So, if you’re looking for some binge-worthy TV, and maybe some inspiration for your next car, here are our top 5 and where to find them.
Top Gear
It would be difficult not to include Top Gear in our list of great car TV shows as not only is it one of the longest running, but offers up some quality and hilarious TV moments that can be appreciated by all. For those who haven’t seen it before, Top Gear is a mix of live audience and pre-recorded segments, with test drives of the latest car models, interviews with celebrities and the famous ‘star in a reasonably priced car’, where the celebrity does a lap in a ‘reasonably priced car’ in order to compete for the fastest time. The hosts have been known to take part in various motoring challenges over the years, from driving through Africa in estate cars and driving to the North Pole! It’s been hosted by some household names such as Jeremy Clarkson, Matt LeBlanc and most recently, Paddy McGuinness and Freddy Flintoff.
You can watch seasons 7–26 on Netflix and seasons 24-28 on BBCiplayer.
The Grand Tour
Created for Amazon Prime by past Top Gear hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, after they left the BBC. The Grand Tour originally followed a similar format to Top Gear, with timed laps, special guests and motoring challenges with their studio taking place in a tent which they pitched at various locations around the Globe. After the third season, they decided to change the format to more feature length motoring ‘films’, moving away from the studio format. The latest season which premiered in December 2019 sees the hosts attempt to cross the Mekong Delta using boats for the first time—with Hammond piloting a Scarab, Clarkson in a PBR, and May in a Wooden Cruiser. Starting in Siem Reap, Cambodia, they attempted to travel to Vung Tau, Vietnam, and of course come across a few hilarious mishaps along the way.
You can watch seasons 1-4 on Amazon Prime.
Wheeler Dealers
If you’re into recycling, upcycling and restoring then this show will be right up your street. Launched in 2003, Wheeler Dealers is a British TV show that follows car enthusiast and presenter Mike Brewer and his mechanic as they set out on a mission to save old and repairable vehicles to a budget, then selling it to a new owner. Budgets have varied over the years but season 1 started with a budget of just £1,000. The show follows Mike as he views and test drives cars within his budget and finally making the purchase. He then takes them to his mechanic to fix up, showing the full restoring process. He also finds and interviews owners of similar models that have also restored their vehicle to its former glory. The episode ends with Mike, hopefully, finding a buyer! A great one for DIY-ers that love a bargain.
You can catch seasons 12-15 on the Discovery channel on NOWTV.
Rust Valley Restorers
Another great show about restoring old classic cars but this one is set in British Colombia, Canada. It follows old-school car collector Mike Hall, his pal Avery Shoaf and son Connor Hall as they look to restore retro cars and hopefully turn a profit. If you’re a fan of American muscle cars and amazing characters then this show is perfect for you. It’s a short series, with only 8 episodes so definitely one to binge in a day!
Season 1 is available on Netflix now.
Formula 1 – Drive to Survive
Changing the pace slightly and entering the world of Formula 1 with this Netflix docuseries. It follows the high and lows of life in F1 and gives an insight into the lives of managers, drivers and team owners during the F1 racing season. If you fancy exclusive interviews with your favourite F1 drivers and a behind-the-scenes look of what really goes on before and after the race, then pour yourself a cuppa, get settled on the couch and enjoy. There are 2 seasons available, with 10 episodes each, so you might want to make that a few cuppas!
Seasons 1 and 2 are available on Netflix.
Happy bingeing!
