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Top Gear

Season 38 1997
TV-PG

  • 1997-09-03T23:00:00Z on BBC Two
  • 30m
  • 8h 30m (17 episodes)
  • United Kingdom
  • English
  • Documentary
The original Top Gear (which was aired from 1977 to 2001) started as a monthly television series produced by BBC Midlands, based at Pebble Mill. The 30 minute programmes had a magazine format and were transmitted to viewers in the Midlands region only. Top Gear and its title, was conceived by Executive Producer Derek Smith. The programme covered motoring related issues such as new car road tests, fuel economy, safety, the police, speeding, insurance, second-hand cars and holiday touring.

17 episodes

Season Premiere

1997-09-03T23:00:00Z

38x01 Episode 01

Season Premiere

38x01 Episode 01

  • 1997-09-03T23:00:00Z30m

The motoring series returns fora 17-week run with Jeremy Clarkson test-driving Ford's new Puma - a tiny coupe based on the Fiesta-through the Yorkshire Dales.
Quentin Wilson 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?

1997-09-10T23:00:00Z

38x02 Episode 02

38x02 Episode 02

  • 1997-09-10T23:00:00Z30m

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?

1997-09-17T23:00:00Z

38x03 Episode 03

38x03 Episode 03

  • 1997-09-17T23:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-09-24T23:00:00Z

38x04 Episode 04

38x04 Episode 04

  • 1997-09-24T23:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-10-01T23:00:00Z

38x05 Episode 05

38x05 Episode 05

  • 1997-10-01T23:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-10-08T23:00:00Z

38x06 Episode 06

38x06 Episode 06

  • 1997-10-08T23:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-10-15T23:00:00Z

38x07 Episode 07

38x07 Episode 07

  • 1997-10-15T23:00:00Z30m

Jeremy Clarkson and Quentin Wilson 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.

1997-10-22T23:00:00Z

38x08 Episode 08

38x08 Episode 08

  • 1997-10-22T23:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-10-30T00:00:00Z

38x09 Episode 09

38x09 Episode 09

  • 1997-10-30T00:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-11-06T00:00:00Z

38x10 Episode 10

38x10 Episode 10

  • 1997-11-06T00:00:00Z30m

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 Citroen.

1997-11-13T00:00:00Z

38x11 Episode 11

38x11 Episode 11

  • 1997-11-13T00:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-11-20T00:00:00Z

38x12 Episode 12

38x12 Episode 12

  • 1997-11-20T00:00:00Z30m

Quentin Wilson 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.

1997-11-27T00:00:00Z

38x13 Episode 13

38x13 Episode 13

  • 1997-11-27T00:00:00Z30m

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.

1997-12-04T00:00:00Z

38x14 Episode 14

38x14 Episode 14

  • 1997-12-04T00:00:00Z30m

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 Wilson looks at highly desirable models available at knockdown prices.

1997-12-11T00:00:00Z

38x15 Episode 15

38x15 Episode 15

  • 1997-12-11T00:00:00Z30m

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 Wilson tests Japanese claims to a place in the executive car park.

Season Finale

1997-12-18T00:00:00Z

38x16 Episode 16

Season Finale

38x16 Episode 16

  • 1997-12-18T00:00:00Z30m

Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needell and Quentin Wilson 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.

1997-12-22T00:00:00Z

38x17 Episode 17

38x17 Episode 17

  • 1997-12-22T00:00:00Z30m

As the Blackpool-based sports-car manufacturer TVR celebrates its 50th anniversary, Top Gear reflects on the company's development from humble beginnings into the third-biggest British-owned car maker. The programme's regular team also looks at some of the impressive cars produced by TVR over the years and test-drives some of the early models.
Presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needell and Vicki Butler-Henderson.

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