When Top Gear had a makeover back in 2002, it has since become a worldwide
phenomenon. For the first year of the new format’s new life, Jeremey Clarkson,
Richard Hammond, and Jason Dawe presented a new type of car show. The very
first ever episode showed Richard trying to outrun a speed camera in a Pagani
Zonda, as well as Clarkson giving a demonstration on its incredible sound and
power within the studio, which was met with a round of applause. The Stig, who
was in his first incarnation, raced the Zonda around the track, setting an incredible
time of 1 minute, 23 seconds, and 8 milliseconds.
Then, when the second season came along, Jason Dawe had left the
show and was replaced with James May. And the trilogy of buffoons was complete.
From then on, they were entertaining us with their constant disagreements, challenges,
and the unpredictable chemistry between themselves, which, I believe was one of
the main reasons why the show grew to be such a success. And they were never
shy from causing a little – or a lot of – controversy. But, the more people
they offended, paradoxically, the more people tuned in the next episode, and
the next series, and soon it was being broadcast, simultaneously, in over 60
countries, with over 6 million viewers each episode, but after initial broadcast,
the total continues to grow as many repeats are shown across many channels,
most notably, Dave.
After an unfortunate incident involving Jeremey Clarkson and a
producer, Jeremey was sacked from Top Gear for good. It was met with immense criticism,
but the BBC stood its ground, and now Top Gear as we know it is now more, and it
will go through yet another revamp with the first episode scheduled to air in
May of 2016 with Chris Evans as the main presenter, which was yet again met
with mixed reviews.
Today, I am here to pay homage to the many challenges that Top
Gear has done of its 22 series long life, by a listing of my top 5 challenges.
Even though not that many challenges succeeded, they were always ambitious. ‘Ambitious
but rubbish’ is what Jeremey used to say. The challenges that I have picked
out, I believe do hold some usefulness within its idea.
Number 5:
Motorhome Challenge
Series 15 – Episode 4
Let’s just say that they didn’t enjoy this challenge at all. They
were challenged to pick out a suitable car and convert it into a campervan instead
of buying a campervan to try and save money. Jeremy went for something, unique,
with a three story apartment block on the back of his car, which the wind loved
to play around with, terrifying Jeremy throughout the entire journey. Richard
decided to convert one of his favourite vehicles, the Landrover that looked the
most like an actual campervan, but unbeknownst to the other two, it came with a
load of panels which, when put up, changes his Landrover into a mansion, and
James decided to go for a lightweight design, but completely forgetting about
practicality and built a small metal box on the top of his car.
They then attempt to do what everyone else does when going on a
campervan holiday, and that’s when the fun begins. This is one challenge that
you can’t miss. The three presenter’s chemistry never gets boring. Can you
imagine driving down the A12, and seeing an apartment block barrelling down the
road, swaying this way and that? I know I can.
You can watch the video of their attempt here:
Number 4:
Limo Challenge
Series 9 – Episode 6
The three presenters were challenged to build their own limousines.
Once they have done so, they will then be given a series of challenges that the
limo has to complete and the best wins. Richard went for something that I
wouldn’t touch with a ten foot barge pole: A convertible limousine that does
have a roof granted, but it was a useful as a chocolate teapot. James decided
to go down the route of uniqueness and fused together two fronts of two cars, which
was designed to help the limousine navigate those tight, sharp corners that
regular limousines struggle to get around. And Jeremy’s was the exact opposite
of the definition of manoeuvrability. He built a mile-long, giant Panda that struggled
to turn around pretty much anywhere.
When they attempted to prove which one is better, the regular
limousine would have passed with flying colours, which goes to show the extent
of their engineering ingenuity. But, in all honesty, this is one of my favourites
because each design was unique and clever in their own unique way.
But the best challenge was saved to last when they were tasked to
drive a celebrity to the Brit Awards. Things started out ‘well’, but quickly went
downhill as each celebrity, Jamelia, Lemar, and Chris Moyles became incredibly embarrassed
in turn. Lemar didn’t actually get to the Brit Awards as James May, famous for
getting lost, got lost.
You can watch the video of their attempt here:
Number 3:
Tractor Challenge
Series 9 – Episode 5
Top Gear is known for their cars. And fast ones. So what happens
when you chuck in some tractors into the mix? Well, you get uncontrollable laugher,
awkward situations, disasters, and pure enjoyment from the audience throughout.
Seeing all three presenters completely out of their comfort zone could not be
any better. They were challenged to pick one tractor each, and go about planting
some petrol. Sounds simple enough.
Jeremy decided that the best way to plough a field is fast, and
picked one of the fastest tractors on the market, Richard went for a
cross-between a tank and another tank, and James went for what he thought was
the best for the job, but instead was insanely complicated. But, when he
eventually got it moving, it was still insanely complicated.
And when they did get to the field, what could possible go wrong?
Well, everything, of course, and that is what makes it entertaining.
You can watch the video of their attempt here:
Unfortunately, I cannot find an official video. Sorry about that.
Number 2:
Build an Electric Car
Series 14 – Episode 2
This is one of those rare times when a challenge goes well. Well,
well-ish, but is does work enough not to break. The trio was tasked with
building their own electric car, and they did exactly that. The Eagle i-Thrust,
Nicknamed, ‘Geoff’, and then put the car through its paces by taking it around
the city of Oxford. This is all in the name of saving the planet and money.
The team actually works together on this, and do generate a
well-designed car. As much as I would like to drive it, I would stay clear of
any road, especially the motorway as it travels at a mesmerising speed of
10MPH.
Seeing one of their successful projects on the road really proves
that they are capable of working together as a team. When they put their heads
together, they create a masterpiece of a car.
But, even though I have been praising up the car more than I
probably should, it is still funny to see something like that, because it isn’t
the most practical car in the world.
You can watch the video of their attempt here:
Number 1:
Caravan Train Challenge
The only reason why I have chosen this challenge to be first, is
more personal than all of the other challenges before it. I live next door to a
railway track, the Mayflower Line, and when I was younger, whenever I heard a
train, I used to run over to the fence and watch it by. That is one of the main
reasons why I am as interested in trains as I am today. How weird would it be,
to be standing by that fence, and see not a train, but a car pulling four
caravans come barrelling down the tracks? Even today, that would be something
of an experience.
This is another one of those times when a challenge actually works
as well as the trio intended it to go, for the majority of the time. There are
a few little kinks that needed to be ironed out, but where would be the enjoyment
in that? As much as it did work, the impracticality of it all made up for that.
And, the one element that made this challenge number one: The trio’s chemistry.
Richard and James were in charge of the caravan train, whilst Jeremy tried to prove
that his design, an open carriage setup would work better, but it only scared
the living daylights out of his two passengers.
All in all, a fantastic challenge, a fantastic episode, and I can’t
wait for their next new show to start on Amazon Prime in a couple of months’
time.
You can watch the video of their attempt here:
Thanks for reading
Antony Hudson
(TonyHadNouns)
My book, Sector 22: Zoey, is now available on Amazon, eBay, and SkyCat Publications' website:
Amazon:
eBay:
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Ask me anything at:
ahudsonpresents@live.co.uk
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