While the Kadett was reliable, it was extremely small and low to the ground, making the deep sand and rough brushwood of Botswana a massive challenge.
The hosts were warned that if their car could not be fixed after a breakdown, they would have to complete the journey in their "least favorite car of all time"—a Volkswagen Beetle. While the backup car was not utilized by the main trio, it added a layer of fear that pushed the presenters to keep their broken-down vehicles running. Why these Botswana Cars Mattered
The presenters were given £1,500 to buy cars that were NOT designed for off-roading. 1963 Opel Kadett ("Oliver") : Driven by Richard Hammond. Performance top gear botswana cars
While Clarkson was dealing with electrical gremlins and May was struggling with comfort, Oliver just kept going. The little Opel became a character in its own right. It survived the salt pans, it survived the river crossing (after a lot of drying out), and it survived Hammond’s emotional attachment.
If you’re planning a real Botswana trip, take a – not a Lancia. While the Kadett was reliable, it was extremely
The Legend of the Kalahari: A Deep Dive into the Top Gear Botswana Cars
Yes, and famously so. After the show, Hammond bought Oliver from the BBC for an undisclosed sum (rumored to be £1,000). He had the car shipped back to the UK and underwent a full restoration. He occasionally brings it out for charity events and his own streaming show, Richard Hammond’s Workshop . Oliver sits in Hammond’s workshop in Herefordshire as a trophy of his greatest battle. Why these Botswana Cars Mattered The presenters were
Per the show's rules, if a presenter's car broke down beyond repair, they would be forced to drive the "backup" car—a Volkswagen Beetle
Top Gear’s Botswana special featured three cars chosen to tackle rough roads and remote terrain while delivering entertainment and challenge. Below are concise details, strengths, and practical notes for each vehicle as used on the episode.
Fans of the show often ask: Are these cars still alive?
The W123 faced its toughest test in the Okavango Delta. To prevent water from entering the engine intake during deep river crossings, May rigged a makeshift snorkel using a plastic pipe extending out of the hood. The Mercedes ploughed through the water like a submarine. Aside from a few minor glitches caused by the brutal heat, the 230E completed the journey with its luxury interior and dignity entirely intact. The Unsung Hero: The Volkswagen Beetle