The Top Gear Trio of Clarkson, Hammond, and May — or should I call them the hosts of The Grand Tour? I honestly have no idea. These three men, with their infinite wisdom and quirky, topsy-turvy nature, have one final episode titled “One For The Road.” This episode will bring The Grand Tour series to an end with the trio.
For the uninitiated, this trio was every child’s dream. They travelled in the best vehicles God has blessed mankind with. From driving into a nuclear wasteland to tackling Colombia’s diverse ecology, these three have done it all.
Clarkson, Hammond, and May have been driving, crashing, and entertaining us for over two decades. They have also educated us and insulted every environmentalist along the way. While not all of them began at the BBC’s Top Gear, they certainly found their audience there. Including yours truly.
A typical episode of The Grand Tour focused on small segments, one for each host. Often, two hosts would team up for a segment, like the corporate race-off. Other times, they would delve into history, such as James May’s Apollo story or Clarkson’s Vietnam PBR love boat adventure. Then, they would come together for one joint film, where the three did what they did best.
That is, they insult each other’s cars and tackle absurd challenges, like jamming a wall clock into a luxury GT. They also capture the raw passion of car lovers. It was and always is special. They even did a car-cable car challenge with a Chevy monster truck. WHO DOES THAT? Only these three would dare.
Why are they ending? It’s the same for all of us: too much of anything eventually comes to an end. This trio, who have been together for nearly 22 years, have decided it’s time to hang up their gloves and go their separate ways. Honestly, this feels like the perfect send-off for a legendary trio.
So, what’s the news on the final episode? The final episode is set in Zimbabwe. The teaser trailer, released three days ago, promises a tear-jerker.
Judging from the cars in the trailer, it might feature vehicles perfect for the African subcontinent. We spotted a Lancia, likely belonging to Clarkson, a Ford Capri 3-litre, almost certainly Hammond’s, and a Triumph Stag, which must be May’s. This will be emotional.
For those of us who rushed home to catch the telecast, angry at bus drivers and late school dismissals, this was, is, and will always be special.
So, mark your calendars for 13th September, when The Grand Tour: One For The Road airs on Amazon Prime.
To the trio who made me fall in love with four wheels and litres of petrol, thank you. You have given many of us, including myself, a sense of purpose — something some people spend years searching for.
