Former âTop Gearâ host Quentin Willson has died at 68 after a short battle with lung cancer. His family confirmed the news on Saturday, November 8, in a statement shared with the BBC, saying he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
âQuentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms,â the family said. âHe helped shape the original âTop Gearâ as one of its first hosts, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson and the team who took the pioneering show global.â
Remembered by his loved ones as âa true national treasure,â Willson was celebrated for his lifelong passion for cars and his enduring impact on automotive journalism and broadcasting.
A Pioneer in Automotive Television
Willson joined the BBC in 1991 as one of the early co-hosts of âTop Gear,â where he became known for his expertise on used cars and his sharp, witty delivery. He remained a weekly presence until the showâs original run ended in 2001.
After leaving âTop Gear,â Willson hosted Channel 5âs âFifth Gear,â along with popular automotive series such as âThe Carâs the Star,â âAll the Right Moves,â and âBritainâs Worst Driver.â In 2015, he returned to Channel 5 to co-host âThe Classic Car Show.â
Fans also fondly remember his lighthearted appearance on âStrictly Come Dancingâ in 2004, where he earned what his family humorously described as âthe dubious honour of the lowest score in history.â
A Passionate Advocate for Drivers & Clean Energy
Beyond television, Willson made a major impact as a campaigner for motorists. Through his FairFuel initiative, he helped secure a freeze on fuel duty in the U.K., saving consumers billions.
He later launched the FairCharge campaign to advocate for affordable, accessible electric vehicles. âLong before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve,â his family said.
Colleagues and fans have credited Willson for using his platform to push for innovation and fairness in the automotive industry.
Remembered as a ‘True National Treasure’
Willson is survived by his wife, Michaela; their children, Mercedes, Max, and Mini; and grandchildren Saskia, Xander, and Roxana.
âThe void he has left can never be filled,â his family said in their statement. âHis knowledge was not just learned but lived â a library of experience now beyond our reach.â
Friends, fellow journalists, and fans have since flooded social media with tributes to the beloved presenter, celebrating his humor, intelligence, and trailblazing contributions to the world of motoring television.
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