Jeremy Clarkson
It's not hyperbole to suggest that when Jeremy first appeared on old-style Top Gear, his style changed the face of modern motoring journalism. He did this by realising that people were less interested in being told about a car's valve timing, compression ratios and tyre sizes, than they were in knowing whether a) said car would improve their general quality of life and b) if being seen driving one would make attractive people want to sleep with them. When Top Gear returned in 2002, the show took this philosophy, added rocket-boosters and ran with it. The rest, as they say, is history.
As far as Jeremy's car history goes, it's fair to say he practices what he preaches. Over the years, his garage has played host to a variety of exotic cars including an Escort RS Cosworth, Ferrari F355, Mercedes SL55 AMG, Ford GT and Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Well, you would, wouldn't you?
As far as Jeremy's car history goes, it's fair to say he practices what he preaches. Over the years, his garage has played host to a variety of exotic cars including an Escort RS Cosworth, Ferrari F355, Mercedes SL55 AMG, Ford GT and Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. Well, you would, wouldn't you?
Richard Hammond
After being poached from a cable channel that cleverly combined blokey motoring shows with soft-core porn (we hasten to add that he was only involved with the motoring shows), Richard quickly established himself as an integral part of the Top Gear machine. The Hamster is an avowed car nut who brings to the show a unique blend of feisty enthusiasm and (unlike the other two) the ability to run up a flight of stairs without blacking-out.
Richard's taste in cars can be summed up in two words - 'Land' and 'Rover'. He also has a long-running affair with British sports car manufacturer Morgan, and is the proud owner of an Opel Kadett called 'Oliver', that he adopted and brought home from a recent Top Gear trip to Botswana.
Richard's taste in cars can be summed up in two words - 'Land' and 'Rover'. He also has a long-running affair with British sports car manufacturer Morgan, and is the proud owner of an Opel Kadett called 'Oliver', that he adopted and brought home from a recent Top Gear trip to Botswana.
James May
Aside from being a proper grown-up car journalist, James is also an accomplished pianist and a qualified pilot. When he joined the team in 2003, he brought a thoughtful new element to the show, along with his sensitive hair and an exciting range of brightly coloured jumpers. James has since earned himself the somewhat unfair nickname 'Captain Slow'. This is basically because, unlike Jeremy and Richard, he doesn't drive everywhere like his trousers are full of wasps.
James has a very bipolar taste in cars. He loves either very large enormously luxurious land-yachts, or cheap and tiny superminis. This is evidenced by his own driveway, which contains both a Rolls-Royce and a Fiat Panda. In fairness, he does also own a Porsche Boxster. But thanks to the specially-requested fitment of brown roof, brown seats and brown steering wheel, driving it is a bit like sitting in a giant Hushpuppy loafer. This is strangely fitting.
James has a very bipolar taste in cars. He loves either very large enormously luxurious land-yachts, or cheap and tiny superminis. This is evidenced by his own driveway, which contains both a Rolls-Royce and a Fiat Panda. In fairness, he does also own a Porsche Boxster. But thanks to the specially-requested fitment of brown roof, brown seats and brown steering wheel, driving it is a bit like sitting in a giant Hushpuppy loafer. This is strangely fitting.