The 10 Funniest Top Gear Episodes

The Most Hilarious Top Gear Episodes

Top Gear enthusiasts, those who have followed the comedic exploits of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, have likely engaged in spirited debates about the best Top Gear episodes. This iconic trio has kept audiences entertained for years, even after their departure from the original Top Gear show. Their unique blend of automotive expertise and irreverent humor has left an indelible mark on the world of automotive entertainment. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ten best Top Gear episodes, celebrating the memorable moments that have had fans in stitches over the years.

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The Presenters Who Never Back Down

Years have passed since Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May graced the Top Gear screen, but they’ve shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, their adventures have continued in various forms, including the popular show “The Grand Tour.” These presenters have not only pushed the limits of automotive entertainment but also the boundaries of humor. Let’s dive into the funniest Top Gear episodes involving this legendary trio.

1. Season 11, Episode 1: “Make a Better Police Car Challenge”

One episode that consistently ranks high in discussions of the best Top Gear episodes is Season 11’s “Make a Better Police Car Challenge.” In this episode, the trio is given a budget of £1,500 to purchase a used car and transform it into a police cruiser superior to the standard Vauxhall Astra diesel used by the UK police.

The humor in this episode stems from the presenters’ decision to forego practicality in favor of James Bond-esque gadgetry. May attaches a rear-mounted paint gun to his Lexus LS400, an unlikely choice for apprehending criminals, while Hammond installs a self-deploying spike strip on his Suzuki Vitara, with predictably disastrous results. The episode reaches its comedic peak when they pursue a “most wanted” criminal, only to discover that it’s none other than the Stig, the show’s mysterious test driver.

2. Season 19, Episode 1: “The P45 Episode”

Another episode that stands out as one of the best Top Gear episodes is the Season 19 premiere, aptly titled “The P45 Episode.” In this installment, Clarkson sets out to build something even smaller than one of the world’s tiniest cars, the Peel P50.

Clarkson’s audacity is on full display as he deems the minuscule P50 “too big.” Driving the P45 on Britain’s streets and highways proves to be a perilous endeavor, but Clarkson’s determination knows no bounds. The pinnacle of comedy arrives when he pitches his invention on the business reality show “Dragon’s Den,” entertaining viewers with his delusional belief in the revolutionary potential of the P45. Unsurprisingly, no investors are swayed by his pitch.

3. Season 14, Episode 2: “The Electric Car/Geoff Episode”

For those seeking electrically charged humor, Season 14’s “Electric Car/Geoff Episode” is a must-watch. Not satisfied with the G-Wiz as an electric car, the presenters embark on a mission to build their own electric vehicle, initially naming it Geoff before rebranding it as the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust.

Expect the unexpected as the trio intentionally bungles the project for comedic effect, resulting in a boxy eyesore that could rival the world’s ugliest cars. Instead of luxurious leather seats, they opt for plastic garden chairs, and they even troll Hammond by adding a transparent roof box to accommodate his “big head.” Their lack of seriousness becomes evident as they skirt EU road legality tests and enlist Stig’s eccentric cousin, who sports a helmet adorned with solar panels, as their test driver. In the end, an auto magazine review awards their creation a paltry 0.5 out of 5 rating.

4. Season 8, Episode 6: “The Caravan Episode”

Prepare for laughter galore in Season 8’s “Caravan Episode” as the trio embarks on a vacation with a caravan in tow. This episode evokes memories of classic Rowan Atkinson films, thanks to a series of calamities that unfold.

From an unfortunate incident where the dog falls ill to Clarkson accidentally setting fire to the caravan while attempting to make French fries, there’s a surplus of “What the heck?” moments. To add to the absurdity, Hammond and the dog are kidnapped by a female fan, resulting in an amateurish rescue mission that further escalates the hilarity.

5. Season 17, Episode 4: “The Train Episode”

“I’ll add the episode where they made trains.” In Season 17, Clarkson and his cohorts embark on a mission to create more affordable trains by attaching caravan carriages to cars fitted with train wheels.

The craftsmanship on the cars is impressive, but it’s the ensuing rivalry that sparks countless laughs. A heated debate ensues over whether May’s “traditional” train, consisting of an Audi S8 attached to four caravan carriages, or Clarkson’s “Sports Train,” comprising a Jaguar XJ-S Convertible with an open-top carriage, is superior. Jeremy Clarkson delivers some of his most memorable quotes in this episode, and the competitive spirit leads to disastrous consequences for the test passengers, including members of the railway inspection authority.

6. Season 8, Episode 1: “The Renault Espace Convertible Chaos”

Season 8’s “Renault Espace Convertible” episode is a riotous affair centered around the trio’s attempt to transform a Renault Espace into a convertible people carrier. As always, chaos ensues for the presenters.

Their escapade takes them to a safari park, where they aim to test the Espace as a tour van. However, their plans quickly unravel as the roof is blown off and devoured by a monkey. The misadventure continues when the torn roof becomes entangled in car wash machines, resulting in a fiery ordeal that forces Clarkson, Hammond, and May to make a hasty retreat.

7. Season 9, Episode 4: “The Reliant Robin Space Shuttle”

In Season 9, the trio attempts the seemingly absurd task of transforming a 1992 Reliant Robin into a space shuttle. Surprisingly, things take an unexpected turn.

Even the perpetually skeptical Clarkson finds himself in awe of the progress as Hammond and May delve into their clownish antics while attempting to become space engineers. Eventually, they manage to create something that takes off, albeit with a crash landing that sends Clarkson into fits of infectious laughter.

8. Season 10, Episode 7: “The British Leyland Challenge”

To celebrate British Leyland’s 40th Anniversary, the presenters purchase three distinct models from the company, each seeking to prove that they made the best choice. This challenge, aptly named “The British Leyland Challenge,” unfolds with a series of creative and comedic trials to test each car’s performance.

From filling the cars with water to determine their waterproof capabilities to driving with eggs to see how many remain intact (a test of comfort), the trio engages in a string of jests and laughs at their own misfortunes. One standout moment is Hammond’s car failing the handbrake test, causing it to roll down a hill in a spectacle of slapstick humor.

9. Season 22, Episode 3: “The Ambulance Race”

In Season 22, the presenters take on the task of constructing their ambulances on a tight £5,000 budget in “The Ambulance Race” episode. The challenge involves a race to transport “patients” to a hospital, showcasing the trio’s creative and often outlandish solutions.

As expected, none of the custom-made ambulances can outperform their professionally manufactured counterparts. However, the casualties are abundant, though mercifully, they are all dummy patients.

10. Season 13, Episode 2: “Teenage Car Buyers”

In Season 13, the presenters humorously pretend to be 17-year-olds purchasing their first cars in the “Teenage Car Buyers” episode. After acquiring their vehicles, they engage in a series of teenage-like activities to test the cars’ endurance.

The humor in this Top Gear episode arises not only from the challenges themselves but also from the witty banter and amusing situations that unfold. A particularly memorable moment involves Clarkson’s hilarious conversation with an insurance representative upon discovering that teenage girls receive more favorable insurance rates than teenage boys. The presenters’ spirited debates over which car boasts the most attractive features for potential girlfriends add another layer of comedic charm to the episode.

Top Gear Presenters

Jeremy Clarkson, 2002–2015.
Jason Dawe, 2002.
Richard Hammond, 2002–2015.
The Stig, 2002–present.
James May, 2003–2015.
Chris Evans, 2016.
Matt LeBlanc, 2016–2019.
Sabine Schmitz, 2016–2020.

The most recent TOP GEAR presenters were Paddy McGuinness, Chris Harris and Andrew Flintoff.

Conclusion

In the world of automotive entertainment, the comedic genius of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May has left an indelible mark. These top gearheads have taken on audacious challenges, crafted bizarre vehicles, and engaged in uproarious escapades that continue to amuse audiences. While it’s a Herculean task to pick the absolute best Top Gear episodes, these ten gems showcase the trio’s unparalleled ability to blend automotive expertise with side-splitting humor.

So, if you’re in need of a good laugh, make sure to revisit these classic episodes and relish the timeless humor of Top Gear. Whether they’re building police cars with James Bond gadgets or attempting to turn a Reliant Robin into a space shuttle, one thing is certain: the laughter never stops when these presenters are behind the wheel. These episodes are a testament to the enduring appeal of Top Gear and the trio’s ability to entertain and inspire viewers around the world.