Top Gear/Title sequence

A title sequence, otherwise known as the introduction or opening credits, is typically the first segment of a television programme designed to inform viewers of the programme that has started airing.

The following is a list containing all known introductory sequences and may be incomplete due to the lack of a concise archive.

Title sequences

1977 sequence

Title card: Episodes 1 - 9

Top Gear's very first introduction sequence employed a "split-screen" motif.

1978 sequence

Title card: Episodes 10 - 29

1980 sequence

Title card: Episodes 30 - 50

1981 sequence

Title card: Episodes 51 - 72

It is unknown whether or not Episode 73, January 1983's "Belt Up" special, used the 1981 title sequence or marked the debut of the early 1983 sequence.

Early 1983 sequence

Title card: Episodes 74 - 81

At just eight episodes, this introduction was used the fewest amount of times.

Late 1983 sequence

Title card: Episodes 82 - 122

1986 sequence

Title card: Episodes 123 - 149

1987 sequence

Title card: Episodes 150 - 187

1989 sequence

Title card: Episodes 188 - 310

After just 38 episodes, the introduction sequence would be replaced again. A black Toyota Supra Turbo was shot at Pebble Mill Studios under fluourescent lighting, giving it a very dark, rich appearance. Editor Chris Tucker would place various graphics on top of the car, such as a clip of a Sauber-Mercedes C9, and some early 3D animations of a steering wheel and suspension, among other mechanical parts. Green and red lines then make up the Top Gear logo, which is superimposed on a digitally-rendered mesh grille.

1993 update

For Series 30, the "Top Gear" typeface was updated to Helvetica Neue Bold to coincide with the launch of Top Gear Magazine that month.

1994 sequence

Title card: Episodes 311 - 436

In 1994, after 4 years of the 1989 sequence, a new title sequence was commissioned. Primarily featuring the colour orange, the sequence prominently features a few radio-controlled cars, such as a Mitsubishi Shogun and a group of Ferrari 456s, which are spray-painted black and spun on a miniature skid pan, revealing the Top Gear logo. Bob Cosford would direct this introduction, with editing done on a Quantel Henry editing suite. Raymond Evangelista would provide the models, whilst Paul Handley was Director of Photography.

1998 sequence

Title card: Episodes 437 - 464

To reflect the introduction of some new models to the world of cars since the mid-1990s, for Series 40 of original format Top Gear, a new introduction sequence would be shot and filmed. Similar to the 1986 sequence, this would also employ computer graphics in a significant capacity. The Top Gear logo would appear on screen as the logo on a pair of car keys.

1999 sequence

Title card: Episodes 465 - 496

2000 sequence

Title card: Episodes 497 - 548

It is unknown whether or not Episode 549, the 2002 Awards Special, had a new intro produced for it.

2002 sequence

Title card: Episodes 550 - 644

Finally, for the show's 2002 relaunch, Top Gear would get a brand new introduction sequence. Several red cars, such as a Jaguar X-Type and Ferrari 360 Modena were driven slowly around the Top Gear Test Track whilst a helicopter recorded an overhead panning shot, stopping in front of the hangar. The Top Gear logo was then digitally added to the roof of this hangar, before the Top Gear logo appears on-screen, spinning and constructing itself.

Alternate sequence

When the first four episodes made their way to UKTV following the show's 2002 reboot, the title sequence was noticeably different. It was originally presumed that this intro was done for UKTV, but it was later discovered that it was also used in certain BBC World airings, being used as late as Series 2, Episode 5 at the very least.

This introduction was filmed in a similar style to pre-2002 title sequences, and included shots such as a mechanic fitting a Subaru Impreza for a new set of tyres, and a few types of drivers of different ages and backgrounds. The final shot, focusing on the rear end of the Lamborghini Murciélago filmed for the show's very first episode, is unique to this title sequence and proof that it was the BBC who directed it.

2006 sequence

Title card: Episodes 645 - 678

Starting from Series 8, a new introduction sequence was commissioned, filled with various clips from the first 7 series of Top Gear. The intro itself was notably reminiscent of the original 1977 sequence, due to the "split-screen" design showing various clips simultaneously.

Originally, Christian Henson's composition of "Jessica" was supposed to be replaced by a more Paul Oakenfold-inspired electronic version composed by Ian Morris. However, Jeremy Clarkson heard the theme and immediately disapproved of it. Due to this theme being vetoed, the middle of notes of Jessica were crudely extended to fit the new title sequence. The closing notes of this vetoed theme can be heard on a volume of Top Gear: The Challenges DVD.

2007 update

For Series 9, the intro was altered.

2008 sequence

Title card: Episodes 679 - 750

2013 sequence

Title card: Episodes 752 - 796

Once more, the split-screen element from the 1977 sequence was reused and reappropriated.

Advert breaks

Under normal circumstances, Top Gear does not have advert breaks owing to the fact it's a BBC property, which gets its funding from the Television Licence. However, when airing outside of a BBC-owned station, such as the digital UKTV network or in foreign territories, episodes have had breaks inserted where there were previously none.

UK

For Series 1, the UK Horizons version of each episode contained a short, unique clip of the Lamborghini Murciélago, as well as the final few notes of the intro theme.

International

Until at least 2006, episodes which aired on BBC World used the Top Gear title card with 'End of Part One' and 'Part Two' overlaid on the Top Gear title card.