Every season of Top Gear ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Top Gear!

The big holiday rush begins this weekend and many drivers plan to travel through Friday night. How dangerous is this practice? What are the stress factors and what are the signs of fatigue? Angela finds out for herself by night driving to the West Country. Twenty people are killed and over 200 seriously injured each week yet these figures could be cut to one tenth if we used our seat belts. Should we leave it to persuasion or is compulsion the final answer?

Episode 1

The training of a British police driver is said to be the best in the world, but what makes it so good? Angela becomes a pupil of the Police Training Centre at Hendon and discovers rather more than she expected about her own driving standards. The Scottish Six-day Trial. The world's top trials riders spend a week in the mountains around Fort William in fierce and punishing competition.

Episode 2

The MOT test continues to be controversial. Is the interpretation consistent from station to station and does the motorist get a fair deal? Angela makes a comparison between the British system and the way it is done in Belgium, where they have been testing longer than anywhere else in Europe. Motor Caravans Reporter Mike Woodhead and family have their first experience of this fast-expanding do-it-yourself type of holiday.

Episode 3

Tonight Angela Rippon reports from Northern Ireland where to park your car can cost £600, a taxi fare is cheaper than a bus ride and where you are twice as likely to be killed in a road accident as in the rest of the UK. Driven to Drink. How much alcohol can you take and still drive safely? Mike Dornan reports on a special test day at Brands Hatch.

Episode 4

Tonight Angela Rippon climbs into the cab to report on the latest situation about tachographs in lorries. Colin Chapman talks to Barrie Gill about this season's Formula One motor racing scene.

Episode 5

Angela attends the finals of a nationwide search to find a girl rally driver who can take her place beside international stars Roger Clark and Russell Brookes. Predictably she takes a turn at the rally wheel herself. Rust and corrosion cost the British motorist £200-million a year. But savings could be made. Barrie Gill reports.

Episode 6

Traffic jams make the headlines almost every weekend of the summer. When the cause is an accident, the emergency services often have difficulty getting to the scene and the police can do little to ease the congestion. Faced with similar problems seven years ago Belgium solved theirs by using helicopters.

Episode 7

Every year a quarter of a million people go to Le Mans to watch this premier sports car race in the international calendar. This year Top Gear cameras followed the fortunes—and misfortunes—of the Ian Bracey entry, the Ibec-Hesketh 308LM, from the moment when it made its debut at Donnington Park and then throughout the 24-hours-race, until the final climax.

Episode 8

Top Gear invited international teams of four-wheel-drive vehicles to decide who is King of the Country. Could cross-country cars from the US, France, Japan or Russia break the time put up by the British Rovers round a specially designed course through the mud of tank terrain in Dorset?

Episode 9

Brum revs up for the Motor Show. The largest Motor Show ever held in Britain opens its doors in five weeks' time at the National Exhibition Centre, near Birmingham. Angela Rippon and Barric Gill report on the plans, facilities and entertainment in a special preview edition of Top Gear.

Episode 10

Every day in central London approximately 140 vehicles are towed away by the Metropolitan Police and taken to compounds. Angela reports on what happens to your car when you park it illegally. Noel Edmonds tests some of the new cars just coming into the showrooms and Judith Jackson takes to the country in a new four-wheel-drive vehicle. Alec Jones, Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

Three-quarters-of-a-million motorists take their cars to Europe each year and one in ten end up needing some kind of help whilst abroad. Angela investigates how motorists can best cope with unfamiliar situations. Barrie Gill reports on a special Top Gear economy run and Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms now. Cars of the Stars: Dave Lee Travis tells us about his dragster. Alec Jones , Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

Would you drop your child face downwards from a third-floor window? The impact is exactly the same for an unsecured child in the passenger seat of a car crash at 30 mph. Judith Jackson investigates child seat safety. How Fair are those Speeding Fines? Dr. Vernon Coleman has made a special study of the variations in punishments handed out by magistrates and Geoffrey Norman , Secretary of the Magistrates' Association, answers the case. Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms and Alec Jones, Chief Instructor of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

Technology has totally changed the performance of today's tyres and Angela examines the latest developments. Are You Thinking of Buying a New Car? Mike Dornan and Gill Pyrah begin a series designed to help the prospective buyer. Noel Edmonds tests some new cars coming into our showrooms and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

Angela joins the motoring press at Donington race circuit. Are You Thinking of Buying a Used Car? with Mike Dornanand Gill Pyrah. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

Each day of the year six pedestrians are killed and fifty seriously injured, and half involve children under 14 years of age. Angela Rippon reports on research towards safer car design. Are You Thinking of Buying a Banger? Mike Dornan and Gill Pyrah continue the series designed to help the prospective buyer of a well-used car avoid a few of the pitfalls. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

The Problems People Have with Their New Cars: New owners have a chance to air their grievances about unsafe and badly made cars. Mike Dornan reports on a new method of weighing lorries which could be bad news for overloaded juggernauts. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

Citizens' Band Radio - Mike Dornan investigates whether we should be free to make CB Radio the motorists' friend. Judith Jackson spends a day with perhaps the most enthusiastic motorcyclists in Britain - Junior Grasstrack Racing. and Noel Edmonds tests a new car.

Angela Rippon goes to the Ruhr to discover technology in a new road information system. Last year Mike Dornan took part in a drink-and-driving test in conjunction with Motor magazine at Brands Hatch. This is a second chance to see this award-winning film. Noel Edmonds tests another new car and Alec Jones, Chief Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, sets a driving problem.

Barrie Gill reports from the International Transport and Traffic Exposition in Hamburg. Noel Edmonds drives around Silverstone in his own Ford GT40.

Tonight "Top Gear" shows just what happens when motorcyclists run into trouble. Frank Page checks out four of the most economical cars on the market and we also report on a new cross-Channel ferry. Today a new car arrives on the British market and a new motoring newspaper comes on to the bookstalls.

Frank Page continues his road tests on the ' Frugal Fellows ' - the most economical cars on the market. Peter Macann reports on Carfax, a new system of vehicle communication now under test, and Gill Pyrah takes a look at the country's first do-it-yourself motor maintenance centre at Milton Keynes. George Bailey analyses and demonstrates a recent motorcycle crash.

Are heavy lorries the lifeblood of our industrial society or are they juggernauts, destroying the environment? Mike Dornan investigates. Frank Page tests more of the ' Frugal Fellows' - the most economical cars on the market, and Noel Edmonds tries out a brand-new British car. George Bailey analyses and demonstrates another recent motorcycle crash.

The recent Turin Motor Show gave an opportunity to Italy's motor designers to show their ideas for the decade. Gordon Wilkins goes behind the scenes of the world's pre-eminent auto designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, and Frank Page reports from the show. Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss? Yesterday Britain's best-known racing driver demonstrated his old flair to the holiday crowds at Brands Hatch. Noel Edmonds reports.

The AA celebrates its 75th birthday this year. Top Gear takes a nostalgic look at motoring since the turn of the century. A new passenger terminal opens this week at Calais which should assist summer holiday traffic. Top Gear reports. Frank Page tests more ' Frugal Fellows' and George Bailey analyses and demonstrates another motorcycle crash.

Half those taking a driving test fail. Why? Peter Macann looks at the examiner's point of view. The holiday season begins next weekend and Top Gear reports on the latest models and equipment from the Caravan Festival and Exhibition at Brands Hatch. Peter Macann joins Cop Drive - an international cross-country event for police forces. George Bailey analyses another motorcycle crash.

How will our motoring change during the 80s? Tonight Top Gear takes a look into the future to find out some of the new ideas and new products in road transportation likely to be seen within the decade. Top Gear also features the latest news on the motoring scene.

Top Gear continues its look into the future of road transportation in the 80s, highlights the problems of child seatbelts, looks at two new vehicles and attempts to improve your driving technique.

Top Gear takes a closer look at accident investigators; Ian Breach discovers Britain's least-known motor racing champion; Frank Page takes to the hills with the new V8 Land Rover; and Mike Dornan attempts to improve your driving technique.

Mike Dornan takes an early look at the prospects for this year's Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre. Frank Page gives his impressions of two new small cars; and some driving instructors air their views on driving examiners' interpretation of the rules for passing the test.

Ian Breach meets the contenders for a world title when he goes stock-car racing at Bradford. Top Gear cameras visit the Lucas Electrathon at Donington - a competition to find the battery-powered vehicle which can travel the furthest. Sue Baker gives a progress report on a Trail Park - an area of derelict land where young motor-cyclists can learn to ride and fall safely.

The Paris Motor Show: The world's motor manufacturers exhibit their latest products in the first of the autumn season of motor shows. Frank Page drives to Paris in the new Rolls-Royce and reports on many other new cars.

Frank Page and Merrill Boulton report from the International Motorcycle Show at the National Exhibition Centre on the latest products from the industry, including a brand-new British motorcycle. One of the most spectacular offbeat car races is the All-Wheel Drive Event, and Judith Jackson reports on this cross-country race from Scotland. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell us of design faults with their cars, and Frank Page illustrates manufacturers' shortcomings. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

Garages have received much adverse publicity for indifferent servicing. Sue Baker finds a consumer watchdog service in New York which could have implications here. One of the most spectacular offbeat car races is the All-Wheel Drive Event and Judith Jackson reports on this cross-country event from Scotland. Back to the Drawing Board: Car owners tell us of design faults and Frank Page demonstrates what they mean. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

Chris Goffey reports from Germany on the ways Volkswagen are tackling the problems of fuel economy. Which British motor manufacturer has an order book with a waiting list for the next five years? Frank Page reports. Ted Clements , Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell Frank Page of design faults in their cars. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with the news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

Top Gear reveals a revolutionary new engine and plans for the manufacture of an entirely new all-British motor car. Frank Page reports from the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre at Thatcham where they smash cars to help reduce insurance premiums. Ted Clements continues with advice to improve your driving technique and Frank Page takes us Back to the Drawing Board again. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up to date with the news of the motor industry.

Who cares for the handicapped driver? Sue Baker investigates some of the latest ways in which their special problems are being overcome. Speed limits: are the restrictions on many of our roads as low as they need to be? Frank Page reports. Ted Clements , Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell Frank Page of design faults with their cars. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up to date with news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

Sue Baker goes out on a day and night patrol with the Leicestershire Police when their unique major incident vehicle takes to the highway. Dixie Dean, Lorry Driver of the Year, and Dickie Duncalfe, a Fleet Service Manager, assess the new Ford Cargo lorry with Chris Goffey, and the new Fiat Panda is road tested by Frank Page. Ted Clements, Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: Owners tell Frank Page of design faults in their cars. What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with news of the motoring scene, togetherwithnew products and ideas.

Back-ache Driving: thousands of motorists suffer as a result of poor car seat design. Dr. Bernard Watkin highlights some of the common faults. Six Months On: the Metro and Escort are not now the cars they were when launched last year. Judith Jackson outlines some of the significant changes. Ted Clements , Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques. Back to the Drawing Board: owners tell Frank Page of design faults in their cars. What's New: with Sue Baker

Frank Page reports from the final of the Halfords Popular Motoring Do-It-Yourself Mechanic of the Year competition. Top Gear salutes the Triumph Sports Car with a look at some of the highlights of its successful career. The Metro Job: a report on the introduction of the Metro into Italy. Ted Clements, Senior Examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, demonstrates good driving techniques.

What's New with Sue: Sue Baker brings us up-to-date with news of the motoring scene, together with new products and ideas.

Top Gear takes a look at the development of the motor car during the past 100 years while Frank Page anticipates the innovators of tomorrow's cars by looking at some of today's concept cars. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of a classic car - the Aston Martin - and Sue Baker takes a long, hard drive in the new Vauxhall Cavalier.

Top Gear checks on the servicing of cars at a busy garage, while Frank Page finds other ways to have servicing done. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of a classic car - the MG - and Sue Baker road tests a recently introduced British car.

Top Gear goes to Earls Court for the Caravan Camping Holiday Show. Frank Page reports on one of the fastest-growing areas of the motor industry - kit cars. Sue Baker reports on the value of air deflectors to save fuel, particularly as they relate to caravans.

Top Gear sets out to cover some of the most exciting action on this year's Lombard RAC Rally and in particular the progress of Tony Pond in the Dealer Team Vauxhall Chevette and Mike Jackson,'the one-armed rally driver, in a Ford Escort.

Motorway Control Centre. How does a disabled driver cope with breaking down on a motorway, refuelling without getting out of his car or with parking? Martin Duffy reports. Operation Mole: the code-name of the heavy duty vehicle check carried out by the Gwent Constabulary to discover whether trucks are safe and legal and drivers' records are up to date. Every year two million pounds' worth of vehicles are stolen from the London area. Frank Page reports from the Stolen Car Squad Headquarters.

A brand new racing circuit has been constructed to bring motor racing to the Middle East. Drivers and personalities from the world of Grand Prix racing will be flown to Dubai to celebrate this spectacular event. The Land-Rover, for 20 years the workhorse, of the desert, is under increasing competition. Top Gear looks at the rivals in Dubai, and Dan Cherrington road tests two newcomers in Britain. Sue Baker reports on a new versatile vehicle which could have a big impact in Third World countries.

Frank Page takes a driving lesson from legendary rally driver Erik Carlsson to learn how best to cope with winter road conditions. Sam Toy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford of Britain, reviews the past year and looks forward to the future, in conversation with Peter Smith. Stewart Woodcock tells the story of another classic car, the Jaguar, and William Woollard suggests some useful Christmas presents for the motoring family.

Easter is the first get-away weekend for many motorists and Top Gear finds out how they have fared on the motorways and what they think of the services offered. Also our cameras join a motorway police patrol car to report on typical holiday traffic problems. For those who prefer someone else to do the driving Sue Baker reports on a new super-coach which runs between Glasgow and London and Chris Goffey reports on two new garage ideas which could save time and money. Frank Page reviews some of the latest cars coming to showrooms.

Does it pay to buy or sell second-hand car at an auction? William Woollard inquires into the world of the used car market. Martin Muncaster tells the story of how Lord Riverdale found a Sheffield Simplex in Australia and restored this unique car. Sue Baker gives her impressions of the Ford Fiesta XR2 and Frank Page on the new Austin Ambassador. Finally Top Gear reports on children's car safety.

Introduced by William Woollard from Turin Motor Show, the show where the Italian stylists illustrate why they are among the world's leaders in car design. Frank Page and Sue Baker report on the latest motoring products. Maintaining the Italian theme, Chris Goffey interviews perhaps the world's most eminent car designer, Pininfarina, reports on a new Italian tyre designed for increased grip in the wet and discovers the Mille Miglia is about to be revived.

From now on the weekend roads become busy with caravans and this week William Woollard looks at new products and ideas for the outdoor holiday-maker. Frank Page and Sue Baker give their impressions of two more recently announced models and Tom Boswell reports on a unique British motorcycle front suspension. Look what they have done to the Metro! William Woollard traces some of the modifications carried out on the Austin Metro since its launch 20 months ago and Top Gear looks at a car club which takes to the water.

From a Forties production platform William Woollard finds out what happens to the oil on its way to the petrol pump. Sue Baker examines the issue of lead in petrol and whether there is a future for liquid petroleum gas as a viable alternative fuel. The oil companies reveal their marketing plans to change the face of the garage forecourt in the 80s.

Motor manufacturers spend millions of pounds on research and development and part of that money goes on the practical road testing of vehicles. William Woollard looks at Britain's longest test track to find out if the expense and effort is justified. Jackie Stewart looks ahead to the new law to make the wearing of seat belts compulsory. If you thought it was difficult enough to take your driving test, Sue Baker finds out how the professionals do it at the Army School of Mechanical Transport.

Each year 8 million cars and 111 million passengers pass through Britain's premier port. Top Gear goes behind the scenes as the holiday season builds up at this busy port. Why do we feel guilty when we go through Customs even when we have nothing to declare? Dr Michael Argyle of the Department of Psychology, Oxford University, explains. Chris Goffey reports on how the AA trains its patrolmen to cope with around two million breakdowns a year and there are road impressions on two recently announced cars.

This year marks the diamond jubilee of the Austin Seven. To commemorate it Top Gear has arranged its own Austin Seven motor show, including driving tests and a concours d'elegance for the Top Gear trophy. Sue Baker and Frank Page give their road impressions of two recently announced cars.

Frank Page reports on two new ideas for public transport in West Germany. Sue Baker investigates new transport concepts in overcoming some of the risks to women travelling in London at night. Judith Jackson tells the story of the resurgence in three years of one Japanese motor manufacturer from financial disaster to profitability without government aid.

In the next few years the technical changes in lorries are likely to be considerable and this week William Woollard reports on quieter, heavier trucks, improved fuel consumption through better aerodynamics and a new vibration rig. Chris Goffey reports on the finals of the Lorry Driver of the Year competition and Bob Friend, in Tokyo, reports on a strange car-blessing ceremony.

Britain's best-selling car, the Cortina, is replaced by the Ford Sierra. Frank Page traces the story behind the launch of this new multi-million pound model. Sue Baker visits Dunlop's new facility at the Motor Industry Research Association's track, which enables motorcycle tyres to undergo more stringent safety tests. Bob Friend reports on a new computerised navigation system aimed at easing Tokyo's traffic problems.

Chris Goffey highlights some of the pitfalls of buying a secondhand car and gives advice on how to avoid buying a 'pig in a poke'. From Japan, Judith Jackson discovers some of the new materials likely to be found in our cars in the future and Bob Friend reports on a development to assist the severely disabled driver. Wearing seat belts becomes compulsory in three months' time. Top Gear explains the new law.

This is the first chance for the French public to see the new Ford Sierra and compare it with a new Citroën. Frank Page reports the highlights of the show and Sue Baker road tests the Citroen BX. Chris Goffey reports on the cars the French can buy but the British cannot; he joins French drivers having a typical Relais Routiers lunch and visits the Schlumpf Museum in Mulhouse.

How do they make the best car in the world? William Woollard looks at the British craftsmanship that goes into making a Rolls-Royce. Judith Jackson completes her stories from Japan by looking at the Wankel rotary engine while Bob Friend reports on some new ideas from Tokyo taxi drivers. As Jaguar celebrates its 60th and most successful year, Frank Page asks Chairman and Managing Director John Egan to explain the recent change in its fortunes.

From midnight on 30 January it becomes law for most drivers and front-seat passengers to wear a seat belt. But who is exempt? How are the police going to administer the law? What happens if you are caught not wearing a seat belt? Answering questions from the motoring public are Jackie Stewart long-time advocate of seat belts Dr Murray Mackay, Head of the Accident Research Unit, University of Birmingham and Roger Birch, Chief Constable, Warwickshire Constabulary.

Top Gear Special: Belt Up

As Britain's latest and perhaps most important new car, the Austin Maestro, is launched, Top Gear goes to the production centre to find out how it is being assembled. Sue Baker gives the Austin Maestro a rough ride in Spain, and Frank Page compares it with some of its competitors. Chris Goffey road-tests another new car to reach the showrooms, the BMW 3 series.

'The shop window of Europe' is how the international motor manufacturers describe Geneva. Sue Baker reports on some of the latest models on show. Chris Goffey continues the Swiss theme by visiting a car factory at Iverdon, testing out the new Audi 80 Quattro on the snowy slopes and reporting on a bus driver's nightmare. Frank Page jungle-tests a new British four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Top Gear visits TVR, one of Britain's sports-car manufacturers. Sue Baker joins up with the Autocar road-testers at the Motor Industry Research Association's testing ground. Chris Goffey attends a course on how to avoid being hi-jacked, and Frank Page joins Sue Baker in giving their first impressions of the new Fiat Uno car.

All the latest news from the world of motorcycling. Frank Page reports from Monza race-track on a new motorcycle tyre. Chris Goffey reports on a new lease of life for the Panther car.

The heart of the American motor industry is also the venue for the Society of Automotors Engineers annual symposium. William Woollard reports from the Exhihition Hall and visits the Ford Motor Museum. Rob Mahr looks at a new concept in labour relations at a General Motors plant, reports on a Jaguar success story and discovers one of the most influential organisations related to the motoring scene: the Mothers Against Drunk Driving campaign.

Top Gear looks at the latest research and development work, including the ECV-3 Energy Conservation Vehicle. Sue Baker reports on two new ideas for handicapped drivers. Frank Page gives his impressions of the latest Ford, the XR4. Chris Goffey finds out more about the new breathalyser regulations at a Warwickshire police station.

With much of the motor industry's major research and development based outside Britain is there still a role for specialist centres like the Cranfield Institute of Technology and can they survive? Ex-racing driver John Miles takes to the track with a revolutionary new Lotus that has a suspension that thinks for itself. And Frank Page road tests a new car.

This week William Woollard Introduces the programme direct from the Frankfurt Motor Show where major manufacturers will be putting their latest technology on display. Sue Baker takes to the autobahns and tests the new Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes' first 'small' car, the 190, and she enjoys the luxury of West Germany's latest super buses.

There's more to motor sport than the glamorous and very expensive world of Grand Prix racing. William Woollard introduces tonight's programme from Prescott near Cheltenham, where vintage and special cars do battle over the twisting hill-climb course. And he goes back to school to learn all about the gentle art of driving sideways - the rough way. In addition Chris Goffey reports on the successful return of 'big cat' Jaguars to the race track.

William Woollard looks at the latest in motoring accessories and garage equipment when he visits Earls Court and the Autoquip '83 Exhibition. Sue Baker, herself a recent victim of car thieves, investigates some of the security systems now available to beat the thief. While well away from a life of crime, she tries out the Orion - Ford's new Escort with a boot. Meanwhile, as winter draws near, Frank Page reports on the menace of spray from heavy lorries. With government legislation planned to reduce this hazard the race is now on to produce a successful anti-spray system.

New car sales have reached record levels over the past few weeks and as a result the secondhand market is booming too. But as William Woollard finds out quite dramatically, buying a used car is still one of the biggest financial gambles anyone can ever take. In tonight's programme he visits Nottingham, one of Britain's busiest car sales areas to find out just how prospective buyers—'punters'—to the trade-can help themselves around the many pitfalls and problems of buying a used car. And Frank Page turns 'punter', trying out some of the secondhand models on offer.

Autumn may not be the time when many people think of hitching up their caravan and setting off on holiday. But as William Woollard reports it is probably the best time of year to buy or change your van and pick up a bargain. On the other hand is it cheaper to rent or buy your travelling home? Tonight's programme also features test drives in the new Vauxhall Cavalier Estate, Citroen BX and the film of the latest big bike from BMW.

Three out of every 100 new cars sold in Britain today have been made in an Iron Curtain country or South Korea. William Woollard travels to Poland for tonight's programme with a special report on the way in which the Poles, along with their Eastern Bloc partners, are carving out a significant foothold for themselves in our marketplace. Meanwhile, back at home, Sue Baker has been conducting her own series of road tests on the cars the communist countries and the Koreans have to offer. They may be cheap - but are they really good value for money?

Safety, energy conservation and environmental pressures have led the Swedes into introducing probably more motoring legislation than any other country in the world. William Woollard visits Volvo and Saab to see some of the exciting new research and development in these areas and finds out what it's like to be a law-abiding driver in Sweden.

Geneva — the first major Motor Show of 1984 opens today with William Woollard and Sue Baker there to look at what you could be driving in the near future. Frank Page has been on a tour of Europe, testing two of the show's new cars, the Renault 25 and Volkswagen's Jetta, and stopping off in West Germany to sample the highly personal service offered by one manufacturer to its customers.

The Top Gear team takes to the road with A Second Chance for Motorists: William Woollard 's report on a unique scheme set up by police in Nottinghamshire. Now drivers are no longer automatically prosecuted if they're found with a faulty vehicle; they have a chance to put the defect right. Office on the Move: a look at the limousine that has a video, a computer, a word processor - everything for today's jet-setting businessman. Toy Cars: replicas of famous vehicles that children can drive - if dad's got 12,000 or more to spare.

It is ten years since wearing a crash helmet became compulsory, but today you're still 25 times more likely to be killed riding a motorcycle than driving a car. Helmets are vital, of course, but just how safe are they? Are the tests conducted by the British Standards Institution (BSI) good enough? Does the BSI pick the right designs to reduce death and injury in the future? In a special report Tony Baker investigates the helmets you can buy in Britain. Over in Holland, Frank Page tries out Saab's latest offering which sports a 16-valve engine, and nearer to home turns his hand to DIY panel beating.

A look at motoring in the year 2000 with William Woollard and Frank Page at the London Design Centre for the opening of the 'Drive Forward' exhibition. How will cars be powered in the 21st century? Electricity or hydrogen? Could towns and cities change to suit our motoring needs and one day will cars drive themselves?

Also a special report from Paris on the lady designer who's created a car which changes colour to suit the weather.

British skier and rally driver Konrad Bartelski joins the Top Gear team to give his verdict on Audi's 200 Turbo, which has just arrived on the British market. But if your car's not so new and the cost of spares is giving you headaches, Tony Baker may have the answer. A national network of scrap dealers is using the latest technology to help you save time and money. William Woollard introduces the programme from the Transport and Road Research Laboratories.

Of the 25,000 car fires in Britain each year less than 2% are caused by collision. So what makes your average saloon catch light? And if it does, how do you cope? Sue Baker looks at the increasing problem and shows you how to deal with a fire. And liquid engineering William Woollard asks how much motorists actually know about the oil they put into their engines.

William Woollard sets out to show how travelling on the Continent can be a pleasurable experience, even for first time drivers abroad. Sue Baker follows the story of one young couple who found that it really pays to take out adequate insurance. And Frank Page drives all the way from Calais to Nice with his eyes closed!

On the day that Britain's latest family car, Austin Rover's Montego, comes on to the market, Top Gear goes behind the scenes for an exclusive look at the company's new multi-million-pound design centre at Canley, Coventry. While Frank Page and Sue Baker road test the full range of Montegos, William Woollard reports on the years of creative effort and refinement that lie behind the car. A fascinating blend of the traditional, with full-scale craftsmen-built models and the latest in computer-aided design techniques which will shape cars of the future. Once you've bought your new pride and joy you may need a workshop manual to look after it. Frank Page examines the painstaking way in which they are compiled.

William Woollard and the Top Gear team return with a review of highlights from the British International Motor Show. There's a detailed look at the new Scimitar sports car and at Reliant, the company that makes it. Sue Baker travels the roads of Southern Ireland in Vauxhall's latest Astra, while, just a stone's throw away from the Motor Show, William Woollard gets to see some of the hundreds of bikes on display in Britain's first National Motorcycle Museum, which opened at the weekend. And if you think regular checks on your tyres with your own tyre pressure gauge or pump keep you safe, beware. Chris Goffey reports on an investigation that reveals serious inaccuracies in many gauges on sale in Britain.

If you've ever wondered how police drivers chase bank robbers, then watch Top Gear tonight. William Woollard visits the Metropolitan Police Driver Training School at Hendon, which celebrates its golden jubilee this year. Every day on Britain's roads there are eight accidents between vehicles and horses. Chris Goffey climbs into the saddle to report on new guidelines. And an exclusive look at this year's British Grand Prix - or at least a scaled-down version.

Giant racing monsters take to the track in a special Top Gear from the first British Truck Grand Prix. William Woollard meets the stars and the working truckers who unhitch their trailers to push five tons of highly-powered steel to the limit round the Donington Park circuit, while reporter Chris Goffey climbs into the cab in an attempt to fight his own way to the final. And between races there's a chance to see spectacular two-wheel stunts, a jet truck and Britain's fastest delivery service -the 170 mph Supervan.

Sixty years ago Fiat's new factory at Lingotto in Turm was hailed as a masterpiece of industrial building. Now it has been turned into giant exhibition halls. Today for the first time they house the Turin Motor Show. William Woollard and Chris Goffey report. Frank Page climbs to the famous roof-top test track and there's a look at the new Lancia Thema. David Willey reports on the harsher realities of Italian life - bullet-proof cars.

Have you ever thought how nice your car might look with different-coloured tyres? Perhaps a tasteful shade of green, yellow or blue? It's not as outrageous as it seems, as William Woollard found out when he visited one of the world's major tyre manufacturers at its research and development centre in Luxemburg. Closer to home, Top Gear drops in at a spectacular get-together of Rolls-Royce owners and takes to the racetrack testing 'hot hatchbacks' to the limit.

1985 is to be heralded as the centenary of the birth of the car. Karl Benz is usually held to be the father of the motor car. The French, on the other hand, have discovered a gentleman by the name of de Boutteville who had a car running on French roads a year earlier in 1884. Earlier this year in Paris, the French mounted an elegant exhibition to celebrate this event. William Woollard and Sue Baker visited this dazzling display of invention, exquisite taste and downright quirkiness. Four-wheel drive vehicles made an appearance in 1916 and since then they have acquired a macho upmarket image that has caused quite an explosion in the 4x4 market. Now almost every car firm has a rugged, mud-plugging, go-anywhere vehicle. Chris Goffey assesses some of the market leaders.

For the last programme in the present series William Woollard and the Top Gear team look back at highlights from the past year and forward to motoring in 1985. Chris Goffey tries out the Audi 200 Quattro Turbo to see if it matches up to claims that it's destined to become one of the world's great cars. And in a year when figures showed that one in three drivers is now a woman, Sue Baker reports on their move into another important area of motoring; while Frank Page recalls MG's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The Geneva Show always has a surprise or two in store and this year is no exception. This is the international event that many of the manufacturers use to launch new products into Europe or show off their styling exercises. William Woollard and Sue Baker look at some of the highlights and, with Frank Page, test three new cars coming on to the market, the 150 mph BMW M635CSi, the Mercedes 200 Series and Lancia's new small car.

With the recent launch of Sir Clive Sinclair's controversial new electric vehicle, interest has been rekindled in using electric traction for personal transport. This week William Woollard tests the Sinclair C5 and other contenders in the market, from both the UK and Denmark. Chris Goffey, meanwhile, points the way ahead with Peugeot's research vehicle - the 205 Electrique. Sue Baker road tests the latest sporting offer from Japan, the Toyota MR2. With the Budget only a week away Top Gear reports on the pressures on the Chancellor to replace Vehicle Excise Duty with a higher tax on petrol.

Over 3,000 young hopefuls try their hand at Brands Hatch Racing School every year and William Woollard follows in the tyre tracks of James Hunt to discover the joys and costs of single-seater racing. William Horsley reports from Japan on a prison where motoring offenders are taught to drive legally. Sue Baker travels on a novel form of public transport in Hong Kong, and David Minton checks on just how protective motorcycle clothing is.

As the motor industry prepares to celebrate its centenary, the 100th edition of Top Gear comes from the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu with William Woollard taking a nostalgic look at the joys and hazards of motoring over those years. It's also the 50th birthday of the driving test, and in that time it's changed very little. Frank Page asks if now, with more than 20 million licence holders on Britain's roads, the standards of 1935 are still good enough. He also takes to the road to test the Porsche 944 Turbo.

Behind every new car lies years of planning and hundreds of thousands of miles of testing. This week William Woollard visits Ford's top secret proving ground at Lommel in Belgium, to experience for himself the testing of the new Granada. But how will it fare in the market place? Sue Baker compares the Granada with some of its rivals, the Renault 25, Volvo 740 and Rover 2300. How thief-proof is your car? Why do cars worth many thousands of pounds have vulnerable locks costing only a few pence? Frank Page gets locked into the world of car security and also test drives the new Rover 216.

Spring not only brings the flowers, but also the caravans from their winter hibernation. This week William Woollard looks at the new season's touring- and motor-caravans, and examines a new, safer towing hitch. Diesel cars have increased in popularity over the past few years, but are they a good investment? Sue Baker goes into the pros and cons, and tests a selection of diesels currently on the market.

William Woollard reports from a derelict 30-acre site in the heart of Birmingham that is being converted into an exciting new adventure centre for the young and unemployed. It provides facilities for everything that runs on wheels from roller-skates and BMX, to motorcycle scrambling and karting. Sue Baker has news of help for the disabled driver and Frank Page tries out the new Subaru 4x4 Turbo saloon.

Motoring programme featuring reviews of and reports about cars of all types.

The Best Seasons of Top Gear

The Best Seasons of Top Gear

Season 4

Season 3

Season 6

Season 2

Season 12

Season 8

Season 1

Season 7

Season 5

Season 15

Season 14

Season 10

Season 9

Season 13

Season 18

Season 19

Season 20

Season 16

Season 22

Season 11

Season 33

Season 23

Season 34

Season 28

Season 35

Season 21

Season 17

Season 36

Season 31

Season 45

Season 44

Season 38

Season 30

Season 37

Season 29

Season 24

Season 26

Season 32

Season 39

Season 40

Season 41

Season 43

Season 42

Season 27

Season 25