Top Gear

1Episode 1

Sep 21, 1995

In the first of a new 14-part series, Jeremy Clarkson drives the first all-new MG sports car for two decades, the long-awaited MGF, and asks if we are about to see the rebirth of the two-seater open-top sports car. Plus, Steve Berry visits Pebble Beach in California for the most prestigious concours d’elegance event (competition for high-pedigree marques like Rolls-Royce and Bugatti) in the world.

2Episode 2

Sep 28, 1995

This week, Jeremy Clarkson drives the most important new car to be launched this autumn, the Vauxhall Vectra. It replaces Britain’s favourite fleet car, the Cavalier, but how good is it? Meanwhile, Tiff Needell tries the new Saab with electronic kit that enables the driver to change gear without the tedium of using a clutch pedal. Plus, Michele Newman finds out what it takes to enter a motor race when you’re a complete novice.

3Episode 3

Oct 5, 1995

Jeremy Clarkson visits Blackpool to test the new TVR Cerbera, “the noisiest, fastest and most exciting car this side of a Lamborghini Diablo”, and to interview TVR’s boss, Peter Wheeler. Plus, Tony Mason meets “Babs”, a monster car that broke the world speed record twice before turning over and killing its driver. Fifty years on, it has been lovingly rebuilt and restored.

4Episode 4

Oct 12, 1995

This week, Jeremy Clarkson aims to realise a long-held ambition — to drive a GT40, the supercar that Ford built in the 1960s to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. In case he has trouble handling all that raw power, former Top Gear presenter Noel Edmonds is on hand to help.

5Episode 5

Oct 19, 1995

Tonight, a preview of the London Motor Show, which opens at Earls Court tomorrow. Presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Quentin Willson and Steve Berry at the show, with reports from the field by Chris Goffey and Tiff Needell.

6Episode 6

Oct 26, 1995

This week, Quentin Willson road tests the new Nissan Almera, replacement for the popular Sunny. Jeremy Clarkson drives at Le Mans in Ford’s 230 mph GT90, and changes his mind about America’s ability to produce a supercar. Plus, Chris Goffey goes to the Army School of Mechanical Transport near Beverley in Humberside, where he learns to handle an 11-ton Saxon armoured personnel carrier.

7Episode 7

Nov 2, 1995

Jeremy Clarkson test drives the new Mercedes E-class. It boasts a host of unique features, but does that make it a more desirable luxury car than the Jaguar? Plus, a trip to the Motorcycle Show at Birmingham’s NEC, where Steve Barry and Tiff Needell inspect some new machines.

8Episode 8

Nov 9, 1995

This week, Quentin Willson demonstrates how to take on the car auctioneers and win, while Tony Mason fulfils a childhood dream by driving a new fire engine manufactured by Dennis.

9Episode 9

Nov 16, 1995

In Italy, Jeremy Clarkson tests the Fiats that are seeking to prove mainstream does not mean boring, while Steve Berry charts the history of the Vincent motorcycles with the help of riders who tested the bikes in the post-war years.

10Episode 10

Nov 23, 1995

Tonight, a race against the clock to build a kit car. Plus, Tiff Needell takes Lamborghini’s new prototype, the Cala, out for a test drive.

11Episode 11

Nov 30, 1995

Jeremy Clarkson tests the Volvo 850R against the BMW 328 and the Alfa Romeo 164 Lusso. Plus Steve Berry takes a look at the world’s finest Corgi model car collection.

12Episode 12

Dec 7, 1995

Quentin Willson previews the new 200 series from Rover.

13Episode 13

Dec 14, 1995

Steve Berry tests two stylish new Alfa Romeos: the hard-top GTV and the soft-top Spider. Also Tony Mason charts the progress of the largest load on Britain’s roads when three tractor units move a gas turbine.

14Episode 14

Dec 21, 1995

Steve Berry visits the Bonneville Salt Flats in the American state of Utah — a place of pilgrimage for motorsport enthusiasts and the site of land speed records since Malcolm Campbell took his Bluebird there in 1935 — in the hope of watching racers clock speeds of over 400mph.