Top Gear Botswana Cars //top\\ Jun 2026

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: was donated to an advisor who assisted the crew. The

While other specials—the Polar Special or the Middle East journey—had higher stakes, the Botswana episode is often cited as the perfect blend of stunning cinematography, mechanical brutality, and the chemistry of three friends suffering together in terrible cars.

Years later, automotive enthusiasts still talk about that trek across the Kalahari. It wasn't just about cars; it was about perseverance, friendship, and the joy of a terrible journey in good company. top gear botswana cars

Get a breakdown of the they took across Botswana.

Richard Hammond bought a 1963 Opel Kadett , a small, robust German car that he affectionately nicknamed "Oliver." The expedition was the first time cars had

Jeremy Clarkson has historically hated Lancia. He once famously called them "Italy’s contribution to therust bucket industry." So, it was a shock when he arrived in Botswana with a rust-free, electric-blue Lancia Beta Coupe.

The most unreliable car on the trip, suffering from broken dials, multiple engine stalls, a jammed throttle, failing brakes, and a broken starter solenoid. It finished the trip by crashing into May's Mercedes because it had no brakes. Years later, automotive enthusiasts still talk about that

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.

Oliver survived the trip remarkably well, including being submerged in the Okavango Delta after a ferry failure. Hammond developed a deep, genuine emotional bond with the car, and it became the emotional heart of the special.

For travel across Botswana’s varied and often harsh terrain, rugged, simple, diesel pickups or SUVs (exemplified by the Toyota Hilux in the episode) provide the best balance of capability, reliability, and serviceability. Road-focused or small cars can be modified for short challenges but are not recommended as primary expedition vehicles.

Lancia is famous for two things: brilliant rally heritage and atrocious build quality. Clarkson chose the front-wheel-drive Beta Coupé, banking on its sporty pedigree to carry him through the desert.