Top Gear series 3
Top Gear Series 3 aired on BBC Two in 2003, running nine episodes from 26 October to 28 December. A best-of compilation titled “Best of Top Gear” followed on 4 January 2004. In this series, Ben Collins joined as the new White Stig, replacing Perry McCarthy, who made his final appearance in the first episode. The season is notable for the Toyota Hilux destruction tests, which caused significant damage and drew criticism from a local council during filming. The show also shifted its focus away from insider dealing and toward challenge-style segments.
Highlights included Clarkson testing the Ford GT against its rivals in Detroit, and racing a diesel Volkswagen Lupo against the petrol version to compare fuel economy, including a lap of the M25. Hammond tested the Porsche 911 GT3, May reviewed the BMW 5 Series, and singer Martin Kemp drove a Liana for a lap. The Stig attempted to reach 100 mph in a modified Jaguar XJS aboard HMS Invincible, but the run ended badly.
After the fifth episode, the Churchill Parish in Somerset contacted the BBC about the tree damaged during the Hilux tests. Villagers had thought the damage was caused by vandals or an accident until they watched the show. The BBC admitted fault and paid compensation.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 13:48 (CET).