As with many people passionate about cars, I got thinking after Richard Hammond’s accident — on a number of levels. I hear there is talk about Top Gear getting toned down. That would be a shame.
Top Gear is the best motoring programme in the world. It’s classic British spirit with a healthy dose of civil disobedience, and that makes for a healthy atmosphere. The viewer numbers are a testament to the show, as is the fact that last week it won best factual programme at the National Television Awards. Most people just see cars as transport and the fact Top Gear makes them interesting is terrific.
Car shows in America are dull. I don’t know if a show like Top Gear would work in prime time because Americans only seem to like car crashes or celebrity cars. I once had some cars on my show from a museum and one had belonged to Clark Gable. Somebody said: “Oh, is this the one where Carole Lombard got laid?” I said: “I don’t really know.” And they said: “Can we look at the seat?” And I said: “Yeah, that would be the seat where they probably did it.” And I’m thinking: “Why don’t I just shoot myself right now?”
Top Gear works. Jeremy Clarkson is as funny and as entertaining as any comic. His persona is classically English, at least to Americans. I find him charming and entertaining, and like the fact that the focus of the show is on the design and performance and speed and comfort of the car.
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