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Private Notes
Easter is the first get-away weekend for many motorists and Top Gear finds out how they have fared on the motorways and what they think of the services offered. Also our cameras join a motorway police patrol car to report on typical holiday traffic problems. For those who prefer someone else to do the driving Sue Baker reports on a new super-coach which runs between Glasgow and London and Chris Goffey reports on two new garage ideas which could save time and money. Frank Page reviews some of the latest cars coming to showrooms.
Does it pay to buy or sell second-hand car at an auction? William Woollard inquires into the world of the used car market. Martin Muncaster tells the story of how Lord Riverdale found a Sheffield Simplex in Australia and restored this unique car. Sue Baker gives her impressions of the Ford Fiesta XR2 and Frank Page on the new Austin Ambassador. Finally Top Gear reports on children's car safety.
Introduced by William Woollard from Turin Motor Show, the show where the Italian stylists illustrate why they are among the world's leaders in car design. Frank Page and Sue Baker report on the latest motoring products. Maintaining the Italian theme, Chris Goffey interviews perhaps the world's most eminent car designer, Pininfarina, reports on a new Italian tyre designed for increased grip in the wet and discovers the Mille Miglia is about to be revived.
From now on the weekend roads become busy with caravans and this week William Woollard looks at new products and ideas for the outdoor holiday-maker. Frank Page and Sue Baker give their impressions of two more recently announced models and Tom Boswell reports on a unique British motorcycle front suspension. Look what they have done to the Metro! William Woollard traces some of the modifications carried out on the Austin Metro since its launch 20 months ago and Top Gear looks at a car club which takes to the water.
From a Forties production platform William Woollard finds out what happens to the oil on its way to the petrol pump. Sue Baker examines the issue of lead in petrol and whether there is a future for liquid petroleum gas as a viable alternative fuel. The oil companies reveal their marketing plans to change the face of the garage forecourt in the 80s.
Motor manufacturers spend millions of pounds on research and development and part of that money goes on the practical road testing of vehicles. William Woollard looks at Britain's longest test track to find out if the expense and effort is justified. Jackie Stewart looks ahead to the new law to make the wearing of seat belts compulsory. If you thought it was difficult enough to take your driving test, Sue Baker finds out how the professionals do it at the Army School of Mechanical Transport.
Each year 8 million cars and 111 million passengers pass through Britain's premier port. Top Gear goes behind the scenes as the holiday season builds up at this busy port. Why do we feel guilty when we go through Customs even when we have nothing to declare? Dr Michael Argyle of the Department of Psychology, Oxford University, explains. Chris Goffey reports on how the AA trains its patrolmen to cope with around two million breakdowns a year and there are road impressions on two recently announced cars.
This year marks the diamond jubilee of the Austin Seven. To commemorate it Top Gear has arranged its own Austin Seven motor show, including driving tests and a concours d'elegance for the Top Gear trophy. Sue Baker and Frank Page give their road impressions of two recently announced cars.
