• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for April 30, 2013

The 7 Greatest Top Gear Moments!

April 30, 2013 by Alexander Johnson Leave a Comment

There’s something epic about Top Gear. Absorbing a huge budget and sending three hapless English petrolheads around the world on increasingly ridiculous quests, the programme has been keeping its viewers extremely entertained since its relaunch in 2002. It’s a global phenomenon and should be recognised as such.

But through all the drama, the banter, the controversy, the speed, the explosions, the jokes, and the cars, this list represents the very best of Top Gear. It’s what has kept audiences thrilled for all these years, and what keeps us coming back for more. Here’s our take on the seven episodes we reckon make Top Gear the most popular TV show… in the world.

1. The Peel P50 in Television Centre

Top Gear: Peel P50 by Blogpaedia on FlickrIt might not have been the most spectacular but it certainly ranks among the most memorable. Jeremy Clarkson piloted the tiny Peel P50 – the world’s smallest production car – around the streets of London and into BBC Television Centre. Dwarfed by even a Mini Cooper, the Peel P50 was at home in the winding corridors of Britain’s iconic broadcasting hub.

Cars involved: Peel P50

Best bit: Clarkson’s accidental appearance on BBC News

2. Trying to Destroy a Toyota Hilux

It’s well-known that the Toyota Hilux is a robust piece of machinery. They’re popular with farmers, gamekeepers and, as Clarkson pointed out, the Taliban, for precisely this reason. The 90s shape remains one of the most instantly recognisable cars of modern times.

That wasn’t enough for Clarkson and company, however. They wanted to test whether its reputation was earned, and whether the Hilux really was indestructible. To do this they conducted a number of very ordinary scientific tests oh, you know leaving it on a beach while the tide was coming in, setting it on fire, dropping a caravan on it – but it was the final test that makes this episode one of the most brilliant.

The Toyota Hilux survived a huge block of flats being demolished beneath it. After falling to the ground it took only basic mechanical intervention before the engine roared into life – the Hilux in question remains on display in the Top Gear studio.

Cars involved: Toyota Hilux pickup

Best bit: The battered machine’s return to the studio, damaged but still rolling.

3. Driving the Then-new Land Rover Discovery up a Mountain

Looking back, this challenge was rather tame. Appearing alongside the Dodge Viper SRT10 and the Rinspeed Splash back in November 2004, the then-new Land Rover Discovery was a technological marvel. This episode showed Clarkson drive one to the top of Cnoc an Fhreiceadain (Scotland) against a musical backdrop of Holst’s Jupiter. Classic on every level.

Cars involved: Land Rover Discovery

Best bit: The summit

4. Driving to the North Pole

Top Gear has broken a lot of records (and other things) so it’s no real surprise that they were the first to drive to the North Pole. But you’d expect Jeremy Clarkson and James May cooped up in their car to have more hilarious fallings-out.

Instead, they tackled the challenge with a grace and competence not demonstrated in any Top Gear episode before or since. Sure, there were uncertain moments (they could hear the ice cracking beneath the car) and a few times when May clearly wished he was somewhere else (some quality time on the towbar-mounted lavatory seat while Clarkson had the keys was a questionable idea) but the boys were ultimately successful in their quest to drive to the North Pole.

Cars involved: Toyota Hilux ‘Invincible’

Best bit: The fact that Hammond was racing them on a dog sled

5. Crossing the Channel in Amphibious Cars

Top Gear: amphibious carThe boys had been given an amphibious car challenge before. Their task had been to cross a lake in home-made machines that could drive on the public road and also be used in water. Hammond’s ‘Dampervan’ – a bizarre Volkswagen-narrowboat hybrid – began to sink almost immediately and May’s sail-powered Triumph Herald was prone to drifting into reeds. Clarkson’s Toyboata had properly worked, only to be capsized during a moment of exuberance mere yards from the finish. May’s Triumph somehow triumphed.

This time, the boys took their task more seriously. May’s attempt was still rubbish and Hammond’s craft sank again, but after a number of attempts (and a run-in with the port police) the Toyboata prevailed. Clarkson, May and Hammond successfully ‘sailed’ from the old Hovercraft terminal in Kent to a beach somewhere in France – using a modified Hilux and an outboard motor.

Cars involved: Triumph Herald, Volkswagen Campervan, Toyota Hilux

Best bit: The boys arriving on a French beach in front of bemused locals

6. ‘Properly’ Testing the Ford Fiesta

Clarkson frequently laments the letters the programme receives, many of which ask for more sensible reviewing of ordinary cars. In the case of the famous Ford Fiesta test, he responded to one particular piece of correspondence with the proper review to end all proper reviews.

With the needs of the public in mind, Clarkson demonstrates the Fiesta’s prowess at outmanoeuvring baddies in a blacked-out Corvette during a chase through a shopping centre. He then goes on to prove its abilities as a landing craft during a military invasion exercise. Truly informative.

Cars involved: Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Corvette

Best bit: Handbrake turn through British Home Stores

7. The Reliant Robin Spaceship

A truly spectacular piece of television, featuring all the elements that make Top Gear so great – ridiculousness, perseverance, enormous ambition and a truly gargantuan budget. This time, the boys had set their sights beyond the horizon – they wanted to build a space shuttle.

Choosing the Reliant Robin because it looks most like the NASA-built Shuttle, Clarkson, May and Hammond set to work on what would be one of the most spectacular Top Gear failures ever. The project was finished, the launch was set, the countdown began, the ship launched…

Everything appeared to be going smoothly until the Reliant failed to separate from the fuel tank. Rather than gliding gently to terra firma as predicted, the whole ‘spaceship’ crashed into the ground in an enormous fireball.

This episode epitomises the unofficial Top Gear mantra – ambitious, but rubbish.

Cars involved: Reliant Robin

Best bit: The explosion, obviously

Author Information

This article was written by Alex Johnson, a freelance writer and Top Gear fan working on behalf of MORE TH>N car insurance. MORE TH>N might not cover all the vehicles mentioned in this article – especially the amphibious ones ????

Image credits

Peel P50 by Blogpaedia on Flickr

James May’s Amphibious Car by bombhead on Flickr.

Filed Under: Fun News Tagged With: FORD FIESTA, LAND ROVER DISCOVERY, NORTH POLE, PEEL P50, RELIANT ROBIN, TOP GEAR, TOYOTA HILUX

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover

Recent Comments

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Class Act: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival — Auto Trends Magazine on Highlights of the 2020 Toyota Sienna
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand — Auto Trends Magazine on Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
  • Jim Farley Appointed Ford President and CEO
  • 12 Things We LOVE About the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack
April 2013
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930  
« Mar   May »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in