What do you think?
Rate this book
What Could Possibly Go Wrong...
No one writes about cars like Jeremy Clarkson. It's not about the cars. Well it sort of is. Eventually.
But before Jeremy gets to the BHP, MPG and MPH, there are more far more important things to consider:
- like not wasting your life using time-saving gadgets
- Prince William in a Ronald McDonald outfit
- The exploration of outer space
- and Pete Townsend's G-string
Armed only with conviction, curiosity, enthusiasm and a pair of stout trousers, Jeremy hurtles around the world in search of answers without forethought or fear for his own safety. What, you have to ask, could possibly go wrong . . .
But before Jeremy gets to the BHP, MPG and MPH, there are more far more important things to consider:
- like not wasting your life using time-saving gadgets
- Prince William in a Ronald McDonald outfit
- The exploration of outer space
- and Pete Townsend's G-string
Armed only with conviction, curiosity, enthusiasm and a pair of stout trousers, Jeremy hurtles around the world in search of answers without forethought or fear for his own safety. What, you have to ask, could possibly go wrong . . .
510 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2014
75 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Clarkson
60 books1,055 followersJeremy Charles Robert Clarkson (born April 11, 1960) is an English broadcaster and writer who specialises in motoring.
He writes weekly columns for The Sunday Times and The Sun, but is better known for his role on the BBC television programme Top Gear.
From a career as a local journalist in the north of England, he rose to public prominence as a presenter of the original format of Top Gear in 1988. Since the mid-1990s Clarkson has become a recognised public personality, regularly appearing on British television presenting his own shows and appearing as a guest on other shows. As well as motoring, Clarkson has produced programmes and books on subjects such as history and engineering. From 1998 to 2000 he also hosted his own chat show, Clarkson.
His opinionated but humorous tongue-in-cheek writing and presenting style has often generated much public reaction to his viewpoints. His actions both privately and as a Top Gear presenter have also sometimes resulted in criticism from the media, politicians, pressure groups and the public.
As well as the criticism levelled against him, Clarkson also generated a significant following in the public at large, being credited as a factor in the resurgence of Top Gear to the most popular show on BBC Two, and calls for him to be made Prime Minister. Clarkson himself was keen to downplay his perceived influence on the British public, stating he regularly contradicts himself, and would make a "rubbish" Prime Minister.
He writes weekly columns for The Sunday Times and The Sun, but is better known for his role on the BBC television programme Top Gear.
From a career as a local journalist in the north of England, he rose to public prominence as a presenter of the original format of Top Gear in 1988. Since the mid-1990s Clarkson has become a recognised public personality, regularly appearing on British television presenting his own shows and appearing as a guest on other shows. As well as motoring, Clarkson has produced programmes and books on subjects such as history and engineering. From 1998 to 2000 he also hosted his own chat show, Clarkson.
His opinionated but humorous tongue-in-cheek writing and presenting style has often generated much public reaction to his viewpoints. His actions both privately and as a Top Gear presenter have also sometimes resulted in criticism from the media, politicians, pressure groups and the public.
As well as the criticism levelled against him, Clarkson also generated a significant following in the public at large, being credited as a factor in the resurgence of Top Gear to the most popular show on BBC Two, and calls for him to be made Prime Minister. Clarkson himself was keen to downplay his perceived influence on the British public, stating he regularly contradicts himself, and would make a "rubbish" Prime Minister.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 5, 2015
If it's possible to take a dispassionate view, Jeremy Clarkson is a good newsprint writer, so I look forward to his books that are made up of collections of his columns.
If I'm honest, the pure comment columns are better than the car reviews collected here. Clarkson is at his most excellent when allowed to flow unconstrained, without the limits of talking about a car. Admittedly even in a review he does manage usually to spend about half the word count talking about something else, but when we get to the actual vehicle, it all gets a bit samey, especially as the reader is faced with two years of reviews at a time.
Having said that, some of the non-car bits are definitely entertaining, and if you've only ever seen the TV programme, you'll be surprised how often he says positive things about ordinary cars. In fact, while accepting their appeal, he regularly emphasises that no one with an ounce of intelligence would ever buy a supercar, and generally comes down on the very sensible and practical options of a VW Golf for a smaller car and a Range Rover for the more lavish end of the market. As always (and as Clarkson detractors seem incapable of spotting), there is a stream of self-deprecation, admitting his own failings (while admittedly pointing out one or two others' problems as well).
So while I probably wouldn't recommend the book for anyone other than an ardent Clarkson fan because of the abundance of car reviews, it does remind me that his books of pure comment columns are well worth revisiting.
If I'm honest, the pure comment columns are better than the car reviews collected here. Clarkson is at his most excellent when allowed to flow unconstrained, without the limits of talking about a car. Admittedly even in a review he does manage usually to spend about half the word count talking about something else, but when we get to the actual vehicle, it all gets a bit samey, especially as the reader is faced with two years of reviews at a time.
Having said that, some of the non-car bits are definitely entertaining, and if you've only ever seen the TV programme, you'll be surprised how often he says positive things about ordinary cars. In fact, while accepting their appeal, he regularly emphasises that no one with an ounce of intelligence would ever buy a supercar, and generally comes down on the very sensible and practical options of a VW Golf for a smaller car and a Range Rover for the more lavish end of the market. As always (and as Clarkson detractors seem incapable of spotting), there is a stream of self-deprecation, admitting his own failings (while admittedly pointing out one or two others' problems as well).
So while I probably wouldn't recommend the book for anyone other than an ardent Clarkson fan because of the abundance of car reviews, it does remind me that his books of pure comment columns are well worth revisiting.
October 22, 2015
This is a 3.5 star read, but don't feel I want to mark it up to 4 start for several reasons.
1. To much Piers Morgan bashing. It got very old very quickly and wasn't even vaguely funny.
2. Much less humour than in previous books. Is Clarkson losing his punch? (And yes, the pun WAS intended).
3. Last quarter of the book was as dull as dishwater.
Only recommended for a rabid Jeremy Clarkson fan.
1. To much Piers Morgan bashing. It got very old very quickly and wasn't even vaguely funny.
2. Much less humour than in previous books. Is Clarkson losing his punch? (And yes, the pun WAS intended).
3. Last quarter of the book was as dull as dishwater.
Only recommended for a rabid Jeremy Clarkson fan.
November 6, 2016
Not the best I've read but if I wanted more car reviews I would watch Top Gear. Thank You.
July 28, 2025
At first, What Could Possibly Go Wrong..., feels like a light and easy read. It’s a collection of Jeremy Clarkson’s old newspaper columns, written over a decade ago, mostly about cars that were new at the time. As expected, the writing is filled with his trademark humor. He makes ridiculous comparisons and points out absurd details in a very funny way.
That said, it ended up taking me about a year to finish. I started reading it at home and got through the first ten columns quickly, but then I lost interest. Eventually, I started picking it up again during breaks at my part-time job on the weekends, reading four or five columns at a time. Even then, it wasn’t something I did every weekend.
I have to admit, the book is funny, but reading too much of it in one sitting gets repetitive and a bit boring. It works best in small chunks. If you’re a big Clarkson fan, enjoyed Top Gear back in the day, and want something short and entertaining to read during a commute or a lunch break, this book might be something for you.
That said, it ended up taking me about a year to finish. I started reading it at home and got through the first ten columns quickly, but then I lost interest. Eventually, I started picking it up again during breaks at my part-time job on the weekends, reading four or five columns at a time. Even then, it wasn’t something I did every weekend.
I have to admit, the book is funny, but reading too much of it in one sitting gets repetitive and a bit boring. It works best in small chunks. If you’re a big Clarkson fan, enjoyed Top Gear back in the day, and want something short and entertaining to read during a commute or a lunch break, this book might be something for you.
March 27, 2017
A collection of Clarkson's most humorous reviews for the Sunday Times, what more is there to say? His British wit and charm bring about a sensible chuckle or two, a perfect stop-and-start read for those reading on the go.
November 14, 2015
It was a very good book. I absolutely liked the fact that it was mostly about cars and my favorite former Top Gear worker wrote it.It was very good from a man who is not a writer. He was extremely descriptive and made it very easy to picture what was happening. This was a fabulous book and I wish to read more of his books.
October 12, 2023
It's Jeremy Clarkson. If you love him, you'll love it. If you don't... then read something else.
June 27, 2018
FINALLY finished it. WHAT were the publishers thinking by not adding any pictures??? that being said, clarkson is a genuinely underrated writer. never seen so many new and wickedly enjoyable expressions in one place before.
October 19, 2019
I like the style of writing, but as with any collection of articles (or short stories for that matter) it feels like something that you would be better off dipping in and out of rather than reading from beginning to end.
June 7, 2017
Typical Jeremy irreverence for everything!
April 8, 2020
Was a pleasurable read and contained some interesting stories and car comparisons.
January 13, 2023
Reading it with his voice in mind makes for a perfect and quick read
August 23, 2019
Highly entertaining, as Clarkson usually is. Here may be found Range Rover love, constant whining about stiff suspension settings in road cars, and insults about the Porsche 911, cyclists and Richard Hammond.
November 22, 2015
The title of Jeremy Clarkson’s latest collection of newspaper columns seems a little clairvoyant now looking back at how 2015 has unfolded for him. Initially, nothing could possibly go wrong, then everything did and now everything is (almost) good again. (I say almost because as a devotee of Clarkson/Hammond/May and their time on Top Gear, I need a new series on the TV). This book came into my life not long after I saw the trio do their fantastic live show (it’s better than Robbie Williams, I’m calling it) when I was laid up on the couch. I’ve been reading it on and off ever since. It’s a great book to read in short bursts given that each ‘chapter’ is a column. You can also read it in big chunks (although if you’re like me, you read it to yourself in Clarkson’s voice which takes a while).
Despite the title, this collection is actually about cars. Well, sort of. It’s not the world according to Clarkson columns, but the ones in the motoring section. So there is at least a mention of a car, but you’ll also get Jeremy’s thoughts on a range of topics (think comparison of large tomatoes to Hammond’s head, the lack of a right click on Macs and plastic packaging). If you’re a car purist and you love shows like Fifth Gear and think that Top Gear is silly, you will hate this book. If you only watch Top Gear to see things explode and couldn’t care less about the cars, you will attempt to detonate this book. If you like your car knowledge humorous with a side serving of random thoughts, you will laugh yourself silly at this book. It’s hilarious.
I also liked that Clarkson and I appeared to share the same opinions on things for a paragraph or two (example: why manual transmissions are way better than automatics). Then he blew the whole thing out of the water and the section I was going to highlight and bookmark as evidence that Jeremy Clarkson thinks I AM CORRECT turned out to be completely wrong as he explained why in fact automatic transmission is better. (I still say that the tenth of a second delay does not make any difference to that Hyundai Excel you need to get in front of before you implode).
Clarkson also doesn’t just review the Audis, Mercedes, Aston Martins and Lamborghinis. There’s a nice mix of cars the everyday person could afford (but may not want to, hello to the Nissan Juke). If you’re a VW Golf fan, there’s also plenty of love. If you’re a Japanese car fan, there’s a little less to tempt you, but I think the Nissan GT-R review will put a smile on your face. As an Aussie, we tend to have a lot more Toyotas and Nissans (in addition to Fords and Holdens – remember it’s Batttthurst, NOT Barrrrrrthurst) than Citroens and Peugeots. I would have liked a few more reviews of Japanese cars (and Jeremy, my Toyota Corolla was the best car I’ve ever had. It’s still kicking at 15 years old and can drag anything off – now that’s a hot hatch and built in Australia), but hey, I don’t think I’m the intended audience. This is a great book for dads, sons and grandads to analyse reviews and compare performances, all while getting a good laugh.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
Despite the title, this collection is actually about cars. Well, sort of. It’s not the world according to Clarkson columns, but the ones in the motoring section. So there is at least a mention of a car, but you’ll also get Jeremy’s thoughts on a range of topics (think comparison of large tomatoes to Hammond’s head, the lack of a right click on Macs and plastic packaging). If you’re a car purist and you love shows like Fifth Gear and think that Top Gear is silly, you will hate this book. If you only watch Top Gear to see things explode and couldn’t care less about the cars, you will attempt to detonate this book. If you like your car knowledge humorous with a side serving of random thoughts, you will laugh yourself silly at this book. It’s hilarious.
I also liked that Clarkson and I appeared to share the same opinions on things for a paragraph or two (example: why manual transmissions are way better than automatics). Then he blew the whole thing out of the water and the section I was going to highlight and bookmark as evidence that Jeremy Clarkson thinks I AM CORRECT turned out to be completely wrong as he explained why in fact automatic transmission is better. (I still say that the tenth of a second delay does not make any difference to that Hyundai Excel you need to get in front of before you implode).
Clarkson also doesn’t just review the Audis, Mercedes, Aston Martins and Lamborghinis. There’s a nice mix of cars the everyday person could afford (but may not want to, hello to the Nissan Juke). If you’re a VW Golf fan, there’s also plenty of love. If you’re a Japanese car fan, there’s a little less to tempt you, but I think the Nissan GT-R review will put a smile on your face. As an Aussie, we tend to have a lot more Toyotas and Nissans (in addition to Fords and Holdens – remember it’s Batttthurst, NOT Barrrrrrthurst) than Citroens and Peugeots. I would have liked a few more reviews of Japanese cars (and Jeremy, my Toyota Corolla was the best car I’ve ever had. It’s still kicking at 15 years old and can drag anything off – now that’s a hot hatch and built in Australia), but hey, I don’t think I’m the intended audience. This is a great book for dads, sons and grandads to analyse reviews and compare performances, all while getting a good laugh.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
March 3, 2017
The good old orangutan, you either love him or hate him. I really liked this booked, I recommend reading "The Top Gear years" if you're going to read only one!
March 9, 2016
After the nihilistic, navel-gazing tedium that was
Is It Really Too Much To Ask?
I was relieved to find Jeremy Clarkson back on form here. In fact, this is one of his best 'car' column collections yet, with some columns barely mentioning cars at all - whereas in the past around 40% of each column might have been dedicated to reviewing the car at hand in many of these columns it's even less than that.
Irreverent, iconoclastic and funny. As ever with these books is something that you can pick up and put down at short notice and smile in the meantime.
Irreverent, iconoclastic and funny. As ever with these books is something that you can pick up and put down at short notice and smile in the meantime.
March 6, 2015
I like Jeremy Clarkson. His onscreen persona is funny yet informative. As a writer, he has stories to tell in a way that makes you laugh but still take notice.
Some say he is an egotistical, self important windbag with his head up his own arse. I disagree. What we have here is a man with a good grasp of the English language, an spot on sense of satire, a genuine affinity for carsa d an ability to hold people's attention whir just talking about stuff before hitting his point.
Most of the articles reprinted herewith have stuff all to do with the car being reviewed other than a couple of sentences near the end. The rest is like a Yorkie version of Billy Connolly, just talking about a day that in anyone else's life would be dead boring, not so here.
It's a bit long, but squeeze a few stories throughout your regular reading and it's a doddle.
Good stuff.
Some say he is an egotistical, self important windbag with his head up his own arse. I disagree. What we have here is a man with a good grasp of the English language, an spot on sense of satire, a genuine affinity for carsa d an ability to hold people's attention whir just talking about stuff before hitting his point.
Most of the articles reprinted herewith have stuff all to do with the car being reviewed other than a couple of sentences near the end. The rest is like a Yorkie version of Billy Connolly, just talking about a day that in anyone else's life would be dead boring, not so here.
It's a bit long, but squeeze a few stories throughout your regular reading and it's a doddle.
Good stuff.
February 28, 2016
This book reminds me how Clarkson turned a motoring show into a global phenomenon. He reviews cars in an emotional way everyone can understand (even if they then don't agree). Technical excellence is admired but is probably easier to achieve than charismatic appeal that will draw more people to a vehicle.
July 5, 2016
Contains all short 2 to 3 page car reviews. Most of the reviews start off with Clarkson musing about something unrelated to the car being reviewed and then ends with his review.
A lot of the vehicles reviewed are not sold in North America so that is an interesting bonus.
Definatly a volume for Top Gear viewers
A lot of the vehicles reviewed are not sold in North America so that is an interesting bonus.
Definatly a volume for Top Gear viewers
December 9, 2016
Unfortunately this was probably the worst of the Clarkson books that I've read. I generally enjoy his writing and find him funny. However I only laughed two or three times throughout the book and even then it was only a little chuckle.
His random articles on the world are far more entertaining than the articles on car reviews.
His random articles on the world are far more entertaining than the articles on car reviews.
January 4, 2017
Jeremy is truly at his best when he's writing car reviews. Sure, he gets in a political jibe here and there, but mostly he's just trying to tell what he feels about a car using language that people can understand. And he does it like nobody else. Truly enjoyable.
December 3, 2015
It's car reviews and it's funny. What more could a gearstick want?
July 31, 2015
Typical Jeremy Clarkson Swag and silly Banter !!!!!
Entertaining read !!!
Entertaining read !!!
April 16, 2015
An large collection of car reviews written by Clarkson in The Times newspaper. Very funny and enjoyable to read.
March 11, 2015
I swear to god if Clarkson gets booted off Top Gear I will piss and moan like an impertinent jerk
August 11, 2015
Excelente para ler no verão
September 13, 2015
A really heavy reading this one. So many car reviews in a row. But if you skip and hop through those, this is mighty funny book. I like Clarkson's witty and sarcastic way of expressing things.
January 28, 2016
Clarkson always makes me laugh. I have read so many of these that I am starting to pick up on the British cultural cues and I think I'm developing an accent.
March 11, 2016
Well, you either love him or hate him. Though he does get a bit repetitious when you read him all collected like this.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews