Botswana Special (Series 10, Episode 4) is legendary for proving that cheap, two-wheel-drive "bangers" could survive 1,000 miles across some of Africa's most punishing terrain. The Core Trio
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
: The "hero" of the trip. Due to its extreme lightness, it skipped across the Makgadikgadi salt pans while the others sank.
: Hammond loved it so much he shipped it back to the UK, where it has since undergone multiple restorations and still appears on his DriveTribe 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E : Driven by James May. Performance
: Chosen for its legendary African durability. It survived the trip with relatively few mechanical failures compared to the others, though it did require significant weight-shedding (stripping doors and glass) to cross the salt pans. 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé : Driven by Jeremy Clarkson. Performance
: Infamously unreliable. It suffered from constant electrical issues, broken dials, and total brake failure by the end of the trip.
: Long thought lost or crushed, it was recently rediscovered by fans on blocks in a yard in Botswana. The Backup & Support The Volkswagen Beetle
: This was the "backup" car if any presenter's car failed. Because the trio hated the Beetle, they were highly motivated to keep their own cars running. Ironically, the Beetle completed the entire journey without a single breakdown. Production Vehicles
: The crew used much more practical vehicles to film, including Toyota Land Cruisers Land Rover Defenders , which are generally the recommended vehicle types for actual travel in the region. Survival Modifications To survive the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
, the cars had to be stripped of all "unnecessary" weight to prevent them from breaking through the thin salty crust into the "primeval ooze" below.
Botswana Special (Series 10, Episode 4) is widely regarded as one of the show's greatest moments, marking their first major international "special" where the trio attempted to cross 1,000 miles of rugged terrain in cheap, two-wheel-drive cars. The Iconic Cars
The presenters were challenged to prove that people don't need massive SUVs for tough environments by purchasing cars for less than £1,500. Richard Hammond's 1963 Opel Kadett ("Oliver
"): Perhaps the most famous car in the show's history, Hammond became so attached to this tiny yellow car that he actually named it " ". Despite nearly sinking in a river crossing,
survived the trip and was later shipped back to the UK by Hammond.
Jeremy Clarkson's 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé: True to his "power" philosophy, Clarkson chose a car known for being both beautiful and notoriously unreliable. It suffered constant mechanical failures and required significant weight stripping—including removing its doors—to survive the Makgadikgadi salt pans.
James May's 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E: May chose a car legendary for its German engineering and durability. While it lacked the flair of the others, it was arguably the most practical choice for the grueling desert and bush terrain. Interesting Facts & Controversy
Environmental Impact: The episode faced criticism from conservationists who claimed the tyre tracks left across the "pristine wilderness" of the Makgadikgadi salt pans would remain visible for decades. The "Scrap" Cars
: Per show rules, if any car broke down beyond repair, the presenter had to drive a "backup" car—a Volkswagen Beetle
. All three hosts found this prospect so "humiliating" that they worked tirelessly to keep their original cars running.
Full Circle: Nearly two decades later, in the final episode of The Grand Tour ("One for the Road"), the trio returned to Botswana and were reunited with the original Lancia and Mercedes, which were still sitting by the side of the road where they had been left.
For more detailed breakdowns of the show's best vehicles, you can check out lists like HotCars' Best Special Cars or dive into the fan discussions on the Top Gear Reddit. Top Gear's top international gaffes - BBC News
Top Gear Botswana Special is widely considered one of the show's most iconic episodes. The challenge required Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May to buy a used car in Africa for less than ($2,000) that was strictly two-wheel drive and not designed for off-road use.
Their 1,000-mile journey from the Zimbabwe border to the Namibia border took them across the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Okavango Delta The Presenters' Cars
The trio selected vehicles they believed could outperform modern SUVs in "leafy country lanes". Engine / Specs Why It Was Chosen 1963 Opel Kadett Richard Hammond 1.0L, 40hp
Chosen for no specific reason, but became a fan favorite nicknamed " 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E
Chosen for Mercedes' legendary reputation for reliability across Africa. 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé Jeremy Clarkson 2.0L (Automatic)
Chosen because Lancias were historically successful rally cars. Performance and Modifications top gear botswana cars
To survive the treacherous salt pans, where heavy cars risk breaking through the crust into primeval ooze, the team had to make drastic changes.
Surviving the Salt: The Legends of the Top Gear Botswana Special The 2007 Top Gear Botswana Special
remains a high-water mark for the series, proving that you don't need a customized 4x4 to cross a continent—you just need a bit of blind optimism and $1,500. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May were tasked with driving across Botswana, from the Zimbabwean border to the Namibian border, using only used two-wheel-drive cars that were never meant to see a dirt road, let alone the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans or the Okavango Delta [0.5.1]. Here are the three unlikely heroes of that journey: 1. The 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé (Jeremy Clarkson)
Chosen for its style rather than its reliability, the Lancia was the most "Top Gear" choice possible. Throughout the 1,000-mile trek, it suffered catastrophic suspension failures and constant overheating. Despite Clarkson’s insistence that it was a "supercar," it required more maintenance than the other two combined.
The Outcome: For years, it was believed to have been scrapped. However, as of 2020, the shell was discovered in Maun, Botswana, partially reassembled but missing its wheels and lights [0.5.2]. 2. "Oliver" – The 1963 Opel Kadett (Richard Hammond)
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.
The Outcome: Oliver is the only car of the three that returned to the UK. Hammond loved the car so much he had it shipped back, restored it, and it has since appeared in several of his solo projects [0.5.2]. 3. The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E (James May)
Ever the pragmatist, May chose a car known for its tank-like build quality. The Mercedes-Benz W123 is a staple of African taxi fleets, and it lived up to its reputation. While May spent most of the trip stripping the interior to save weight, the car remained remarkably reliable compared to the Lancia.
The Outcome: At the end of the trip, the Mercedes was donated to a local advisor who assisted the crew during filming [0.5.2]. The Backup: The Volkswagen Beetle
As a penalty for any car that broke down completely, the producers provided a 1968 Volkswagen Beetle (painted in a "clownish" theme). Ironically, the Beetle—with its rear-engine layout and air-cooled engine—was perfectly suited for the terrain. None of the hosts were forced to drive it, and it was ultimately donated to a bush mechanic in the support team [0.5.2].
The Botswana Special is widely regarded by fans as one of the best episodes in the show's history due to its combination of stunning scenery and the genuine mechanical peril of the chosen vehicles [0.5.3].
In a move that baffled his co-hosts, Hammond bought a beige 1963 Opel Kadett. It was boxy, slow, and seemingly the least capable off-roader imaginable. Clarkson and May mocked him relentlessly, calling it "boring." However, the Kadett was built with simple, agricultural toughness. It was light, easy to fix, and unburdened by complex electronics. Hammond named the car "Oliver," and over the course of the trip, a genuine love affair blossomed between man and machine.
If you want, I can:
Analysis of the "Unsuitable" Vehicles of the Top Gear Botswana Special
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
The presenters were tasked with purchasing a used, two-wheel-drive car for no more than £1,500. Their choices represented three distinct automotive philosophies: Nickname/Legacy Jeremy Clarkson Lancia Beta Coupé "The Heartbreaker" Richard Hammond Opel Kadett Mercedes-Benz 230E "The Over-Engineered" Lancia Beta Coupé (Clarkson)
Clarkson’s choice was the most technically fragile. Historically plagued by rust and electrical issues, the Lancia was an "unsuitable" choice by design. To survive the heat, Clarkson famously removed the car's doors and hood to increase airflow—a modification that eventually compromised the structural integrity and invited Botswana's dust into every internal component. Opel Kadett " (Hammond)
Hammond chose a vehicle significantly older than the others. "
" became a fan favorite due to its simplicity. Lacking complex electronics, it was the only car that could be easily repaired by the presenters themselves. Despite being submerged in a river crossing, the Opel was revived and eventually shipped back to the UK by Hammond, where it remains in his personal collection today. Mercedes-Benz 230E
May opted for German reliability. The W123-chassis Mercedes is globally renowned for its durability in developing nations. Despite the harsh salt pans and sand dunes, May’s vehicle required the least amount of mechanical intervention, proving that over-engineering is often the best defense against extreme geography. Environmental Impact and Legacy
The expedition was the first time cars had successfully crossed the Makgadikgadi salt pans, though the environmental impact remains a point of historical discussion among fans. The cars’ fates varied significantly after filming: The was donated to an advisor who assisted the crew. The
was left in Botswana; though long thought scrapped, it was discovered partially reassembled in Maun as recently as 2020. The Volkswagen Beetle
, which served as the "backup car" (a penalty vehicle no presenter wanted to drive), was donated to a local bush mechanic.
For more details on the production and episode specifics, you can visit the Top Gear Botswana Special Wikipedia page or view behind-the-scenes clips on Instagram.
The Top Gear Botswana Special (Series 10, Episode 4) is widely regarded as the episode that defined the "special" format: three cheap, two-wheel-drive cars attempting to cross a country to prove they are better than expensive SUVs. The Lineup: Three Unlikely Heroes
Tasked with finding a car for less than £1,500 that had no off-road pedigree, the trio selected three very different machines: Botswana Special (Series 10, Episode 4) is legendary
Richard Hammond’s 1963 Opel Kadett ("Oliver"): Hammond chose this small, lightweight car for its simplicity. He famously fell in love with it, shouting "Oliver!" whenever it faced peril. It was the only car of the three that didn't have its weight stripped to cross the salt flats. Jeremy Clarkson’s 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé
: Clarkson chose a Lancia because the brand was legendary in rallying. However, this specific model was an automatic and plagued by reliability issues, breaking down almost immediately at the start of the journey. James May’s 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E
: May banked on German engineering and the Mercedes' reputation for being "the car of Africa." Despite its age and being rear-wheel drive, it proved remarkably resilient throughout the 1,000-mile trek. The Backup: Volkswagen Beetle
: 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 mission was to drive from Botswana’s eastern border with Zimbabwe to its western border with Namibia, crossing some of the harshest terrain on Earth.
The Makgadikgadi Pan: One of the world's largest salt flats. To prevent their thin-tired cars from breaking through the "creme brulee" crust into the ooze below, the presenters had to strip their cars of almost all weight, including doors and interior panels.
The Kalahari Desert: A grueling test of cooling systems and suspension.
The Okavango Delta: The final push involved navigating through water and wildlife-rich terrain. Where are they now?
While many Top Gear cars are scrapped after filming, the Botswana trio had a different fate:
Relics of the Salt Pans: The Top Gear Botswana Special If you ask any fan to name the definitive Top Gear adventure, the 2007 Botswana Special
is usually the first words out of their mouth. It was the first time Clarkson, Hammond, and May were sent to a foreign land with a shoestring budget ($1,500 each) and a simple goal: drive 1,000 miles across the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta to the Namibian border.
But the real stars weren’t the presenters—they were three ancient, two-wheel-drive cars that had no business surviving the African bush. Here is a look back at the legendary machines that tackled the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. 1963 Opel Kadett (“Oliver”)
Richard Hammond’s choice became arguably the most famous car in the show's history. Small, lightweight, and surprisingly simple, the was perfectly suited for the sandy terrain.
The Bond: Hammond fell so deeply in love with the car that he named it .
The Fate: After nearly "drowning" during a river crossing—a moment that saw Hammond screaming in genuine distress—
was eventually restored and shipped back to the UK, where it remains in Hammond’s personal collection today. 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé
Jeremy Clarkson, ever the glutton for punishment, chose a Lancia. In true Lancia fashion, it was beautiful, fast, and fundamentally "made of tracing paper." The Struggle: The
suffered from constant suspension failures and electrical gremlins. To save weight for the salt pans, Clarkson stripped it down to a skeleton, removing the doors and most of the bodywork.
The Verdict: Despite being the most unreliable car on paper, it technically made it to the finish line, proving that "soul" sometimes beats logic. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E James May opted for German reliability with a W123 Mercedes . It was the sensible choice—until it wasn't.
The Build: While the Merc was built like a tank, its weight was a massive disadvantage in the soft sand. May famously had to perform "field surgery" on the car, including a memorable moment where he used a part from a broken radio to keep it running.
The Aesthetic: By the end of the trip, the Mercedes was caked in dust and missing various parts, yet it looked like it could go for another 200,000 miles. The "Backup" Car: Volkswagen Beetle
Per the show's rules, if a presenter's car broke down beyond repair, they would be forced to drive the "backup" car—a Volkswagen Beetle
. Because all three presenters shared a deep-seated hatred for the
, the sight of it trailing them through the dust provided the ultimate motivation to keep their beat-up Lancias and Mercs moving. Botswana Special
proved that you don't need a modern 4x4 to explore the world; you just need a bit of grit, some basic tools, and a car with a name.
Which of the three Botswana legends was your favorite, or do you want to see a breakdown of the cars from the Bolivia Special next? Analysis of the "Unsuitable" Vehicles of the Top
Top Gear Botswana Cars: A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the African Wilderness
The sun-kissed savannas of Botswana, a land of untamed beauty and unbridled adventure. For those who crave the thrill of the open road and the rugged charm of Africa's wild heart, Botswana is a paradise. And what better way to experience it than with a trusty vehicle by your side? In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the world of Top Gear Botswana Cars, showcasing the best rides for tackling the country's unforgiving terrain and taking in its breathtaking scenery.
Why Botswana?
Botswana is a gem of a destination for any traveler, boasting an incredible array of landscapes, from the lush Okavango Delta to the arid expanse of the Kalahari Desert. The country's sparse population and protected areas ensure that its natural beauty remains largely untouched, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or just looking for a taste of Africa's raw beauty, Botswana has something to offer.
The Right Car for the Job
When it comes to exploring Botswana's rugged terrain, a reliable vehicle is essential. The types of cars that thrive in this environment are those with a sturdy build, high ground clearance, and a robust engine. Botswana's roads can be challenging, with rocky terrain, sandy dunes, and occasional torrential downpours. A vehicle that can handle these conditions with ease is a must-have.
Top Gear Botswana Cars: Our Top Picks
Based on their performance, reliability, and off-road prowess, here are our top picks for Top Gear Botswana Cars:
Key Features to Consider
When selecting a Top Gear Botswana Car, there are several key features to consider:
Botswana's Best Routes
With your trusty Top Gear Botswana Car by your side, you're ready to tackle some of the country's most spectacular routes:
Safety and Preparation
Before embarking on your Botswana adventure, make sure you're well-prepared:
Conclusion
Botswana is a land of untamed beauty, where adventure-seekers and nature lovers can find their paradise. With the right Top Gear Botswana Car by your side, you'll be well-equipped to explore the country's rugged terrain, take in its breathtaking scenery, and experience the raw thrill of Africa's wild heart. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or just starting your African adventure, Botswana is a destination that will leave you in awe. So pack your bags, fuel up your vehicle, and get ready for the ultimate African adventure!
If you ask any Top Gear fan to name their favorite episode, the conversation usually drifts to the Polar Special or the Vietnam trip. But true connoisseurs know that the crown jewel of the Clarkson, Hammond, and May era is undoubtedly the Botswana Special.
Airing in 2007 as the finale of Series 10, it had all the ingredients of perfect television: stunning scenery, mechanical cruelty, questionable fashion choices, and three British men hopelessly out of their depth in the African bush.
But the real stars of the show weren’t the presenters; they were the cars. Tasked with buying a car for less than £1,500 and driving across the spine of Botswana, the trio bought three very different machines.
Let’s look back at the cars that conquered (and nearly died in) the Kalahari Desert.
The brilliance of the episode lay in the machinery. These were not rugged Land Rovers or tricked-out Toyotas; they were decrepit European saloons bought on a shoestring budget.
What separates this special from standard car reviews is the emotional narrative arc of Richard Hammond and "Oliver."
Throughout the trip, Hammond babied the Opel. He cleaned it, talked to it, and fixed it with care. By the time they reached the final stretch—a race to the border along the "animal roads"—Hammond had realized that he couldn't leave the car behind.
The climax of the episode saw the trio racing against the sunset. Clarkson’s Lancia was held together with duct tape and hope, May’s Mercedes was cruising effortlessly, and Hammond was pushing the little Opel to its absolute limit.
They crossed the border into Namibia. They had survived. The cars had survived.
In a heartwarming post-script, Hammond revealed that he had arranged to ship "Oliver" back to the UK. He restored the car, and to this day, "Oliver" remains a fixture in Hammond’s garage, appearing in his subsequent shows and social media. It was a testament to the idea that a car can be more than just a machine; it can be a companion.