The Grand Tour's Wild Car Testing Incidents: Beyond the Rimac Crash
From high-speed crashes to intentional destruction, the presenters of The Grand Tour have repeatedly pushed the envelope of automotive testing, often resulting in significant damage. While the Rimac crash is a well-known incident, this article delves into other memorable mishaps that have made headlines over the years.
Richard Hammond's Rocket Car Malfunction
Among the most spectacular and alarming incidents was Richard Hammond's crash involving the Vampire Dragster rocket car. This incident not only showcased the extreme risks taken by the team but also nearly endangered Richard's life. The video footage, which went viral, captured the moment the car landed in a fiery crash during a test, causing widespread concern.
Clarkson's Misuse of a Renault Twingo
Jeremy Clarkson, known for his irreverent demeanor and passion for pushing vehicles to their limits, took his antics to a new level when he flung a Renault Twingo into a body of water. This incident resulted in considerable damage to the already low-cost vehicle, highlighting the presenters' willingness to go to extreme lengths for the show.
The Valuable Jaguar C-Type
A historic and valuable classic car, the 1953 Jaguar C-Type, faced treatment from The Grand Tour that left owners and enthusiasts outraged. After a segment on the car's 50th anniversary, the program received severe criticism for damaging this cherished vehicle. The incident occurred when the team damaged the car during a test, a circumstance that sparked a debate about the dignified treatment of historic vehicles.
Owner Adrian Hamilton, a classic car dealer, expressed his disappointment with the treatment his father's race-winning car received. He offered the car to The Grand Tour to honor his family's legacy, expecting careful handling and a professional test. The test driver's actions, however, went against the spirit of the owner's offering.
The incident raised questions about the balance between showcasing cars in their finest moments and the potential for irreversible damage due to poor handling or testing conditions.
Top Gear's Controversial Australian Outback Adventures
During one of their Australian trips, the presenters of The Grand Tour subjected several high-end cars to harsh test conditions, leading to significant damage. Perhaps the most notable was Richard Hammond's use of a yellow Bentley Continental to round up cattle in the Australian outback. The video footage showed the car heavily damaged by the experience, with 50% of its original value reportedly lost.
Other cars driven by James and Jeremy suffered similar fates, with reports suggesting that the Nissan GT-R and BMW M6 Gran Coupé required extensive repairs. The damage incurred by these cars, while the result of deliberate and aggressive testing methods, raises ethical questions about the treatment of expensive loaned vehicles and the responsibility of show producers to ensure proper care and handling.
The car companies involved, such as Nissan, acknowledged the risks but were willing to accept them for the potential global exposure. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the pursuit of exciting, newsworthy content and the preservation of valuable assets.
Conclusion
The Grand Tour, while providing thrilling and educational content, has occasionally come under scrutiny for its methods of car testing. The accidents and damages documented here represent a small fraction of the extreme and often reckless practices that have become synonymous with the show. As The Grand Tour continues to evolve, it will be crucial for the team to find a balance between entertainment and the responsible handling of high-value vehicles, ensuring that the legacy of classic and modern cars remains intact for future generations.