Anyone know exactly where the original Lancia and Mercedes from the first Botswana special are? : r/TopGear
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The W123 series Mercedes is known as one of the most durable cars ever made. The challenge wasn't whether it would survive, but rather if it could handle the deep sand without stalling, given its weight. top gear botswana cars
The Lancia was left in Botswana and was spotted years later by YouTuber Ryan Ball from the "Alaska to Africa" channel. It was found in a field in Maun, missing wheels and looking derelict. However, it was still recognizable by the unique roof hinges for the gullwing doors.
If you are a fan of this era of Top Gear, I can help you with: Finding where to today Technical specs for Oliver or the Lancia Planning a similar self-drive safari in Botswana Anyone know exactly where the original Lancia and
This is a sadder story. After the Botswana special, the Lancia was shipped back to the UK. Clarkson attempted to restore it, but the structural rust was too severe. The car was reportedly scrapped. However, a rumor persists that the original engine block was saved and sits in Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, as a paperweight. The olive paint scheme, however, became an icon.
While it suffered from electrical issues and, predictably, had structural issues, the Lancia actually proved surprisingly resilient, lasting longer than expected. It became the symbol of "inevitable failure" that somehow kept going. The challenge wasn't whether it would survive, but
The result was a journey of over 1,000 miles across salt pans, the Okavango Delta, and dense brushwood, leading to the creation of television motoring history. Here is a detailed look at the cars that defined the Botswana Special. 1. Jeremy Clarkson’s 1981 Lancia Beta Coupé
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May were tasked with buying a car in Botswana for less than £1,500. Crucially, the car could not have four-wheel drive or any off-road credentials. The goal? Drive 1,000 miles from the eastern border of Botswana, across the grueling Makgadikgadi Pan, through the lush Okavango Delta, and finish at the border with Zimbabwe.
, 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
(Richard Hammond) : Nicknamed this car became a fan favorite. Hammond chose it for its simplicity, though it initially suffered from a leaking fuel tank and brakes that only worked on one wheel. It was the only car not to be significantly modified or "lightened" to cross the salt pans. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E