Top Gear

: This article is about the television series. For other uses, see Top Gear (disambiguation).

1977 to 2001

When it started in 1977, it was initially not networked throughout Britain, hosted by BBC anchorwoman Angela Rippon. Early presenters included Noel Edmonds and William Woollard.

Related Topics:
1977 - Britain - Angela Rippon - Noel Edmonds - William Woollard

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Originally a fairly middle-of-the-road magazine show reviewing new car models and other car-related issues, such as road safety, it saw a massive boost in its audience in the early 1990s when it became more humorous, controversial, and unashamedly petrolhead-oriented programme, fronted by Jeremy Clarkson. Among Clarkson's contemporary presenters were Quentin Willson, a former used car salesman, Tiff Needell, a keen racing driver, and Vicki Butler-Henderson, also a racing driver.

Related Topics:
Road safety - 1990s - Petrolhead - Jeremy Clarkson - Quentin Willson - Tiff Needell - Vicki Butler-Henderson

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Despite enduring criticism that the show was overly macho, encouraged irresponsible driving behaviour, and ignored the environment, under Clarkson's presentation it pulled in huge audiences. It became hugely influential with the motor manufacturers, since a critical word from the Top Gear team can spell disaster in the sales department; this was most memorable in the case of the Ford Ka, whose sales plummeted when Clarkson declared that "it looks like a frog". However, even more critical statements have not affected sales of the Toyota Corolla; and praise did not help the Alpine Renault A610.

Related Topics:
Macho - Ford Ka - Toyota Corolla - Alpine Renault A610

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Every year since the early 1990s, the team has named and shamed the worst (and the best) of the year's new cars in the J. D. Power Top 100 survey.

Related Topics:
1990s - J. D. Power

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After Clarkson left to pursue other aspects of his TV career, the show became more toned down, but still retaining something of its influence. Without Clarkson its audience fell from six million to under three million.

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Consequently, in 2001 the BBC axed the program. In 2002, the show's presenters moved to Channel Five with a virtually identical show called 5th Gear.

Related Topics:
2001 - 2002 - Channel Five - 5th Gear

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