Back in ’06 we were glued to shows like Monster Garage, American Chopper, and Biker Build-Off with guys like like Jesse James and (shudder) Billy Lane — until we realized they were all complete jack-holes.* We languished in automotive purgatory until we found Top Gear, the proper British version. In what seems like a reversal of the laws of physics, we Americans loved the show so much that History brought it over here for our own colonial-style version.
I would totally agree the Brit version is more polished, better funded, and staffed with some of the best writers on our gravity sphere at the moment. They have style, a long list of famous euro-personalities waiting to grace the show with their eminent star power, and, let’s not forget: awesome British accents. What have we Americans got? Well, a drifter, a redneck, and a short Italian guy with a v8 fetish.
Sure, the first episode or two sucked ass. However, let’s give props where they’re due. After moments like the hillbilly fire spitting, jumping an El Dorado, and the station wagon full of water, the stateside goodness won me over. I look forward to it every week. This was a show just like the Brits did but largely with American cars. I’d always wanted to see a Detroit slant to Top Gear and after this first season I can’t say that was a foolish thing to wish for.
Though I’ve heard nothing but general bitching about how our version isn’t as good as the one across the pond, I’m still curious: Do you enjoy the U.S. version even given that fact? Let us know in comments.
Top Gear [History]
*Note: They were all Jack-Holes except for Indian Larry, who was, and still is, the very embodiment of American bike-building spirit and is sorely missed by all who ride.