss and Roger Clark on the 1990 Pirelli Classic Marathon.
Next month, RAF technician Will Brown competes in the Lombard RAC Rally as part of his prize for winning the Radio Times Rally Quest competition. Tony Mason watches his final preparations during the Audi Sport International in mid-Wales. Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey assesses the impact of Toyota’s new luxury car, Lexus, and Jeremy Clarkson reviews the 80th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo marque.
William Woollard reports from the Sunderland factory where the new Nissan Primera is made and Jeremy Clarkson puts it through its paces. Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey looks at the latest attempts to build intelligent cars which avoid accidents and Tony Mason visits a car museum in the south of France.
Jeremy Clarkson tests three golden oldies: the Audi Quattro, the Volvo 240 Estate, and the Jaguar XJS. Radio Times columnist Chris Goffey takes the wheel of a rally-prepared Mini for the Telford Stages Rally, a round of the Top Gear Heritage Historic Rally Championship, and Beki Adam looks at the history of the Chevrolet Corvette.
Tony Mason reports on Paul Stewart — son of Jackie — who runs his own team, competing in Formula Vauxhall Lotus, Formula 3 and Formula 3000; Radio Times contributor Chris Goffey tests the VW Caravelle and the Toyota Previa; and the new proposals for testing exhaust emissions in the MOT.
Next Sunday, the 1990 Lombard RAC Rally starts in Harrogate. William Woollard previews the action and Tony Mason meets the new world rally champion, Carlos Sainz. Honda’s new supercar, the NSX, combines technical innovation and startling performance. Tiff Needell assesses whether it will become a real rival to Porsche and Ferrari. And Radio Times contributor Chris Goffey visits the Monteverdi Museum in Switzerland to take a look at some of the beautiful vehicles which have borne that name.
On Sunday, 180 competitors started at Harrogate in this year’s Lombard RAC Rally. Drivers have been battling through the tough forest stages in the north of England and the Scottish Borders. William Woollard, Alan Douglas and Tony Mason report on this last event in the 1990 world rallying calendar.
1996
The motoring series returns with Jeremy Clarkson marking the centenary of the British auto industry and looking at some of the world’s most luxurious saloons. Plus, Andy Willman meets car private eyes who reunite stolen cars with their owners.
Jeremy Clarkson mourns the passing of powerful cars such as the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, the Audi S2, Mazda RX-7 and Nissan 300ZX. He takes his personal favourite, the Escort Cosworth, down to an Essex racetrack to bid it farewell, joined by rally driver Gwyndaf Evans. Tiff Needell is in Daytona Beach, Florida, to celebrate the rebirth of the British sports marque Lister, driving its 200mph-plus Storm model in the gruelling 24-hour race.
Jeremy Clarkson travels to Germany to test out BMW’s new Z3, and Quentin Willson discovers an easy way to earn money when he sells a second-hand Lada Riva.
Personalised registration plates are big business. Quentin Willson examines the history of these often-costly items and quizzes owners about their particular choices. Jeremy Clarkson tests both the road and race version of the Honda Accord, taking the latter for a spin around the track at Donnington.
Quentin Willson drives the new mid-range Volvo S40 and V40. Steve Berry meets people obsessed with Ford Escorts, while accepted views linking cars with environmental pollution are challenged.
The HMC Mk IV’s striking resemblance to the old Austin-Healey 3000 is a deliberate attempt to capture the essence of that classic sixties sports car while adding refinement. Quentin Willson finds out if it’s worth £43,000. Plus, Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman sample Siamese banger racing.
Jeremy Clarkson travels to deepest Gloucestershire to take part in a group car test with a difference — driving amphibious vehicles into a lake. Featured models include the Dutton Mariner and a replica of the Lamborghini Countach. Quentin Willson considers the pros and cons of buying a used VW Golf VR6, tipped to be one of the year’s most popular second-hand performance cars. Willson praises the model but advises that it may be difficult to find. And Michele Newman compares the latest small sports coupes from Honda and Toyota that have been aimed with the youth market very much in mind.
Jeremy Clarkson looks at Renault’s new Megane, which replaces the 19 model. He drives the fastest Megane, the 16-valve, 150bhp two-litre coupe. Plus, Quentin Willson checks out the Ford Escort as a second-hand buy.
Jeremy Clarkson drives two new Aston Martins — the DB7 Volante convertible and the V8 coupe. He travels to the cars’ Buckinghamshire base to ponder the future of this great British marque. Quentin Willson delivers the results of Top Gear’s third annual survey, conducted jointly with an American market research organisation, in which viewers assess the performance of their three-year-old cars. The 14,000 replies are compiled into a league table rating 72 different models.
Jeremy Clarkson runs his eye over the new BMW 5-Series, which goes on sale in Britain this week. The manufacturer hopes that it will rival the Mercedes E-Class. Plus, Quentin Willson looks at the classic style of the Saab 92.
Maserati’s latest effort comes under the scrutiny of Jeremy Clarkson as supercar designers strive to produce a truly successful four-door saloon car. He road tests the company’s new Quattroporte model, and finds other supercars that put passengers near the top on the list of design priorities. Tiff Needell tests two modern replicas — one for racing, one for the road — of one of the most exclusive race cars ever built: the 5.0 litre Jaguar XJ 13.
The new Esprit is an important car for Lotus. Its brand new V8 engine could keep the company alive in the vital US market where increasingly tough emission laws will mean that the old Esprit engine is illegal. Jeremy Clarkson puts it to the test. Plus, Steve Berry finds out how big men cope with cars that were designed for Mr Average.
Jeremy Clarkson goes to Italy to test the £350,000 Ferrari F50, the nearest thing to a Grand Prix racer to hit the road, while Tiff Needell drives the Formula 1 Ferrari that inspired it. Plus, Quentin Willson road tests the American-built Chrysler Neon.
The series concludes with Jeremy Clarkson’s trip to the motor industry’s secret show at a Bedfordshire test track — a chance to catch up on all of the new cars Top Gear has’'t looked at in the past year. Plus, Steve Berry rides a motorbike on the Wall of Death, an original fairground attraction dreamed up as a publicity stunt.
1997
Aston Martin’s story is one of engineering triumph in the face of financial adversity. In a special profile of the company, Jeremy Clarkson has the chance to drive some of its finest cars, including the post-war Atom, a DB4GT, the DB5 used in the film Goldeneye, a DB6 Volante and the latest V12 DB7. He tells the story of the company’s decade-long struggle to win Le Mans, and talks to Stirling Moss about what the old racing Astons were like to drive.
1983
With much of the motor industry's major research and development based outside Britain is there still a role for specialist centres like the Cranfield Institute of Technology and can they survive? Ex-racing driver John Miles takes to the track with a revolutionary new Lotus that has a suspension that thinks for itself. And Frank Page road tests a new car.
1995
In the first of a new 14-part series, Jeremy Clarkson drives the first all-new MG sports car for two decades, the long-awaited MGF, and asks if we are about to see the rebirth of the two-seater open-top sports car. Plus, Steve Berry visits Pebble Beach in California for the most prestigious concours d’elegance event (competition for high-pedigree marques like Rolls-Royce and Bugatti) in the world.
1999
The motoring magazine returns with a new presenter, as Kate Humble joins Quentin Willson and the team. Tonight’s programme looks at the future of motoring in the next millennium: will cars be floating on air, or be powered by recycled vegetables? Plus Tiff Needell drives the new Porsche 911 GT3, and there are tips on buying a first car.
Contestants in last November’s Network Q RAC Rally faced some of the worst weather conditions for decades, and more than half the entries failed to finish because of heavy snow and sheet ice. Tiff Needell, who was one of the hardy competitors to complete the 1,100-mile trip around Britain, recounts the inside story of the event.
Three thousand people have already put money down for the BMW Z3, which is scheduled to hit the road in February. Tiff Needell visits Madeira to test the new six-cylinder version and asks whether buyers should be hanging on even longer for this meaner, faster brother, expected in Britain in the summer. Plus is the Daewoo, Korea’s effort at angst-free motoring, all it’s cracked up to be? Quentin Willson gives his verdict.
Quentin Willson considers the merits of buying an accident-damaged car and repairing it to become a runner. Andy Wilman looks at the controversial sport of classic banger racing, where drivers can crash any car provided it was built before 1968. Is it harmless fun, or the destruction of the nation’s motoring heritage for the sake of cheap thrills?
Since 1991 the Ford Explorer has been the world’s biggest selling off-roader, and now it is finally available in Britain — Tiff Needel finds out whether it was worth the wait. Fifty years after the first Vespa, Steve Berry reports on the revival of the scooter. Tonight’s show also includes Top Gear’s contribution to the Count Me In numeracy campaign.
Jeremy Clarkson chooses the best of the latest small hatchbacks. Plus Quentin Willson offers some tips for picking up a bargain at a classic car auction, and reveals the troubles that the unsuspecting could be lumbered with once the hammer comes down.
Jeremy Clarkson tests the Honda Legend and Toyota Camry, and asks whether these cars have sufficient pulling power to become alternatives to the vehicles traditionally chosen by high-flying executives, such as BMWs or Mercedes. Steve Berry rides the Triumph 595, the long-awaited British bike that is expected to take on Ducatis and Honda Fireblades.
Jeremy Clarkson assesses the flood of sports cars that have recently appeared on the market and decides which one should be top of an enthusiast’s shopping list. Quentin Willson provides a guide to the second-hand BMW market for those wanting to get the most value from the 3-series.
For thousands of sales reps travelling up and down the country a company car can often feel like a second home. Tiff Needell tests the comfort of the Mondeo and the Vectra and discovers how it feels to spend hours in a fleet car every day. Quentin Willson reports on the startling statistic that over a million people are driving without insurance.
Jeremy Clarkson gets behind the wheel of the latest juggernauts. One of the vehicles he tries out is the 1997 Truck of the Year the Mercedes Actros, which is reputed to make trucking up and down the motorways feel as relaxing as a jaunt in the country. Plus Chris Goffey drives the vintage car Ace of Spades, manufactured by Lea Francis. One of the great names of British motoring, it is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity.
Jeremy Clarkson and Michele Newman report from Geneva on the highlights of this year’s International Show, including new coupés from Mercedes and Ford, and they try out the Seat Arosa. Tiff Needell tests the Italian-sounding Ascari, in fact a high performance kit car manufactured in Wiltshire.
Quentin Willson takes a chauffeur-driven ride in a Mercedes 600 stretch limousine once owned by John Lennon, and discovers that the car still has the touch of class which made it an essential item for the rich and famous. Tony Mason goes to the country to test the new Subaru Legacy, and asks whether the countryman appeal which made it popular with farmers has been lost in the pursuit of urban style.
Jeremy Clarkson asks whether the new A6 will be another overnight success for Audi. Will the combination of cutting edge design and class-leading performance eclipse their greatest rival, BMW? Plus six cars that fall into Quentin Willson’s no-hoper category.
Michele Newman checks out the latest in a tradition of cars bent on stealing tiny parking spaces — the Seat Arosa and weighs up how it competes with the likes of the Fiat Cinquecento. Steve Berry rides with the veterans from Epsom to Brighton on the 60th annual Pioneer Run for motorbikes built before 1915.
Eighty-seven different cars come under scrutiny in the fourth annual survey into customer satisfaction. Quentin Willson reports on the M-registration cars that did well and badly when the public were asked to rate performance, reliability, economy and customer care. Plus Steve Berry nips neatly around the big city in a Japanese people mover — the Daihatsu Move.
In the Swinging Sixties Roger Moore cruised the streets of London as The Saint in his white Volvo P1800. Will the new C70 coupé turn heads in the nineties in the same way? Quentin Wilson visits America to find out. Plus, Jeremy Clarkson drives a limited edition Vauxhall Vectra, a £27,000 road-going version of the British Touring Car Championship model.
There’s a new star in Hollywood — the Spectre EV1, which is the first electric car to make it to the showrooms. Although the vehicle is in great demand. General Motors provide a spare for Quentin Willson to test-drive through downtown Burbank. Plus Steve Berry takes a ride on a monkey bike — the diminutive Honda from the sixties that is still thriving.
Despite his aversion to driving diesels, Jeremy Clarkson tries out the Mercedes E-Class Elegance Estate and the BMW touring version of the successful 5-series.
As Ferrari celebrates its 50th anniversary, Jeremy Clarkson joins the party by driving the Maranello, the motor giant’s new front-engined supercar. Tiff Needell tempers his racing technique when he takes a masterclass in urban driving, and Steve Berry travels to Korea for the Seoul Motor Show.
In the last programme of the series, Steve Berry assesses the market potential of three new models from Daewoo. Jon Bentley looks at the best entries in the competition to design a Rolls-Royce for the next century. And Jeremy Clarkson tries out the cars that have fallen through his road-testing net.
This week William Woollard Introduces the programme direct from the Frankfurt Motor Show where major manufacturers will be putting their latest technology on display. Sue Baker takes to the autobahns and tests the new Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes' first 'small' car, the 190, and she enjoys the luxury of West Germany's latest super buses.
There's more to motor sport than the glamorous and very expensive world of Grand Prix racing. William Woollard introduces tonight's programme from Prescott near Cheltenham, where vintage and special cars do battle over the twisting hill-climb course. And he goes back to school to learn all about the gentle art of driving sideways - the rough way. In addition Chris Goffey reports on the successful return of 'big cat' Jaguars to the race track.
William Woollard looks at the latest in motoring accessories and garage equipment when he visits Earls Court and the Autoquip '83 Exhibition. Sue Baker, herself a recent victim of car thieves, investigates some of the security systems now available to beat the thief. While well away from a life of crime, she tries out the Orion - Ford's new Escort with a boot. Meanwhile, as winter draws near, Frank Page reports on the menace of spray from heavy lorries. With government legislation planned to reduce this hazard the race is now on to produce a successful anti-spray system.
New car sales have reached record levels over the past few weeks and as a result the secondhand market is booming too. But as William Woollard finds out quite dramatically, buying a used car is still one of the biggest financial gambles anyone can ever take. In tonight's programme he visits Nottingham, one of Britain's busiest car sales areas to find out just how prospective buyers—'punters'—to the trade-can help themselves around the many pitfalls and problems of buying a used car. And Frank Page turns 'punter', trying out some of the secondhand models on offer.
Autumn may not be the time when many people think of hitching up their caravan and setting off on holiday. But as William Woollard reports it is probably the best time of year to buy or change your van and pick up a bargain. On the other hand is it cheaper to rent or buy your travelling home? Tonight's programme also features test drives in the new Vauxhall Cavalier Estate, Citroen BX and the film of the latest big bike from BMW.
Three out of every 100 new cars sold in Britain today have been made in an Iron Curtain country or South Korea. William Woollard travels to Poland for tonight's programme with a special report on the way in which the Poles, along with their Eastern Bloc partners, are carving out a significant foothold for themselves in our marketplace. Meanwhile, back at home, Sue Baker has been conducting her own series of road tests on the cars the communist countries and the Koreans have to offer. They may be cheap - but are they really good value for money?
Safety, energy conservation and environmental pressures have led the Swedes into introducing probably more motoring legislation than any other country in the world. William Woollard visits Volvo and Saab to see some of the exciting new research and development in these areas and finds out what it's like to be a law-abiding driver in Sweden.
This week, Jeremy Clarkson drives the most important new car to be launched this autumn, the Vauxhall Vectra. It replaces Britain’s favourite fleet car, the Cavalier, but how good is it? Meanwhile, Tiff Needell tries the new Saab with electronic kit that enables the driver to change gear without the tedium of using a clutch pedal. Plus, Michele Newman finds out what it takes to enter a motor race when you’re a complete novice.
Jeremy Clarkson visits Blackpool to test the new TVR Cerbera, “the noisiest, fastest and most exciting car this side of a Lamborghini Diablo”, and to interview TVR’s boss, Peter Wheeler. Plus, Tony Mason meets “Babs”, a monster car that broke the world speed record twice before turning over and killing its driver. Fifty years on, it has been lovingly rebuilt and restored.
This week, Jeremy Clarkson aims to realise a long-held ambition — to drive a GT40, the supercar that Ford built in the 1960s to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. In case he has trouble handling all that raw power, former Top Gear presenter Noel Edmonds is on hand to help.
Tonight, a preview of the London Motor Show, which opens at Earls Court tomorrow. Presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Quentin Willson and Steve Berry at the show, with reports from the field by Chris Goffey and Tiff Needell.
This week, Quentin Willson road tests the new Nissan Almera, replacement for the popular Sunny. Jeremy Clarkson drives at Le Mans in Ford’s 230 mph GT90, and changes his mind about America’s ability to produce a supercar. Plus, Chris Goffey goes to the Army School of Mechanical Transport near Beverley in Humberside, where he learns to handle an 11-ton Saxon armoured personnel carrier.
Jeremy Clarkson test drives the new Mercedes E-class. It boasts a host of unique features, but does that make it a more desirable luxury car than the Jaguar? Plus, a trip to the Motorcycle Show at Birmingham’s NEC, where Steve Barry and Tiff Needell inspect some new machines.
This week, Quentin Willson demonstrates how to take on the car auctioneers and win, while Tony Mason fulfils a childhood dream by driving a new fire engine manufactured by Dennis.
In Italy, Jeremy Clarkson tests the Fiats that are seeking to prove mainstream does not mean boring, while Steve Berry charts the history of the Vincent motorcycles with the help of riders who tested the bikes in the post-war years.
Tonight, a race against the clock to build a kit car. Plus, Tiff Needell takes Lamborghini’s new prototype, the Cala, out for a test drive.
Jeremy Clarkson tests the Volvo 850R against the BMW 328 and the Alfa Romeo 164 Lusso. Plus Steve Berry takes a look at the world’s finest Corgi model car collection.
Quentin Willson previews the new 200 series from Rover.
Steve Berry tests two stylish new Alfa Romeos: the hard-top GTV and the soft-top Spider. Also Tony Mason charts the progress of the largest load on Britain’s roads when three tractor units move a gas turbine.
Steve Berry visits the Bonneville Salt Flats in the American state of Utah — a place of pilgrimage for motorsport enthusiasts and the site of land speed records since Malcolm Campbell took his Bluebird there in 1935 — in the hope of watching racers clock speeds of over 400mph.
This week on the motoring magazine, Kate Humble and Quentin Willson consider the current state of the market for 4x4 vehicles, plus a report from Germany on models making the news at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Presenters Kate Humble and Quentin Willson take to the streets on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza to road-test Seat’s eponymous hatchback. And British Touring Car championship winners are put through their paces on the high street.
This week on the motoring magazine, Quentin Willson gets behind the wheel of the Aston Martin Vantage, while Kate Humble visits Aston’s workshop, where the cars are still built by hand. Vicki Butler-Henderson road-tests the fashionable yellow Porsche Boxters, and there’s a look at very small cars with big aspirations.
As Fiat celebrates its centenary, the motor magazine takes its stylish new Punto for a road-test to ascertain if this latest incarnation can retain its place in the small-car market. Plus a report on green fuel for high-performance cars.
This weekend the Formula One circus descends on Sepang for the first ever Malaysian Grand Prix. Tiff Needell previews the new circuit and also tests the new Lotus-developed Proton Gti. Quentin Willson and Kate Humble, meanwhile, pay tribute to the much-loved Mini.
Quentin Willson and Kate Humble report from the London Motor Show at Earls Court, where Rover’s new model will be unveiled. The team also put some of the major attractions on view through their paces, including the new Fiat Punto, Caterham and Volkswagen Polo.
Tonight’s show explores company-car culture, offers an alternative to the fast but expensive Nissan Skyline, and ventures on to the rallying scene in Singapore.
Vicki Butler-Henderson tests BMW’s new off-roader, the X5, and Tiff Needell finds out how Singapore’s rush hour lives up to its name.
This week’s programme visits the Classic Car Show in Birmingham, and looks at a scheme banning cars from Oxford city centre.
More road-tests of the latest models, motoring advice and features of interest to drivers.
Tonight’s programme reveals the tactics used by the minders of celebrities to ward off unwanted pursuers as they transport their charges to the premiere of the latest James Bond film.
The motor magazine looks at the future for cars that still run on unleaded petrol, views bargains to be had in the world of classic cars, and tests the new duel-fuel Honda Insight.
Vicki Butler-Henderson test-drives the new Clio Sport. Kate Humble and Quentin Willson pick up a bargain, while Tiff Needell takes a nostalgic look at the Sunbeam Lotus.
1994
In the first programme of the autumn series Jeremy Clarkson test drives the £180,000 Bentley Continental R to find out if it’s just a stately home on wheels, while Quentin Willson takes the new Mazda 323 out to see if its performance matches its good looks. And Steve Berry takes a nerve-shattering trip with motorcycle stunt rider Gary Rothwell.
On tonight’s programme, Jeremy Clarkson is in the Highlands to test drive the new Jaguar XJ series, including the supercharged four-litre XJR, which was unveiled only yesterday. Tiff Needell puts the first all-new Range Rover to be launched for nearly a quarter of a century through its paces on a 350-mile trip from Solihull to Scotland. Tony Mason peers at the Perthshire scenery through the mud on the lens during the third round of the Top Gear British Rally Championship, as contenders speed around Scone Palace near Perth, race up to Inverness, pass imposing lochs and cross over the Forth Bridge before finishing at Perth.
The work of an almost forgotten design genius is reviewed on tonight’s programme when Jeremy Clarkson drives four million dollars’ worth of some of the most beautiful cars ever built — the three BAT cars created for Alfa Romeo by styling genius Franco Scaglione back in the 50s. Plus Quentin Willson looks at the new Mazda MX-5 “a proper mess-your-hair-up sports car”. At £17,000 it’s not affordable for everyone, but if it’s your type of car why not invest in a secondhand one — a G registration will cost about half the new price.
On tonight’s programme, Jeremy Clarkson tests the new ultra-light aluminium-bodied Audi A8. And Steve Berry meets the Pre-50 American Car Club and drives some of the most stylish US models from before the era of fins and chrome.
Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson run the rule over the star exhibits at Britain’s biggest motoring event — the British International Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Expect Ford’s controversial new Scorpio, Volkswagen’s long-awaited Polo and new challengers from Korea in the shape of the Hyundai Accent and a car from Daewoo, better known to date as manufacturers of TVs, video recorders and microwaves. Away from the crowds, Tiff Needell gets to grips on road and track with a car that’s got Formula 1 pedigree.
Jeremy Clarkson hands over the driving seat to Michael Schumacher, who pushes the new Ford Mustang to the limit round Silverstone. Ford don’t think it will sell in Britain. Jeremy begs to differ. He thinks it’s one of a growing number of cars that would find eager buyers if only their manufacturers’ marketing “boffins” would let them into the country. Plus Steve Berry on the latest motorcycle from MZ, formerly an East German company regarded in motorcycling circles with about the same degree of enthusiasm that Lada and Škoda generate among car buffs. But their new British-designed bike, the Skorpion, is set to change all that.
Volkswagen’s Beetle and Golf were trendsetters in their day but the Polo was always the runt of the litter — it’s not been a top seller in the small car market for years. Stephen Bayley decides whether the re-born Polo, launched in Britain at the end of last month at prices from £7,000 to £11,750, will fare better. Plus Tony Mason in the Manx Rally, the final round of this year’s British Rally Championship.
Jeremy Clarkson drives Alfa Romeo’s interesting and odd-looking 145, and Steve Berry visits this week’s Bike Show at the NEC, Birmingham, looking at what’s new in the world of the designer moped and testing Britain’s best-selling bike, the sporty Honda Fireblade, against its rivals.
Tony Mason follows the careers of two drivers taking part in next week’s RAC Rally, Britain’s round of the world championship. Bradford sisters Stephanie and Rachael Simmonite, who first appeared on Top Gear last year, have progressed over the last 12 months from complete novices to their first RAC entry. Jeremy Clarkson drives new road going versions of two rally-bred sports cars, the Toyota Celicia GT-Four and the latest Ford Escort Cosworth.
Steve Berry visits the East Los Angeles Car Show for the low-down on Lowriders — a youth movement which embraces thousands of people from the city’s large Hispanic community. In this unique form of car culture American cars from the 1940s to the present day are extravagantly decorated with ornate gold-plated wheels, acres of velour and custom-designed murals. Deep-marine batteries are loaded in the boot and the suspension is ripped out and replaced with hydraulic jacks that mean the cars can bunny hop down the road on demand. And it’s not just the cars — there’s the lifestyle, clothes and music to match. Plus, Tony Mason reporting on the RAC Rally.
Quentin Willson tests BMW’s new Compact — at £13,000 something of a step downmarket for the company, which reckons it can compete with small sporting hatchbacks like VW’s Golf GTi or Citroën’s ZX Volcane. Will it open up the pleasures of BMW motoring to a wider clientele or simply cheapen a highly respected brand? Also, Jeremy Clarkson finds out what it’s like to drive a full racing-spec touring car when he takes Tiff Needell’s Nissan Primera for a high-speed drive around the Oulton Park race circuit.
Within the next decade, South Korea could be making many of our basic cars. Marques like SsangYong, Daewoo, Hyundai and Kia may not be big names on the British car market in 1994 but they seem to be poised for massive expansion. They already make nearly two million vehicles a year between them, significantly more than Britain’s motor industry, and even the mighty Japanese are worried by Korea’s manufacturing potential. But this rapidly advancing nation has some quaint ways of doing business — like the way customers are actually encouraged to do their own repairs. Top Gear road tests the Hyundai Accent and looks at some of the extraordinary ways Koreans use cars.
Would James Bond approve of the new DB7? At £80,000 it is cheap for an Aston Martin, but it now has to compete with “mass-produced” luxury sports cars like the Porsche 928 and BMW 850 — cars which are not merely for special occasions but serious everyday transport. Jeremy Clarkson looks back at classic Aston Martin models and tests the new one.
1994
The latest series of the motoring magazine kicks off with a look at the new Probe. Could it be Ford’s Capri of the 90s? Jeremy Clarkson tests it against coupe rivals. And Tony Mason reports from the Monte Carlo Rally on the performance of Paddy Hopkirk’s born-again Mini Cooper.
In the shifting sands of the Dubai desert, Jeremy Clarkson puts five leading off-roaders to the test and finds out if British is best. Tiff Needell tests Vauxhall’s new executive car, the Omega, and Chris Goffey reports on the highlight of the historic racing calendar, the Coys Festival at Silverstone.
Including a road test of Fiat’s latest small car, the Punto, and more about the Gordon Keeble, a flash match for Aston Martins and Jensens back in the 60s, but little known today.
Including new models at the Geneva Motor Show, a look at Pacific Racing, a new British team planning to enter Formula 1 racing when the 1994 Grand Prix season starts in Brazil this weekend, and the demise of the Ford XR3i. Plus advice on buying a second-hand Mercedes 190.
This week: Steve Berry joins a celebration of the golden era of motorbiking and rides Triumph’s new Speed Triple. Meanwhile Tiff Needell looks at the Celica, Toyota’s s entry in the highly competitive £20,000 coupe market.
Jeremy Clarkson travels to Italy to test the new Fiat coupe, a car that signals the company’s return to a sporting style. Tony Mason reports on the re-creation of a famous hill-climb race at the Klausen Pass in Switzerland. And Janet Trewin looks at ways of preventing car sickness.
Tumbling sales have led Lancia to pull out of the British car market. Jeremy Clarkson looks back at some of the best, and worst, examples of the marque. Plus Chris Goffey on Renault’s new Laguna, and Tony Mason in Wales on the first round of the British Rally Championship.
This week: Jeremy Clarkson tests three estate cars; Tiff Needell drives the Caterham Super 7; and Michele Newman joins the enthusiasts who cruise the King’s Road in Chelsea in classic American cars.
This week: Stephen Bayley test drives Honda’s stylish new Civic coupe. And Chris Goffey tells the story of one of the star cars at this weekend’s Top Gear Classic and Sportscar Show in Birmingham — a Bugatti called Black Bess.
This week’s programme visits the Top Gear Classic and Sportscar Show at the NEC, Birmingham, to find out why people choose to run old cars.
The last programme in the series includes features on the new Rover 400 estate car; child safety seats; the Pirelli International Rally, and the F1 — McLaren’s supercar.
1993
The motoring magazine series returns with a road test of the new Mondeo, which Ford hope will become the Cortina of the 1990s. There’s a second-hand report on the Sierra, the car the Mondeo replaces, and a look at the Jeep Jamboree. With Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson.
1991
The motoring series returns with a visit to the Frankfurt motor show; an assessment of the VW Golf’s market dominance; and, in One Careful Owner, dealer Quentin Willson guides viewers through the minefield of buying a second-hand car. Racing driver Tiff Needell tries out a Honda Pilot.
An assessment of the Citroën Xantia, new challenger in the family saloon market, a visit to a kart meeting to see how pre-teen racers learn the art, and a report on the Claret and Classic Rally, which involves a tour of French wine chateaux.
Chris Goffey sizes up Vauxhall’s Nova replacement, the Corsa, against superminis like the Clio, the Fiesta and Nissan’s new Micra. Jeremy Clarkson drives the lonely 1500-mile Alaska Highway through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery.
Can the V8 turbo of Aston Martin’s new Vantage match the Lamborghini Diablo? Jeremy Clarkson tests it and takes a look at the prototype for Aston’s small, relatively cheap sports car at the Geneva Show. There’s also his second report from the Alaska Highway.
Including an assessment of the appeal of the Daimler Dart; a test drive of the new Toyota Carina E, described as the Japanese answer to the Vauxhall Cavalier; and a visit to a Honda Goldwing owners’ club meeting.
Including an investigation into the causes and remedies of falling asleep at the wheel, which could be the cause of one accident in four. There’s also a preview of the 1993 British Touring Car Championship, plus a road test of the Jeep Cherokee and Ford Explorer.
Can Jaguar’s new V12 flagship, their fastest, most opulent saloon yet, take on its rivals from BMW and Mercedes? Jeremy Clarkson road-tests it to find out. And Tony Mason reports on the opening round of the British Rally Championship around north Wales.
A report on Rover’s new which completes the company’s post-Leyland line up. How will it fare against the new Honda Accord? And, as Donington Park prepares to host a Grand Prix for the first time for 55 years, a trial of the new circuit in a Lotus 25, once raced by Jim Clark, the racing legend who died 25 years ago.
Peugeot’s 205 was such a success that some have called it the car of the 1980s. Now the company hopes to grab the limelight again in the 90s with its new 306 range. Built in Coventry, the car goes on sale this month. Jeremy Clarkson tests it to see if Peugeot’s hopes are justified.
Includes a road test of Rover’s 200 Coupe Turbo — the fastest road car the company has ever made — on Germany’s classic Nürburgring circuit; and a visit to the English collector who owns all six Trabant models produced in Zwickau, East Germany. Plus a report on the Charringtons RAC Historic Rally, a battle between classic models like the Porsche 911, Lotus Cortina and BMC Mini.
Including reports on a car with candelabras as well as lights — Liberace’s 1981 Zimmer. And a test drive of a £93,000 Mercedes 600SEC.
A report from last weekend’s Top Gear Classic and Sportscar Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
A visit to the old Nürburgring circuit in Germany, to join a group of enthusiasts and their exotic cars for the sheer fun of driving. Among the highlights were the pre-war Mercedes of Caracciola, and the Maserati 250f in which Fangio won the 1957 Monaco Grand Prix. Plus a report on six months with a Ford Escort Cosworth.
How does Seat’s new Spanish designed and built Ibiza rate against opposition from the rest of Europe? What transport should a couple choose for their wedding? And there’s a test for the latest electric commuting vehicle — the two-wheel Zike.
Italian style meets American muscle in the brutal shape of the De Tomaso Pantera. But can this 20-year-old design still hack it in today’s cut-throat supercar marketplace?
The Porsche 911 is 30 years old. The team celebrates the anniversary of one of the world’s greatest sports cars by trying out a range of models from the earliest to the current civilised supercars.
In a final programme, Jeremy Clarkson looks back at the highlights of the series.
Mazda believes its new MX-3 will dramatically change the sports hatchback market, claiming it’s not in the normal GTi tradition of a family car with additions, but a purpose-designed four-seater coupe. Jeremy Clarkson reports. Chris Goffey examines problems viewers have found with their new cars, and Tony Mason reviews this year’s Pirelli Classic Marathon.
Tiff Needell visits a drag racing museum in Florida. Chris Goffey tests Toyota’s new executive Camry. Plus Jeremy Clarkson on the future of ‘pollution free’ transport.
Tractor millionaire Ferrucio Lamborghini decided in the 60s to beat Ferrari at his own game by building some of the world’s most desirable cars. Do latest models live up to the legend? Plus a look at the merits of the Range Rover as a second-hand buy, and at ‘air bags’, balloons of gas which cushion the impact of a crash. With Chris Goffey, Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson.
Motorfair ‘91 opens this week at London’s expanded Earls Court and there’s a review of the new models. Plus a road test on the latest version of the Vauxhall Astra and a report on rising Formula 3 star David Coulthard.
Small cars have been getting longer, fatter and heavier: Peugeot believes its new 106 sets a different trend. Chris Goffey tests it and evaluates the company’s marketing strategy. Quentin Wilson assesses the BMW 5-series as a used-car buy. Plus Tony Mason on the Bouley Bay Hillclimb from Jersey.
News from the Motorcycle Show at the NEC; a road test on the new Ginetta G33 V8 two-seater sports car; and the risks lone women drivers may run when they break down.
In this week’s edition: a report on car auctions; a profile of Francine Bogg, the winner of this year’s Radio Times Rally Quest Competition, and a test drive in the new Honda Civic.
How Citroën’s new XM Estate measures up to Audi’s 100 Avant; the Ford Bronco is put through its paces in the mud at Millbrook; and a look at plans to charge drivers using the streets of Cambridge.
A test drive for Rover’s new 800 series, which went on sale yesterday, reveals how it rates in the competitive executive car market. Plus an examination of the Metro’s popularity as a used car buy, and a look ahead to the Lombard RAC Rally.
For the past four days, Top Gear has been following entrants in this year’s Lombard RAC Rally, the final round in the 1991 World Rally Championship. There are reports from Harrogate and Chester, and news of Radio Times Rally Quest competition winner Francine Bogg.
The Jaguar Mk II, Inspector Morse’s runabout, was one of the classic investments of the 80s, but as values tumble is it still so? And another classic: Tony Mason welcomes the revival of the Morecambe Illuminations Rally.
Reports on Vauxhall’s new off-road car, the Frontera; the truth behind the car industry’s recycling claims; and vehicles that could go twice round the world on a tankful of petrol.
Jeremy Clarkson takes an exclusive drive in the first new Bentley for 40 years. And at the other end of the scale, Quentin Willson offers some advice on buying a car for just £1,000.