Top Gear

1Episode 1

Sep 9, 1999

The motoring magazine returns with a new presenter, as Kate Humble joins Quentin Willson and the team. Tonight’s programme looks at the future of motoring in the next millennium: will cars be floating on air, or be powered by recycled vegetables? Plus Tiff Needell drives the new Porsche 911 GT3, and there are tips on buying a first car.

2Episode 2

Sep 16, 1999

This week on the motoring magazine, Kate Humble and Quentin Willson consider the current state of the market for 4x4 vehicles, plus a report from Germany on models making the news at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

3Episode 3

Sep 23, 1999

Presenters Kate Humble and Quentin Willson take to the streets on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza to road-test Seat’s eponymous hatchback. And British Touring Car championship winners are put through their paces on the high street.

4Episode 4

Sep 30, 1999

This week on the motoring magazine, Quentin Willson gets behind the wheel of the Aston Martin Vantage, while Kate Humble visits Aston’s workshop, where the cars are still built by hand. Vicki Butler-Henderson road-tests the fashionable yellow Porsche Boxters, and there’s a look at very small cars with big aspirations.

5Episode 5

Oct 7, 1999

As Fiat celebrates its centenary, the motor magazine takes its stylish new Punto for a road-test to ascertain if this latest incarnation can retain its place in the small-car market. Plus a report on green fuel for high-performance cars.

6Episode 6

Oct 14, 1999

This weekend the Formula One circus descends on Sepang for the first ever Malaysian Grand Prix. Tiff Needell previews the new circuit and also tests the new Lotus-developed Proton Gti. Quentin Willson and Kate Humble, meanwhile, pay tribute to the much-loved Mini.

7Episode 7

Oct 21, 1999

Quentin Willson and Kate Humble report from the London Motor Show at Earls Court, where Rover’s new model will be unveiled. The team also put some of the major attractions on view through their paces, including the new Fiat Punto, Caterham and Volkswagen Polo.

8Episode 8

Oct 28, 1999

Tonight’s show explores company-car culture, offers an alternative to the fast but expensive Nissan Skyline, and ventures on to the rallying scene in Singapore.

9Episode 9

Nov 4, 1999

Vicki Butler-Henderson tests BMW’s new off-roader, the X5, and Tiff Needell finds out how Singapore’s rush hour lives up to its name.

10Episode 10

Nov 11, 1999

This week’s programme visits the Classic Car Show in Birmingham, and looks at a scheme banning cars from Oxford city centre.

11Episode 11

Nov 18, 1999

More road-tests of the latest models, motoring advice and features of interest to drivers.

12Episode 12

Nov 25, 1999

Tonight’s programme reveals the tactics used by the minders of celebrities to ward off unwanted pursuers as they transport their charges to the premiere of the latest James Bond film.

13Episode 13

Dec 2, 1999

The motor magazine looks at the future for cars that still run on unleaded petrol, views bargains to be had in the world of classic cars, and tests the new duel-fuel Honda Insight.

14Episode 14

Dec 9, 1999

Vicki Butler-Henderson test-drives the new Clio Sport. Kate Humble and Quentin Willson pick up a bargain, while Tiff Needell takes a nostalgic look at the Sunbeam Lotus.