Derek Smith
Director
Top Gear (1978)
Season 38
Motoring programme featuring reviews of and reports about cars of all types.
Released July 13, 1978
Episode 28 min
12+
Genres: Documentary, Talk Show
Keywords: imdb.motor, imdb.road, imdb.motor-vehicle, imdb.vehicle, imdb.car, imdb.driving-a-car, imdb.bbc
Production Companies: BBC
Network: BBC Two
Country: United Kingdom
Languages:
English
S38E1 - Episode 1
The motoring series returns for a 17-week run with Jeremy Clarkson test-driving Ford’s new Puma — a tiny coupe based on the Fiesta-through the Yorkshire Dales. Quentin Willson travels to Long Beach, California, to try out the latest Chevrolet Corvette. Now with right-hand drive, is it ready to be taken seriously in Britain?
Sept. 4, 1997, midnight
S38E2 - Episode 2
Tiff Needell plays rough on tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine with the tough guy’s off-roader. The armour-plated Hummer was developed for the US Army, costs £70,000, and, with celebrity owners such as film star Bruce Willis, claims to be the ultimate 4x4. Jeremy Clarkson tests the new Toyota Corolla. Will it convince him that one of the most reliable cars in the world isn’t also one of the dullest?
Sept. 11, 1997, midnight
S38E3 - Episode 3
In tonight’s edition of the motoring magazine, Jeremy Clarkson compares the new midsize coupe from Mercedes, the CLK, with Peugeot’s new 406. The programme also reports from the Frankfurt Show, featuring the debut of the new Porsche 911 and the launch of the Freelander from Land Rover.
Sept. 18, 1997, midnight
S38E4 - Episode 4
Jaguar are 75 years old but show no sign of slowing down. Jeremy Clarkson drives the fastest version of the new V8 XJ series, the new XJR, and races it against some full-blooded sports cars in the shape of the Aston Martin Vantage, the Mercedes SLK and the Porsche Boxster.
Sept. 25, 1997, midnight
S38E5 - Episode 5
For those who cannot wait six months for the brand new BMW 5 Series or who feel that buying a German car is just following the executive herd, the Saab 9-5 could be just the answer. The 9-5 replaces the ageing 9000, a model that failed to make a big impact against tough German opposition. Jeremy Clarkson goes for a test drive to see if this new Saab has got what it takes.
Oct. 2, 1997, midnight
S38E6 - Episode 6
Jeremy Clarkson takes delivery of the Range Rover Autobiography, the latest gadget-laden luxury off-roader from Land Rover. While he decides on the colour scheme and tries out its satellite navigation system, Michelle Newman investigates the latest four-wheel-drive models from Honda. Toyota and Subaru.
Oct. 9, 1997, midnight
S38E7 - Episode 7
Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Willson are at Earls Court for this year’s London Motor Show. They look at the new Porsche 911, Land Rover’s Freelander, the new Vauxhall Astra and the latest version of the Volkswagen Golf.
Oct. 16, 1997, midnight
S38E8 - Episode 8
Since its first appearance in the sixties, the Porsche 911 has become a design classic and a motoring legend. Now aged 34, it has had a major makeover. Tiff Needell test drives the new 911 for the nineties.
Oct. 23, 1997, midnight
S38E9 - Episode 9
The A Class is Mercedes’s first entry into the crowded small car market. Flouting conventional ideas of small-car design by enlarging the cabin space, it looks to set new standards for the supermini. Jeremy Clarkson tests what could be the most important car for a generation.
Oct. 30, 1997, midnight
S38E10 - Episode 10
Steve Berry visits the International Bike Show in Birmingham, where he looks at the latest models including BMW’s new cruiser, the R1200C. Meanwhile Michele Newman tests the Xsara, the new family hatchback from Citroën.
Nov. 6, 1997, midnight
S38E11 - Episode 11
Land Rover hope to overturn their rural image with the launch of the long-awaited new utility vehicle — the Freelander. It has sporty looks and claims not to have lost any of Land Rover’s rustic ruggedness. But can it cope with the likes of Toyota’s Rav4 in this very competitive market? Jeremy Clarkson reports.
Nov. 13, 1997, midnight
S38E12 - Episode 12
Quentin Willson looks at a BMW 7 Series that has been round the clock twice, and argues that buying high-mileage cars can represent value for money. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of their RAC Rally victory, Tony Mason and Roger Clark are reunited with their newly restored Ford Escort for a final thrash through the forest.
Nov. 20, 1997, midnight
S38E13 - Episode 13
The Lotus 49 changed the face of motor racing. Driven by Jim Clark and powered by the V8 engine, it gave Ford their first Grand Prix victory, back in 1967. Thirty years on, Tiff Needell revs up the famous Cosworth. Meanwhile, Andy Wilman discovers Cold War cars from eastern Europe, such as the Wartburg and the Moskvitch, that are still up and running thanks to dedicated British enthusiasts.
Nov. 27, 1997, midnight
S38E14 - Episode 14
When the stock market trembles, the effects on the classic-car market are never very far behind. With auction prices falling, there are bargains to be snapped up. Quentin Willson looks at highly desirable models available at knockdown prices.
Dec. 4, 1997, midnight
S38E15 - Episode 15
With two new models on the British market, Lexus is trying to change the ways of top people who prefer a more prestigious badge. Quentin Willson tests Japanese claims to a place in the executive car park.
Dec. 11, 1997, midnight
S38E16 - Episode 16
Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needell and Quentin Willson select their favourite cars of 1997. Among the contenders for top car are the Porsche 911, the new Corvette, the Ford Puma and the Land Rover Freelander.
Dec. 18, 1997, midnight
Network: BBC Two
Episode Runtime: 28 min.
Season Runtime: 14504 min.
Released: July 13, 1978
Last Air Date: Aug. 2, 2009, midnight
Status: Ended
Certification: TV-PG
Common sense age: 12+
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