The first in a series on past cars that have gained icon status looks at the Ford Zephyr which in the 1950s and 60s gave British car buyers American-style glitz at a price they could afford. Quentin Willson tells the story of Britain's most successful big car with the help of those who bought it, designed it and still cherish it now that it has found a place in the hall of motor car fame.
The combination of Italian styling, American V8 power and British craftsmanship made the Interceptor the car that every fashion-conscious celebrity wanted to own back in the 60s. Quentin Willson traces the story of this international style icon, born and bred in the back streets of West Bromwich, and interviews some of the stars who helped make it famous.
Variously known as a "poached egg on wheels" and a "mobile bathtub", the Austin Allegro gets the star treatment this week. Some people think the "all-aggro" was one of the worst cars ever to be made, yet there is now an owners' club full of enthusiasts. Quentin Willson gets behind the infamous square steering wheel to find out why.
Bigger was always better in 50s America, especially when it came to cars. The massive '59 Cadillac was General Motors' ultimate land-based rocket ship and the symbol for that decade of style decadence. With its42-inch fins and impressive dimensions, the '59 Cadillac oozed wealth, self-confidence and unchallenged power. Quentin Willson travels to Los Angeles to chart the life of the car once described as "Jayne Mansfield in metal".
France's most famous design after the Eiffel Tower has been called "the most modern car ever" and the French called it the "goddess". Quentin Willson drives the car whose avant-garde lines took France by storm in 1955 and meets some of its passionate fans, including May to December star Anton Rodgers and former Cabinet minister Alan Clark.
As American as blue jeans, the original 1964 Mustang seduced an entire generation of American car buyers who were fed up with their parents' big land yachts. Quentin Willson travels to the West Coast to meet some of those for whom a 64 Mustang is still the car to be seen in on California's highways.
Almost 50 years after the first model rolled off the production line, the Land Rover enjoys instant recognition all over the world. Quentin Wilson charts the history of this British success story.
With its seductive curves, stylish body, and two-tone paint, the Triumph Herald was regarded as a chic fashion statement by the 1960s middle classes. Thirty-five years on it's enjoying renewed cult status. Quentin Willson meets Harry Webster , who co-designed the original 1959 model with Giovanni Michelotti , and talks to some owners - including magician Fay Presto who has a Herald convertible 1200 - to find out why this car has such enduring appeal.
The Big Healeys. The Austin Healey was the stylish British sports car of the 50s and 60s. But, as Quentin Willson discovers, what is now regarded as a design classic was actually hard to drive.
The must-have car of the 80s is now viewed as a classic. Quentin Willson profiles the Mark 1 Volkswagen Golf GTi.
It may not have attitude, but its fans pay tribute to the design of Dante Giacosa as "a happy car" which is a lot of fun to drive. Quentin Willson admits it has all the performance of a stone snail, a speedomete rthe size of a pocket watch and luggage space fora toothbrush or two. But where other cars are about image and power, the Fiat 500 seems to engender genuine affection among owners past and present. What is the appeal of this matiest of four-wheelers?
Back in 1955 when it was launched, few vehicles could command the absolute authority of the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Each car weighed two tons and took three months to build. With an interior like a stateroom and a bonnet like a croquet pitch, it was the closest you could get to a car in the style of a country house. But the Silver Cloud was never the sole preserve of the aristocracy. Quentin Willson meets some of its famous owners, including Barbara Cartland and Jimmy Saville.
A look at the unique little car that shot to stardom as Del Boy 's mode of transport in Only Fools and Horses. From its wobbly beginnings in the thirties through the financial troubles of the nineties, Top Gear's Quentin Willson examines the history of this peculiarly English vehicle.
Synonymous with sixties Britain, the Mkll Jaguar's combination of good looks and performance attracted drivers from many different areas of society-from coppers to criminals. Quentin Willson delves into the model's colourful history.
Motoring was a mirage for impoverished rural France in the forties until the small, versatile and economical Citroen 2CV became available. 2CV aficionado Quentin Willson speaks of how its appeal remains undiminished 50 years later.
Quentin Willson looks at why so many people find the E-Type Jaguar so special with the help of George Best, Adam Faith and Jackie Stewart. (1997)
Quentin Willson explores the appeal of another classic car. This week he examines the enduring charm of the Mini, a symbol of the Swinging Sixties. With guest, society photographer Lord Lichfield.
Quentin Willson looks at the Ford Capri, which has acquired a mixed reputation among motoring enthusiasts.
Quentin Willson explores the cult status achieved by the Volkswagen camper van - a versatile vehicle that remains popular today
Quentin Willson looks at the MGB, which, soon after its launch in 1962, became the world's best selling sports car.
Quentin Willson test-drives the Chevrolet Corvette, the quintessential American sports car.
The stories of classic cars from the fifties, sixties and seventies. Quentin Willson reflects on the revered AC Cobra.
Quentin Willson tells the story of the Hillman Imp, which went into production in the sixties.
Launched in 1957, the Ford Edsel proved an embarrassing flop. Quentin Willson tells its story.
Quentin Willson looks at the history of the Porsche 911.
Lacking carpets, doors and windows, the logic-defying Lotus Seven has endured against all the odds. Quentin Willson goes back to basics with the do-it-yourself car that only the British could possibly have invented.
n the Soviet Union it was a status symbol, while in Britain it became a national joke, but does the Lada really deserve its comic reputation? Quentin Willson explores the life and times of the unloved car that was made in Russian factories from an ageing Fiat design.
A look at the The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
A look at the enduring popularity of a car that went into production following pressure from Hitler.
An appreciation of the luxurious British speed machine, which includes a gold-leaf-lined engine and a modem.
Quentin Willson looks at the history of Volvo's 140 and 240 Estates, which between and 1993 ruled as the nation's favourite load carriers.
Quentin Willson looks at the US Second World War troop carrier that was the inspiration for the Land Rover.
In the last of the series, Quentin Willson looks at the De Lorean sports car. It was built in Belfast with the aid of a £52 million government grant. But in 1982, a year after the car went on sale, the factory closed down.
