However, the bond was cemented during a river crossing. Attempting to ford a river in the Okavango Delta, Hammond drove Oliver into the water, only for the current to sweep the car away. The car sank, and Hammond swam to safety. Later that night, Hammond worked tirelessly to dry out the electrics and get Oliver running again, refusing to abandon it. He missed filming a crucial stunt because he forgot to turn on his camera, resulting in the crew having to redo the scene.
May argued that old Mercedes-Benz cars were legendary in Africa for their durability and ease of repair, making it a "sensible" choice.
James May opted for ultimate German reliability by purchasing a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E (W123 generation). Specifications and Modifications : 2.3-liter inline-four Drive : Rear-wheel drive top gear botswana cars
The "Top Gear Botswana cars" represent more than just vehicles; they represent storytelling. Clarkson's Lancia is the Italian tragedy—beautiful, romantic, but falling apart at the seams. May's Mercedes is the stoic tool, engineered to survive. Hammond's Oliver is the heartwarming rescue dog—scrappy, unloved by others, but ultimately the one you take home.
The Unbreakable Three: A Deep Dive into the Top Gear Botswana Special Cars However, the bond was cemented during a river crossing
Richard Hammond's choice was the underdog. He found a 1963 Opel Kadett A (a small German family coupe) and paid for it. The car was 44 years old at the time of filming and powered by a tiny, underpowered 1.0-litre engine. Clarkson and May mocked him mercilessly.
, which served as the "backup car" (a penalty vehicle no presenter wanted to drive), was donated to a local bush mechanic. Later that night, Hammond worked tirelessly to dry
The Lancia was recently rediscovered in Botswana in 2020 by a YouTuber, showing its unique battle scars from the special. 2. Richard Hammond: 1963 Opel Kadett ("Oliver")
, this small car became the breakout star of the episode. Hammond famously fell in love with it, naming it "Oliver." Unlike the other cars, Hammond shipped Oliver back to the UK
Unlike Clarkson's complex Lancia, the Opel Kadett was mechanically primitive. It featured a tiny 1.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine, leaf-spring suspension, and virtually no electronics. Its lightweight footprint allowed it to float over the treacherous crust of the salt flats where heavier vehicles would sink. The Near-Disaster in the Delta