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Cape Town - One of the most iconic series to ever grace our televisions was Top Gear, which introduced us to the hilariously brilliant Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Since it began airing in 2002, Top Gear has become the most widely watched fact-based television programme in the world. And now Top Gear, Seasons 9-12, plus The Best of Top Gear, Seasons 2-12, and some stellar Top Gear Specials are ready for the most fast-paced binge of your life on Showmax.
Clarkson, Hammond and May’s motoring magazine show is quirky, funny and even sometimes controversial, and has cemented its place in British pop culture. And while we all have our favourite moments, the epic scene that we will never forget, we decided to list 5 of our all-time favourites.
1. The trio drive 1 000 miles on motorcycles in Vietnam
If there was ever an episode that depicted ‘epicness’ it was this one, when they were each given 15 million Dong to buy a set of wheels, and then drove from Ho Chi Minh City to H? Long City, a journey that took eight days. This episode is a narrative centered around the three gentlemen and the country that they are exploring, instead of the usual car reviews.
Episode: Series 12, episode 8
2. The team enters the Britcar 24-Hour Endurance Race
Hammond and Clarkson decided to enter the Britcar 24-Hour Endurance Race at Silverstone Circuit, even though they weren’t experienced with racing, in order to get rid of some extra fuel. They used a modified BMW 330d, and with the help of The Stig realised just how tough an endurance race could be.
Episode: Series 10, episode 9
3. The team tries to make an amphibious car – the first challenge
The three were each tasked with turning a car into an amphibious vehicle. Clarkson used a 1989 Toyota Hilux bakkie and put an outboard motor on its back, Hammond turned a 1983 Volkswagen T3 campervan into a houseboat, and May converted a 1962 Triumph Herald into a sailing craft. In the challenge, they drove their cars into the road before embarking into the waters of Rudyard Lake.
Episode: Series 08, episode 3
4. Jeremy Clarkson races the Shinkansen bullet train
Jeremy Clarkson decided to put the legendary Nissan GT-R to the test by racing it across Japan, against Hammond and May in the Shinkansen bullet train. Both groups got up to shenanigans (no surprises there) as they tried to make their way around Tokyo.
Episode: Series 11, episode 4
5. The team goes on a caravan holiday
Any time these three go on holiday together is a cause for concern, and this episode did not disappoint, with the trio wanting to know why ‘caravanning’ was so popular. They drove a Kia Cerato, testing to see whether it was a good tow car, towing their Elddis Shamal XL. The episode has them getting into trouble in the caravan park, apologising to passing motorists, and dealing with a sick dog. It’s an episode not to be missed.
Episode: Series 8, episode 6
Watch all these excellent Best of Top Gear and Top Gear episodes and more on Showmax now. Sign up for Showmax today and you get a 14-day FREE trial. And if you’re a DStv Premium subscriber, get Showmax at no extra cost. Find out how here.
