Aristocars from Top Gear filming go on show at Beaulieu

World of Top Gear at Beaulieu
Posted  08.03.2019
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Three luxury cars dubbed the Aristocars from the latest Top Gear filming are to go on show in the World of Top Gear at Beaulieu.


Stripped of their plush interior fittings and modified to survive a gruelling six-hour endurance race at Silverstone, Matt LeBlanc’s Bentley Turbo R, Chris Harris’ Mercedes 600 SEL and Rory Reid’s Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow are quite unlike any normal race cars.

Rory Reid's Rolls-Royce on the Top Gear test track

In episode four of the new series, Matt, Chris and Rory were challenged to buy a second-hand car for the same price as the UK’s cheapest new car, a Dacia Sandero. Not surprisingly with a budget of £6,000, the presenters aimed high and snapped up three special executive saloons with powerful V8 and V12 engines.

Chris Harris' race-prepared Mercedes

With his 1988 Bentley, Matt chose a coveted British super saloon with impeccable heritage, while the grandiose appearance of Rory’s 1975 Rolls-Royce was equally imposing and Chris opted for German quality with his high-spec 1992 Mercedes.

Matt LeBlanc in his Bentley

The cars were pitted against each other on the Top Gear test track, challenged by Stig at the wheel of a Dacia Sandero and tasked with avoiding obstacles on the ‘Top Gear real-world urban driving simulator’.

Rory, Matt and Chris discuss their luxury cars

The greatest test was to complete the Birkett Six-Hour Relay Race at the famous Silverstone circuit. Extensively modified for track use, the trio of cars swapped leather seats for roll cages and beefed up the suspension to create unlikely looking racing cars.

Modified Aristocars ready for the race track

Visitors to Beaulieu can see the Aristocars on display in the World of Top Gear, which was recently refreshed with new exhibits from recent Top Gear filming while continuing to pay homage to the programme’s past.

Rory, Matt and Chris get ready to race

The World of Top Gear is included in a general admission ticket to Beaulieu.


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