Get into gear with Top Gear exhibit

Fans eagerly awaiting the start of the new BBC Top Gear series on 27 June 2010 will be able to catch many of the vehicles used in challenges featured on the show over the years, in a visit to the World of Top Gear Exhibition open now at the National Motor Museum, in Hampshire’s New Forest.

New exhibits this year include two motorcycles featured in the Top Gear Vietnam Special, plus classic cars driven by presenters James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond, in a classic car rally around the holiday island of Majorca. The extraordinary electric powered Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust hand built by the team also takes pride of place.

Visitors will recognise many other favourite vehicles on display including an attempt by the presenters to cross the Channel in home-made car/boats, the Stretched Limo Challenge, where they set out to turn rusty second-hand cars into luxury stretch limos and chauffeur three celebs to the BRIT Awards and the iconic Police Cars.

The Top Gear ‘Enormodrome’ adds to the experience, by recreating the feel of the Top Gear studio, where the TV show is filmed in front of a live audience.

As well as regular features from the programme including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity ‘Lap Times’ boards, visitors can watch an exclusive video presentation from behind the scenes at the TG HQ with Jeremy, Richard and James plus clips from the show featuring the cars on display. There are also ‘Challenge the Stig’ Remote Controlled Cars.

“We intend to keep the exhibition as fresh and current as we possibly can, so expect more of the actual cars to be on display within days of appearing on the new programme,” said Stephen Munn Commercial Director at the National Motor Museum.

World of Top Gear can be viewed as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction including the National Motor Museum with its collection of over 250 vehicles, Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538 and the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey, plus rides, and drives for all the family. Family tickets cost £43.50 for two adults and up to 3 children or £16 each per adult.  Open every day, except Christmas Day, from 10am.  For more information, visit beaulieu.co.uk.