Top Gear (1977 TV series)/Series 40/Episode 15

Episode 15
Thumb 1Thumb 2 The Ford Focus goes sideways. This was Jeremy Clarkson's final episode as lead presenter until 2002.
Prod. code	NBHG250J
No.	451
Runtime	29:04
Prev ep.	Series 40, Episode 14
Next ep.	Land Speed Record Special
Airdate	17th December, 1998

Series 40, Episode 15 of Top Gear aired on the 17th December, 1998. It was the fifteenth episode of Series 40; the 451st episode of Top Gear overall, including compilations. It was the 442nd episode since Top Gear entered national broadcasting in 1978, and was the 29th programme to air in 1998 out of a total 30. Series 40, Episode 15 was originally broadcast in 576i at a 4:3 Standard aspect ratio on British television channel BBC Two. The episode was primarily presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needell, and Quentin Willson, with additional segments presented by Vicki Butler-Henderson and Steve Berry. This episode is notable for being the final to feature Clarkson in his original capacity as lead host; he would announce his retirement from the programme at the beginning of 1999, citing a myriad of reasons including his dislike of the journey to Pebble Mill studios in Birmingham, and the direction in which the show was heading from a creative standpoint. He would be immediately succeeded in this role by Tiff Needell.

Synopsis

As narrated by Quentin Willson:

• Which Car's The Star?: The most prestigious motoring award given this Thursday. Top Gear's Car of the Year.
• School Test: Vicki learns to drive... at last.
• Brave new World: And a chilling glance into the future of motoring.