Shock over Jeremy Clarkson's nonchalant response to losing vehicle control at high speed (120mph)
In the world of automotive television, two shows have left an indelible mark - Top Gear and its successor, The Grand Tour. This article takes a look at some of the key events that shaped the course of these popular programmes.
After a successful run on BBC, the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May left Top Gear in 2015, joining Amazon Prime Video for their new venture, The Grand Tour. The departure came after a series of incidents that ultimately led to Top Gear's end.
One such incident involved Jeremy Clarkson, who during an episode of Top Gear, found himself in a high-speed race against a VW Golf. At around 120 MPH, the BMW 1 Series he was driving spun out of control, a result of the slippery track and the car's rear-wheel drive configuration. Clarkson initially swore, but remained relatively calm, showcasing his characteristic humour and resilience.
The infamous Porsche 928 license plate episode nearly brought an end to Top Gear. However, it was another incident involving Clarkson and a producer that led to the show's permanent cancellation in 2015. The BBC chose not to renew Clarkson's contract, marking the end of an era.
Despite the challenges, The Grand Tour has continued to air, with the original trio replaced by new presenters. The show, which has been a hit on Amazon Prime Video, is proof of the enduring appeal of Clarkson, Hammond, and May's unique brand of automotive entertainment.
Top Gear, on the other hand, ended again in 2020 after a serious car-related accident involving one of its new presenters. The incident marked a sad end to the show's second run.
From the BMW 1 Series' spin on a slippery track to the Porsche 928 license plate controversy, the history of Top Gear and The Grand Tour is a testament to the thrill, drama, and unpredictability of the world of automotive television.
Cars and AI intertwined in the opening scene of The Grand Tour, as Clarke, Hammond, and May drove autonomous vehicles on a closed track, exploring the future of self-driving vehicles in the realm of entertainment. The trio's distinctive lifestyle, filled with luxurious cars, movies-and-tv productions, and celebrity interactions, was showcased amidst their exploration of cutting-edge technology.
Sports, beyond automotive thrills, often graced the screens of both Top Gear and The Grand Tour, with the presenters frequently engaging in various sports-related challenges, resulting in both triumphs and failures that were captured on camera.
In the world of automotive entertainment, celebrities were often guests on both shows, providing an intriguing blend of star power and top-tier vehicles. Their appearances, whether alongside Clarkson, Hammond, and May in The Grand Tour's Amazon studio, or on the Top Gear race track, added an extra layer of allure to the programs.
The Lindisfarne episode of The Grand Tour, featuring the three presenters attempting to reach the island by car, motorbike, and helicopter, encapsulated the spirit of adventure and exploration that has long been associated with cars and entertainment. The spectacle, showcasing a range of vehicles and stunning landscapes, served as a clear indication of the bond that has existed between cars and lifestyle throughout history.
){kind=link}