Lancias of this era had a notorious reputation for rust and unreliability. By choosing a cheap, rusted Italian sports car for an African desert expedition, Clarkson set himself up for failure.
The car was falling apart before the journey even began. It suffered from chronic electrical failures, a failing starter motor, and structural components that threatened to snap under stress.
The presenters were given £1,500 to buy cars that were NOT designed for off-roading. 1963 Opel Kadett ("Oliver") : Driven by Richard Hammond. Performance top gear botswana cars
The Mercedes comfortably made it to the finish line. Like the Lancia, it was left behind in Africa. The production team donated it to a local community in Botswana, where its legendary W123 durability likely kept it serving as a local transport vehicle for years afterward. The Back-Up Car: The VW Beetle
Get a breakdown of the they took across Botswana. Lancias of this era had a notorious reputation
While Clarkson and May treated their cars like disposable tools, Hammond fell in love with his 1963 Opel Kadett, naming it "Oliver." Despite being the smallest and oldest car, Oliver survived the salt pans and even a full submersion in the Okavango Delta water crossings.
Like the Lancia, May's Mercedes was left in Africa after filming. For years, rumors persisted that it had been crushed. However, YouTuber Ryan Ball also located the Mercedes in Botswana. It suffered from chronic electrical failures, a failing
But more than the scenery or the banter, this special was defined by its metal protagonists. In this long-form article, we take a deep dive into the history, the journey, and the ultimate fates of the three iconic cars from the Botswana Special, ensuring that when you search for "Top Gear Botswana Cars," you find the definitive guide.
: In a running gag for the special, the producers provided a Beetle as a backup car. Because the trio hated it, they were highly motivated to keep their original cars running to avoid having to drive it. The Journey: 1,000 Miles of Punishment
The challenge was simple yet gloriously absurd. Mocking the use of "Chelsea Tractors" (SUVs) for driving up leafy country lanes, the producers challenged Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May to prove that ordinary cars could handle the wilderness.
2. The Unstoppable 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé (Jeremy Clarkson)