Detail where the trio's cars from the ended up
May chose the ultimate symbol of over-engineered German reliability: the W123 generation Mercedes-Benz. This rear-wheel-drive sedan was already famous globally for its durability in harsh environments.
Richard Hammond opted for a 1963 Opel Kadett, a small, simple, and lightweight German family car. Hammond formed an instant, deep emotional bond with the vehicle, famously naming it "Oliver."
The legacy of the Top Gear Botswana cars endured for nearly two decades, culminating in their poignant reunion in the final episode of The Grand Tour . Their final journey, One for the Road , ended with the trio back on Kubu Island in the Makgadikgadi Pan—a perfect and emotional full-circle moment for a trio of presenters and their three iconic cars. top gear botswana cars
"Right," Jeremy said, sweating through his shirt. "The rules of the salt pan: Do not stop. Do not turn sharply. And for the love of God, do not crack the sump."
Their mission, given by a producer who clearly hated them, was to cross the Makgadikgadi Pans—a salt flat the size of Portugal with no shade, no water, and no mercy.
In the end, all three cars eventually made it to the Namibian border despite the Lancia suffering two more breakdowns. Clarkson and May jointly declared the winner to be the backup VW Beetle. Detail where the trio's cars from the ended
Before embarking on your Botswana adventure, make sure you're well-prepared:
If a car broke down beyond repair, the presenters would be forced to finish the journey in the "Back-Up Car": a Volkswagen Beetle, which was universally despised by the trio.
After the special, Hammond was so attached that he shipped "Oliver" back to the UK, where he restored it. The car has since become a beloved family heirloom, even being used to teach his daughter to drive. Hammond formed an instant, deep emotional bond with
For more on the journey of these vehicles, you can watch the Botswana special on BBC iPlayer or see a video of the finding of the Lancia from the special on YouTube . If you're interested, I can also provide: from the trip.
Richard Hammond's choice was the underdog. He found a 1963 Opel Kadett A (a small German family coupe) and paid for it. The car was 44 years old at the time of filming and powered by a tiny, underpowered 1.0-litre engine. Clarkson and May mocked him mercilessly.
As a penalty for any car that broke down completely, the producers provided a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle (painted in a "clownish" theme). Ironically, the Beetle—with its rear-engine layout and air-cooled engine—was perfectly suited for the terrain. None of the hosts were forced to drive it, and it was ultimately donated to a bush mechanic in the support team [ 0.5.2 ].
Jeremy Clarkson chose a 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé, a car notorious for two things: beautiful Italian styling and catastrophic rust. Why the Choice Was Risky
As the journey progressed, the Lancia began to fall apart. To survive the thick sand of the Makgadikgadi Pan and the Okavango Delta, Clarkson embarked on a brutal weight-reduction program. He stripped out: The doors and rear seats The passenger seat The dashboard, boot lid, and hood Interior carpets and soundproofing