Top Gear's best 20 moments
Author: MotorTorque Team
Published: 11 December 2008
You could probably pick any segment from any episode of Top Gear's 12 series and it would be funny, engaging and generally riveting. In fact, it's probably only the stuntman segment and occasional interview that hasn't really worked. So picking out 20 of the best bits is actually pretty difficult.
Luckily we've given it a go. Naturally most of the moments feature someone doing something stupid, or cars doing improbable things, often at high speed. But whether your favourite is Clarkson, Hammond, May or the Stig there's a clip here for you.
Thrill at the Reliant Robin space shuttle. Laugh at the destruction of Steve Redgrave's garden. Shed a tear at Hammond's return. Cringe at redneck-baiting. And laugh as funny stuff happens to cars, in Top Gear's best 20 moments.
Hammond's return
The story of Hammond's crash, recovery and subsequent return had it all. Speed, fame, controversy and a miraculous recovery. Although Hammond's recuperation hasn't been as straightforward as it initially appeared, it was a genuinely touching moment when the Hamster made a triumphant and emotional return to Top Gear for the start of the new series.
Author: MotorTorque Team
Published: 11 December 2008
The indestructible Hilux
Toyota's reputation for reliability is put to the test when a Hilux pick-up - later seen rampaging across frozen wastelands in the Arctic - is crashed, set on fire, drowned and blown up on the roof of an exploding tower block. A bit of tinkering with the starter motor and the Hilux is up and running again.
Car darts
Chances are if you don't like darts, you WILL like car darts. It's darts, played with cars.
Winter Olympics
A rocket-propelled vehicle on a ski jump. What could possibly go wrong?
Clarkson versus Challenger tank
Clarkson takes on a Challenger tank in a Range Rover - and loses.
Man love rules
Probably the funniest thing the trio have done was risking all against these Southern rednecks on their trip to New Orleans.
The Polar Challenge
Probably the best thing Top Gear has ever done. Guns, spam and ice. Lots of ice.
The Stig crashes the Koenigsegg CCX
The treacherous handling of the Koenigsegg sees the Stig take a 100mph detour into a tyre-wall.
Captain Slow versus the Veyron
At the time of shooting the Bugatti Veyron was the fastest production car in the world. Who better to test-drive it than James May?
The Stig's American cousin
The Stig's American cousin loves donuts. The deep-fried kind.
The Stig's African cousin
The Stig's African cousin has to be seen to be believed.
Renault Espace Convertible
Why has Renault never brought out a convertible version of the Espace MPV? This is why.
British Leyland challenge
Were British Leyland-produced cars really that bad? A Rover SD1, a Triumph Dolomite and an Austin Princess are put to the test
Stig on the Tube
The Stig is confused by public transport as the gang traverse the capital in a variety of transport.
Porsche pipes
The controversial pipe-smoking incident, courtesy of Porsche.
Sports relief
Top Gear wrecks Sir Steve Redgrave's garden for charity.
Robin Reliant shuttle
May and Hammond construct a space shuttle out of a Robin Reliant, and fall tantalisingly short of an amazing feat.
Clarkson versus Atom
Clarkson is blown away by the Ariel Atom
Stigisms
Some say...A selection of some of the best Stig introductions
Aquatic cars
Building an aquatic car, Top Gear-style? Easy.
Ford Fiesta review
A proper review of the new Ford Fiesta - Clarkson-style.
See Also:
Click here for more Car Lifestyle stories
Click here for more Clarkson stories
Click here for more Mayhem stories
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