December 20th 2024.
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When Quentin Willson, the former presenter of Top Gear, reflects on the success of the show, he is amazed by its popularity. No one could have predicted the massive following the motoring programme would gain when it first aired in 1977. With its unique blend of car reviews, road safety tips, and consumer advice, Top Gear quickly became a household name. And among the show's charismatic presenters was Quentin himself, who served as the used car expert for a decade starting in 1991.
During his time on Top Gear, Quentin worked alongside other well-known hosts such as Jeremy Clarkson, Vicki Butler-Henderson, and James May. But after Clarkson's departure in 1999, the show's ratings began to decline and the BBC ultimately cancelled the series. Although it was revived just a year later and underwent a presenter switch-up in 2015, this year it was announced that the show would not be returning "for the foreseeable future" following a terrifying accident involving presenter Freddie Flintoff.
Despite these setbacks, Quentin remains hopeful that a similar car programme will one day make its way back to our screens. However, he is not convinced that it could happen in today's television landscape. In an interview with Metro, he expressed his belief that the show would not be greenlit or as well-received in today's society. He explained, "It was a lovely time to make a TV programme about cars at a time when cars were much more socially acceptable than they are now."
As he reminisces about his time on Top Gear, Quentin recalls some of the close calls and heart-pumping moments he experienced on the show. He admits, "We drove too fast and had crashes... Some of it is probably not repeatable." However, he also notes that it was an exhilarating time to be on the show before the strict regulations of health and safety took over. He fondly remembers being able to go on camera and boast, "I'm doing 155 miles an hour on a runway at an aerodrome." He adds that in those days, there was less pressure to be professional and accurate on camera, but he always made sure to provide factually accurate information.
After Top Gear, Quentin went on to host Channel 5's rival motoring show Fifth Gear. But he notes that he was not the "crazy one" on the show, but rather the "measured and sensible" presenter. He explains that while he did have his share of thrilling moments, his role was primarily to offer practical advice to viewers on how to buy affordable cars, such as a Rolls-Royce for five grand or a Porsche 928 for four grand.
Even though he is no longer on Top Gear, Quentin still feels the pressure of being a public figure when it comes to driving and parking. He jokes, "You are conscious that someone is always watching and there's an iPhone, and you've got to get it right." He adds that in today's digital age, any mistake behind the wheel can quickly become viral.
Despite the challenges of being in the public eye, Quentin still enjoys being approached by fans for car advice. He shares a recent encounter with a man who sold a car that Quentin had previously recommended and was able to pay off his mortgage with the profits. And even though he is now retired from Top Gear and Fifth Gear, Quentin's passion for cars and motoring is still evident. He recently collaborated with Motorway to determine the value of some of the most iconic cars from famous Christmas movies, using factors such as mileage, features, age, and production numbers.
In today's unpredictable market, Quentin stresses the importance of knowing the value of one's own car. He believes that having this information empowers individuals and helps them avoid making costly mistakes. And with a glimmer of hope, he adds, "I think we need a car programme. There are so many important conversations to be had about cars in today's world." He suggests a show that pits electric cars against combustion ones and takes them on a global journey to see which one runs out of power first. He also believes that a show geared towards teaching younger drivers about car maintenance and safety could prove to be valuable.
Although it has been nearly 20 years since Quentin hung up his Top Gear hosting hat, his love for cars and his desire to educate and entertain people through motoring programmes is still strong. And as he reflects on the current state of car shows, he expresses his disappointment in the lack of interest from television commissioners. He states, "We have a culture within television where it's pretty risk-averse. And they go through the motions of the dating, makeovers, antique, and gardening shows." But despite this, Quentin remains hopeful that another car programme will fill the void left by the brakes being pulled on Top Gear.
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