Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure: Top Gear, Grand Tour and Twenty Years of Magic and Mayhem

by Andy Wilman

Lift the bonnet on 20 years of magic and mayhem on Top Gear and The Grand Tour - from the mysterious man behind the camera . . .


The perfect gift for fans of fast cars, big laughs and full-throttle TV adventures!

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Top Gear turned gloomy Sunday nights into celebratory Friday nights.

It made household names of presenters Clarkson, Hammond and May, their unique chemistry and buddy movie antics proving irresistible to a vast global audience. With these three at the helm, Top Gear earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the most popular factual TV show on the planet.

Then, a short while later, it was all gone.

How did a thoroughly sensible little consumer advice programme on cars turn into a global phenomenon in the first place, though? How did it all go wrong? And how did they rise from the ashes as The Grand Tour, and go on to scale even greater heights?

One man has all the answers.

There from the beginning, Top Gear and The Grand Tour co-creator, and Jeremy’s oldest friend, Andy Wilman, opens the bonnet on over twenty years of motoring mayhem. In Mr Wilman’s Motoring Adventure, the mysterious man in the shadows tells the inside story of your favourite TV shows for the first time.

Irreverent, joyful and as laugh-out-loud funny as the shows themselves, it’s the best book about Top Gear and The Grand Tour . . . in the world.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Autobiography, Humor, Comedy, Cars

395 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Colm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s difficult to articulate how much Top Gear meant to me growing up. Any peak behind the curtain would be a must-read for me.

However, Andy Wilman gives so much more than just a peak. The book sparkles with humour that had me in tears, intensity which meant I couldn’t put it down, and most importantly - a deeply human look at some of the more fraught moments without a hint of deflection.

I didn’t intend to read it in one sitting, but I couldn’t help myself.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has watched Top Gear and The Grand Tour for years, this book is everything I wanted! These shows have gotten me through some dark times, and reading behind the scenes has just made me love them even more.

[Mike Futcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

"… we really missed the simple days, and we knew there was no way we could ever get them back." (pg. 382)

While it lacks the comedic flair and writing skill of And on That Bombshell, the memoir of Top Gear scriptwriter Richard Porter, Mr Wilman's Motoring Adventure is a very welcome opportunity to revisit the unique magic of the Top Gear phenomenon. Author Andy Wilman was the executive producer from beginning to end and was a regular collaborator with Jeremy Clarkson going back to their schooldays (he still is, on the hit show Clarkson's Farm). After a brief exploration of his own childhood, which is useful context for explaining his motivations later on, Wilman focuses almost exclusively on the Top Gear years. He knows what readers are here for.

In one sense, the memoir is limited; there's little here that would be revelatory or even unexpected to an avid Top Gear fan, and Wilman is too genial and grateful for his good fortune to ever risk much contention or controversy. Even topics that should generate heat, like Hammond's crash(es), controversial Top Gear moments, Ben Collins' unmasking as The Stig, or the BBC's eventually successful attempts to wilfully slaughter their golden goose, are addressed in a diplomatic way. Wilman, unfortunately, is not a raconteur (though the book is capable enough and pleasant to read) and special moments such as relief over Hammond's survival(s) or witnessing spectacular vistas on foreign road trips, are delivered with a rather safe, platitudinous prose. The dough's there, but there's no heat to make it rise.

But this doesn't matter, because any disappointment that there's no particular inside-scoop or unique perspective from Wilman, despite his role as George Martin to the on-screen trio's Beatles, is immediately mitigated by this excuse we're presented with as fans to revisit those remarkable years. We can go back and revisit old DVDs, of course, and watch our favourite moments, but reading a retrospective like this book brings back to you just how much of an unlikely phenomenon it all was.

For those of us who grew up with it – I started watching Top Gear's first season as it aired in 2002, when I was 12 years old, and watched the final episode of The Grand Tour on its release date last year – the Top Gear experience was a truly special one. As Wilman rightly intuits, the organic development of the show helped us feel like the show belonged to us in some ways (pg. 235) and every Sunday evening that it was on TV generated a sort of community, a momentum that it was fun to be a passive partner in.

It was a genuine lightning-in-a-bottle TV show, and Wilman is right in likening it to a rock band (pg. 397). As much as people watching it today can admire the quality, they will never know how good it felt to see that lightning-in-a-bottle at every step since the first thunderclouds formed, and soak in every raindrop: every segment, every car, every quip and every controversy. Theirs was the best job in the world: being paid to fulfil every teenage boy's dream of going on adventures in exotic places, in fast cars, doing daft stunts and – most importantly of all – doing it with your mates. As Wilman again rightly says, "nobody would ever see the like of us again" (pg. 396).

One of the reasons I read a lot of books is in the hope of coming across and experiencing some genuinely thrilling and meaningful artistic and creative expressions – and thereby some sense of being happy at just being alive. I can pick up Andy Wilman's book for a similar reason; that of reliving, somewhat nostalgically, that same happy sensation of being alive as it was delivered reliably to me, between the ages of 12 and 25, at 8pm on Sunday evenings on BBC Two.

[Stef Stefanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy Wilman’s Motoring Adventure is an absolute gem. It is a beautifully told, heartfelt, and hilarious behind-the-scenes journey through the epic world of Top Gear. It made me laugh out loud and cry in equal measure. Every page radiates Andy’s unmistakable voice: wickedly funny, brilliantly self-deprecating, and full of that rare humility of someone who has no idea just how much brilliance he’s brought into the world. His gratitude to the fans and the people who shared the journey is woven through every line. His humanity and kindness shine through every story. It’s an honest, tender, and deeply human love letter to one of the most extraordinary chapters in television history.

[Eneko Polo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una de mis lecturas favoritas del año. El libro es un compendio de anécdotas y momentos “entre bambalinas” que encantará a cualquier fan del mítico trío. El humor es fantástico y muy en la línea de lo que transmitían en TV. Lo mejor es poder ver la química y, sobre todo, la espontaneidad real que siempre los ha caracterizado.

El libro está estructurado de forma cronológica y muy clara, lo que hace que la lectura fluya casi como si estuvieras viendo los episodios en tu cabeza. Página tras página, descubrí un montón de detalles nuevos sobre cómo muchas de las situaciones icónicas surgieron realmente de manera improvisada. Eso sí, es un libro pensado para fans.

En resumen: divertido, cercano y lleno de sorpresas que amplían y celebran lo que ya queríamos del trío. Una lectura imprescindible.

[Joe Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who grew up with the infamous 2002 reformat of ‘Top Gear’ as the Sunday night backing track to our childhoods, this book is an utter joy to read, a very nostalgic look back at one of television’s most iconic and creative programs from the man who was there from the beginning. Will expand on this when I have time.

[Chelsea Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved listening to behind the scenes info of episodes i loved growing up.

[Stefan Nordin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 IF you are a fan. Ut then again I can’t imagine anyone not a fan of the shows picking this up.

[Aaron Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgic

[Larry O'brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worked my way through the last few pages with tears in my eyes. Fabulous memories. If you were ever a fan of this show, then you really should read this book.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a satisfying postscript to Top Gear / Grand Tour as it existed for over twenty years. However, it is not for newcomers. Andy Wilman assumes that his readers know (and have watched) Jeremy, Richard and James drive, test, build, destroy and prank one another. If you don’t understand me, stop now and look elsewhere for your next read.

If you are still with me let me tell you what this book is not. It is not controversial. It does not attack the BBC for their demise. It does not blame Jeremy (except with humor). It does not describe episodes in detail. It is not a practical history of the programs or their development.

So what is it? The book is Andy Wilman’s memories (roughly chronological) of personalities and places. He describes the inspiration and creative process that guided the programming. He discusses successful projects and failures. He does describe some events in detail (the escape from Argentina) and totally ignores many others.

I listed to the audio book, narrated by Andy himself. He does a nice job. I enjoyed this for what it is, an episodic memoir that fills some of the gaps in the video record.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single second of this book! It is scrumptious. Not only was I a huge fan of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, I also love the four creative minds behind those programs. Mr. Wilman provides an incredibly well-written and thoughtful bird's-eye view of what was happening behind the scenes, how the magic was conjured, and the realities of putting on a first-class motoring show for the entire world. The writing is absolutely superb. Nearly flawless in its delivery, it flows with the everyman feel of the TV shows, but offers blinding clarity into what was a global phenomenon. I cannot tell you how much Mr. Wilman's writing added to the pleasure of reading! One forgets from time to time what a great joy it is to read someone who crafts phrases and sentences for the reader's enjoyment. I felt, at the end, as if Mr. Wilman wrote this just for me. It is insightful, thoughtful, reflective, and a true testament to the four-way creative relationship between Wilman, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond. If you ever even caught an episode of one of the shows, buy this book and treat yourself. You will devour it and praise it to the heavens.

[Phil Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look behind the scenes of how Wilman and Clarkson took on and reinvented Top Gear, then as things fell out with BBC the creation of Grand Tour for Amazon.

There is a bit of biography- but just enough to provide context. Not that Andy’s own story isn’t interesting, it’s the dynamic between Andy, Clarkson, May and Hammond and getting some glimpses of them not as just presenters but as people that is fascinating.

We see how much of the mucking about is pre planned, what is purely by chance and spur of the moment, and the hoops that need to jumped through to achieve something that looks so effortless.

If you’re a Top Gear or Grand Tour fan - this is mandatory reading. But even if you think Clarkson & co are a bunch of chancers - there are great insights into the effort involved in making a TV show and worthy of reading.

[Josh Cope · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book promises a storyteller’s perspective but never really delivers one. Despite frequent reminders that storytelling is the author’s greatest strength, it lacks any narrative.

The repeated fallback to “as you would’ve seen in the show” is especially frustrating. Instead of adding depth or offering behind-the-scenes insight, the book simply gestures back to the programme, providing little that feels new or worthwhile. Fans gain nothing extra, and newcomers are left without proper context.

Overall, the book is thin, repetitive, and strangely hollow. There’s little in the way of substance or reflection, and it never commits to being a memoir, an exposé, or even a meaningful peek behind the curtain.

[David Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well, finally we get all the stories for the past 22 years of both Top Gear and The Grand Tour directly from the man who, alongside the inimitable Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond - among others, filled out Friday/ Sunday evenings with the most fantastic cars, adventures, humour and overall camaraderie.

There is so much detail here in just how, from extremely humble beginnings, the monsters which we knew and loved at TG and GT were born, warts, arguments and disasters all covered in this wonderfully written read.

From picking up and reading the first page, it just wasn't possible to put back down.....

Anyone who has had 'any' influences from the fantastic four MUST read this book and find themselves regressing back to those heady days of the shows...

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Wilman’s Motoring Adventure is a nostalgic and genuinely funny memoir. Although I came to Top Gear fairly late, that didn’t stop me from enjoying this immensely.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Andy Wilman himself, and his delivery perfectly captures the humour, chaos, and irreverent spirit that defined the show. You already know the when and the what—this book focuses on the why and the how. It’s fascinating to hear how Top Gear became such a cultural phenomenon, often succeeding in spite of its own setbacks and near-misses.

The narrative jumps around at times, but it’s an easy, entertaining listen that reliably raises a smile—and more often than not, a laugh.

[MR PCK BEUKERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and funny

A great insight from an angle not previously been available to us fans who watched the shows first series with the kids very Sunday night through to your collective journeys end. It was a very sad day for me personally because of all the collective laughter you brought to my family over the years. We all looked forward to the show on Sunday night and I could look across at my family from the youngest girl of 7 to our son of 16 and my wife all laughing at your idiocy for what it was and nothing more.
I find it just as fascinating hearing the stories behind the shows and this book have a great account from the beginning.
Thank you.

[Peter Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apart from sounding, at to me, remarkably like James May in voice tone and delivery - this was a book I couldn’t put down. It moves along, shares both insights and details that show the overnight success that was Top Gear took a serious amount of work, luck and invention to get to that success. I found it fascinating not just on how the history of the show unfolded, and came together but also how the TV world works and was struck that a meeting a school at Repton led to a programme that eventually had a viewing audience of 350 million eyes every week. For those who felt they grew up on Top Gear it was a viewing staple and I think anyone would enjoy it not just Top Gear fans.

[Khurley424 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top Gear and The Grand Tour were a positively enormous part of my life growing up. If the same is true for you, this book is an absolute, unquestionable must-read. I won't go into specifics, but Andy Wilman does talk in this book about how the One For The Road special came to be made, and how it served as a perfect capstone for the trio's series. I disagree- One For The Road was sublime, but if that was the last stone on the top of the pyramid, Mr. Wilman's Motoring Adventure is the gold leaf that completes it.

[Ben-Roy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read, or in my case listen for any fans of Top Gear and The Grand Tour. It’s that final chapter of closer after we all held back tears with last years special.

That, and for anyone who’s into TV and all the production around it, well this book is also a brilliant dive into the process, and how thing evolved over the years.

Mr Wilman knew how to make a car show, turns out he can write a pretty decent book also. He’s also fun to listen to, as he reads the audiobook.

Thanks you, Mr Wilman, Clarkson, Hammond & May for the decades of entertainment.

[Yevhen Chernenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Mr. Wilman, for this book. Thank you for sharing all those stories and shedding some warm light on both shows — nay, epics — that you and the trio (and the whole dysfunctional family) produced. TG was a huge part of my teen years, not only providing entertainment and much-needed escapism, but also sparking a love for car culture and motorsport that is still burning in me today, hotter than ever. Both TG and GT are rare treasures of our species’ cultural evolution, and other creators have yet to top the bar you set.

So yeah — just an honest thank you for all of that.

[David Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and immediately goes into my top ten for 2025.

The feeling, heart and behind the scenes looks we get from Mr Wilman are wonderful and help piece together what made Top Gear and The Grand Tour so loveable.

Just four good mates cocking about and falling over. If you're looking for tabloid level dirt here particularly about how Top Gear ended for this quartet, you won't find it here.

This is the motoring show memoir of someone who loved what he did and the people he did it with, and as such was an absolute pleasure to read.

[Robbie Tyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book this. However it’s got a limited audience, if you’re not into Top Gear or the Grand Tour don’t bother as you won’t understand it. But it’s really only for readers who like these shows therefor will always have a limited audience.
Some great behind the scenes tails of beginnings to the end of both programs, particular time spent (expected) on the Argentina incident which is always worth a read.
Good one for someone’s Christmas this book.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written memoir.

It does provide a little bit of an insight into the television industry in general, but overwhelmingly this is a story about Top Gear, the Grand Tour and it's presenters.

If you're a fan of those then this is a very easy recommendation, there is nothing that will let you down about it.

If you're not then it's probably not worth it.

It doesn't have enough in it about any broader topic to make it a worthwhile general read - but is absolutely perfect for the fans.

[Mārcis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember the times of waiting for evenings of Top Gear. Watching an episode in the evening and then watching the same episode again the next morning on a rewatch.
Top Gear was never just a car show; it was something more. I literally grew up watching these three idiots, starting with translated versions in Latvian, and now rewatching episodes and specials I’ve seen hundreds of times. Mr. Willman showed a little bit more behind the curtain with this book and as a fan, you will love every page.

I love what this show was, and you can’t replace it.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

a brilliant, funny look at the rise and fall of a broadcasting phenomenon and then the sort of rebirth on streaming. all the background on the highs and lows that you know about and some you don't right up to when they knew it was time to call it a day. poignant, funny, and seemingly very honest, a must for any fan of the shows or just the making of TV shows in general.

[Spenser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only complaint i have is that i wish it was longer. Wilman reminds me of the countless hours i spent uncontrollably laughing at the antics of Jeremy, Richard, and James. Top Gear and Grand Tour changed the definition of great television forever. I am forever grateful to Wilman and his trio for that.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave it 5 stars but really it needs 10 stars.

I have just finished and audiobook copy read the author himself and I was devastated when it finished much like the aforementioned programmes.

If you love Top Gear (the BBC must as the trio and Mr Wilman still command a prime time slot on a Sunday on BBC2) and the Grand Tour then this MUST be on your list to read.

[Michiel Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echt een heel leuk boekje voor de liefhebbers van Top Gear / Grand Tour. Veel achtergrond, en wat fijn is: Wat je kan zien in de shows wordt niet uitgebreid verteld, Milman vertelt veel meer over wat je juist niet zag, en wat er omheen gebeurde.
De laatste 10 minuten van het luisterboek (door hemzelf voorgelezen) vond ik persoonlijk ondraaglijk sentimenteel maar de rest was top.

[Ryan Handley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this because of the topic, less so the book or the writing. I’ll take anything I can get from anyone involved in these shows for as long as I breathe I imagine!

The writing felt like a man who was writing his first book, which I believe it is. I found Richard Porters similar book on the topic to be slightly better written and funnier.