What does the ex-Stig actually drive? - Ben Collins' car history

[@Drivetribe]

Thank you to Gtechniq for sponsoring today's video! Check out their newly reloaded range here: bit.ly/gtechniq-reloaded

[@danievanrensburg1168]

Where did you guys film this? Especially the bit where you swopped cars.

[@stephencowan6070]

What a comment I'm the exact same

[@RafaelHabegger]

Why not wash it in a nature preserve next time?

[@jamesdisnow]

Wow, the way you guys insert these sponsorships are not organic and they go for too long. Yeesh.

[@savagegtalks5912]

maybe Ben goes back to his roots and find a little used Civic type R...????

[@otix3253]

never realized it until now but i have been watching this guy drive cars throughout my teen years! crazy to see him talk now

[@TroyHR123]

Look up Richard Porter (Sniff Petrol/script writer for Topgear). When I first listened to his podcast a year or so ago; it made me realise a lot of Topgear was literally just Richard's personality cinematized. If you were as obsessed with Topgear as I was growing up, you'll spot it quickly.

[@cavemanvi]

I consider myself a huge top gear fan and never really wanted to know. Always thought it was Schumacher

[@MrOvershoot]

@@TroyHR123 Yep the Smith & Sniff podcasts often have a window into the phrases and grammar used on Top Gear which as you say is Richard Porter's script writing

[@otix3253]

@@TroyHR123 is it on spotify?

[@TroyHR123]

@@otix3253 Nigel got the Podcast, Richard P/ Jonny Smith have a KZbin channel called "Smith & Sniff".

[@Arturo_S3]

The fact he just cares about handling and how the car feels makes SO much sense. Such a Stig thing

[@strings1586]

He's driven the fastest, most expensive, most rare vehicles mankind has ever built. Makes sense that he would choose the most geeky of all driver's cars

[@negnatrepsej2903]

I’m not a racecar driver, but I still feel difference in cars, so would expect it from a professional driver

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Feel is more important than performance. The fast Audis have a lot of power, but they feel like lard.

[@ldorman]

@@strings1586 "...most geeky..." If that would be the case, he would drive a Nissan GT-R They more powerful, quicker and cheaper as a 997 Turbo - especially the early ones you could pick up before C19 for under 35k where as the 997T in decent condition never fall under 55k and you had to be lucky to find one.

[@GTChucker86]

​@@ldorman Then again this is the stig we're talking about, he didnt want a more powerful car. He picked the 997 because he loves how it drives while feeling connected and engaged. And also the 997 comes with a proper analog manual gearbox and handbrake which he prefers a lot and did mention in the video. The GTR never had a manual option.

[@jasongarey8329]

Ben is a solid guy. I appreciate his rationale for choosing the Porsche and that he saved up for it.

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

💯

[@rhyswilliams4893]

Bens a grafter it seems.

[@astonmartin4360]

"Saved up"? He's not a child.

[@Jh9517gym]

@@astonmartin4360 bens words🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@IScoreUnderPressure4]

@@astonmartin4360 well he said "save up" himself

[@996rick]

The amount of rock chips on the front of that Turbo is sensational. Mad respect to those who use these as cars first, rather than sculptures.

[@yeahyeah4433]

I do agree, they enjoy being driven, thats why their made. Although I can understand 1/10 cars being kept and not driven but cars like this are made to be used.

[@lucadambrosio2615]

Performance cars were built to be driven, not to sit in a garage or showroom and not be, they're supposed to be fun and put to the limit of what they were made for

[@Robdutton91]

Cars are meant to be driven, always makes me sad when a car like that is just stored and never used.

[@lucadambrosio2615]

@@Robdutton91 it just kills me that people do it

[@ToreDL87]

Yeah its meant to be driven, will perish otherwise.

[@lawrenegummy4736]

Honestly makes him feel relatable and on the ground knowing he has to save up for nice things too.

[@Emira_75]

I feel like this man has been unfairly payed compared to one of the hosts or a mid-grid F1 driver e.g.

[@PlaaTable]

made me sad. dude should have at least few rarris and clarens

[@yammmit]

@@Emira_75paid*

[@tidysampler585]

I personally believe that Ben should have a permanent slot on Drivetribe. His & Mike’s conversations are sublime. Great content to watch & listen to 🔥

[@clairemarie4621]

Agree 👍

[@eshanmirash2456]

He has his own channel cold Ben collins drives I think

[@bryango5979]

their banter is reminiscent of the old top gear and definitely better than the new top gear.

[@AlessandroCD7]

I absolutely agree. He is a great personality, he really should appear more often on Drivetribe

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Thank you Tidy - if I just keep turning up & driving into their shots on a weekly basis I figure they have no choice but to make it official ;)

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

I know 'The Stig' was part of what made Top Gear into a phenomena, but Ben is such a personable chap, with such a wealth of experience, that I can't help wishing he'd been one of the presenters.

[@johnjfrederick]

Was thinking the same thing. Not that TG was where you came for objective opinions about cars, but opinions about performance cars mean a little more when coming from someone who knows how to drive :-)

[@herocar4133]

yes I would watch him talking about cars, he knows how to drive

[@martinuso7446]

Agree, Chris, Ben and Jenson talking shop... That would be a great fireworks..

[@dannyboywhaa3146]

Yes, instead of Hammond lol... all of them far better than the current crop, Paddy and Freddie are great but they’re idiots and Top Gear is not for idiots!

[@xjjtvx2533]

@@dannyboywhaa3146 *Jeremy Clarkson enters the room*

[@Bmontepeque11]

I like how Ben is very "realistic" like throughout Top Gear he drove just an A3, and how he says "This 911 is fast enough", I love it! ✨

[@brois841]

To be fair, that 911 has 500hp and almost 500ft-lbs of torque. Does 0-60 in the low 3's (PDK version capable of

[@Bmontepeque11]

@@brois841 Oh, Yes! This is definitely fast enough!

[@brois841]

@Evan Andrews 997.2 Turbo PDK with launch control will do under 3-seconds. Google it. Even if you disagree, the point is that the car makes more than enough power for a daily driver.

[@razrramon2256]

Porsche are always conservative with times reckon it’ll dip 3

[@Zi.Zenior]

I love Ben’s car history. It feels like a genuine enthusiast’s progression.

[@onuohafamily]

Civic prelude a3 for work because he had access to better cars, s5 then 911. Yup

[@thesolidsnek8096]

This dude could have moderated a car show by himself he is interesting to watch and obviously mad skilled. I enjoyed your work Ben, Thank you for everything!

[@josephelgrably6400]

He’s definitely more a driving enthusiast than a car enthusiast. You absolutely see that with his car choice and his speech.

[@dagnut]

I disagree, anyone who drives a car beyond there means, which is not for clout, is a car enthusiast. Ben is not a wealthy man like the others from Top Gear

[@jasper5097]

@@dagnut he's worth like 12 million pounds. Don't forget he is a professional racing driver after all.

[@dagnut]

@@jasper5097 did you just Google net worth?

[@ldorman]

@@dagnut "...anyone who drives a car beyond there mean..." - is an idiot. If you are a car enthusiast you buy the next best or go as close as you can but without breaking the bank. And regarding Ben Collins being not wealthy - his yearly income is around £100.000,-; alone as a stunt driver he made around 50k /year. He made some money with his book as well. How much he's really worth, no idea, but I guess a few million but doubt the 12mil posted by Jasper.

[@dagnut]

@@ldorman I agree with that, I didn't mean to imply his buying cars and going without , that was probably phrased wrong. The point is , he's not. Wealthy man who can just buy brand new Ferraris like these spoiled ruch kid KZbinrs

[@Sunderland1963]

A few years ago I invited Ben to attend a charity event at Silverstone where he drove around Silverstone with people who attended the event. His car of choice at the time was a Morgan and I have to say been driven around Silverstone with Ben driving will stay with me for life. Some say never meet your hero’s as you may be disappointed, well I have to say his attitude,willingness to please and professionalism were exemplary. Thank you very much for that day Ben you were a fantastic host

[@resnonverba137]

Heroes...

[@piratepete4322]

@@resnonverba137 stickler.

[@resnonverba137]

@@piratepete4322 Wanting basic and simple English to be used correctly hardly makes one a 'stickler'.

[@samforster1794]

@@resnonverba137 Bet you're fun at parties ! Could have just enjoyed the story rather than nit picked one grammatical error in a paragraph on a KZbin video.....

[@resnonverba137]

@@samforster1794 You could have thought of something more original for your opening. Are you familiar with the expression regarding fools and wise men when it comes to corrections?

[@critterjon4061]

“Some say he drives a Porsche 997 turbo gen 2”

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Jahahahah

[@Das_Ginger]

.....and he does!

[@chadhudson1589]

All we know is he's called the stig

[@Dippy637]

Let’s all admit we said this in clarksons voice

[@kyejt-r]

@@Das_Ginger all we know is, He's called the STIG

[@benblackburn2693]

He seems like such a genuine down to earth guy. Honestly for someone with a resume like his, this car is extremely refined and modest considering all the other vehicles he experienced and could have purchased.

[@BillStrathearn]

I was definitely surprised to learn that it took him seven years to save up for a used Porsche though. I thought they would have paid him a lot more on the show

[@kamilianos]

@@BillStrathearn He is slowly opening up in recent interviews about his departure from BBC. He was underpaid and asked for more. They called him greedy and easily replacable. Soon after, he got sacked (possibly due to leaking his identify). Watch Road to Success Podcast to learn more.

[@PkHarryB]

First 3 cars he had was a civic, a prelude and a mk4 supra. No wonder I've always loved this Stig. Ben, you're my favorite childhood driver!

[@rayxmen]

This was exactly my evolution. Tho i jumped into a Saab 9-3 instead of an Audi A3.

[@marcusdamberger]

I love the Prelude, my halo car in highschool, (91' to be specific, last year of third gen, though I love looks of 5th and final gen) it delights me that the stig had one as his daily. Now I want to fulfill that desire even more.

[@raphaellauf7786]

if even ben collins said a civic is a wicked car, it is a wicked car. it comes from a man who has driven probably the best the automotive world has had to offer for quite some years

[@rorybeanz]

Small detail but the way he perfectly positions the car, all the time, on the road is amazing!

[@RainingDarkChocolate]

Seems like just a regular driver obeying the road rules to me.

[@Ben-dr7kj]

He's the stig mate do you expect anything less

[@warrengday]

I'm now going to rewatch this video, just for this.

[@overlived]

Completely agree! The way he turned the steering wheel when going into the turn...That was just masterful chain of actions.

[@MindDezign]

Uhm...you can practice on roads just driving. Any speed you can make up your on lines thru a turn even just in your lane. More so on a motor cycle but a Sports Car ,you can do the same. It hardens your eye and hand . Also you can practice your foot work. Any professional will try and maximize " practice times" Just driving everyday, in what ever you have. A Sports Car is more fun because you can set it up to dial in or out, driving feel. And nimble and small enough to enjoy " just in your lane. I've been daily driving Sports Cars since I was 16, 50 yrs I drive Sports Cars ( currently Datsun Z ,S30 and Old Kawasaki GPz) I drive for 50 yrs this way. And on roads you know very well, it's your personal road course,to stick to your lines thru the turns. It's fun at any Speed and nobody knows, your always practicing Driving, shifting, braking and steering.

[@tomvsas]

The sponsor actually fits with the video! Really like it when they do that, as it doesn't interrupt the flow of the video, while still getting that advertisement. Props to you!

[@sparkyplug28]

Ben is just an insane driver a genuinely mega quick guy who never got the right chances in a race car. His book which goes into driving techniques and driving safely while fast is a fantastic read

[@yep.5329]

He seems like a really down to earth guy. It's nice to hear that someone that you would be extra wealthy, like you would think the Stig would be, would have to save for seven years to buy the Porsche he wanted. Like, a lot of the channels on KZbin make it seem like everyone's super wealthy & buys whatever luxury sports car they want on a whim whenever they want. This video was really humbling in that respect. I also think it's cool the Stig not only acknowledges & appreciates the driving characteristics of older & cheaper cars, but also wants to buy one for himself, or wanted to at the time of filming. I remember James May saying smaller cars are more fun to drive because you can drive them on their limits more often in an old episode of Top Gear. I wonder if he got that directly from the Stig. Cool stuff. Nice video & cool guy to have interviewed.

[@schipholspottersams]

I love these kind of videos. Two nerds talking cars it feels a bit like this could be a conversation that can happen anywhere

[@kasparsbutlers]

Please more videos with Ben just talking about car stuff. Somehow I value his opinions on cars above any other Top Gear presenter/crew member. And Chris Harris, of course :)

[@metadata4255]

Yeah dude, it's pretty insane how influential Top Gear lap times felt like back when The Stig was still THE Stig. That man provided so much fodder for debates about which car was better/faster/etc. Really cool to see the man under the white helmet, doubly so given how grounded he seems.

[@blondeboi]

Love to see more of Ben on here such a humble intelligent guy

[@grantwinkelbauer1120]

That fact that Ben Collins pro racer /the stig has to save up to buy a reasonable used Porsche. Kinda hurts a little if anyone is deserving of it he is.

[@captainmerica2498]

Ben should have a permanent spot on Drive Tribe. He is awesome.

[@Theferrariguy]

Seeing loads of chips in the 911 kills the cleaning geek in me but it also makes me happy because it shows that Ben clearly drives his car a lot which is lovely

[@tony66au]

Ben is such a nice bloke and down to earth as well, Buying his dream car as an affordable 4 seater so he can take the family to school AND driving a Landy as a daily s well speaks volumes about the style and nature of this Gentleman. He deserves the best.

[@LostChildOfTime]

Proof that if you've driven nearly everything, you'll still end up unsurprisingly with a Porsche. It's not surprising. Something quick, but not extreme, practical, but not practically boring... and something that has the spirit of driving in spades.

[@I_THE_ME]

You aren't really compromising on anything when getting a 911. They are know to be reliable compared to most other sport cars and just built well. The suspension isn't overly harsh and if something goes wrong with them, it's quite easy, although expensive, to get them fixed.

[@ldorman]

@@I_THE_ME To be honest, everything to the 997 was relative easy to work on. A friend of mine has a 996 GT2 and he dropped the whole drivetrain incl. engine within 35 minutes in his garage. He pretty much does everything on that car himself. He bought the car as an accident damage, and originally wanted to make a track car out of it, but after he fixed it and took it out still in close stock condition he decided to get it back onto the road. He got the car cheap, because it is cat.something it would be not worth selling, so it become in the last 7 yrs his weekend car.

[@ekim4926]

Calling a 911 Turbo not extreme is… eh? Yes it’s not the fastest car, especially today, but drive around town and you’ll still be driving one the fastest cars on the road

[@ldorman]

@@ekim4926 In 2022 there some pampers bombers out there what can keep up with a 13 year old 997 Turbo, so to be honest, it isn't an extreme car at all. I know people with tuned Focus RS what smoke that Porsche for breakfast when they doing the school run - car technology changed a lot in the last 15 years. Also, 997 Turbo is easy to drive because essentially it is a Carrera 4S with a forced induction - GT2/GT3 are where the aggressive fun starts.

[@rhinsl5740]

@@ekim4926 well... not that extreme for the stig🤔 He have driven some of the fastest and craziest car on the planet like Enzo, Koenigsegg, SLR ...etc He also get to drive some of the greatest porsche like turbo S, GT3RS, GT2RS, CGT etc

[@LV-FOURTWENTYSIX]

Love the fact its covered in stone chips. Its not a show pony. Its a driver. Top stuff.

[@happycanayjian1582]

Ben’s the man. Seems like such a cool bloke, and his book was a great read. Had me in stitches at times. 😂

[@chesspiece81]

Some say he teleports from point A to point B. All we know is he's called...I doubt Ben sees this but my daughters enjoyed your character portrayal so much growing up. They memorized all your lines throughout the series.

[@Elwaves2925]

He had a lot of lines too. Some days you couldn't shut him up.

[@vertsk8er419]

sarcasm? what lines...

[@Elwaves2925]

@@vertsk8er419 No, we're being completely serious. Or not. 😄

[@Croatilillious]

Yeah same my favorite line is

[@DodderingOldMan]

@@vertsk8er419 It's a well known fact that the Stig had a team of writers working for him, and that he himself worked 12 hours most days just working on witticisms, jokes, anecdotes and soliloquys to perform on Top Gear. It's just that we could never hear them, because of the helmet. Still, such dedication!

[@mitchreeves1]

I love how that's his daily and he takes his kids to school in it. Imagine getting dropped off to school and telling the others kids that thats your dad and he is the Stig 😂

[@johnluujl]

And then everybody just goes "Who?" because they're all ten years old and have no clue who the Stig is:D

[@sumukhapk4136]

Kids: hey whats your dad's name. Kid: I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. He's called the Stig!

[@culling]

Was*

[@Texicus_Reddicus]

@@culling *is

[@rust5846]

​@@sumukhapk4136 well.... some say he-

[@RainingDarkChocolate]

I like how the ad feels like part of the video. This is sponsorship advertising done right.

[@eyesodd]

It's funny isn't it, because I hate how they added the advert to look like part of the video, I stopped watching it then.

[@RainingDarkChocolate]

@@eyesodd Usually I'd skip, but it was pretty satisfying seeing the same car featured in the video being cleaned.

[@JB-fj5bm]

No, it was an ad

[@MikeJohnson-fs3ct]

The videos coming from this channel are world class. Mike is a legend with a great group of people around him!!

[@SpartanHighKing14]

Please do more videos with Ben. He's absolutely fantastic. Such a great bloke

[@xenofalcon]

Having done stuff with Praga cars and interacting with Ben, I must say, the Ben collins you see on screen is no different to how he is in real life, really nice guy.

[@hugoferreira3846]

Its a 997.2 Turbo with manual. He knows for sure how to choose them 🤯

[@henrik1743]

I would want one as well and those are gonna go up in value

[@cathalfolan8441]

He said it took him years to save up for that and he didn't but it new, how much did they pay him? Clarkson and the boys all getting paid millions and driving around in new Ferraris and Ford GTs, sounds like a scandal to me. He was one of the main stars of the show!

[@henrik1743]

@@cathalfolan8441 He prob just got a standard salary as a test driver

[@luffyduy9227]

@@cathalfolan8441 he's just a test drive. And the stig can be anyone else not just him

[@cathalfolan8441]

@@luffyduy9227 yeah but for the majority of seasons it was him as far as I know. How many millions did they make selling t shirts with his helmet on them? It sounds to me like he was shafted.

[@sowkaiser6572]

I currently drive an a3 as well and I absolutely love it. It often surprises me and I’d pat the steering wheel and say ‘well done’.

[@szymonski1905]

I remember seeing him on the Polish TV show as a kid and I was gobsmacked that they had managed to get Ben on there! Really nice to see a proper driver’s choice and hear some insights, seems like a really nice bloke too! Great vid

[@kamilianos]

Top Gear was very well received in Poland. The show was transcripted to Polish ( a single voice would read all the lines and you could hear original language in the backgroud). The humour still worked due to the the visuals and mannerism of the hosts and challenges. Ben was not hated in Poland for revealing his identity, so it was a perfect break for him from the UK drama and a chance to get some on on screen experience (talking and reviewing)

[@szymonski1905]

@@kamilianos I know, I watched it all the time.

[@beyondthelol]

Ben loves a real transmission and a real handbrake - a man of my heart

[@LaaloVT3]

Love to see Ben on the channel, and would love to see him in GT as well.

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Ben’s such a grounded bloke. Mk1 Fiesta super sport with subtle chassis mods, or a 205 rallye perhaps. Much more fun to drive a less powerful car near the limit for the road.

[@wilfy7744]

205 Rallye would be right up his street. Great little back roads car. I had a F Reg (89) 205 XS (85 bhp) in 1992 and it was a hoot. Chris Harris has a 205 Rallye. I bet they are hard to find. Funnily enough when I was living in Oxford in 1989/90 my mate had a fiesta supersport (W Reg (1980)) and he lent it to me for the weekend. I loved that car. I was only 19 and it was heaven blasting round in it. So thirty years later, I’ve got an E63 and he’s sold his Audi R8 and is getting a Tesla !! 🤣

[@CHROMETK]

The fact that Ben is a lovely chatty character shows how strong his will was to keep it contained as the stig.

[@Haroosh20]

I'd love to see Ben rag a 205 GTI 1.9. Perfect car for his skills :-)

[@firefighterps2]

Bet you that's his choice

[@MrLamborghini1994]

Seeing as Ben used to have a Civic I'd say an EP3 Civic Type R would be perfect, high revving, lightweight, reliable seems like an awesome combo

[@onuohafamily]

Yup or Integra it's basicallyba hatch too

[@54mgtf22]

I have a 987 for all the same reasons Ben mentioned. And it also can break speed limits in hairpins. Simply awesome drive. Love your work 👍

[@flyboy1975]

Great to see someone identifying the B roads on the Mendip Hills as fantastic driving roads. Love that area. It’s been my playground for years

[@kamilianos]

I had a pleasure driving throgh Mendip and the roads we great, but the rain and flooding made me a bit nervous from time to time. Would have been great in a 4x4 beater hatch.

[@pauld.b7129]

His car choices are way more conservative than I would have imagined from the stig. He's way more sensible than I'd imagine a race car driver to be 😂

[@rhyswilliams4893]

When he drives crazy cars on trsck for a living road driving is probably more a chore than anything.

[@ridhwanramzi4773]

Race car drivers usually are sensible. They have seen all the speed most of mankind can see on land (besides top fuel dragsters) and are worn out by it, so theres no point of having a very very fast car in day to day driving. Some even prefer to get chauffeured or driven around instead.

[@BMWWolf]

In other words he knows what he is talking about

[@aurelius8439]

@@ridhwanramzi4773 I recall recent interviews with Verstappen and Riccardo. Both say they don't really speed or pursue fancy cars. Also why would they? They drive the pinnacle of technology for a living, road cars are purely utilitarian.

[@ffnbbq]

​@@aurelius8439As I recall, Clarkson was aghast that Hamilton drove a GL500 at the time. I can see people who drive loud, fast cars for a living wouldn't necessarily want that in their private lives.

[@beans5171]

A nice option for Ben might be an old CRX Si considering that he seemed to like his old Civic and Prelude. Uses a similar engine, and is nimble as anything on the road.

[@samloose7526]

Ben Collins seems like such a lovely guy! I love how he's not desperate for the latest and greatest, but appreciates a car that is 10+ years old. Awesome car!

[@prerunnerwannabe]

For a more "retro" hot hatch, a 1st generation Focus RS would be pretty sick.

[@kianshahrokh]

Gta147

[@hooduswinkus2657]

This

[@cgr_doorjam0263]

that or maybe an st150 or early st180

[@LiamNI]

Aye, and about £30k+! Totally overpriced IMHO.

[@metadata4255]

based on his description of the joys of Land Rover motoring, he should get an old Geo Metro with a coke can turbo and stock brakes

[@PGriff]

Ben needs an Integra Type-R (DC2); best handling FWD ever made, insanely thrashable, so rewarding and engaging to drive with lovely lift-off oversteer, and will keep him near(ish) to the speed limits while still having plenty of fun

[@Emersonbmx16]

And they beautiful 🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@BenCollinsDrives]

That's a punchy statement Mr G - I have something else in my sights atm...

[@PGriff]

@@BenCollinsDrives ha, it may be punchy, but it’s also fairly arguable (I’m not a Honda fanboy either, just love an Integra). I’ll concede they’re probably not ideal daily drivers though, what with the short ‘box and limited soundproofing. Another hatch with awesome turn-in, even more lift-off and very little understeer is a 205GTi, albeit that might be a bit too old and too expensive now. If we’re continuing the slightly older FWD theme, I suspect you may still be thinking French - maybe something from the RenaultSport stable? If you loved your A3 maybe even a Leon Cupra? (those are a bit boring though in my humble opinion…)

[@RyuLongRHOG]

@@BenCollinsDrives Sir, may I interest you in an Alpine A110 Litchfield? I know it's modern, and it isn't a hatch, but you've got to try it.

[@josephthomas8318]

I'm no Honda fan boy either but my old 2001 Integra gsr was easily one of the most fun yet economical cars I ever owned.

[@dmmerryweather]

Amazing to find a manual Gen 2 Turbo! Rare.

[@Jimbobsgarage]

I remember meeting Ben when he stayed at my friend’s mum’s B&B near Brands and he had that lovely black Supra. As a 19/20 year old I was drooling over that cutting edge (then) bit of kit!

[@krsslim]

Back to the roots, EP3 type-R was born to be the stigs grocery getter!

[@bghoody5665]

Ben is always a great guest - very knowledgeable and humble. As for a hot hatch, I suppose a VW Corrado with a VR6 would be nice.

[@boss_vision65]

Great episode. I wish I could afford a 997 911, as it is my all time fav shape and package of all. I can appreciate the insight he has with cars. Glad y'all have him on DT, given that he was a mute on TG. For his hot hatch, a few suggestions are EP Civic Type R, 08 Focus RS, Gen 2 BMW M135i or Mazdaspeed 3. If he wants to go back further, then EK Type R, early 90s Nissan Pulsar GTI-R or even a Lancia Delta Integrale.

[@richardgeorge8612]

Thank you so much for this presentation, Ben is such a lovely, genuine guy and you are such a great presenter

[@Mihalyofficial]

Such a beauty that 911, this is why its my goal to own one one day as well. It can not only perform, but its such a great handling and feeling car all around as well.

[@kiwirar5885]

Some say, this is actually his stunt actors car and the real Stig drives a Dacia Sandero.

[@rda4577]

A New Dacia Sandero!

[@kiwirar5885]

@@rda4577 Anyways.

[@charliewenthe4411]

I always believed it was a Suzuki swift

[@Jimmy_Broadbent]

Can those lads come clean my cars please?

[@SamI-jk5vt]

we need more videos of ben

[@robcollins2017]

Love the fact that uncle Ben had a prelude,because I got on right here! Awsome.

[@robertmerritt5078]

I totally agree with Ben on the driving slow cars fast. I have driven a few exotics as a dealership photographer and they threw me the keys to go do scenic shots out and about. Nothing has been more fun to drive than hot hatches. Costa Rica has some insane roads and my dream halo car is an Abarth 595 biposto.

[@DarkKnight2845]

The 997 Porsches have always been one of my favourites, glad to see the Ex-Stig drive it.

[@AleksandrHalas]

TOP GEAR LEGEND!!!!

[@Bruno-xb2mt]

The 8L generation Audi S3 would be a great choice. Quick with 4wd, has a manual and kind of a throwback to his 1.8t a3.

[@Bruno-xb2mt]

@@CandyMan2001 nothing a bit of suspension work or weight reduction can’t fix

[@motovieweditor]

Whilst testing for Ascari, he had the A3 and I remember surveying the front end that was insect smattered with fog lights damaged - before he was outed as The Stig.

[@rickintexas1584]

Fantastic video. Cruising around in a Porsche with the Stig sounds like a wonderful idea to me.

[@theodoredeverell3894]

For Ben's hot hatch recommendation, Citroen AX GT.

[@XNick291X]

Ben would definitely suit something like a Peugeot 205/309GTI imo! Also blew my mind he he lives in the same city as me!

[@Osmosis909]

My immediate thought was 205gt

[@philpritt9626]

I had 309 GTi back in the day and paid £450 for it. Best money I've ever spent on a car I love it

[@XNick291X]

@@philpritt9626 That's great, would love to drive one!

[@thisislenin7800]

True legend

[@TBATTIECYCLING]

Believe

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

His job was providing some of the most exciting TV every week for our childhoods. Glad he’s a nice guy , level headed.

[@steez54321]

I love how honest he was about taking 7 years to save up for a 911 turbo. Makes me feel like with some discipline maybe I can do the same. Not sure if 180K is worth it but I'd love to have a 911 gt3 with a manual in it.

[@RyanHarris77]

Wild to me that he had to save up for this car for seven years considering his career and book(s).

[@leebo130]

That might have been the weakest snow foam I’ve ever seen lol

[@Anenglishrocket]

I was looking for this comment, my dish soap will do a better job

[@twotonewatermalone]

Watch out for the Bristol pusher

[@standingbadger]

Fantastic vid! Thanks! CTR EP3. Still lots to like about them. I’ve had one for 8 years as a daily and even at 52 I can’t let it go.

[@ArnoldVette]

Why was I not surprised that that would be a sensible and logical choice for Stig.

[@ThomasGillot]

Surprised he had to save up for a 911 given he was one of the stars. Top Gear must not have paid him enough. Sounds like a humble guy.

[@gobinduppal4429]

Not everyone wants to spend their money on a car. Even amongst enthusiasts.

[@Henning_]

Especially with his book deal that made him leave Top Gear!

[@LostChildOfTime]

Everyone's in a different place financially. He could have been riddled with debt or had other obligations. As long as you got it and can say you had it, that's what it's about.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

He wouldn't have been paid much at all as there are quite a lot of racing drivers with time to come to a track even swapping them out (which they did do when they went abroad), he was special forces trained driver which again although not relatively common are often unemployed when out of the service, so with all that added together he was probably not paid much at all.

[@eepiii97]

Different priorties*

[@rhyswilliams4893]

Gotta love how the guy drove his daily till it died like a really working class lad.

[@Karpinski29]

When Jeremy said that “the stig” said the only car that can hold a candle to the LFA was the 812 - I expected something high revving NA, front engine, rear drive. WAY OFF

[@ibrahimmuyibi4489]

But the 812 superfast is all those things ?

[@Thisath100]

That wasn't Collin's stig though, was it?

[@miljo2146]

Civic Type R of course, which model is down to preference.

[@then00brathalos]

In my hometown there's this guy, 50s something, and he daily drives a Carrera. I've seen him buying food in the same hawker for the past 4 years already.

[@alexeiutgoff7955]

"I showed him mine, so he would really like to show me his"

[@Arminhal16]

Hope Ben sees this: "If you want the ultimate hot-hatch experience go for the Lancia Delta Integrale!"

[@dinispaulino7512]

Immediatly what I thought!!!

[@danieljordannicol9937]

Nah a hot hatch is supposed to be basic and simple. The awd of of it as well takes it more into a super hatch status rather than hot. Ultimate hot hatch would be a 205 gti, mk1 gti, mk3 xr3 or maybe a clio williams. Fwd, lightweight and a big engine.

[@ataru121212]

Honda Integra Type-R...technically IS a hatchback, right? ;)

[@Mexxx65]

its a coupe

[@ataru121212]

@@Mexxx65 you must be the life of every party

[@beardedbadger6333]

Fantastic car, Great chap, brilliant video. Could watch this over & over again. Bravo 😎👌🏼

[@oldfalcon3245]

Wow, loads of great comments. From listening to Ben, I think he would get a lot of enjoyment out of an AE82 Corolla, dragged off a few old v8’s in one of those back in the day

[@ankledsquid]

one day we'll see a drivetribe video that isn't sponsored

[@Stettafire]

One day we'll see Drivetribe wash their cars properly without using a billion steps. Like who "scratches" their car cleaning it? What you cleaning it with? Iron wool? it's soap and water with a soft spongue. Rinse it off then wax the car once it's dry. It's not hard. ja don't need a billion steps and expensive product. The porsche didn't even look clean after the fact!

[@IPSZPlays]

probably not lol, I imagine that's the primary income source

[@twistedl2009]

@@Stettafire 2 bucket method minimum, if not you’re putting swirl marks in your paint. If you think not check it out on a Sunny day or at a petrol station at night. Also re expensive products, my car is ceramic coated, it almost cleans its self.

[@hman0007]

Crazy that Collin’s was stuck in a 200,000 km A3 during Top Gear while the trio hosts were buying any supercar they wanted every year.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

And hence the reason he left, maybe?

[@paulrobinson3528]

I reckon he drives a 116 bmw lol

[@si_h44]

ben is such a lucky guy, he has literally driven every performance car around for year on the limit!!! i dont think there is anyone else who has driven as many cars!! on top gear he would lap every car as we seen all the powerlap times, that must have been some job!

[@chrisperry2922]

The stig is a real down to earth guy. He's mentioning Hondas when he's driven cars that car people could dream of for a job plus mentioning having to save up for his Porche

[@melbguy1]

For an older hot hatch to throw around, my vote is for the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R Special Edition. That model came standard with the premium 400w Dynaudio car audio system, Acrapovic titanium exhaust, lighter 19" Pretoria wheels and the bigger European cross-drilled brakes. And that platform is well supported with high quality aftermarket performance mods.

[@popefang]

I love this shot 5:02 beautifully framed and focussed. Well done that camerahuman!!!!

[@georgebishop4757]

The crossroad which you go straight on by the pub after coming out of the woods is one of my favourite local roads

[@The_BenboBaggins]

Mid-noughties hot hatches are brilliant value right now - and there's some great options out there: R53 Cooper S, Clio 172/182, Megane 225, Focus ST170, Fiesta ST150...

[@SapphireSamC]

You’ve also got the Peugeot 306 Gti-6 or the 306 Rally (a slightly lightened version of the Gti-6) 👌👌👍

[@The_BenboBaggins]

@@SapphireSamC yes! And the 206 gti 180 (not great, but filthy cheap)

[@jdo1014]

I like that he's honest about having to save to buy it; no flexing.

[@SnoBeatz]

The cinematography is just as amazing as ever