Top Gear series 2

{{Infobox television season | series_number = 2 | bgcolour = #fcc25d | image = | image_alt = | caption = | starring = {{Plainlist| *[[Jeremy Clarkson]] *[[Richard Hammond]] *[[James May]] *[[The Stig]] }} | num_episodes = 10 | network = [[BBC Two]] | first_aired = {{Start date|2003|5|11|df=y}} | last_aired = {{End date|2003|7|20|df=y}} | episode_list = List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes }}

Series 2 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 2003, consisting of ten episodes between 11 May and 20 July;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/entertainment/top-gear/episode-guides/series-2/|title=Top Gear Series 2|publisher=topgearbox.com|date=1 May 2003}}</ref> a compilation episode, titled "Best of Top Gear", was broadcast after the series concluded on 27 July, featuring the best moments of the previous two series. It was the first series to feature [[James May]], who was brought in to replace [[Jason Dawe (presenter)|Jason Dawe]] following the first series, and the first to credit the programme's anonymous driver, "[[The Stig]]", as an additional presenter; though not under their actual identity. The insider dealing segment from series 1 was retained for this series but was phased out completely for the series three.

The series's most notable elements included a race between several noted science fiction franchises, which was later cut out of re-runs for licensing reasons, and a contest to name the greatest car of all times; as of 2023, only two segments of this are not included for re-runs, one for legal reasons, the other for unknown reasons.

==Episodes== {{Main|List of Top Gear (2002 TV series) episodes}}  <onlyinclude> {{Episode table |background=#FCC25D |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 2 | EpisodeNumber = 11 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | Aux1 = [[Smart Roadster]] • [[Bowler Wildcat]] • [[Bentley T-series|Bentley T2]] • [[McLaren F1]] | Aux2 = Drag racer jet engine incinerates [[Nissan Sunny#B11 series|Nissan Sunny]] | Aux3 = [[Vinnie Jones]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|5|11|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.15 | ShortSummary = Clarkson compares the [[Smart Roadster]] to its rivals - the [[Volkswagen New Beetle#First generation (A4 Platform)|Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet]] and the [[Ford Ka#StreetKa and SportKa|Ford Street Ka]]. New presenter James May is given the task of reviewing his own [[Bentley T-series|Bentley T2]]. Hammond tests out the [[Bowler Wildcat]], while using a drag racer's engine to burn his least favourite things. Finally, Top Gear introduces its Greatest Car competition with [[Murray Walker]] arguing his case for the McLaren F1, whilst [[Vinnie Jones]] sets a lap in the Liana. ''Note:'' This episode marked the beginning of an on-screen partnership between Clarkson, Hammond and May of 21 years across both ''[[Top Gear (2002 TV series)|Top Gear]]'' and ''[[The Grand Tour]]'' car programmes. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 12 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | Aux1 = [[Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)|Rolls-Royce Phantom]] • [[Rover P5#P5B|Rover 3½ Litre]] (P5B) • [[BMW M3#E46 M3|BMW M3]] • [[Audi S4#B6 (Typ 8E/8H, 2003–2005)|Audi S4]] • [[Jaguar E-Type]] | Aux2 = Fastest political party | Aux3 = [[Jamie Oliver]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|5|18|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.28 | ShortSummary = Luxury is the subject of Clarkson's review for the [[Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)|Rolls-Royce Phantom]], while Hammond road tests the [[Rover P5#P5B|Rover P5B 3½ Litre]]. Meanwhile, there is a comparison test between the [[Audi S4#B6 (Typ 8E/8H, 2003–2005)|Audi S4]] and the [[BMW M3#E46 M3|BMW M3]], alongside a race to see which British political party is the fastest. Elsewhere, actor [[Chris Barrie]] nominates the Jaguar E-Type as the greatest car ever made, while [[Jamie Oliver]] seeks to serve up a fast time in the reasonably priced car. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 13 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | Aux1 = [[Volkswagen Touareg#First generation (7L; 2002)|Volkswagen Touareg]] • [[Lexus SC#Second generation (Z40)|Lexus SC430]] • [[Hyundai Coupe#Second generation (GK) (2003–2008)|Hyundai Coupe]] • [[BMW Z8 (E52)#2003 model year changes - Alpina Z8|BMW Z8]] • [[Perodua Kelisa]] • [[Ford Mustang]] | Aux2 = Country with fastest [[supercar]] | Aux3 = [[David Soul]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|5|25|df=y}} | Viewers = 2.98 | ShortSummary = Clarkson reviews the [[Volkswagen Touareg#V10 TDI (2002–2008)|Volkswagen Touareg]] and [[BMW Z8 (E52)#2003 model year changes - Alpina Z8|BMW Z8 Alpina]], before discussing why he is nominating the classic Ford Mustang as the greatest car made. May road tests the [[Perodua Kelisa]], while Hammond tests out the [[Hyundai Coupe#Second generation (GK) (2003–present)|Hyundai Coupé]]. Elsewhere, Top Gear's stripped down [[Jaguar XJS#1980s|Jaguar XJS]] is given a nitrous injection to make it faster than modern supercars, while ''[[Starsky and Hutch]]''{{'}}s [[David Soul]] proves how hazardous he is to the Liana's lifespan. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 14 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | Aux1 = Jaguar R Coupe • [[Jaguar Mark 2|Jaguar Mk II]] • [[Jaguar XJ#X350, X356, and X358 (2003–2009)|Jaguar XJR]] • [[Jaguar XK (X100)#XKR-R concept|Jaguar XKR-R]] • [[Aston Martin DB7#V12 GT and GTA|Aston Martin DB7 GT]] • [[Hackney carriage|Black Cab]] ([[Austin FX4]]) | Aux2 = How far can you drive until you become bored in a [[Jaguar XJ#X350, X356, and X358 (2003–2009)|Jaguar XJR]]? | Aux3 = [[Boris Johnson]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|6|1|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.23 | ShortSummary = Jaguar is the theme of the episode, as Clarkson road tests the [[Jaguar XJ#XJ (X350) (2003–2007)|Jaguar XJR]], and compares the [[Aston Martin DB7#V12 GT and GTA|Aston Martin DB7 GT]] with the racing version of the [[Jaguar XK (X100)#XKR-R concept|Jaguar XKR]]. May pays homages to the 1953 [[24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]] [[Jaguar C-Type]], while Hammond gives praises towards the 1960s [[Jaguar Mark 2|Jaguar Mark II]]. Renowned chef [[A.A. Gill]] nominates the Black Cab as the greatest car to be made, while the Liana is in the hands of [[Boris Johnson]] for a lap. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 15 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | Aux1 = [[Porsche 911#996 Turbo (2001–2005)|Porsche 911 Turbo]] • [[Ford Ka#StreetKa and SportKa|Ford Street Ka]] • [[Triumph TR6]] • [[Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport|Renault Clio V6]] • [[Land Rover series|Land Rover]] | Aux2 = Rally pit crew vs. women getting ready for a night out | Aux3 = [[Anne Robinson]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|6|8|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.33 | ShortSummary = Clarkson reviews the [[Porsche 911#996 Turbo (2000–2004)|Porsche 911 Turbo]] and the [[Porsche 911#996 Series (1998–2004)|911 Carrera 4S]], alongside the [[Renault Clio V6 Renault Sport#Clio V6 Phase 2 (2003–2005)|Renault Clio V6]], while May looks back to the [[Triumph TR6]]. Meanwhile, Hammond meets Britain's biggest car bore, pits a rally pit crew team with a challenge, and offers his nomination of the Land Rover as the greatest car ever made. Finally [[Anne Robinson]] is in the Liana and proving she isn't the weakest link on the track. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 16 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | Aux1 = [[Subaru Impreza WRX STI#Second generation (2000- 2008)|Subaru Impreza WRX STI]] • [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution#Evolution VIII|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII]] • [[Vauxhall VX220|Vauxhall VX220 Turbo]] • [[Peugeot 206#GTi 180 and RC|Peugeot 206 GTI]] • [[Fiat 500]] | Aux2 = Land speed record for caravan towing | Aux3 = [[Richard Whiteley]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|6|15|df=y}} | Viewers = 2.46 | ShortSummary = Clarkson struggles to like either the [[Subaru Impreza WRX STI#Second generation (2000- 2008)|Subaru Impreza WRX STI]] or the [[Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution#Evolution VIII|Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII]], whilst reviewing the [[Vauxhall VX220|Vauxhall VX220 Turbo]]. Meanwhile, Hammond reviews the [[Peugeot 206#GTi 180 and RC|Peugeot 206 GTi]] with a track day excursion, May tries to set a new land-speed record for a caravan, and [[Nick Mason]] of [[Pink Floyd]] nominates the Fiat 500 as the greatest car ever made. Finally, [[Richard Whiteley]] proves himself the slowest in the Liana. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 17 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | Aux1 = [[Koenigsegg CC8S]] • [[Renault Mégane#Mégane II (2002–2009)|Renault Mégane]] • [[Hummer H1]] • [[Hummer H2]] • [[Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud]] | Aux2 = Crash testing the Megane with a real driver | Aux3 = [[Neil Morrissey]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|6|22|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.61 | ShortSummary = Clarkson tests out a new fast car in the [[Koenigsegg CC8S]], and reviews the differences between the [[Hummer H1]] and [[Hummer H2]]. Hammond tests the safety of the [[Renault Mégane#Mégane II (2002–2009)|Renault Mégane]] in a simulated crash test and the practicality of the Talon riot control vehicle. Elsewhere, broadcaster [[Stuart Hall (presenter)|Stuart Hall]] nominates the greatest car ever made as the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, and [[Neil Morrissey]] attempts a lap time in the reasonably priced car.

''Note:'' Stuart Hall's film segment was later removed in reruns, but, due to his 2013 conviction for sexual offences, has not been restored to the episode unlike other Greatest Car films since this series's episodes were made available on iPlayer in 2021; the end credit sequence is also mostly omitted except the title card at the end. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 18 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | Aux1 = [[Nissan 350Z]] • [[Alfa Romeo 147|Alfa Romeo 147 GTA]] • [[Citroën DS]] • Convertibles: ([[Citroën C3#C3 Pluriel|Citroën C3 Pluriel]] • [[Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)|Mercedes-Benz CLK500 Convertible]] • [[Audi A4#B6 (Typ 8E/8H, 2001–2005)|Audi A4 Cabriolet]] • [[Daihatsu Copen]] • [[Volkswagen New Beetle#First generation (A4 Platform)|Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet]]) | Aux2 = The Race for the Universe | Aux3 = [[Jodie Kidd]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|7|6|df=y}} | Viewers = 3.76 | ShortSummary = Hammond and May test out a number of cabriolets - the [[Volkswagen New Beetle#First generation (A4 Platform)|Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet]], the [[Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)|Mercedes-Benz CLK500 convertible]], the [[Audi A4#B6|Audi A4 cabriolet]], the [[Citroën C3#C3 Pluriel|Citroën C3 Pluriel]], and the [[Daihatsu Copen]]. Meanwhile, Clarkson reviews the [[Nissan 350Z]] and the [[Honda Civic Type R#EP3 (2001; based on seventh generation Civic)|Honda Civic Type R]], May nominates the Citroën DS as the greatest car, and there is a race between noted sci-fi characters and species. Finally, [[Jodie Kidd]] is the latest star to do a lap in the Liana.

''Note:'' For licensing reasons, the “Race for The Universe” challenge was removed from the episode for future reruns. In addition, the Citroen DS film was removed from future reruns of the episode, but not been restored after episodes were made available on iPlayer in 2021. | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 19 | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | Aux1 = [[Carver (automobile)|Vandenbrink Carver]] • [[Volvo S60#S60 R|Volvo S60 R]] • [[General Motors Hy-wire|GM HyWire]] • [[Audi Quattro]] | Aux2 = Drive [[Opel Signum|Vauxhall Signum]] from the rear seat | Aux3 = [[Patrick Stewart]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|7|13|df=y}} | Viewers = 2.91 | ShortSummary = May takes a look at the revolutionary [[General Motors Hy-wire|GM Hywire]] which runs on a mixture of [[hydrogen]] and [[oxygen]]. Clarkson and Hammond reviews the [[Carver (automobile)|Vandenbrink Carver]] and [[Volvo S60#S60 R|Volvo S60 R]], while there is a test to see if a [[Opel Signum|Vauxhall Signum]] can be driven from the rear seat. Elsewhere, footballer [[Graeme Le Saux]] nominates the greatest car as the Audi Quattro, while [[Patrick Stewart]] drives on the starship "Liana". | LineColor = fcc25d }} {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = 20 | EpisodeNumber2 = 10 | Aux1 = [[TVR T350|TVR T350C]] • [[Range Rover (L322)#Limited editions and cooperations|Overfinch Range Rover]] • [[Cadillac Sixteen]] • [[Volkswagen Phaeton]] | Aux2 = Fastest disabled driver | Aux3 = [[Alan Davies]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|7|20|df=y}} | Viewers = 2.92 | ShortSummary = Hammond races the [[TVR T350|TVR T350C]] against a [[Harrier jump jet]], while May gives his opinion on the [[Cadillac Sixteen]] concept car. Clarkson takes to reviewing the [[Volkswagen Phaeton]], while racing the [[Range Rover (L322)#Limited editions and cooperations|Overfinch 580S]] against a [[Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class#Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (1996–2004)|Mercedes-Benz SLK320]]. Meanwhile, there's a race to find Britain's fastest disabled driver, and the greatest car ever made is announced, and [[Alan Davies]] takes to a "mildly damp" track as the latest star in the Liana.

''Note'': This episode was originally themed around tuned-up cars, but was not implemented for unknown reasons. | LineColor = fcc25d }} }}</onlyinclude>

==Best-of episodes== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%;" |- ! scope="col" style="background:#fcc25d;" | Total ! scope="col" style="background:#fcc25d;" | No. ! scope="col" style="background:#fcc25d;" | Title ! scope="col" style="background:#fcc25d;" | Feature ! scope="col" style="background:#fcc25d;" | Original air date {{Episode list/sublist|Top Gear series 2 | EpisodeNumber = S1 | EpisodeNumber2 = CE | RTitle = The Best of Top Gear: 2002–2003 | Aux1 = Best Moments from Series 1–2 | OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2003|7|27|df=y}} | ShortSummary = A look back at some of the best moments from last two series, including a look at what faith was the fastest around the track, and whether some grannies managed to do some Doughnuts. | LineColor = fcc25d }} |}

==Notable events== ===Presenter change===

After the first series had concluded, producer [[Andy Wilman]] became concerned with the involvement of motoring enthusiast [[Jason Dawe (presenter)|Jason Dawe]]. Although a noted exponent of used cars and getting deals on second-hand cars, his segment was felt to not work well with the new format of ''Top Gear'', with Wilman himself admitting that he was not "working out". As a result, Dawe was fired from the programme, resulting in the decision to recruit James May to the programme prior to filming of the second series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/entertainment/top-gear/jason-dawe-what-happened-to-top-gears-forgotten-host/|title=Jason Dawe: What happened to Top Gear’s forgotten host?|publisher=topgearbox.com|date=2018}}</ref>

===Removal of controversial films === Following the original broadcast of the second series in 2003, the BBC re-edited future reruns with the "Greatest Car" segments removed from episodes - these featured films by various celebrities promoting the car they felt was the greatest in their opinion. When the segment was brought back into the original episodes for [[BBC iPlayer]] in 2021, two separate films were not restored - one for the Citroen DS, and the other for the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. While the former footage, featuring James May, was not returned for unknown reasons,{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} the second was not returned as this film featured since-disgraced entertainer [[Stuart Hall (presenter)|Stuart Hall]], who was convicted of historical sex offences against children in 2013.{{cn|date=September 2025}}

==References== {{reflist}}

[[Category:2003 British television seasons]] [[Category:Top Gear (2002 TV series) series]]