Top Gear Botswana Cars

Clarkson approached the challenge with a romantic nostalgia for Lancia's rally-bred glory days. He chose a 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé, drawn to the brand's legendary past and, admittedly, a bit of style over substance. The car was a beautiful, sporty coupe—a bold statement, but an utterly impractical choice for the brutal African terrain.

James May opened the bonnet. He stared at the oily, ancient, unstoppable engine. He didn't say anything clever. He just gave the valve cover a single, affectionate pat. top gear botswana cars

The result was a journey of over 1,000 miles across salt pans, the Okavango Delta, and dense brushwood, leading to the creation of television motoring history. Here is a detailed look at the cars that defined the Botswana Special. 1. Jeremy Clarkson’s 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé Clarkson approached the challenge with a romantic nostalgia

Driving the Ultimate African Adventure: A Deep Dive into the Top Gear Botswana Cars James May opened the bonnet

Richard Hammond's choice was the underdog. He found a 1963 Opel Kadett A (a small German family coupe) and paid for it. The car was 44 years old at the time of filming and powered by a tiny, underpowered 1.0-litre engine. Clarkson and May mocked him mercilessly.

The Lancia was left in Botswana and was spotted years later by YouTuber Ryan Ball from the "Alaska to Africa" channel. It was found in a field in Maun, missing wheels and looking derelict. However, it was still recognizable by the unique roof hinges for the gullwing doors.