Top Gear 35

Episode 1 (1996)

The motoring series returns with Jeremy Clarkson marking the centenary of the British auto industry and looking at some of the world’s most luxurious saloons. Plus, Andy Willman meets car private eyes who reunite stolen cars with their owners.

Episode 2 (1996)

Jeremy Clarkson mourns the passing of powerful cars such as the Ford Escort RS Cosworth, the Audi S2, Mazda RX-7 and Nissan 300ZX. He takes his personal favourite, the Escort Cosworth, down to an Essex racetrack to bid it farewell, joined by rally driver Gwyndaf Evans. Tiff Needell is in Daytona Beach, Florida, to celebrate the rebirth of the British sports marque Lister, driving its 200mph-plus Storm model in the gruelling 24-hour race.

Episode 3 (1996)

Jeremy Clarkson travels to Germany to test out BMW’s new Z3, and Quentin Willson discovers an easy way to earn money when he sells a second-hand Lada Riva.

Episode 4 (1996)

Personalised registration plates are big business. Quentin Willson examines the history of these often-costly items and quizzes owners about their particular choices. Jeremy Clarkson tests both the road and race version of the Honda Accord, taking the latter for a spin around the track at Donnington.

Episode 5 (1996)

Quentin Willson drives the new mid-range Volvo S40 and V40. Steve Berry meets people obsessed with Ford Escorts, while accepted views linking cars with environmental pollution are challenged.