How Top Gear Crashed & Burned Overnight

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0:00 - 1:06 - Intro
1:07 - 2:10 - Why It Worked
2:11 - 3:19 - Controversy
3:20 - 6:20 - Beginning Of The End
6:21 - 10:30 - The Last Blow
10:31 - 11:56 - Conclusion

[@Lord-bim]

When they left the show, almost everyone watching top gear realized what they tuned in for, the passion they have for cars and their chemistry is what actually made top gear fun.

[@Truck_person]

And BBC realized they lost the only show people tuned into BBC for besides BBC earth

[@mobyhuge4346]

@@Truck_person I'm curious if there is another show the BBC currently has that gained that large of an audience

[@thomasmarshall7648]

@@mobyhuge4346 doctor who

[@unouno9448]

@@thomasmarshall7648 not really after Matt smith left but i does look like people are coming back to it now next year

[@dustojnikhummer]

Also a huge part of the production staff went with them.

[@G0oseG0ose]

My biggest take away from this is everyone needs a James May in their life. What a bro.

[@GameSpyDarkAge]

And if you don't have a James May. Be a James May.

[@NotTheWheel]

Aye a true blue friend.

[@markhaus]

James May was always my favorite. By far the most sensible host. Good to know he’s a good mate too

[@BusyMEOW]

​@@markhaus🙂 I was blind drunk at the time, I don't recall anything.. Thankyou

[@digitalfootballer9032]

​@@markhausJames is the best. Along with just being an all around great guy, his dry wit is second to none. For me, he embodies the classic British dry humour.

[@pastohh]

I have never seen anyone age faster than this trio, they went from bashful middle-aged men to elderly like overnight.

[@SyTrades]

LMFAO, too true. Last series of top gear they looked 40-50 and in grand tour they all look 65-70 lol

[@DCfreerunner]

Yeah 22 seasons..... that's 20 years of someone's life and they started after their young years...

[@Oblivion9873]

decades of smoking and drinking, mediocre at best diets, actually being old and not doing plastic surgery to hide it and generally going through various points of high stress throughout the years are all pretty huge contributing factors to ageing

[@kingcamilo]

@@Oblivion9873 hey man thats how you live a little

[@ssa6227]

Ya it seems they suffered even if they don't admit it. In the end I am happy for them

[@kaiserberserk3622]

"All Spanish people chucked donkeys out of tower blocks" As a Spanish I find this absurdly hilarious

[@bigrandomun9267]

Top Gear, in its prime, wasn’t a car show. It was a show about 3 mates who happened to like cars. They could’ve made it about trains, bikes or anything else. It was Jeremy, James and Richard who made the show as they were so good individually but perfect as a group. So many spin-offs and no-one can recreate that bond between 3 best friends. The premise of 3 people who are so different, having barely anything in common, working for 10+ in front of millions across the world for talking about/driving cars sounds like a wild dream someone would come up with so no wonder in this 1 in a million situation, it did so well. Also, they had the great ability to mix each of the 3 into any part of the show and have it do well, which was massive in the success. It’s like if you ran a restaurant and had the front of house, chef and cleaner who were able to do each other’s job as well as each other.

[@vampmode9132]

I don't even care about cars lol Ive drove a mark 2 golf for years I do however like to see james may freak out because someone has rearranged his hammers

[@pdcichosz]

What was its prime time? I happened to like it the most while it was still a car show. Once they started to detach from the original formula and change into generic entertainment, it felt forced and not genuine. Like most of Grand Tour.

[@bigrandomun9267]

@@pdcichosz for me it was between season 11 and when the trio left.

[@hafirenggayuda]

I'm not even into cars but, their passion and dedication in the show makes me interested and actually learn things about automobiles. That's what great show host strive, promoting and informative while still entertaining.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

@@pdcichosz The last 2-3 series were miserable crap, especially the India episode. There were talks of turning it round, and acknowledgements it had become a "cartoon", before, well, /that/ happened.

[@kakkacarmenelectra7229]

So much respect for James, he never once thought about staying on top gear and abandoning his mate. He knew that when Clarkson leaves, he leaves, no hesitation

[@Valigarmanda]

Jeremy was the one who convinced him to go back after refusing for S1 of Top Gear.

[@stefanwolf8558]

That's your ride or die homies right there. Not those fair weather friends.

[@Hvanudetfornoget]

Well, Clarkson is def the main cog of the show. A May Hammond Topgear show would 100% fail instantly.

[@Internetparking]

@@Hvanudetfornoget they’re all really good on their own… so even if it was only May and Hammond or Clarkson and May or whichever way you put it, it would’ve went well. They all have good chemistry no matter who they’re around, if you’ve ever watched any of their solo shows I think you would get what I mean?

[@Hvanudetfornoget]

@@Internetparking i do agree they've all made great solo shows. I love Richard Hammonds workshop and Mays traveling show(especially his Japan episodes). But i just can't see May/Hammond without Jeremy.

[@galaxybrain_658]

The spare ‘BEII END’ number plates in the Argentina special were most likely going to be used later in the show as a prank on Hammond or May. It’s pretty common in top gear for the trio to play pranks on each other, often by modifying each others cars. That is not proof of them deliberately referencing the Falklands.

[@KerythDraws]

They actually stated they planned on replacing the license plate during the car soccer match so that's probably why they were in his car. They couldn't use fake plates while on the roads for legal reasons and they couldn't just change the cars registration. James even stated on an interview the original plate is meaningless, which it is, people just saw a pattern and overreacted as people do.

[@fsociety6983]

Plus if they were going to intentionally make joke plates about the Falklands War I highly doubt they would be as subtle about is as H982 FKL

[@icecold1805]

@@fsociety6983 wouldn't more on the noise rob them of any deniability? remember, they always had to tow the line between being retards and getting the approval of the BBC, so as much as they would have loved to be even more over-the-top on their stupidity, they had to keep it without crossing the line. I mean, until they did.

[@ChocolateFrog]

It's also BE Eleven not BE ii.

[@Spoon8pl]

It was proved many times that these plates were as legit, as they could be. Long insurance history, screens from previous owner selling advert etc. The only way to do this whole shit on purpose would be them finding this very 928 and then making whole special around this very car, just to make prank with these very plates.

[@TheMelbournelad]

Short answer: Started with Jeremy Clarkson, and ended with Jeremy Clarkson

[@larahanht2072]

my aunt sabine was one of the new presenters on the show, after the original three left. when we lost her to cancer in '21, clarkson may and hammond send my grandmother this enormous bouquet of flowers with a card with their condolences. it was a really nice gesture on their part

[@nuker_1433]

Wait ur Aunty was the queen of the Nurburgring right? 😮 so sorry for your loss.

[@xnotasweatx]

Your aunt was her!? She’s a racing legend are you lying?

[@bugsbycarlin]

It was very clear they liked and respected her and it was very clear that she deserved that.

[@larahanht2072]

@@xnotasweatx nahh, not lying; we are a family of motorsports lovers, my mother and all her siblings raced cars but only sabine made it big :) we run a little hotel at the nürburgring and people often tell me what an impact she made on them and it hurts, but in the good way. i hope people don't forget about her, we miss her every single day.

[@pete9320]

@@larahanht2072 Noone will forget about Sabine, an absolute legend in motorsport and automotive culture.

[@QuinnZai]

I love how James stuck up for Jeremy and was so genuine with how he handled the press

[@tehgerbil]

James was the hero they didn't deserve, he's honestly a legend.

[@CarGuy1807]

@@tehgerbil They did deserve him tho!

[@CaliforniaAviation]

Big part of that I think is not only the fact that they are good friends, but because when they first started the show Jeremy was adamant about having James on there, he initially wanted it to be James as the third co presenter over Jason Dawe, so when Dawe stepped down he called James and asked if he wanted the gig, so I think in my many ways if it wasn’t for Jeremy, James wouldn’t be the big lovable meme we know him today

[@canoaslan1011]

@@CaliforniaAviation True. Most people dont even know, James was on top gear years before Jeremy, he moved on Jeremy came in, and wanted him back. it was Hammond that the BBC said no too, Clarkson insisted that he has to be on the show.

[@HammerHeart3229]

Agreed! Those two interviews James did reminds me in some ways of the relationship I have with my mates, we'll rip on each other and bust each other's balls but when push comes to shove we'll be there for each other and have each other's backs when shit gets real. Ultimately while I can't defend Clarkson for punching out that producer and ending that incarnation of Top Gear and while The Grand Tour doesn't completely capture the magic of Top Gear, I have complete respect for Hammond and May for sticking by the orangutan. Loyalty goes a long way!

[@That1Guy_91]

The plates you mentioned were the original plates from the car. The guy who sold it to the show shared photos to prove it. The producers realized it during filminf and made the bell end plates to fix it before it created an issue. But the show has a long history of intentionally pissing people off so no one was prepared to give the benefit of the doubt

[@pommunist]

I don't think they intentionally tried to piss anybody off tbh, some people go out of their way to be offended by jokes and react with over the top outrage for clout, it's a bit pathetic really.

[@NotTheWheel]

Jeremy, James, and Richard are the best comedic trio I've ever seen. Love those old Gear Heads, their chemistry and friendship. Top Gear is and always will be great the only shame is these gentlemen keep getting older so even Grand Tour will see its end sometime soon. Absolute Legends!

[@OscarOSullivan]

Top gear under them made me laugh their final series was funny with the ambulance special

[@37Kilo2]

Grand Tour is officially done. There's one more episode to air, but they've completed shooting it a while back. Jezzer said that it's tough doing the show when you're as old as they are, and they've run out of ideas because they've done everything.

[@thabisovuyohlalukana5037]

"And if you'll excuse me I very desperately have to write the eBay listing for my Ferrari " James May is a hoot

[@Jocaju3]

I loved that line, he was extremely polite

[@charlesharper2357]

James also held the world record for the fastest ever driver of a production car...for 10 minutes: James May recounts reaching 259 mph in the Bugatti Veyron SS kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqiUY3SQmZiFY9k

[@95blahblahhaha]

I've always enjoyed how James basically said "No, it's the three of us or nothing" so I truly believe that they are friends not just for show. ❤️

[@J03130]

you don't work with people for 20 plus years without becoming great friends or enemies.

[@him050]

Even if they weren’t. They’re all intelligent enough to know that neither of them alone is stronger than the sum of their parts.

[@zerooneonetwothree1872]

They are not friends, its a business that brings them A LOT of money and part of that job is lying to people, nothing unusual...

[@3SZ]

@@zerooneonetwothree1872 goofy

[@billie4billions116]

They even went to make a new show together called Grand tour

[@manuelmontesdeoca9552]

I will always love the trio... forever. Whether they are still on the screen or not. They literally lifted my spirits when. It was down and gave me some of the best laughs. They are forever great.

[@DavidBcc]

Watch Clarkson’s Farm. Scratches a similar itch. Absolutely fantastic.

[@ILOVEGANJ96]

i started watching this show before i even had a driving license or knew anything about cars. The chemistry and comedy this trio provides can entertain anyone, ive put this show on around random guests and they always get sucked in to the special episodes, every time.

[@nikkimae813]

I'm a 28 year old woman, who got her driving licence last year. Top gear was a show I watched growing up with my dad, not because I had an interest in cars, I didn't. It was because it was funny and entertaining. It was one of the shows we always watched together, with scrapheap challenge and robot wars

[@adammandic4229]

Same here. I was never a car guy but this was the most entertaining show on television.

[@Synergy465]

Those were the days when life was simple without a care in the world 👌🤘

[@ReddwarfIV]

Scrapheap Challenge and Robot Wars were great.

[@Xottapchenko]

Same. Me & my dad mostly watched it because it was interesting to see Hammond’s reaction on Clarkson’s pranks or how May turns on in “ADHD mode”. It was about them, not cars.

[@cosmosisrose]

I have never been interested in cars but I remember always watching Top Gear with my dad and my older brother. it was one of my favourite ways to spend time with them. there’s something special about that show

[@quillmaurer6563]

4:55 sums up why Top Gear/Grand Tour works so well - even outside the show James called Jeremy a "monumental bellend" while standing up for him, implying that he likes working with him and values him as a friend. Showing that the relationship between the trio was 100% genuine. They weren't just co-workers (such as Adam and Jamie from the Mythbusters), but true friends who always talk shit about each other but would probably lay down their lives for each other.

[@zeroelus]

Exactly, when Hammond had his accident IIRC Jeremy pretty much dropped everything and went to his, and Hammond's family's side. Years later they're making snide remarks about how they'll just casually mention Hammond died and move on, which of course they wouldn't if it came to be. They might talk crap about each other, not oblivious to the others flaws and making no secret of how they are annoyed by them, but the genuine relationship is the part of the appeal.

[@toobig7150]

@@zeroelus a true friend is the one that does his best to help you grow, even if that means calling an a-hole in the face

[@stellviahohenheim]

There's something about fast cars that makes people loyal to eachother

[@quillmaurer6563]

@@stellviahohenheim Even when their best moments are with slow dysfunctional turds.

[@MCD10000]

@@zeroelus taking to piss ot of each other is just British humour

[@Train2589]

i never have been a car person but, you could find my brother, father and myself sitting down almost every night to watch something we recorded off BBCA (we yanks love the trio too). the only reason we ever watched was those 3 and their chemistry together. sure the cars were cool but the shenanigans they got into, the challenges and how they interacted with each other just drew us in and kept us hooked.

[@KTopics]

Theres the job and then theres family. And these 3 were the closest thing to a proper on air family. The kind of guys who are always beside you and in your corner. They were truly blessed to have met each other and worked together for so long. A joy to watch.

[@Jushwa]

I love how James handled the press. Such a class act.

[@BlueZirnitra]

I think he might be the glue that keeps them all together y'know.

[@dzgaming9295]

I expect nothing less from the man who beat gordon ramsay in a cooking contest... while drunk!

[@Fanta....]

@@dzgaming9295 I know nothing of the context behind this comment but find it hilarious.

[@dzgaming9295]

@@Fanta.... its from one of gordon's old shows where he faced james may in a fish pie cooking contest.

[@tyvankenyon4964]

That’s how James always is with everyone, Succinct, polite to a fault, but takes no shit.

[@N13J]

The Grand Tour has improved over the years and it’s getting close to peak Top Gear. I hope the old trio stay healthy and keep providing us content forever.

[@abelermias445]

is it still on?

[@oreganodealerlsog8630]

@@abelermias445 thex still do some specials together

[@bobdabanana]

@@abelermias445 yeah they release like 1 special a year now. The one they released this year was top tier

[@2natunatwona]

@@abelermias445 one of them are also on record saying they will continue to do it one way or another until one of them dies

[@Kerys23a]

I call the grand tour True Top Gear

[@zonkedasp]

i love how the entire crew left with them to the grand tour aswell as there solo shows

[@Chrisamic]

Richard's crashes terrify me, Jeremy really is a monumental BellEnd, and James May is my spirit animal. I was sad when the show ended but the truth is Jeremy was getting increasingly frustrated with the Beeb and I'm not sure he would have renewed his own contract with them anyway. What happend with Oisin was just a symptom of that. If Clarkson had just pulled out of his own accord I'm not sure that would have generated the energy for the cast and crew to create the Grand Tour phenomenon. Everything apparently happens for a reason.

[@SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

The funniest thing is, they have been to Antarctica, Chernobyl, and some of the most dangerous roads on the planet. Yet the only time they were genuinely worried about their safe...was in Argentina and Alabama. You can't deny how loyal these three are to each other. Sure, they rip the piss out of each other on a daily basis; but if one of them gets hurt or something, the other two jump into big brother mode instantly. Remember when James hit the back of his head in Syria? Nobody hurts them BUT them! Hope they one day decide to visit my country, I'd love to show them around my palace.

[@NickJFiggers]

The Alabama episode was actually scripted and had actors I believe, as were a lot of their later escapades. Sending hugs and kisses to North Korea from a humble Saudi man. xoxo

[@Link2edition]

@@NickJFiggers I grew up in Alabama and still live there. I thought they either used actors or deliberately went to the worst towns in the state. There are some genuinely terrible people here if you go looking for them, but most of the state isn't like that.

[@UNKNOWNUNKNOWN-tw2iz]

Can I visit your palace ? OWO

[@ricksanchez1079]

@@UNKNOWNUNKNOWN-tw2iz Ayo North Korea or Alabama? XD

[@captaindishman9126]

@@ricksanchez1079 A palace in Alabama is a triple-wide trailer

[@ii31933]

Without Jeremy, Richard, and James, there is no Top Gear.

[@killjoysmakesomenoise668]

THEY are top gear

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

@@killjoysmakesomenoise668 it’s grand tour

[@makeitsonumberone1358]

@@louisbeerreviews8964 its virtue signalling with a ukrainian flag.

[@martin0499]

There is The Grand Tour though!

[@MarcelNL]

It's a very forced rip-off now. Trying to use the same sort of humour. Of course a lot with our beloved trio was scripted, but only while seeing the awkward immitations of the new presenters, I actually noticed how much of it all was scripted. But this original trio had such natural chemistry that you rarely really noticed it at all. And if you noticed, you often just didn't care because it was all honestly so funny!

[@JesseOnCars]

You've got the license plate story a little out of wack. Jeremy had requested a 928 GTS for the special, only two of which were available in the budget for sale at the time. One was ratty and unlikely to make it through the filming so they bought H982FKL. That's the original plate it was sold within the UK and lived with for its life to that point. It was an oversight on behalf of production to not notice it, especially in the context of where they were heading. Regardless, it wasn't done on purpose. During the episode, you can see the front plate fall off the car halfway through. The team had been alerted to the issues it was causing while filming and so had a backup set bearing BE11END for the car to bear during the car football match that was planned as an episode finale. They never got that far and the genuine story from the cast and producers ended up being lost in the maelstrom of headlines that tallied with prior behaviour by the production. Ultimately in this instance, it's a case of the boy who cried wolf. Regardless of that, physical violence against co-workers shouldn't be tolerated and Clarkson had pushed the limit one too many times by that point. Especially against a BBC that was shifting to become more in keeping with the modern and liberal attitudes of its users (odd that its pendulum-d away from that now).

[@j.peters1222]

I'm glad these 3 have all managed to remain the best of mates even with all the drama and chaos unfolding around them.

[@rai2u]

people that shits around together stays together

[@RandomNorwegianGuy.]

Top gear Specials with Jeremy, James and Hammond is still the greatest form of entertainment ever created

[@jordankamese5146]

Always watch the Christmas special during festivities Comedy gold

[@shroomzed2947]

@@jordankamese5146 Which Christmas special? The Middle East one?

[@jordankamese5146]

@@shroomzed2947 Yessir

[@kevindonnelly9811]

Vietnam special was an emotionally beautiful piece of television. The BBC really f'd up.

[@alfsmith4936]

They were too scripted

[@WackoMcGoose]

James was basically "He's a knob, but he's OUR knob" about Clarkson, and I think that sums it up perfectly.

[@makeitsonumberone1358]

A door knob?

[@VentureHolly]

Can’t stand abuse enablers like this. They’re everywhere in the workplace, defending bullies like “that’s just Terry’s personality, he’s a nice bloke really” whilst their victims lose everything.

[@mobbs6426]

@@VentureHolly Jeremy isn't a bully, he's a Blowhard

[@ironladyerimuth]

@@VentureHollyexcept the only reason many people watched Top Gear was because the three presenters were complete dickheads in their own ways. If you take away the grouchy, buffoonish or downright offensive personalities of the presenters, then you’re left with just another car show.

[@toximan2008]

@@VentureHolly You're acting like Clarkson is Fred West. Relax.

[@rebeltvr6046]

The Clarkson, May, Hammond Top Gear will never be touched. These guys were a step above.

[@issyv.w748]

I have watched top gear so many times I don’t even want to try and count, it will never get old…I’ll watch my fave episodes again and again forever. The show was a huge part of my childhood, 9 year old me sat in front of the tele watching my top gear special box set. I’ve never been the biggest car fan, so I never really watched it for the cars, but the trio were so entertaining (and still are) that you didn’t need to like cars to sit through an episode. I agree that there has never been a show like it.

[@SPM0717]

5:47 What isn't actually noted is that the number plate H982 FKL has been registered to the Porsche 928 since 1991 so it's not unreasonable to think it was a mere coincidence.

[@timothyboersma6358]

And the fact that the police found two spare number plates doesn't immediately imply they did it on purpose. They've been messing about with number plates for a long time.

[@danielkenweisu4682]

And even if he did it on purpose yeah the argentines have a reason to be mad that’s understandable but to try to kill them over that is crazy.

[@bbyjeepstail]

Not only did Clarkson, May or Hammond not get fired, when they went over to Amazon, most of their Top Gear production crew went with them.

[@is1dsa700]

So it showed us that there is something wrong with the BBC

[@kilovwdude6457]

Clarkson got fires. May and Hammond left

[@lenin8243]

@@kilovwdude6457 not fired. His contract ended and they didnt renew the contract. It was just a lucky coincidence for BBC when they wanted to get rid of clarkson

[@gediminaskucinskas6952]

@@lenin8243 Yeah they were thinking of getting rid of Clarkson since 2014 and have someone more politically correct in his place. They did not plan for May and Hammond to leave with him though.

[@yovan1358]

Top Gear died when Jeremy James & Richard left. The chemistry these 3 have will never be reproduced no matter how hard BBC can try

[@joehorton8735]

These three guys were awesome I love watching the show and watch what they do with the cars and a constant competition between each other, these guys had the right chemistry in the stig was awesome too

[@pete-ph5xc]

Losing Mythbusters and Top Gear were the two biggest blows to the entertainment part of my life. Thankfully, everyone on the TG side is alive, and got to go on to something as good or better. The further losses on the Mythbusters side were brutal. Though writing reminds me that I was just recently informed that a documentary about Jesse Combs has been released that I need to watch. TG fans, you may like it as well, as she did a lot of land speed record stuff.

[@tnickknight]

Watch CarTrek and Hoovies garage

[@BrownSofaGamer]

Two of the saddest losses in TV history.

[@PartikleVT]

I miss Grant

[@TheOtherGuys2]

Adam Savage does a youtube channel now called Tested, where he mainly does a lot of model-making, cosplay, prop-building and Q&A and such. Might interest you.

[@TheScytheMoron]

Mythbusters? That boring shitfest? lol ...

[@RobG001]

Biggest shock I had was seeing Jeramy on a bicycle. :) Also his contract was not cancelled, it was not renewed, (his TopGear contract that is), he still worked for the BBC after this time, he presented a few different shows.

[@drumguy1384]

haha yeah, I noticed that too. As much as he slagged off cyclists on the show, to see him riding one was indeed a fun surprise.

[@alexmurrray9018]

amazing video and editing mate. Subscribed! hope u make it big one day keep up the great work!

[@dougsfilmtv9810]

That was a great video! I have a lot of memories of Top Gear when I was in High School, and these guys were the best. I remember during my senior year of high school I remember hearing the news Clarkson got fired and I was shocked. I remember the BBC were holding auditions to be the next host and I auditioned, and I got get an email from the BBC saying thank you for your audition. We will let you know if we hear anything, and I never heard from them again. I realize that next year would be 10 years ago when Clarkson got fired and man time goes fast.

[@cihloun]

The old cast's acting felt so "real". Most of time I thought it was recorded without any script. It was great

[@RaptorJesus]

That's because it was real. They actually are friends.

[@AverageAlien]

A lot more of it was improvised/ real

[@contytub]

​@@RaptorJesusalso because they've enjoyed what they were doing and been active part of development instead of just being showmen ...

[@furretthefuzzynoodle3896]

@@RaptorJesus No not really

[@aidensnow5017]

@@furretthefuzzynoodle3896 They genuinely are, they might take the p!ss out of each-other but that's what old mates are for!

[@hulkman245]

Not even a car guy or a big TG fan but the chemistry of the OG's and that natural banter(even though allot of the dialogue were clearly words they memorized of a script) really made the show for me. These new guys just feel out of place/unnatural

[@aidy6000]

baffling what Paddy McGuiness and Freddie Flintoff are doing on it

[@adama-k2710]

Rory Reid and Chris Harris are better

[@cooper512]

Chris Harris is fantastic though. He deserves that job more than anyone

[@ralcolfwolfcoon8207]

Yeah pretty amazed you're not listening to what he said.

[@pete-ph5xc]

Yeah, shows can be interesting or fun on their own, but these "real life" shows become inextricably tied to their presenters. When Mythbusters went down, there was no way they were ever going to find replacements that made the show as good as it was... Heck, even before that, when they cut the build team of Kari, tory, and Grant, the show felt like it lost half its heart and soul immediately.

[@chirssjay1995]

Every car guy cried when: -Paul Walker died. -Michael Schumacher fall in coma. -Ken Block died. And when Top Gear failed.

[@Okurka.]

Ken who?

[@paparoach007]

The comedic geniuses of TopGear will always be this trio; Jeremy (The Knob), May (Captain Slow) and Hammond (The Hamster). As a kid I used to get home from school, do all of my homework and sit patiently waiting for a new episode of TopGear on the TV every Friday and on the occasional Sunday with my family. This programme will always have a place in my life and so will these 3 gentlemen. I remember watching Hammond host other tv programmes too like Total Wipeout and Brainiac: Science Abuse, some of you may or may not remember these but if you have kids you can show them these classics they will love them. Clarkson and May also did their own historical, educational and mechanical-type programmes and documentaries as well. The calibre from these 3 is just remarkable and nobody else can replicate it and saying it now leaves a small knot in my chest because they are getting really old now and their wheels will fall off eventually. I know this video is over a year old at this point but better late than never lol. Thanks Phat Memer for the video! 👍

[@guywhocantgrowabeard]

James is such a legend. He was always my favorite on the show, and I've followed his post-TG shows most ardently. He did Jeremy a solid with all his press.

[@giovannifoulmouth7205]

Who's James? You mean Mr Slowly?

[@guywhocantgrowabeard]

@@giovannifoulmouth7205 yes.

[@JoshuaC923]

He is my favourite of the 3, i try to watch all the shows he makes, Toy stories etc, i even enjoy his food tribe videos.

[@guywhocantgrowabeard]

@@JoshuaC923 same here.

[@pasta-and-heroin]

duuuude our man in japan was my favorite show of the year when it came out. i think he is a lovely bloke - and always felt he was significantly more likeable than Clarkson in particular.

[@load_out]

The fact that Top Gear is now cancelled as well literally shows how much popularity the show got from the original trio compared to the new trio

[@4VaultBoy]

Top Gear UK was literally enjoying car culture with your friends, with 3 older friends hosting it. The moment they got rid of our friends, and said these are your new friends…. We were out.

[@r.fumador1146]

correct. i growed up with those bastards

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

You can't break true friendship, and that's exactly what made the show. The Grand Tour works because it's still them being themselves. They make mistakes, they work and grow together, and they accept that they're going to go through rough times. But in the end, they stick together and have each other’s backs. Even if the Argentina special and assault didn’t happen, the show as we knew it would’ve ended because Clarkson wasn’t happy with the BBC. One factor that wasn’t mentioned in this video was the BBC terminating the publishing deal with Jezza and Andy Willman’s company which upset the both of them. The abrupt ending and burned bridges could’ve been avoided but Jeremy wasn’t gonna renew with the BBC no matter what. Also, the car had that license plate since 1991. The other license plates found in the car they left behind in Argentina were meant to be switched during a football match to prevent problems, but of course Argentinos prevented this.

[@galaxybrain_658]

It’s pretty likely he would’ve swapped Hammond or mays number plates with BEII END later on in the episode as a prank, but they were interrupted before then.

[@JusTCheap15]

What happened at argentia?

[@Royal__Kitsune]

Basically anti-british argentinians didnt like the idea of such a strong british presence in their country and decided to do something about it. even though clarkson, may etc all wanted to build bridges and friendships with argentina and its people

[@darthbiker2311]

Clarkson's Porsche had the plate number H982 FKL. Locals around Ushuaia town, one of the ports from which Argentina deployed its navy during the Falklands War against the British in 1982, thought it was a cheeky reference and mobbed the crew.

[@BleedForTheWorld]

@@Royal__Kitsune guaranteed there's more context to this story than what's being unfolded in this video alone. The part of this topic is too short for what it's worth.

[@MrEsphoenix]

I think the biggest issue with the new team is they where colleagues, where as Clarkson, Hammond and May where friends first, colleagues second. It just added an element of relatability to it and made it feel more natural. More like hanging out with a bunch of mates than actors reading a script.

[@TheHajinator]

Apparently James May and Clarkson don’t really get on

[@MrEsphoenix]

@@TheHajinator that was just sloppy reporting, taking a comment by James may out of context and completely failing to understand his British humour. He basically said that they shouldn't get along as they're all so different, but somehow it works, and joked that it was probably because they can all find mutual ground in their loathing of each other.

[@internetgfy]

They are clearly mates, but at first they were also just co-presenters with no real friendship. Clarkson hired both May and Hammond but that involved interviews and screenings. If you watch the first couple of Top Gears with those three you'll see it's very much like the original Top Gear in format with the odd joke thrown in. It wasn't until a few years down the line when they really became buddies that it shows.

[@erentoktams1470]

I really loved watching top gear, storage wars and fenerbahçe matches with my dad as a kid. Peaceful, fun and quality family time. Forever grateful for the show. Still watching it whenever i miss home.

[@jeffduck3731]

As a Brazilian I can say this was the best show about cars I have ever seen.

[@michaelnoah3795]

I have much respect for him telling fans to not bully Osh and made a public apology admitting his wrongdoings.

[@kamzz2115]

You respect him after he punched someone while flat out drunk and was a closeted racist

[@dickmelsonlupot7697]

if I'm being honest here, you can tell just by looking at his face that Osh was a pussy. Most likely one of those jealous types or even an SJW type that got butthurt because he got slapped by an old man who wanted some steak. And even though Jeremy is an a-hole and a dickhead, usually those types of guys don't just suddenly attack without proper reason. Most likely than not Osh was probably being a douche as well when he responded and since Osh was Irish, I couldn't even give him a benefit of a doubt especially with how a lot of Irish people talk.

[@astonwards7236]

Sure, but it took him a year to do it. The world has moved on from where punching people cos you're angry is justifiable.

[@pagatryx5451]

@@astonwards7236 Killing people can be justifiable under the right context.

[@astonwards7236]

@@pagatryx5451 Sure, but just because you're tired, hungry and going through marriage problems? Part of the charm is that Jeremy is a dinosaur, but that doesn't make it right.

[@AniFang]

I love the fact that when Grand Tour was finally allowed to mention Top Gear after season 3 on the actual show, Jeremy constantly made fun of it and how poorly the decision to fire him went for the BBC

[@john.premose]

Of course he did, because he's a petulant twat

[@philiprice7875]

i bet when the bosses of the BBC sat down and saw the opening segment for 1st ep of grand tour, there was silence in the room and the thought of "oh fook what have we done"

[@corneliussmiff2773]

@@philiprice7875 He assaulted a co-worker, end of discussion.

[@jaydeleon8094]

@@corneliussmiff2773 still a piss poor financial decision. tell me that the execs don't only look at the numbers.

[@corneliussmiff2773]

@@jaydeleon8094 How was is a piss poor financial decision? Explain.

[@ranchu8385]

these three are my personal favourite in the world, nothing and no one can replace their legacy

[@alexburky9124]

I’ll always have insane respect for may and Hammond sticking by their mate. Both had other projects with BBC but took the leap into the unknown with Jeremy

[@JG54206]

God I miss the old Top Gear. My father and I used to watch and laugh. Whenever I watch the older episodes now I remember him. Jeremy’s willingness to say pretty much anything on camera was just hilarious.

[@CallOfPoop1]

Watch grand tour then....

[@JG54206]

@@CallOfPoop1 I have… every episode.

[@DoktrDub]

your pops has gone? sorry man may be rest in peace

[@zephyrus339]

Yeah. And while it could be argued that sometimes they took their jokes too far into the insulting territory, they were like that to every nationality, including the British and, of course, each other.

[@JG54206]

@@zephyrus339 indeed. They definitely had plenty of “I can’t believe he said that on camera moments but I never felt insulted and i always thought they were equal opportunity haters…. Nothing is off limits when it comes to humor.

[@Courtesyflush52]

"As much as I think he's a knob, I quite like working with Jeremy" That's not some random bs PR line. Its a genuinely nice thing you would expect to hear from a close friend

[@paulwalters5349]

Yes he definitely came across as a knob putting it mildly

[@lolbuster01]

It's what I say when the topic of one of my friends comes up. He's a terrible human being but he would cross the globe to help you if you needed it.

[@mike03a3]

Top Gear was, and still is, the only "car show" I watched and loved. I still watch reruns when I can find one. It was always about the chemistry of the presenters. I live cars, and although I'm an American my first car was an MGA and my two favorites are an E-Type (which I've owned for 50 years!) and my beloved XJ-S. But although I was attracted to British cars it was the interactions of the trio that kept me tuning in.

[@YoutubeHatesJapaneseLetters96]

I Confess, I Was Never A Big Fan Of Top Gear, I Always Thought They Were A Little "Too Much Dramatic" (Of Course I Would Be Blasted With Negative Comments If I Said This Back In The Day), But I Always Recognized Their Knowledge And All, They've Done Awesome Things: Races, Reviews, Random Train Reviews, Collabs, Funny Episodes And Even The Forza Horizon 4 Chapter, But Since The O.G Trio Left,They Aren't The Same Anymore, They Went From Sarcastic Car Critics With Strong Personalities To People That Loved The Porsche Mission R Interior (No Offense), Now It's More Like A "EletricMusk Gear" Than Top Gear Itself, I Like To Think That The Top Gear Has Been "History Channelizing" And It's Sad. I Feel Like Donut Media Is Becoming The New Top Gear.

[@FSAPOJake]

I love how James would always call Jeremy a knob or a bellend, even when defending or supporting him. It shows how close they actually are 😅 only true friends do stuff like that.

[@flamebolton]

I met them all once at a filming, Clarkson even got me in the episode (Sabine round the nurburg episode) they where all top guys even behind the scenes

[@chucknorris277]

Everyone has an asshole buddy.

[@LtNduati]

The only regret I have was that me (an American) and my Dad loved Top Gear UK, my christmas gift/graduation gift the winter before the fracas was going to Dunsfold for an in studio filming experience. I love how Top Gear UK made it okay to be into cars, but also all of the Top Gear-esque content that has come from it, even if the Grand Tour doesn't always get the job done.

[@oliverwain1158]

I miss top gear so much. I know that ‘top gear’ is still running and the grand tour is a thing. But I agree that there has never been anything like this show before and never will

[@Notapplicable11111]

to be fair, watch the james may interview about the number plate and it is clear it was not a fake, it was a poor coincidence

[@Lord-bim]

I can guarantee those fake plates in the car with bellend on them were a prank on may or hammond 😂 what a shame

[@lucian6395]

@@Lord-bim the plates in the car yeah, not the Porsche's actual plates.

[@f-5e126]

@@Lord-bim yea he was probably going to fit them when they played car football such a shame we couldn't get ti see that

[@focusedford2302]

@@lucian6395 yeah, the porsche wasn't a 2011 car and I don't even think they're real private plates, just props

[@lucian6395]

@@focusedford2302 yeah they where prop plates, in some of the challenges when they are on a course or at the live shows they sometimes removed the plates. Hammond and May's cars probably had prop plates aswell

[@rogehmarbi]

2:03 That episode marked the very first time I passed out in my life. I was still young, I was laughing so hard my back and my chest were all hurting really badly. I dropped to the ground still in this limbo of uncontrollable laughter and flinching pain, and the next thing I knew I was already in bed. My family said my laugh turned into heavy snoring-like sound before I turned completely silent just lying on the ground. That was scary, but funny at the same time.

[@1258-Eckhart]

That nearly happened to me a generation before you over a Morecambe and Wise show involving an Austin 1300 (I vaguely remember) - I dropped off the couch in my parents' lounge and could hardly draw breath on the ground. When Eric Morecambe got his teeth into a situation, he could milk it for all it was worth, and you laughed yourself into a coma.

[@dividedstatesofamerica2520]

@@1258-Eckhart Your age doesn't mean shit

[@RoodeMenon]

Which episode was that? I want to watch it again.

[@Yamato980]

I am laughing now at you comment! 😁 👍

[@ktga67ish]

I remember catching wind of the show back in 2010 or 2011. I had just bought a surround sound and I was hooked!! Thanks for the good video!

[@martinhambleton5076]

The three of them demonstrated something to the BBC that the organisation could not understand or demonstrate. The BBC secretly despised Top Gear but loved the success. I do hope the three of them do something together in the future.

[@faustasatraskevicius38]

The grand tour

[@Jushwa]

These boys are living legends. There will never be another show like Top Gear. The stars aligned for it to happen. It was amazing while it lasted.

[@911captkrunch]

The grand tour on Amazon prime. It's same 3, talking about cars.

[@jimmygubbins]

@@911captkrunch its literally top gear with high budget and modern cameras lol (almost)

[@thelocalbear8754]

As a correction, the idea of the Argentina special was that they would build an arena to play car football. When they entered the country, they were informed of the problem that could occur with the number plate H982 FKL. You can check the car's record on the DVLA, it had that number plate since new. As for the BE11 END number plates were to go on Jeremy's football car. The number plate H982 FKL was entirely coincidental. But when people try hard enough, they can find a reason to get angry at anyone.

[@b.chuchlucious5471]

Exactly. Once they found out they were British, they went looking for a fight.

[@irfancatovic8996]

It was probably a coincidence, but out of almost 33 million cars in the UK, getting the numberplate H982 FKL and going to Argentina with it. WOW!

[@thelocalbear8754]

@@irfancatovic8996 well, that's what it looks like. That plate could've been on any car, qnd most cars in the UK do not have V8 engines.

[@BrownSofaGamer]

@@irfancatovic8996It comes down to the fact that the car Jeremy picked, a 928 GTS with a manual transmission, is a rare car and he wanted that exact spec, and h the production found the best one they could.

[@SJrad]

Damn they were about to do rocket league before rocket league

[@Ecks899]

5:23 that fully cracked me up

[@stevecarr7338]

well presented. Top Gear with the trio have so many good episodes. I've gone back and watched lots especially the specials.

[@Archman155]

With the Argentina special, those spare number plates didn't mean it was on purpose. They were notified of the issue when they entered the country so had them, and they were going to put them on to avoid the situation but they didn't have time to because they got ambushed early

[@kardy12]

If they didn’t think there was going to be an issue, why would they have prepared separate number plates? 😂

[@whitegluestick6039]

Wht does "H982 FKL" say I know the last bit says Falklands but what does H982 say?

[@irishred8850]

@@whitegluestick6039 1982

[@irishred8850]

It was 100% on purpose don't be so naive

[@rollingry8694]

James interview explains it🥱 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoPOqJKEbtWBo9U

[@TangoSuckaa1]

Honestly.. chris Harris really knows what he’s on about when it comes to cars. It’s a shame they’ve shoehorned him into trying to recreate the original trios magic. He’s good enough to stand on his own. He’s then only reason I still watch top gear.

[@seventh-hydra]

I wish Eddie Jordan was a regular host. Guy's already known in F1 for being an absolute character and a walking meme. His banter with Chris Harris was pretty hilarious. And he definitely knows cars.

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

I like Chris Harris, the other 2 are just tw@ts, like you said to try and make it 'inyeresting'. It's like watching toddlers trying to show off. The mistake they made is putting people in that arent journalists. Clarckson, May and Hammond are all motoring journalists and also have a talent for being idiots. The BBC just hired idiots (except Harris).

[@leenevin8451]

I can’t stand the excessive banter now

[@peterboczan2116]

Chris Harris should be replaced by another "Northern Lad" who can communicate on more equal terms with "Paddeh" and "Freddeh". The show will have a better degree of continuity. How about Keith Lemon?

[@leenevin8451]

@@peterboczan2116 yes Keith lemon but constantly in character. Ye that would be nice that

[@cumor6320]

I love how everyone acts as if they were the first three hosts of Top Gear, and that it never existed before 2001. The same way Sky Sports thinks Football didn't exist before 1992, and Fans of the Netflix series "drive to survive" thinks that F1 didn't exist before that thing started.

[@alexzagoren6864]

Top Gear was never about cars, it was about three mates who loved cars

[@SurplusMarket]

For those still wishing to experience at least 2 of these 3’s dynamic chemistry, Richard and James are both owners of the KZbin channel DRIVETRIBE, and they both regularly appear in various kinds of videos on the channel weekly. It’s an amazing way to regularly experience at least some of the magic we love from the Top Gear of the past, and has some very entertaining videos too.

[@flankman9385]

9:00

[@kagemaser1406]

The grand tour?

[@blocksource4192]

grand tour was cancelled aswell... Only a few more specials and then goodbye.@@kagemaser1406

[@sanfordcurtis8242]

I remember when it abruptly ended in 2015. So many middle aged men in bootcut jeans and brown leather shoes devastated 👌🏻😂

[@craigthelej]

Yea I remember as soon as I got into it it got cancelled, great timing

[@paulmuncher7234]

As an 11 year old I was absolutely devastated my favourite show to watch with my dad almost every night growing up. What a show

[@craigthelej]

@@paulmuncher7234 yea the reruns on bbc 3

[@tooshlong]

Bizarre caricature given every male demographic loved it.

[@x_chadboy2267]

When I realized it was canceled 3 years later I was incinerated.

[@fungo6631]

4:43 The bridge really DOES have a slope, though! Are people blind?

[@JohnniDaFreakk]

They exposed Jeremy punching a dude over steak and really thought no one would just find it hilarious

[@elliotttalksf1825]

In a strange way I think that it is fitting that TG under Clarkson ended in an abrupt and controversial way. It’s sums up the entire era and it makes us feel more sad about it having finished.

[@lukesmalley2937]

The registration plates were actually genuine, not the bellend one, but there's actually DVLA documents showing that's it's had them since the beginning. The car was also got on short notice so their wasn't a lot of the crew looking at everything.

[@DabDabGoose]

As much as that is the case I think that particular porsche was chosen when they saw the plate.

[@Michael_Shoemaker]

@@DabDabGoose Nah, it was chosen because it was the exact same spec as Clarkson wanted, and there were maybe two or three other 928's in the very same spec, but in worse condition.

[@DabDabGoose]

@@Michael_Shoemaker hey it might of been(because I doubt there would of been many 928s in good condition for sale), but there is no way the plate was looked over and I don't believe them for a second when they say otherwise, because for starters it's a custom plate and people in UK look at plates to work out insurance reg, anyone from UK knows the story doesn't add up. Not that I care it made the episode epic lol.

[@alexanderflemming6788]

@@DabDabGoose 1. It wasn't a custom plate the plate was there from the beginning as kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoPOqJKEbtWBo9U outlines and you can double check the UK government has a feature on their page to do just that. 2. None of them noticed it simple as unless you can provide evidence to the contrary to it because since in the UK there is something called innocent till proven guilty. 3. There was only 2 they could buy to the specs of what Jeremy wanted and they chose the one in better condition which just turned out to be the one which had the name plate as the youtube video I linked talked about.

[@Michael_Shoemaker]

@@DabDabGoose It's not like the presenters went online and choosed the cars themselves on ebay or something. The team behind the production was asked to find a specific vehicle i.e, May wants Esprit V8 from the mid 90s so they go and look for one. It's not like you see many 928 GTS's on the road nowadays, since it's rarer than the 911 from the same period. Ben Collins used to check if the vehicle of choice was even safe to use on the road.

[@CaptRobertApril]

Re: Jeremy's Porsche 928 in Argentina. It had that number plate when it was sold as new, well before the Falklands War.

[@julianfelipetorresguarin939]

5:50, the incident in argentina, supposedly you can look up the plates that supposedly reference the falklands war and there´s the registry in the uk, and the ones found inside were actually meant to be placed in the car when they got to ushuaia in order to prevent said issue

[@Boemel]

As a kid i stayed up late at night to watch every new TopGear whilst my parents were working late. Literally cried when it came to this abrupt end. Thank god for The Grand Tour to give us a few more years with our beloved trio.

[@alexrod9271]

I do get sad that they’re getting older but I’m sure these 3 will keep on driving cars and entertaining us with their chemistry until their own wheels come off. Top Gear wouldn’t have been possible without these legends!

[@neilboughton2794]

You've mentioned twice that Clarkson was fired, when the video from the BBC director clearly says his contract wasn't being renewed. That's two completely different things

[@nuyabuisness7526]

These trio are the modern day version of Abbot and Costello, you could drop them in basically anything, give them a post it note worth of material to work wit, and watch the magic happen.

[@fluffywarhampster]

The moment you truly understand topgear is the koment you realize it was never about the cars. The premise of the show and the grand tour was always about adventure with your mates and getting in trouble. Cars were just the lense used to allow for that story and by their presence and aid of whatever ridiculous activity you were getting into you learned to love the cars. I think this was shown the most perfectly when Jeremy told the story about the Porsche that he had on loan the week his father died. It was a touching story that elevated that car to more than the sum of its parts. That was the essence of top gear.

[@BlueZirnitra]

I think they get that you don't really love a machine by itself. You love the memories and experiences it enables, the way the car drives is a bonus. These is paid out by the fact that some of the best moments were when they were driving bags of shit.

[@fluffywarhampster]

@@BlueZirnitra exactly!

[@reece3163]

To this day I still go back often and watch the Top Gear specials. As unfortunate as the change in hosts was, it allowed the original trio to utilise the format of the “specials” and refine it with the Grand Tour

[@awhoot1]

I have never loves my 3 hero’s more than I did when I read all this 6 years ago and started watching them on Amazon!! Just 3 gents loving life as a whole. Great video.

[@TheMet4lGod]

It's no secret why Top Gear changed cast. Jeremy Clarkson hit the producer after getting angry filming a video where he sat in a river for some period of time. Jeremy jokingly mentioned on the Grand Tour that he's the only one to not be fired out of the three so it sounds like he resigned or quit after the issue. The BBC tried to replace them, but, let's be honest here, the new cast just doesn't have the charm they do. Clarkson is brash, May is intelligent/knowledgeable, and Hammond has some comedic timing and dresses well. Matt LeBlanc wasn't too bad playing "The American" on a BBC show. I found it funny how clueless he was at times. The then main host at the time just came across like an unfunny hipster. The BBC just needs to really get those 3 things again.

[@maxwilding]

You were wrong about the Argentinian episode that was genuinely the porsches original number plate, it can be backed up by running a HPI check on the car, which shows it had that number plate from new.

[@dvdossbsvskfbdvav]

James may explained it perfectly in an interview, when I find it I'll link it below. Jeremy wanted a very specific car, and they found only 2 cars of that kind for sale, and only one of those was suitable and that was the H982 FKL one. They had absolutely no choice over the numberplate at all and it's categorically wrong to say it was intentional. Here's the interview: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoPOqJKEbtWBo9U

[@maxwilding]

@@dvdossbsvskfbdvav yea you’re correct, i’ve watched this interview. it explains it very well

[@POKEMANZZ3]

@@dvdossbsvskfbdvav one could still argue they saw the number plate and thought "hey thats funny isnt it?" personally i suspect though that even if the cast knew about the number plate (Which i doubt, i do believe they had no idea about it until it was in argentina), i imagine they in no way expected or wanted the level of outrage that it received and probably at most thought of it in a "hey thats kinda funny" rather than a "let piss off Argentinians with this number plate by going to the town the cruiser sailed out from" kinda way.

[@SamCollard]

Especially as the other number plate in question quite literally reads “Bellend” 😭

[@ConnorNotyerbidness]

@@POKEMANZZ3 from what i remember they made multiple requests to the argentinian government to be allowed to swap out the plate but they said no due to various import laws and such they have that they had to maintain the original plate regardless

[@remiphillips]

6:46 clarkson riding a bicycle? He must have truly been distraught at the time

[@HammadNajam]

Thank you, for the information. I miss the trio being the life of the show. Great fun memories of the show.

[@pablogenius3909]

Top Gear is still running on the BBC? I had no idea. I only ever logged on to BBC iPlayer to watch top gear, when the trio left so did I.

[@joshlowe1874]

7:02 James may dealt with this like the legend he is

[@pnketia]

The chemistry that Jeremy, James and Richard had was what made the show entertaining. I love the challenges and the trips they did more so than the cars they reviewed. My dad and I laughed so hard during the Reliant Robin that Jeremy flipped over several times during an episode.

[@okipullup8825]

The show started same year when i was born, they are the show that i watch most of the time, and they are the reason why i love cars. And its not all about the cars they do, its about their friendship.

[@1988oisin]

Good effort at the name and liked the video & subscribed! It’s pronounced Ush-een for next time!

[@unicorntomboy9736]

These three middle age men with a passion for cars having the time of their lives were part of my childhood and teenage years. I will never forget them

[@someonesvagabond]

I really loved the race episodes. Probably my most favorite of all challenges. The Buggati vs Plane. The Mercedes vs Ferry. The Nissan vs Bullet Train. It was fun and I wish there were more of these.

[@RoughNek72]

OMG yess!!!! Those were sooo much fun to watch!!!!

[@cockadoodledoowhoareyou2616]

Luckily the Grand Tour is a proper show instead of some half-assed last minute project. The trio work just like they used to and honestly I think GT is able to capture much of Top Gear’s persona.