Former 'Top Gear' presenter dies at age 68
Motoring journalist and former car dealer, Quentin Wilson, has been described as a "true national treasure".
The motoring community, broadcasting industry, and fans are mourning the sudden passing of one of the greats.
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In 1991, Quentin Wilson joined the BBC and began hosting the original version of 'Top Gear' with Jeremy Clarkson, providing expert insight into used cars until the show was cancelled in 2001.
He then went on to present, produce and create some iconic British motoring shows such as Channel 5's 'Fifth Gear' (a rival to 'Top Gear'), 'The Car's the Star' (a classic car series), 'All the Right Moves', 'Britain's Worst Driver' and returned to Channel 5 in 2015 to host 'The Classic Car Show'.
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His family released a statement announcing his passing:
"The family of Quentin Willson, television presenter and producer, motoring journalist, author, and campaigner, wish to announce that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday 8th November, following a short battle with lung cancer. He was 68.
A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms. He helped shape the original 'Top Gear' as one of its first hosts, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson and the team who took the pioneering show global.
He went on to front 'Fifth Gear' and still holds the dubious honour of 'Strictly Come Dancing’s' lowest score in history.
Through his FairFuel campaign, Quentin saved UK consumers a fortune by helping to freeze fuel duty. Over £100 billion in fresh taxation was prevented by the campaign, a real consumer win by a true consumer champion.
He also created and presented much-loved programmes such as 'Britain’s Worst Drivers' and 'The Cars the Star'.
Long before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve. More recently, he had worked tirelessly to make EVs affordable for all, via his FairCharge campaign.
Much-loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander & Roxana. Quentin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him personally and professionally.
While messages of condolence are warmly appreciated, the family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”
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Sad to hear about the death of Quentin Wilson. As well as being a Top Gear guru, his work and campaigning for #FairFuelUK to freeze fuel duty saved drivers £billions over more than a decade. What a legend, gone far too soon. pic.twitter.com/RxnYc3b7Ho
— Stuart Coster (@StuartCoster) November 9, 2025
Fellow 'Top Gear' hosts Jeremy Clarkson and James May have also shared tributes to the presenter:
Quentin Wilson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV, back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it. Great bloke.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) November 8, 2025
I’m far away so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died. We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) November 8, 2025
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