Richard Hammond developed such a deep, emotional connection with the car that he had it shipped back to the UK, restored it, and still owns it today. Nickname: "Oliver." 2. Jeremy Clarkson’s Lancia Beta Coupé
Botswana Special (2007) is widely regarded by fans and critics as the definitive blueprint for the show’s "Special" format. The core premise—driving 1,000 miles across the Kalahari Desert, the Makgadikgadi salt pans, and the Okavango Delta in cars specifically chosen for being "unsuitable"—serves as a case study in mechanical resilience versus environmental extremity. The Selection: Three Unlikely Contenders
It was arguably the most successful car of the trip, reinforcing the W123’s reputation as an indestructible machine. 🌍 The Ultimate Adversary: The Backup Car top gear botswana cars
But this little car became the heart of the episode. Hammond instantly bonded with it, christening it "Oliver," and that attachment only grew as it outperformed the more glamorous cars. At the Makgadikgadi Salt Flats, while Clarkson and May had to strip their cars, the lightweight Oliver crossed without a single major modification. The only major scare came when it was partially submerged while fording a river, leading to Hammond's desperate late-night repairs and the legendary cry of "Oliver!" he made when restarting the car. The moment remains one of the most emotional in Top Gear history.
He smiled. "It's not a question of 'if.' It's a question of 'how boringly inevitable.'" Richard Hammond developed such a deep, emotional connection
James May went for a more sensible option, selecting a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E (W123 series). He chose it based on the Mercedes’ legendary reputation for durability in Africa.
Throughout the trip, the Beetle proved to be incredibly robust. It navigated the sand, salt, and water crossings with zero mechanical issues, mocking the presenters' chosen cars by trailing them flawlessly without a single breakdown. Legacy of the Botswana Special The core premise—driving 1,000 miles across the Kalahari
. Because all three presenters shared a deep-seated hatred for the
The Cheap Car Road Trip: A Look Back at the Iconic Top Gear Botswana Special
The Top Gear Botswana Special, which first aired in November 2007, is widely considered by fans and critics alike as the definitive turning point for the franchise. It was the first true "Top Gear Special," establishing the format of buying cheap, unsuitable used vehicles and driving them across harsh, epic terrain.
The Botswana Special proved that with a bit of luck and perseverance, even the most unlikely cars can conquer some of the harshest landscapes on earth.