Top Gear series 1

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}} {{Use British English|date=December 2011}} {{Infobox television season | series_number = 1 | bgcolour = #ffC0B2 | image = | image_alt = | caption = | starring = {{Plainlist| *[[Jeremy Clarkson]] *[[Jason Dawe (presenter)|Jason Dawe]] *[[Richard Hammond]] *[[The Stig]] }} | num_episodes = 10 | network = [[BBC Two]] | first_aired = {{Start date|2002|10|20|df=y}} | last_aired = {{End date|2002|12|29|df=y}} | episode_list = List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes }}

Series 1 of ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'', a British motoring magazine and [[factual television]] programme, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on [[BBC Two]] during 2002, consisting of ten episodes that were aired between 20 October and 29 December. This series featured [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[Richard Hammond]] as the co-hosts of the programme, a role they would both maintain until the end of the [[Top Gear series 22|twenty-second series]], but the only series to feature [[Jason Dawe (presenter)|Jason Dawe]] as their co-presenter before he was replaced by [[James May]] for the second series.

The series introduced much of the new elements that the programme had brought in as part of its relaunch of [[Top Gear (1977 TV series)|original 1977 programme of the same name]], including the anonymous driver known as "The Stig" (portrayed by [[Perry McCarthy]]), the [[Top Gear test track]], and the celebrity timed laps that would begin with the [[Suzuki Liana]]. The series' most notable elements included a group of "grannies" doing specialized stunts, several religious leaders racing against each other, and the presenters making their own "''James Bond''" gadget car.

== Production ==

Following the cancellation of the [[Top Gear (1977 TV series)|original format of ''Top Gear'']] in December 2001, previous format presenters [[Jeremy Clarkson]] and [[Andy Wilman]] convinced the [[BBC]] to revive the show with a new format for the following year. These new changes included the use of television studio segments and challenges, and a revamped presentation of reviews, unlike the previous show which focused on the production of cars. Clarkson later announced that he would present the new show, with Wilman serving as the executive producer, whilst motoring journalists [[Richard Hammond]] and [[Jason Dawe (presenter)|Jason Dawe]] joined as new presenters, both of whom had not hosted the previous format.{{cn|date=September 2025}}

==Episodes== {{Main|List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes}} <onlyinclude> {{Episode table |background=#FFC0B2 |overall=5 |series=5 |aux1=24 |aux2=34 |aux3=11 |airdate=11 |viewers=10 |country=UK |aux1T=Reviews |aux2T=Features/challenges |aux3T=Guest(s) |viewersR=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-10?|title=Weekly Top 10 Programmes|publisher=[[Broadcasters' Audience Research Board]]}}</ref> |episodes= {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 1 <ref name=epguide>{{Cite web |title=Search – BBC Programme Index |url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/search/0/20?filt=p00whzyg#top |access-date=2022-10-03 |publisher=BBC Genome Project}}</ref> | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Aux1 = [[Citroën Berlingo#Berlingo I (1996–2008)|Citroën Berlingo Multispace]] • [[Pagani Zonda#Zonda S 7.3|Pagani Zonda S]] • [[Lamborghini Murciélago#Murciélago (2001–2006)|Lamborghini Murciélago]] • [[Mazda6#First generation (GG1; 2002)|Mazda6]] | Aux2 = [[Ford GT40]] concept • Beating a speed camera • Running a car on [[vegetable oil]] | Aux3 = [[Harry Enfield]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|10|20}} | Viewers = 2.43 | ShortSummary = In the first episode of the relaunched ''Top Gear'', [[Jeremy Clarkson]] reviews the [[Citroën Berlingo#Berlingo I|Citroën Berlingo Multispace]], the [[Pagani Zonda#Zonda S 7.3|Pagani Zonda S]], and the [[Lamborghini Murciélago#Murciélago (2001–2006)|Lamborghini Murciélago]], and tests out how a car could be run on vegetable oil. [[Richard Hammond]] reviews the [[Mazda6#First generation (GG1; 2002)|Mazda6]], and tests an urban myth concerning speed cameras. Finally, the programme unveils its specially crafted [[Top Gear test track]], with lap times being made in the Zonda and Murciélago by anonymous racing driver [[The Stig]], alongside celebrity guest [[Harry Enfield]] in a [[Suzuki Aerio|Suzuki Liana]] for the first run of "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car". | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 2 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Aux1 = [[Ford Focus (first generation)#RS|Ford Focus RS]] • [[Noble M12|Noble M12 GTO]] • [[Ford Escort (Europe)#Ford Escort Mark II (1975–1980)|Ford Escort RS1800]] | Aux2 = Bus jumping over bikes | Aux3 = [[Jay Kay]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|10|27}} | Viewers = 3.54 | ShortSummary = Clarkson tries out the [[Ford Focus (first generation)#RS|Ford Focus RS]] on the road and the [[Noble M12|Noble M12 GTO]] at the Track. Hammond attempts to see how many motorcycles a [[double-decker bus]] can jump over, and looks back at his childhood dream car – the 1977 [[Ford Escort (Europe)#Ford Escort Mark II (1975–1980)|Ford Escort RS1800]]. Meanwhile, [[Jay Kay]] is the next star to drive the Liana around the Top Gear Test Track. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 3 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Aux1 = [[Mini Hatch (2001–2006)|Mini One]] • [[Toyota Yaris Verso]] • [[Citroën DS]] • [[Aston Martin DB7#V12 Vantage|Aston Martin DB7]] • [[Westfield XTR2]] | Aux2 = How car designers [[Peter Horbury]] and [[Ian Callum]] style cars • Grannies doing donuts with a [[Honda S2000#AP1|Honda S2000]] | Aux3 = [[Ross Kemp]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|11|3}} | Viewers = 3.30 | ShortSummary = Clarkson takes a look at the [[Mini (marque)#Mini Hatch/Hardtop (2001 to 2006)|new Mini]] and the [[Toyota Yaris Verso]], before testing out the [[Aston Martin DB7#V12 Vantage|Aston Martin DB7 Vantage]]. Hammond sees if grannies can do donuts in a [[Honda S2000#AP1|Honda S2000]] and reviews the [[Westfield XTR2]]. Car designers [[Peter Horbury]] and [[Ian Callum]] discuss how cars are designed, while [[Ross Kemp]] attempts to get the Liana around a wet Top Gear Test Track. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 4 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Aux1 = [[Aston Martin Vanquish]] • [[Ferrari 575M Maranello]] • Family saloons: ([[Ford Mondeo]] • [[Toyota Avensis]] • [[Jaguar X-Type]] • [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class]] • [[BMW 3 Series]] • [[Honda Accord]]) | Aux2 = Interview with [[Richard Burns]] • [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#Fifth generation (1999–2002)|Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R]] used car buying guide • [[James Bond]] cars for the movie [[Die Another Day]] | Aux3 = [[Steve Coogan]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|11|10}} | Viewers = 2.90 | ShortSummary = Clarkson compares the [[Aston Martin Vanquish]] against the [[Ferrari 575M Maranello]], and takes a look at the cars specially designed for ''[[Die Another Day]]''. Hammond judges mid-range family saloons in a Formula One-styled race, whilst Dawe reviews the [[Nissan Skyline GT-R]] and compares its against previous Skyline generations – the [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#Third generation (1989–1994)|R32]], the [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#Fourth generation (1995–1998)|R33]], and the [[Nissan Skyline GT-R#Fifth generation (1999–2002)|R34]]. Meanwhile, [[Steve Coogan]] sees how he handles the Liana around a wet track. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 5 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Aux1 = [[Mercedes-Benz W220|Mercedes-Benz S-Class]] • [[Audi A8#D3 (Typ 4E; 2002–2009)|Audi A8]] • [[Maybach 57 and 62#Maybach 62|Maybach 62]] • [[Bentley Arnage#Series two|Bentley Arnage T]] | Aux2 = [[Jaguar XJ (X350)|Jaguar XJ]] concept • [[Peugeot 206]] used car buying guide • Budget [[James Bond]] car | Aux3 = [[Jonathan Ross]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|11|17}} | Viewers = 3.43 | ShortSummary = Clarkson takes a look at three luxurious cars - the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class#W220 (1999)|Mercedes-Benz S-Class]], the [[Audi A8#D3 (Typ 4E; 2002–2009)|Audi A8]], and the [[Bentley Arnage#Series two|Bentley Arnage T]]. Dawe drives some used [[Peugeot 206]]s to determine which is worth value for money. Hammond gushes over the new [[Maybach 57 and 62#Maybach 62|Maybach 62]], before revealing the trio's very own [[James Bond|007/Bond car]] with gadgets suggested by viewers. Meanwhile [[Jonathan Ross]] finds himself struggling in the Liana with an extremely wet test track. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 6 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Aux1 = [[Renault Vel Satis]] • [[BMW Z4 (E85)|BMW Z4]] • [[Mercedes-Benz R230#SL55 AMG|Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG]] | Aux2 = [[Honda NSX]] power lap • Grannies handbrake-parking a [[Mini Hatch|Mini]] • [[VW Golf]] used car buying guide | Aux3 = [[Tara Palmer-Tomkinson]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|11|24}} | Viewers = 3.10 | ShortSummary = Clarkson reviews the [[Renault Vel Satis]] and the [[Mercedes-Benz R230#SL55 AMG|Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG]], the latter he recently bought, and introduces Top Gear's new segment - the Cool Wall. Dawe sees if the same grannies from before can do a handbrake park, and looks back at a used car that never went out of fashion – the [[Volkswagen Golf#Fourth generation (Mk4/A4, Typ 1J; 1997)|Volkswagen Golf]]. Meanwhile [[Tara Palmer-Tomkinson]] looks back to how well she did in the Liana. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 7 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Aux1 = [[Saab 9-3#Second generation (2002–present)|Saab 9-3]] • [[Lotus Elise#111S|Lotus Elise 111S]] | Aux2 = [[M4 bus lane]] investigation • Religion race I • Environmentally-friendly cars ([[Peugeot RC]] • [[Toyota Prius]] • [[Ford TH!NK]]) • Children's favourite supercars | Aux3 = [[Rick Parfitt]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|12|1}} | Viewers = 3.61 | ShortSummary = Hammond drives a [[Saab 9-3#Second generation (2002–present)|Saab 9-3]] to see if it is wacky and interesting like old Saabs, and Clarkson puts the [[Lotus Elise#Series 2|Lotus Elise 111S]] through its paces. Elsewhere, Dawe visits a primary school to see which car the kids there think is coolest, while there's a race to see which religious faith is the fastest. Finally, [[Rick Parfitt]] of Status Quo sees if he can get the Liana quickly around the test track. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 8 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Aux1 = [[Audi RS 6#C5 (Typ 4B, 2002–2004)|Audi RS6]] • [[Mercedes-Benz W211#E55 AMG (2003–2006)|Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG]] • Superminis: ([[Ford Fiesta#Fiesta Mark V (2002–2008)|Ford Fiesta]] • [[Citroën C3#First generation (FC/FN; 2002)|Citroën C3]] • [[Honda Fit#First generation (GD/GE; 2001)|Honda Jazz]] • [[Nissan Micra#Third generation (K12; 2002)|Nissan Micra]] • [[MG ZR]]) • [[Maserati Coupé]] | Aux2 = Tuning a [[Lada Riva]] • White van man race | Aux3 = [[Michael Gambon|Sir Michael Gambon]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|12|8}} | Viewers = 3.43 | ShortSummary = Clarkson road tests the [[Audi RS6#C5 (Typ 4B, 2002–2004)|Audi RS6]] the [[Mercedes-Benz W211#E55 AMG (2003–2006)|Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG]], and the [[Maserati Coupé]], while Hammond reviews a group of "superminis" – the [[Ford Fiesta#Fiesta Mark V (2002–2008):The fifth generation|Ford Fiesta]], the [[Citroën C3#First generation (FC/FN; 2002)|Citroën C3]], the [[Honda Fit#First generation (GD/GE; 2001)|Honda Jazz]], the [[Nissan Micra#Third generation (K12; 2002)|Nissan Micra]], and the [[MG ZR]]. Lotus attempts to improve a [[Lada Riva]] 1.5E Catalyst, while a group of White-Van men race around the track in a Ford World Rally Transit van. Finally, [[Michael Gambon]] has an unexpected lap in the Liana.

''Note'': This episode saw the last corner of the track, Carpenter's Corner, being renamed as "Gambon Corner", in honor of Michael Gambon's near-accident during his time in the Liana. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 9 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | Aux1 = Cars for the [[school run]]: ([[Renault Espace]] • [[Toyota Land Cruiser#100 Series|Toyota Land Cruiser]] • [[Volvo XC90#First generation|Volvo XC90]]) • [[Subaru Forester#Second generation (SG; 2002)|Subaru Forester]] • [[Volkswagen Golf Mk4#R32 (2003)|Volkswagen Golf R32]] | Aux2 = [[MG XPower SV]] concept • Stripping down a [[Jaguar XJS#1980s|Jaguar XJ-S]] • [[Radical Sportscars#SR3 RS|Radical SR3]] vs an aerobatic plane | Aux3 = [[Gordon Ramsay]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|12|22}} | Viewers = 3.67 | ShortSummary = Clarkson tests out the [[Renault Espace#Espace IV (2002–2015)|Renault Espace]], the [[Toyota Land Cruiser#100 Series|Toyota Land Cruiser]], the [[Volvo XC90#First generation|Volvo XC90]] Estate, and the [[Volkswagen Golf Mk4#R32 (2003)|Volkswagen Golf R32]] are to drive. Elsewhere, Hammond reviews the [[Subaru Forester#Second generation (SG; 2002)|Subaru Forester]], a crew from Cornwall can make a used 1985 Jaguar XJ-S V12 faster, and the Stig races a [[Radical Sportscars#SR3 RS|Radical SR3]] against an aerobatic plane. Finally, [[Gordon Ramsay]] is in the Liana to produce something hotter than just food. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 10 <ref name=epguide /> | EpisodeNumber2 = 10 | Aux1 = Offroaders in the [[countryside]]: ([[Toyota Land Cruiser|Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon]] • [[BMW X5]] • [[Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ)|Jeep Grand Cherokee]] • [[Range Rover#Third generation (2012-2018)|Range Rover]]) • [[Lotus Esprit#V8 (1996)|Lotus Esprit V8]] • [[TVR T350]]C | Aux2 = Top Gear Awards 2002 • Tuned [[Germany|German]] cars: (AS One • [[Audi TT]] [[Motoren Technik Mayer|MTM Bimoto]]) • Cheap used cars ([[Nissan Primera]] • [[Nissan 300C]] • [[Vauxhall Astra|Vauxhall Astra CDi]]) • Religion race II | Aux3 = None | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=yes|2002|12|29}} | Viewers = 3.59 | ShortSummary = Clarkson has differing views on the new [[Range Rover#Third generation (2012-2018)|Range Rover]] and the [[Lotus Esprit#V8 (1996)|Lotus Esprit V8]]. Hammond drives the [[TVR T350]]C Concept, and Dawe looks into the [[Nissan Primera#P10 (1990–1995)|Nissan Primera]]. There's a further race to find the fastest faith in the world with some additional religions, while the trio find out what cars have gotten what awards in the Top Gear Awards 2002. Note: Last appearance of [[Jason Dawe (presenter)|Jason Dawe]] as a presenter on ''Top Gear'' | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} }}</onlyinclude>

==Best-of episodes== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%;" |- ! scope="col" style="background:#ffC0B2;" | No. ! scope="col" style="background:#ffC0B2;" | Feature ! scope="col" style="background:#ffC0B2;" | Original air date {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 1 | Aux1 = Best Moments from Series 1 (Part 1) | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|1|26|df=y}} | ShortSummary = A compilation of the best moments from Series 1, including reviews of the [[Noble M12]], [[BMW Z4]], [[Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG]], interviews with celebrity guests [[Harry Enfield]], [[Tara Palmer-Tomkinson]], [[Jonathan Ross]], and a compilation of power laps by The Stig. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 2 | Aux1 = Best Moments from Series 1 (Part 2) | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|3|30|df=y}} | ShortSummary = More of the best moments from Series 1, including the review of the [[Ford RS Focus]], a comparison between the [[Lamborghini Murciélago]] and the [[Pagani Zonda]], plus interviews with [[Gordon Ramsay]] and [[Michael Gambon]]. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 1 | EpisodeNumber = 3 | Aux1 = Best Moments from Series 1 (Part 3) | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|4|6|df=y}} | ShortSummary = Even more of the best moments from Series 1, including the comparison between the [[Aston Martin Vanquish]] and the [[Ferrari 575]] on the [[Isle of Man]], tests of the [[Bentley Arnage]] and the [[Lotus Elise]] on the track, and interviews with [[Steve Coogan]] and [[Jay Kay]]. | LineColor = ffC0B2 }} |}

==References== {{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Top Gear series 1}} [[Category:2002 British television seasons]] [[Category:Top Gear (2002 TV series) series]]