Richard Hammond’s Vauxhall Nova Sri Is The Latest Exhibit Unveiled At World Of Top Gear

Top Gear Vauxhall Nova SRi

New from the latest BBC Top Gear series, Richard Hammond’s Vauxhall Nova SRi, which featured in the opening episode, is now on display to the public at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear.

Hammond drove this vehicle for Top Gear’s retro hot hatchback challenge, which saw the presenters manoeuvring through the aisles of a supermarket, reminiscing over their teenage years and testing the cars as getaway vehicles in an especially dramatic police chase involving the heavily armed and heavily moustachioed Top Gear Police Department. Hammond lovingly wrapped the car in ‘authentic’ arctic camouflage wrap, to give the car a more modern, showroom fresh look. However, this new pristine look didn’t last long, thanks to the large amount of time the car spent sliding along on its side – an authentic 1980s stance known as ‘the Nova position’. Keen-eared Beaulieu visitors may spot that you cannot hear this car’s engine running. This is because it is broken.

The Vauxhall Nova joins a whole host of vehicles at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges.

The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

World of Top Gear can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction which also includes the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey. 

Beaulieu is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Hindustan Taxi Hailed For World Of Top Gear At Beaulieu

Hindustan taxi racing

Hindustan taxi

The eagerly awaited new run of Top Gear is now airing on the BBC and that can only mean one thing – new challenge cars arriving at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear.

In the second instalment of the show − now in its 20th series − Top Gear’s executive director of the crucible of the prism of the furnace of motorsport, Professor Richard Hammond organised a world taxi shootout to find which could claim the crown as the world’s best taxi. The winner was India’s virtually indestructible Hindustan Ambassador.

Keen students of the car will note that this machine started life in Britain as the Morris Oxford but, with a quick name change, it went on to become one of India’s most enduring vehicles.

This particular example proved just how enduring the Ambassador really is when it saw off rivals from Britain, America, Germany, South Africa, Mexico and Russia to be named the world’s best taxi.  It’s so tough that, although it now lives in World of Top Gear, with a quick wash and brush up, it could be back in service tomorrow – probably.

The Hindustan taxi joins a whole host of vehicles at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges. Another recent addition is the Grannymobile, from the last series, painted ‘hearing aid’ pink and sporting such features as an extended bumper to accommodate knocks and scrapes and easy chairs replacing rear seats − to make getting in and out so much easier!

The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ board, kept up to date in line with the show. Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.

World of Top Gear can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction which also includes the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey.

Beaulieu is open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information telephone 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk

Richard 'Jaws' Kiel visits Bond In Motion

If you are an avid James Bond fan, be sure to put Sunday 26th May in your diary, as this will be your opportunity to meet Bond actor, Richard Kiel.  Richard, who played Jaws, one of the most famous Bond villains, will be visiting the BOND IN MOTION exhibition at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

Richard starred in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1979) and MOONRAKER (1979).  Standing at over seven feet tall, he played the formidable Bond villain Jaws, famously recognisable for his razor sharp steel teeth.

Richard will be accompanied by Blanche Ravelec, who played his love interest Dolly in MOONRAKER. You will be able to find them in the BOND IN MOTION exhibition, inside the National Motor Museum for periods between 1030am and 4pm.

On the day, visitors will be able to purchase Richard’s, Making It Big in the Movies, plus copies of his official photographs.  He will happily sign your purchases and pose for a photograph with you, so don’t forget to bring your camera.

This fantastic opportunity is included in your general admission to Beaulieu, an all inclusive ticket covering the National Motor Museum, BOND IN MOTION, World of Top Gear, Palace House and gardens and Beaulieu Abbey.

For information call 01590 612345 or visit www.beaulieu.co.uk