Australia to get local Top Gear
19 Nov, 2007
112 Comments 
We report this news with some reservations. SBS has announced it will produce a “quintessentially Australian” version of Top Gear destined for Aussie TVs starting next year.
This is the first time the BBC has given rights to produce Top Gear for another country, and while we are delighted that Australia is the first to get the green light, we have to ask, just how is it meant to work?
Top Gear has been on and off TV since the 80s but it has found a worldwide cult following in the last five or so years. Successfully replicating that formula will be hard without the shows biggest assets, its presenters.
SBS director of content Matt Campbell acknowledges our fears and has stated SBS will add Aussie flavour to the successful formula.
“In making it we won’t simply replicate the UK series with an Australian version of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond or James May, SBS plans to make a program that is uniquely and quintessentially Australian.” he said.
In another bit of good news SBS has confirmed it has secured the rights to the UK show for the life of the series. We’d imagine the Australian version will air directly after TopGear UK on SBS.
When informed, Top Gear’s main man Jeremy Clarkson said: “I’m delighted that Top Gear is going to Australia. Maybe the first guest could by Jonny Wilkinson.”.
Expect the show to air mid to late next year.
Location: Home / Random News / ...
Rate Post: 
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...
-
Print it:
November 19th, 2007 at 11:58 am
Fantastic………….
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Hmm… lets hope they don’t stuff it up, I can’t imagine a local one working that well, I mean seriously, how many cool cars can we get here? The Holden vs Ford thing will be done in the first few episodes, then umm.. yeah, how about a race from Syd to Brisbane ….
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:01 pm
It can work, with enough money. I mean I’d love to see a race across Australia, but local manufacturers here are so uptight and probably a little scared of giving these guys cars.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
As long as they don’t get anyone named Ken or with a beard to do the show and it will be alright. If they get ex-racers to do the show, it will become more like Fifth Gear than Top Gear.
You need 3 guys, one cranky opinionated, one stylish and one old fashioned. Oh, and they need to know how to drive really well. And don’t forget the Aussie Stig…
Lets start the casting here…
Cranky guy: Unfortunately, the no beard rule stops Paul Cockburn from taking the job. But he would be perfect.
Stylish guy: Dunno of any stylish car blokes in Australia… Most of them are yobbos
Old fashioned guy: Michael Stahl?
Stig: James Courtney
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
It won’t work!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
I’m afraid I can’t see it working either.
A lack of different car models available here in Aus is a problem but the biggest hurdle is the presenters.
You don’t watch Top Gear for the cars, you watch it for Clarkson, Hammond and May.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Its Top Gears reputation on the line too here world wide.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Ideally for it to work, I think you would need someone like Rove McManus taking Hammond’s spot… I mean you could probably substitute them on the UK series and no one would know.
A sack of potatoes for May, again… no one would know.
But unfortunately you will never be able to replace Clarkson. Like it or not, he makes the show. You could call it “The Shenanigans of Clarkson and Two Other Guys” and it would still rate through the roof.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Bah, so much negativity! I think it can work and we’ve got the people here to make it work and work well. Don’t be down on it just yet!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:38 pm
Besides the presenters there’s also the direction (the way the scenes are cut, the scripting and so on) and the high production values - need outstanding photography / cinematography.
Haven’t noticed those sorts of qualities in any Aussie car TV productions unfortunately. Usually they come across like they’ve been paid to give a car a flawless review, or the need to insert reeallly cheeesy catchphrases. I think TopGear does so well because amongst other things it exploits the extremely dry humour that the British do best.
Will definitely give it a go if/when it airs but unfortunately have low expectations like most of you.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
When need some real drivers with a sense of Humor!
Neil Crompton,Grant Denyer,and one more!!!!!mmmmm
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Bavarian Missile:
Dick Johnson
The driest humour ever. I still remember his in car commentary back in the Sierra days when it was wet on the Mountain, he described driving the car as being like ‘a dog on lino’ whilst doing 160+ kmh over Skyline.
Peter Brock would have been a perfect fit as a host but alas we lost him last year.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
This is milking the brand a tad too far.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
Wet dog on lino……hahaha yep I remember that too! Good one!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 12:54 pm
I’m surprised at everyone’s reaction to it. Yes its a gamble as SBS would need to choice the presenters very carefully, but as BM said it will put top gears reputation on the line, which means I’d expect Top Gear UK to provide a fair amount of support to SBS to prevent them stuffing it up.
Also we have just as much variety of cars in Aus as in Europe, why do people think they’ll only review aussie built cars? They’ll probably review more japanese cars than the BBC Top Gear because they have more of the market in Australia than the UK, but means its more likely to be more varied than BBC Top Gear, not less. I mean, I love Top Gear, but it is an euro-fest, and an aussie tailored version would be awesome, if they can get the presenters right
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I have to agree with grumps:
“You don’t watch Top Gear for the cars, you watch it for Clarkson, Hammond and May.”
I am a huge fan of Top Gear mainly because it is great fun. Sure it is nice to see all those fabulous cars racing around the track, but TG is far more than that.
As has been said, I can’t see it working. Top Gear is Clarkson, Hammond and May, you can’t just slap the name onto three other people and say it’s Top Gear Down Under.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
And Clarkson is definitely the star of the show, the other two guys are good, but Clarkson is the ring leader. Doubt anyone could replace him.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
Ohh pls God, don’t use Glenn Ridge!
That “Car Show” was the biggest pile of crap ever screened on Australian TV.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
I don’t mind Glen Ridge, but just not as the leading presenter… he would make a good May.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Just imagine who would be the “star in Resonably Priced Holden Barina”….Delta Goodrem, Rove McManus, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue….that would be hilarious.
Everytime I watch TG UK, I skip through that section because I don’t know any of them, except for the real popular celebrity, but for the Aus version, I would love to watch it…that is if the presenter was like Jeremy C.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
Sgt Sweetchuck - absolutely agreed, that was the show i was referring to when I was talking about sponsored road tests and cheesy commentary. The car show came across all awkward and low-rent
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Well Grant Denyer would be a Prime host except for the fact he has a Channel 7 contract. As big a fan as I am of Dick Johnson, I don’t think he makes much of a TV presenter in the mould of Clarkson or even James May, Brocky would of been great. I think this may be an avenue for Russell Ingall the pursue as it looks like his driving days may be coming to an end soon and he would make a top presenter.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Ingall would just punch anyone he didn’t agree with.
Skaife is just too ‘nice’ and sounds like a whinging kid when he isn’t being looked after by TEGA.
Seton is just too soft.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
As much as I want to see this succeed, I can’t pretend it will.
Good luck to them if it does, I know I’ll be watching.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
i dont think they should have a ex race driver involved! maybe cast a few car enthiausts!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
How about the Goggomobil guy? And with it being on SBS subtitles won’t be a problem
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
Stig - me!
I have raced Karts, so I qualify
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
You’ve all hit the nail on the head. TG works predominantly because of the talent. Next comes the crazy test drive scenarios and finally because of the cool cars they can get their hands on. I agree with Tonyn, they shouldn’t drag out old race car drivers-look for some new fresh talent and make sure that they can bounce off each other as well as what the TG guys can do.
I’ll be watching………
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 4:16 pm
OH NO!
All im picturing are those three wankers from australian idol hosting the show oh my GOD!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Mid to late next year…
GOOD
That’s so they don’t compare a BF GT with a VE HSV.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
The presenters should be funny like Clarkson, May and Hammond. I hope the local version of Top Gear will not be Aussie Idol corny, which has boring, trying-hard hosts, one judge too many, and singers that just don’t cut it.
I’m really looking forward to this show. The weekend motoring shows are gone so we surely need a replacement.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
Wow i was wondering when they were going to announce this i ran into Dieter Kahsnitz, from ‘the c word’ (channel 31, a top show might i say) and ‘The car show’ fame, a couple of months ago and he said he was pitching the idea to SBS so i assume he is atleast one of the hosts, a welcome move he is pretty funny and quick witted if you ask me.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Dieter is an irreverent and funny commentator - he could well fit the bill.
I fondly remember his interviews with the wankers at “Calders Parks” on C31
The interviewees mostly weren’t aware he was taking the mickey.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
on pay tv, there was (is?) a show called “drive”(prob from the website)…it is a blatant copy of top gear, except the presenters are lame, the in car camera rigs are massive metal eye sores, the studio audience consisted of about 10 people and the ‘tame racing driver’ was known as “the chip”…lol….FAIL!
hopefully, a show with full network backing can work…perhaps there should be a talent search for presenters….that way we could have a chance to be as famous as clarkson and co!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Anyone remember the Aussie version of Survivor? Load of crap. Can’t we make up our own concept?
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Agree Dieter would be a great choice teamed with relative unknowns.It needs new people.
But I don’t think they will get a look in.
YET ANOTHER vehicle for the likes of Eddie & co,Jamie Dury & Don Burke & hangers on?
Aussie idol past or present,Rove,Daryl,please dont inflict them on us or any other celeb.
Leave them for the home bodies.
They would kill it for me.
Real People Please
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Yeah Nick Drive was on Ch 10. What a piece of junk that was.
Michael Stahl was like he was on red bull, his head bobbing away. And the chick didn’t know a thing about cars. And now she’s on all saints. Hah!
This isn’t going to work. I’ll watch it, but if I cringwe too much, I’ll change channel.
And what airport are they going to use anyway?
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
Whats wrong with having one ex racer on there, one with personality though not just anyone hence I mentioned Rus (I know he’s still racing) But You just cant put any presenter on either, they must be passionate about cars, not just be there because they’re good presenters.
If they had open auditions I’d even have a go but i dont think my face was made for TV.
I think this show can work as long as they dont try and copy the stylings of Clarkeson & crew. And come up with their own style but use the races across the country or somethin. I reckon if any of the chaser clan are car guys they could be great LOL
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Hopefully it’s presented by either recognised motoring journalists; industry insiders or racing car drivers who actually know what they’re talking about.
Instead of a couple of Z list celebrities [from big brother etc] or a token blonde - like livinia nixon; who knows nothing about everything..
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t have a female on a car show but she should know more about cars than “it’s a lovely colour”..
There’s nothing that says the Stig has to be male.. Therefore - Leanne Tander would do Okay. After all she beat 30-odd other guys last year.
As for Airports you’d need one which has very little activity like Richmond RAAF Base or Canberra
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Go Wheelnut………I have the “I AM THE STIG T-SHIRT” direct from the UK of course! But with two bumps at the front of it Im not to convincing! Damn!
Anyone on this site remember a series called Torque on the ABC 30 years ago………I do ! That was the last good Motoring series Australia had !
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
Nominee for JC: [must be opinionated; anti PC] John Laws; Kim Jones; Craig Gore; Kyle Sanderlands; Sam Newman
Nominee for the Hamster: [must be short] Andrew Denton; Jason Bargwanna; Max Wilson; Grant Denyer; Daryl Somers
Nominee for Capt Slow: [must be old fashioned] Bert Newton;
Bob Down
Other Nominees: [If there is to be a female host] Bronte Kok - Ozi Ex-Model who hosts Car show in USA.. Married to Indy star Alex Tagliani
Nominee for the Stig: [must be fast] Victor Bray? - but I’m not sure how he’d be going around corners..
Imagine Chopper Reid as the star in the reasonably priced car?
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Missile: I remember Torque.. and if he weren’t dead Peter Wherrett would’ve made a great Capt’n Slow.. He loved the older cars - before EFI and ABS etc
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 7:23 pm
I think they should be looking at some radio presenters as well, eg Hamish and Andy (one of them) or Dave Hughes, his annoying voice can be quite funny and as said before Rove. And of course one ex race driver or Grant Denyer would be perfect, . Or even get a woman on there, i could imagine Magda Zubanski or Jennifer Hawkins. A lot of the people who go on Thank God Your Here would be brilliant. A brilliant substitute for Jeremy Clarkson could be that old bloke who does the sketches at the end of the 7.30 report who makes fun of the politicians. There are soo many great people, this will definitely work here in oz! I’m sure what the poms can do, we can do better
Oh and SBS securing the rest of the episodes, does that mean they will show them at the same time? or will we still be 1 year behind? By the time we see the episodes they have been trimmed and the cars on there are sometimes already superseded.
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 7:26 pm
hahahaha…..Im creasing on the floor with laughter!That was sooooooooo funny!
Nominee 1 the following…
Grant Denyer……Boratt on a leather would be interesting to behold!hehehe
Capt Slow………I thought the professor Neil Crompton!
JC …….who could fill those shoes? Kim Jones is funny though!
Victor Bray…….hahhaha……would be lucky to fit in most cars!
Chopper Reid………I was once told by a good mate in Tassie……if you see a Chopper Read book on the parcel shelf……….dont steal the car!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
A few things to keep in mind:
- Some of the producers of this site were (heavily) involved in the DriveTime show….read the About Us section.
- Remember it’s SBS, so;
* Hampster will probably be Pauly Falzoni or Andy Paschalidis
* James May will probably Li Lin Chin (SBS is an Equal Opportunity employer)
* Jeremy Clarkson will probably be Les Murray! (God help us all)
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
So you must be at least as young as me Wheelnut! Now I know why I get on so well with a GM prefer …….you !
Peter is dead………thats sad!
My previous post is still awaiting moderation…….no idea why?
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Okay lets get some votes happening
vote here: http://www.caradvice.com.au/81.....australia/
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 9:02 pm
It won’t work. No presenters. No locations and no cars. It will be a dismal failure. There is one Top Gear and its English!!
(Report)
November 19th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
maybe they should name it ‘6th gear’. at least you would get 1 gear up on ‘fifth gear’. considering they are trailing top gear in worldwide viewers so badly
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 8:06 am
The guy from Kath and Kim/Thank God Your Here - Peter Rosworth, Megan Gale and Carl Baron.
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 9:24 am
Now I think everyone is going stupid with ideas for hosts. Dont just say someone who is funny but has no idea or passion for cars. As much as I don’t like him I think Sam Neuman would be perfect for the job. He’s opinionated, outspoken and not afraid to tell the truth and is a true car nut, he is the aussie JC but in a different way.
If contracts had no part in the decision process I’d have
Sam Neuman
Grant Denyer
Neil Crompton
I think you’d have a ratings winner on your hands there
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Glen Ridge should be conducting tours in a automotive museum NOT fronting a TV series - he would seriously put my Grandmother to sleep!
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Whoo! I’m excited! Great news! Can’t wait to see some aussie cars on Top Gear.
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 10:46 am
A small piece of history. Think Top Gear is all new??
Have a look at “Torque” starring Peter Wherret from the mid 70’s and produced by the ABC. Oz did it 25 years before Top Gear.
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 11:45 am
You’re right Mortimer. BBC2 got the idea Torque which kicked off in 1970 and ran until 1975. Wherret was perfect. Opinionated, not bad on the eyes, and he knew his stuff as a former advanced/race driver instructor. One of the first in fact, with Peter Finlay.
There have been three or four attempts since then, the best being “Behind The Wheel” on Channel Ten, with car nut and rally driver James (the trumpet) Morrison, Dick Johnson and Kevin Bartlett in 1995.
Biggest problem is not only talent but money. Top Gear UK has a budget of over 200,000 pounds per episode and they don;y even have to pay for track hire. The budget for Drive TV was less than AUD$50K.
That’s why Top Gear in Oz won’t work!
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Speaking of Peter Wherret,
Doesnt he now wear dresses and go by the name “Shirley”???????
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 6:19 pm
One of the other problems is that the commercial stations dont seem to relaise what a huge following motorsport; performance cars and cars in general have in Australia..
If they want to get an idea just look at the monthly sales of Wheels Motor Street machine Auto Salon Unique Cars and Top Gear magazines
As a result - if a car show is lucky enough to make it to air its usually short lived because it’s a half arsed attempt at info-tainment hosted by guys who laugh at their own stupid jokes and a bit of female eye candy to whom the most important feature of a car is “the colour”
Yet it’s obvious there are women; such as BM who know and are interested in more than that
The shows are also restricted to weekends instead of Prime-Time [like Top Gear].. Their timeslots change without notice [which can effect their ratings] or they’re shown when another [live] event has been cancelled or affected by rain
Whilst we are made to put up with crap such as idol; Big Brother; The Biggest Loser; Funniest Home Video; National Bingo Night etc.. [LCD TV - Lowest Common Denominator]
(Report)
November 20th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Going by Reckless’ thinking anyone who has driven in the NT before they imposed speed limits [as I have] also qualifies..
Somehow I think the citeria will require a little more than that
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 1:26 pm
Interesting comments about having a female presenter or not. I don’t hink it should be about gender…it should be about people who are passionate about cars and work well together. To use “eye candy” such as JH and MG is an insult to all. If, and I mean if, a female presenter is on the cards, she must be credible and passionate and actually know how to drive a car!
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Unlikely to work, especially as SBS’s advertisers won’t take kindly to the hosts saying their products are shit - so much for the format…
And while Dieter Kahsnitz would be great (that drifting episode of the C word was _outstanding_), they’d be better off sending him to the UK than trying to do something here with no money, no originality and a shit load of sporting has-beens and idol rejects. Please, please, please keep Neil Crompton off TV - the way he big notes himself by using the first names of F1 drivers is intolerable.
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Melissa Pye - yes! Unfortunately, I bet they would go for eye candy before brains, but that chick on Fifth Gear (a Top Gear knock off on TV in the UK) is brilliant, cute and rides a motor bike. All they need to do is find the credible and passionate girl who can drive - and then give her a makeover
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 2:40 pm
maybe they could have jim richards or john bowe as the stig…. and for the presenters i was thinking:
warren luff?
Jamie noonan ( v8 supercar commentator )
Russell ingall
Maybe even jason bargwanna, i reckon he might be looking for a job!!!
Maybe kim watkins off 9 am with david and kim for a female perspective, she drove for the castrol cougars… remember them!
Or maybe bert newton…. hehehehehe…. everyone loves bert!
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 3:42 pm
Hey Melissa most of the guys on this site have respect for women but then you get some that are just having a bit of a joke around too………I wouldn’t worry too much about the sexist comments Im sure should Top Gear get some hot 20 year old with large boobs she couldn’t drive anyway let alone keep people entertained for long . Blokes have the internet for those airhead types to perv on should they feel the need!
Men fall in love with looks …….women fall in personalities!
Hey Jack your talking about Vicki………….shes great who cares how she looks or any females, Clarkson has the sex appeal of a baboon!
Tonyn………what about Rachel Splatt? The queen of speed?
Hey talking of Russell my girlfirend was bidding on Half of Russells car from the resent Bathurst,must have been the right hand side Im guessing,2 wheels,front guard,2 doors back quarter panel.sold for $700,00 and they signed them ! bargain!
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 6:59 pm
So what do you think about Rachel Splatt…..I know a bit of a dog when she was younger but she can drive fast in fast line…….line her up for the yank stuff!hehehe
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Melissa: I would like to see a female host on a car show. As I said there are a lot of women around who know more about cars than the ones who have been on the various aussie car shows we have seen on TV in recent years.
Infact I have made a couple of Female suggestions for host
I used the term “eye candy” because the only reason these women were picked [by the producers] is because of there looks and not there knowledge of cars.
Which I don’t agree with because it gives the idea that all most guys are interested in are a girls looks not their brains.. it also gives the impression that all women who hang around cars or motorsport are dumd.
Both of which aren’t true..
I for one enjoy blogging with BM because she knows what she’s talking about and is open to other peoples views.
Not only that but Leanne Tander is a qualified accountant; Amber Anderson is a qualified lawyer
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 7:23 pm
Another one is Danielle Agiro former Brute Ute Driver and a qualified mechanic
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 8:06 pm
i reckon the most entertaining female presenter on Tellie is Shellie Craft.
she is down to earth and relaxed and a good sense of humour.
Kind of the female version of grant denyer i reckon
she is always entertaining to watch on great outdoors. oh and ben dark too. they are probably the 2 most relaxed presenter on tv at the moment. keep in mind the presenter doesnt need to be a F1 driver
(Report)
November 21st, 2007 at 8:54 pm
Thanks Wheelnut……..I thought of Leanne Tander too….Never heard of Danielle Agiro..I will do a google on her.
Shellie too is good value but a Female presenter needs car knowledge!
Ben Dark …..hes the one I mentioned last night…….a little yobbo but is a rev head!
But Mark Webber is easy on the eye……….is that sexist?
(Report)
November 22nd, 2007 at 7:09 am
Hey BM, thanks for your comments. I am really impressed with everyone’s response to my suggestion of NOT using “eye candy”. I thought this blog would be very “blokey” and perhaps a little sexist, but it appears that men and women are on the same page when it comes to TG hosts. That’s enough from me. Don’t want to turn it into a lovefest!
(Report)
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:17 pm
No problem Melissa…..as I mentioned most of these guys just want a good host as us girls do. A carfest is what we all prefer ! Wheelnut has represented most guys thoughts on this subject I think!
(Report)
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:39 pm
actually i think the presenter doesnt need to be a rev head.
if they know too much they will detract from the guests that come on the show. you have other guys that know their stuff whereas the actual presenter/host just needs to be friendly and likable.
all the comedians can stay at home as they would only be on there thinking they are able to sell themselves.
someone that isnt afraid to make themselves look stupid or can take the piss out of themselves such as craft and dark and denyer are a great idea.
i like comedy but any professional comedian would try to hard to make a joke out of everything
(Report)
November 22nd, 2007 at 4:54 pm
You know Clarkson when he started could even drive…….he use to borrow the jernos runabout and go out on the strip at night to teach himself how to get sideways….read it in of of his books! So yep they don’t need to be a real rev head but they no need to know what their talking about. Shelly might be good in the reasonably priced car,but I don’t think her over all car knowledge is great.
Dark is a hoot but he rubs me the wrong way ….comes across as sleezy too…….
Your right about the comedians though!
(Report)
November 23rd, 2007 at 8:30 am
I just hope that they dont keep showing fords and holdens only…. that would be a real turn off….
I mean they are good cars, but I cant watch/read another story about holden vs ford.
would be cool if they did a race from melbourne to perth, or some challenges etc….. rather than just a dry “specifications” program.
(Report)
November 24th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Missile
I believe Danielle Agiro; who used to race in the Kanga Loaders ute now races in the Sports Production Car series in a Vectra and her family owns “The Brock Shop” in QLD so she knows a thing or two about performance cars
(Report)
November 30th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
it’d be good and all but how many nice, expensive, fast cars in aus and there are no autobahn in aus so it would make the races stupid. they would be better of playing British top gear on aus tv like win or ten instead ofthe American crap
(Report)
November 30th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
They already play Top Gear here though! SBS SATURDAY NIGHTS
I don’t think we have to copy what the boys do over there ,we invent our own fun,in regard to fast cars,theres more out there than you think!
I think with the right commentators it will do well,I mean its only got to compete against what at the moment?
(Report)
December 1st, 2007 at 12:43 am
you’ll all be pissed at top gear when you hear what golden boy clarkson said about Aussie cars in the latest series.
Aussie top gear will be a copy.. but why when you can have the real thing. Invite the team over for a challenge or a one off programme so we can see your cars banging around.
(Report)
December 1st, 2007 at 2:13 am
What did he say dieselhead?
I wonder because surely he knows the Vauhall VXR8 which he is so in love with is a HSV??? I’m Ford through and through but I’m still proud of HSV taking it to the rest of the world with a cheap, powerful car (even tho the engine is yank).
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
yes i know that top gear is on Saturday night but not that i having a go at you but the episode that was on last week was viewed in the UK in December 2005 thats two years ago one of the networks should fastrack it like they do with heroes and house and all the others. maybe it will be as good or better but i doubt it btu hay worth a try
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
i agree with Watto_cobra and it’s really funny because clarkson goes on about how ausies are stupid and don’t invent anything witch is wrong!!!and then he has to eat his own shit because it is such a great car. and yep they did get it stuffed up but in the end there is not really that big of a difference between a holden monaro and a HSV GTO but what do you want i mean they are pom
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
Ok I understand STIGE……..you can down load the resent episodes off the internet!
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
yes i know that but it is a pain in the arse and i thought you could only certain parts of an episode from the topgear web site
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Na ……theres a site you can go to and down load full episodes! The address is www {obviously}.finalgear.com/ Click on too TOP GEAR and pick what episode you wish to down load! Will take a while a few hours!! I stuck {obviously in there cause the post will be moderated otherwise. Goodluck!
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
That’s a lot of episodes on there BM, should keep any Top Gear nuts happy for a while
New episodes start in January according the the SBS ad during TG last night.
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
I did send you the link earlier in the week Watto!
Have you not read your email?? I missed TG last night! Rerun anyway?
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Yes thanks for the mail. That’s what I was referring to, just seemed an appropiate time to bring it up
Yes a re-run. The one where they bought a supercar each for 10,000 pounds or less. Clarkson’s Masrati blew up, Hamster Ferarri died as did Cap’n Slow’s Lambo, in fact no of them made it to the destination, lol.
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
hahaha…yep that was a good episode……..
You got time off over Christmas!!
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I “should” have 2 weeks off, we’ll see. How ’bout you guys?
(Report)
December 9th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Yeah we stop on the 21st…………come back around the 14th Jan! The only time I really have off work ,so I look forward to it!
(Report)
December 28th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Thx guys for suggesting I’d do an OK job. I have applied - let’s see what happens. Thx for liking the C word too. Yes, we took the piss out of everyone, but with real affection too. Not to make people look bad, just to be playful. We did 39 eps with no budget - scammed everything! I love cars and bikes more than anything …except my daughter. It’ll be interesting…
thx again
d
(Report)
January 9th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
WELL I REALLY DONT KNOW ABOUT THIS… THE POMS HAVE DONE SUCH A BRILLIANT JOB WHY SCREW IT UP… I’D LOVE TO HOST IT BUT I HAVE A FACE FOR RADIO AHHHH…
THE ONLY PEOPLE I CAN THINK OF IS DENYER, HUGHES AND MAYBE BERRETS FROM SUNRISE..
GOOD LUCK I’LL BE WATCHING .. BUT PLEASE MAKE IT FUNNY…
MONDAYS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME IF ITS NOT CHEERS
(Report)
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:36 am
GRACIOUS TOP GEAR IN AUSTRALIA???
WONDER WHO THE HOSTS WILL BE????…..KATE RITCHIE/KYLE SANDILANDS/ANDREW G….LOL…i would seriously die!!
its going to be really hard to top the brits on this one….those hosts are sooo articulate, intelligent, witty and hammond is sooooo cute (i am a girl by the way)!!!
the stig should be called stigga!!!
eeww NO WAY i refuse to have grant denyer for a host…REFUSE…his not that funny and seems soooo scripted and he’ll go recommending Fords all season…..EEEWW!….i think we need fresh faces
Oh and remember a significant portion of top gears audience are the girlies so for heaven sakes get a bloddy host who is un bogan like…otherwise you are loosing a significant amount of ratings there!
(Report)
January 24th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Hi there, well I have just been called by SBS and I have been given the job. I can’t tell you who I am but you’ll know when you see me on the telly. I will be the one with the racing gear and the helmet on all the time. Cheers.
P.S I HEARD AARON BUTTERWORTH WAS IN WITH A GOOD CHANCE AS A SIDE KICK,,,,,WE’LL SEE.
(Report)
January 24th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Who the hell is Aaron Butterworth???????
(Report)
January 24th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
He’s sort of a cross between Elvis Presley and Georg Bush.
(Report)
January 24th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Yeah but how funny is he????
(Report)
January 24th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I’ve heard he’s faster than a one legged tap dancer at a mardigra
(Report)
January 30th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Oh No!!!…if Top Gear Australia’s going to be on the sbs….that means they’ll get rid of clarke/hammond and may….NNnnnnnnOOOOOo
TO: ‘The Stig’ when you say ‘I will be the one with the racing gear and the helmet on all the time’……does that mean your the aussie stig????…or r u going to be an actual host?
(Report)
January 30th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Yes. I will be the man behind the wheel, thrashing the living daylights out of any vehicle thrown my way. From Fiat Bambino’s to the “I can’t believe people still spend money on these” Gemini’s. I asked for a T.V. spot however management said because I’m not allowed to speak this would make for very boring television. I pointed to Huphrey B Bear and they pointed to the exit.
I hope my driving pleases you TheStigsKid:)
P.S. Rumour has it that I will get to drive a Bugatti Veyron early in the piece as well YYYYYYUUUUUUUUMMMMYYYY
(Report)
January 31st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
omg a bugatti!!…*mouth watering*
did u see any potential hammond’s by any chance???….
(Report)
January 31st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Hi “TheStigsKid”. I have applied for a position of side kick on the show and I thought I would just let you know that I look a little like Brad Pit. Especially if you stand 100 meters away in a sand storm.
(Report)
January 31st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
No, no Hammond’s when I was there. Although they’re notifying all the presenter potentials in the next 2 weeks. P.S. I’m not allowed to speak about the show anymore. But on the show I might not be called the Stig.
Maybe “HELMET HEAD”??????
(Report)
February 1st, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Today is the cut off day. Good luck to all applicants:)
(Report)
February 14th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Australian Top Gear will be hugely entertaining , we are car loving nation with a great “Muscle car culture”, bring it on baby. “Kick it in the guts Barry” quote from Steve Beasly as the goose in “Mad Max”.
(Report)
February 14th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Speaking as an Australian living in England (and hopefully never coming back), Oz just hasn’t got the talent to set this up properly. Top Gear is hugely popular precisely because a)it’s English, b)JC, RH and JM are brilliant presenters (JM has a great, dry sense of humour, watch his wine shows) and c)it’s English. Australia has an EXTREME drought of TV talent in comparison, the commercial stations rarely make anything in-house which is worth the paper they vomited the script up on (I know this’ll be SBS, which may help things but I doubt it), and Australia is too much of a car nut nation, which is another problem - England isn’t, which is why Top Gear UK works so well, nobody cares if the cars are worth buying. There is no way this is going to work, and you should give up on it being any good now.
(Report)
February 14th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
You’re right there Danbot.
Reckon Alborz has put his name forward???
(Report)
February 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
In agreement with Danbot!
I cant see the Australian version of Top Gear working at all. I don’t know what they’re going to come up with that hasn’t already been done in the original Top Gear, the presenters will be no where near as good as Clarkson and the gang!
First episode will be a drag race between ford and holden, then what??
I think we Aussies have suffered enough self imposed embarrassment over the years, please stop before its too late SBS!!!
(Report)
March 14th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I don’t know about Top Gear UK being rated only on its hosts. Just think of all the stunts they’ve done in cars - extra-long stretched limos, amphibious cars, driving to the North Pole. This is great stuff!
Sure, it’s hard to think of great local presenters who could substitute for Clarkson, May and Hammond, but the show could work if you look at the wacky side of motoring - Race Around Australia, cars with BBQs? Aussies are world-class swimmers, but what about Aussie cars - do they swim? Possibilities are endless.
(Report)
April 13th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Strange thought! How about a women as one of the three presenters in the Aussie Top Gear. Mid-40’s, represents a big part of the target audience. Someone who’s been in motor sport, spunky and knows a bit about cars.
Matilda, the waltzing kangaroo.
(Report)
April 20th, 2008 at 9:51 am
The Dynamic Three-o! Hum, well TOP Gear UK, didn’t start with Clarkson, Hammond and May. May came in later in the gig as the third wheel. There were two previous third wheels which May finally filled the spot. See the very first series, and Pilots. TOP Gear has been on and off air for 10 years. Eventually, Clarkson will retire, and hopefully Hammond will try harder NOT to become an earth mover with his head! Well, James May will just keep getting lost. Hum, I wonder on how he flies the Cessna? IFR. (I Follow Roads) Anyhow, The Dynamic Three-O will not last for ever, and for the TOP Gear UK Series to continue, New Blood will have to be introduced to the show. I agree with Matilda, that an extremely, articulate, talented, sporty, outspoken woman, with lots of enthusiasm for motor vehicles who doesn’t mind to get her hands dirty, and can juggle many spanners, should be in the Australian Team. Hum, my Dream Girl! Plus lets remember, there could be the possibility that who we start off with, May not be who we end up with. A lot depends on the viewers acceptance, and how the “Australian” Team bounce off each other on Air. Also look at the fact, the gig isn’t all fun and games, there is a ton of work involved, especially if there is a TOP Gear Australia Magazine, your not just a TV Presenter, your a journo as well. Clarkson works his arse off, and works long hours. What we see on TV is only 5% of the actual work that goes into the show!
Billy Holden
(Report)
April 20th, 2008 at 10:55 am
You know just thinking out loud, perhaps the TOP Gear Australian STIG, should be called ASTIG, Just in case you have the UK STIG, and the Aussie STIG on the same show, as they are mute, you can hear the accents! And perhaps if there is a USA STIG, call him/her USTIG! Perhaps have the race suits colour coded as well, White for the UK, Green and Gold for Australia, and Red, White and Blue for the Yanks. if you had a gaggle of STIG’s in one place, you would have STIG, ASTIG, and USTIG, everys body a STIG STIG!
Billy Holden
(Report)
April 28th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Well the Stig’s american cousin is fat. So you can tell them apart lol. But as for the Australian Top Gear, i think it could work. In reality though what cars do we have here that haven’t already been put on the show in the UK?
Apart from the hand full of Holdens and Fords, it’s all the same! But i think hosting it on home land will make people watch it (ie me) and seeing local sights will be awesome!
Bring it on!
(But for now, even showing the new series of UK Top Gear will be enough!)
(Report)