Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: 96740 Dec 26 2010, 11:25 PM

Did you see the preview of next weeks Top Gear America? I saw a few shots of 914's. Tune in. Tonight's episode was quite good. Better than the previous ones. It's getting better.

Posted by: Britain Smith Dec 27 2010, 01:13 AM

Yea, it actually looked like they were driving a white one with 916 front bumper. There also appeared to be an orange one on there as well.

-Britain

Posted by: johannes Dec 27 2010, 04:40 AM

WOOHOOO !!! Could this be a remake of the Less than 1500£ Porsche Challenge ?



Can't wait to watch this episode

By the way I watched the two first episodes of TG UK and they are great ! ...

Posted by: jt914-6 Dec 27 2010, 09:09 AM

Got the date & time for TG next week with 914's????

Posted by: bcheney Dec 27 2010, 11:34 AM

Can anyone tell me what episode will show the 914's? This show comes up on the ON DEMAND category with my Brighthouse Cable here in Orlando. The episodes are just numbered. Thanks,

Posted by: RFoulds Dec 27 2010, 12:43 PM

The next episode will be Episode 7. They have 6 in the can, so I surmise, next up is 7.

Episodes debut Sundays, at 10pm on History Channel.
They don't have a seperate website, prefering to rely on FAcebook and Twitter. (bad decision) so for now, "Official Site" is http://www.history.com/shows/top-gear

Show still sucks. Tanner is unlikable, and not as knowledgable as he likes to think. Fat guy is just an idiot, with awful, awful comedic timing, and the "actor/comic" is about the only one who can speak on camera without coming off as a moron.

Events are really cheap versions of the extremely well produced events of the BBC version.

Posted by: dw914er Dec 27 2010, 01:39 PM

I wanna see. I agree with the show though; Cast just doesn't cut it for me. The camera production isn't great as well.. saw too much of wide angle lenses which made the cast look uber distorted

Posted by: RFoulds Dec 27 2010, 02:03 PM

Of course, when a show sucks this bad, someone else needs to decide they can do it better. Enter Adam Carrola who, most believe, should have been the guy to host TG America. (a conflict with taping of a dead-before-it-even-aired NBC Sitcom kept him off the show)

http://jalopnik.com/5713073/adam-carollas-best-damn-car-show-to-take-on-top-gear-usa

Posted by: hydroliftin Dec 27 2010, 02:25 PM

I believe Adam Carolla wanted to do the show. He's available now. Why not can these guys and start fresh. Kind of like when they got a Darin on Bewitched.

Posted by: RFoulds Dec 27 2010, 04:18 PM

Well then, the hosts would have to have some type of untimely accident, as befell Dick York, the original Darrin.

Actually, the original BBC version of Top Gear has gone through its own host changes.

Posted by: sfrenck Dec 27 2010, 08:10 PM

Just watched yesterday's episode on DVR with my son. The preview from next week almost looked like the three of them were used car salesman trying to sell a 914 and other cars (most profit wins, maybe?).

Posted by: 96740 Dec 28 2010, 06:16 PM

I actually like Tanner the most out of the three. I went to the filming one day and the first thing I noticed was how scripted they were and you can tell in the end product.

Posted by: RobW Dec 28 2010, 08:51 PM

I've enjoyed most of the US TGs mainly because I've only seen one clip of the UK version which is hilarious (Reliant Robin)...

Posted by: pete000 Dec 28 2010, 09:28 PM

I have to agree the USA version is weak in comparrison to the UK edition. I dont theink the hosts are very entertaining at all.

I hope they dont bag on the 914 Sunday !

Posted by: sww914 Dec 28 2010, 09:36 PM

I think that the BBC version is the best show on TV, ever.
That's hard to match but they didn't even try. It's like pinks, just kind of stupid with as many recaps as Mythbusters. They film like 5 minutes and just stretch it out. I'm tired of almost everything that's popular in America. It feels like they're just jamming crap down my throat, like front wheel drive. It's crap but it's cheaper so they tell me it's better. It isn't.

Posted by: johannes Dec 29 2010, 06:55 AM

Of course they will. The car is ugly and underpowered ...

Posted by: dflesburg Dec 29 2010, 07:34 AM

Plus as I said before, if some fool let me drive thier lambo I am pretty positive I could go faster than 173... like those left coast woosies....

Posted by: bembry Dec 29 2010, 10:47 AM

I dig Top Gear (orig UK version).

US version sucks, and they really lost me trashing out 3 decent cars like assholes. At least the things killed on the UK version are usually heaps to begin with.

(I'm talking about the 70-ish Olds Cutlass, the new looking Fiero, and well. .. even the Roadmaster wagon)

The hosts really try too hard to be funny--and aren't.

Posted by: dw914er Dec 29 2010, 01:46 PM

it's not ugly

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Dec 29 2010, 02:05 PM

Maybe, but Tanner is the only actual "driver" on the show. What style of racing did he become famous in? It's not drag racing.

Posted by: turboman808 Dec 29 2010, 02:37 PM

Hey I have know Matt Farrah for years now. He was one of the employees at Gotham Dream Car before he did his internet show. I hope the show gets picked up and he gets to work with Adam Corrolla


By the way would someone post a link to the trail. I cannot find it.

Posted by: silver74insocal Dec 29 2010, 04:12 PM

10 bucks says they treat the teener like a red headed step child....

Posted by: campbellcj Dec 29 2010, 06:49 PM

The Australia version has changed cast members several times too, in only a couple years.

Tanner is a superb driver but that alone does not qualify one for a TV show.

I watch it similarly to the BBC version - usually on my PC and I jump to just the segments of some interest.

Posted by: 96740 Dec 29 2010, 07:25 PM

The US version is written by the same guy who does the UK show so I know that's not where they need to tweak.

I hope they don't bag on the teener. If they do I'll go U.N. on them and condemn them in a strongly worded letter.

Posted by: paroxysm Dec 30 2010, 06:08 PM

Don't worry its just a piano durability test to show the benifits of the targa roof compared to a Morris Marina's fixed roof.

Posted by: jcd914 Dec 30 2010, 06:20 PM

Actually I think that is exactly where they need to tweak. I have only watched about half of 1 show and a couple clips of others and they are just redoing the UK shows. Same challenges, same jokes, same set, etc ...
I really enjoy the UK version and can't sit thru the US version because they are just doing it a UK show over again, just not as well.

They need to do their own show and fit it to the talent they have.

Just my thoughts
Jim

Posted by: treborzerimar Dec 30 2010, 06:30 PM

All three hosts suck, in my opinion... and I'm a television junckie.

.... I thought that "Ezra Dyer" guy from the magazine would be a host. His articles suggest that he has an interesting passion for cars.

My barber had never seen the British version. He THOUGHT the American version was awesome... until he saw a copy of the British show. No comparison.

In all fairness, it was a near impossible act to follow.

Posted by: scotty Dec 30 2010, 09:44 PM

Send the Americans to Bethlehem via Iraq and see how they do.

...couldn't they have come up with a different name for the American "Stig?" "Al" or "Mario" maybe?

Posted by: realred914 Dec 31 2010, 10:46 AM

I like top gear, but i dont have cable, wont pay for the cable cuase i only want about three channels, and not have to pay for all the other 'crap" they offer in their stinking package deals. cable is such a racket, but top gear is cool.

Posted by: campbellcj Dec 31 2010, 11:00 AM

Here is your answer - for Top Gear & Fifth Gear at least:

http://www.finalgear.com/shows/topgear/

Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 31 2010, 05:09 PM

Clarkson really is great. He is funny and smart. "Baboon with itching powder"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjzpx_jUUA0

Posted by: RFoulds Jan 1 2011, 11:48 AM

Why, oh why, couldn't Top Gear USA have at least tried to find an Automotive Journalist? There are MANY writers who could have done the job THAT is why Clarkson is so good. He was a great Automotive Writer for years.

Any past editor or contributer to CAr and Driver ould be a better choice than the current trio.

Posted by: Rockaria Jan 1 2011, 12:31 PM

Possible top gear US 914 spolier.

I found this link that may pertain to why we see 914s in the Top Gear US Promo:

http://jalopnik.com/5653827/how-i-made-sure-top-gear-usa-wouldnt-suck

Sorry if this is a repost...

Posted by: RobW Jan 1 2011, 01:05 PM

If they bag on the 914, I'll stop DVRing it, and only watch TG UK.

Posted by: PeeGreen 914 Jan 1 2011, 01:08 PM

Oh Rob, you know Clarkson would rag on the 914 if he could.

Posted by: Brent Jan 1 2011, 01:12 PM

Looks like more sophomoric antics a coming our way. At least in other episodes, they always point out the redeeming factors in their test cars.

Posted by: bandjoey Jan 1 2011, 10:07 PM

OK. Help. I clicked on and opened from the above link Final Gear to see the lists of Top Gear episodes. It required a Torrent player??. I clicked on their 'find a player' and it redirected me to Microsoft's site. I clicked on. Their link and downloaded Free Torrent Player. T h e n, I opened the downloaded Top Gear file with the player, and nothing happened.

Please someone with knowhow...post a thread on how to download the Top Gear episodes from this thread.
and how to use torrent? Many Thanks

Posted by: johannes Jan 2 2011, 03:59 AM

Forget Microsoft
Download VUZE. Its a Torrent app + player.
When you download a torrent for a movie file you actually NOT get the movie/show but only a file that gives your torrent app information on how to get the movie.
When you open the torrent file (you downloaded from Finalgear) in the torrent app, It will start to download the movie from all the computers and torrent users that have the movie on their hard drive and have the torrent app running. This can take from one hour to many days, depending on how many people are sharing the movie. Once the movie is downloaded on your hard drive, any movie player will do it. You can burn it on DVD, play it on your TV ...

Step one : download and Install VUZE ( Chose "custom installation" and check to avoid installation of the "VUZE toolbar" and other crap )
Step two : Go to Finalgear dot com and download the torrent file from the show you want to watch
Step three : Open the torrent file in VUZE (double click on the torrent file should open VUZE and lauch the download of the actual movie/show)
Step four : Wait until the the show is fully downloaded. Less than an hour for a recent show... a few hours for older shows. VUZE gives you all the information about how many people share the file, time remaining ...)
Step Five : Once download completed, enjoy the show. You can open the movie in VUZE and use the player embeded in VUZE or open it with any player. The show is in "my documents / vuze downloads"

Posted by: flipb Jan 2 2011, 09:32 PM

Ugly front end piece. Looked like a Weber (single) carb. Paging Dr. Evil, help Tanner get that tranny right by the end of this episode...

Another tip to Tanner... bring that car to the East Coast and it would instantly be worth $4K. But good luck in CA, land of 914s...

EDIT: That's a '74 and it was white when he bought it... Anybody check if it's a Creamsicle?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 2 2011, 09:47 PM

I didnt even get a damn call Could have increased the value exponentially.

Posted by: stepuptotheMike Jan 2 2011, 09:48 PM

so he spent money to paint the thing.... but didn't spend the minimal $ to fix the shift linkage so it would have 1st and rev??

at least he didn't paint it some dumb ass color like the other clowns. I thought he was pretty complimentary of the car actually.

Mike

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 2 2011, 09:52 PM

Ya, not like there are several Porsche shops in that part of CA that could have EASILY un-fucked that shifting problem. Maybe he doesnt know where R is?

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 2 2011, 09:54 PM

Oh ya, Mike, very good deduction that it is likely the shift linkage, not an internal transmission problem. I can tell you attended one of my clinics (shameless plug)

Posted by: stepuptotheMike Jan 2 2011, 09:59 PM

it's the kick ass video....

but then reading that Jalopnik link above... the writer said that he got it into gear eventually.... but it wouldn't go anywhere.

but he got a new shift knob on it..... bet he was surprised that didn't fix it.

Mike

Posted by: Dr Evil Jan 2 2011, 10:00 PM

$1850, with no idea of how the hell hole is, I cant say if that was a good deal.

Posted by: silver74insocal Jan 2 2011, 10:05 PM

this show isnt about cars its about 3 dudes...2 of which have absolutely nothing to contribute..what an effing disappointment .

Posted by: URY914 Jan 2 2011, 10:06 PM

I think this tranny is fine, he just didn't know where 1st and reverse is. The tranny never was an issue when it was being test driven.

Posted by: rnellums Jan 2 2011, 10:16 PM

I couldn't agree more. I was excited to see the 914 on show, but was disappointed that he spent the money on strippers instead of the tranny. Cool color combo though!

Posted by: URY914 Jan 2 2011, 10:17 PM

BTW, I would have never watch if it wasn't for the 914. This was better than the last one I watched but still pales to TG UK.

Posted by: racerbvd Jan 2 2011, 10:29 PM

Brock Yates would rock!!!

Wonder if the guy who bought the 914 will fix it up, or try & flip it on eBay??

Why would the FF rattle can an OK paint paint job??

Posted by: poorsche914 Jan 2 2011, 10:36 PM

Any body else catch the "The 914 replaced the 356" line?

I agree with silver74insocal... "this show isnt about cars its about 3 dudes...2 of which have absolutely nothing to contribute."

Posted by: DanT Jan 2 2011, 10:57 PM

But Tanner did state that the 914 was one of the best handling sports cars of the 70s

Posted by: oldschool Jan 3 2011, 12:31 AM

Setting here now looking at the new USA top gear...914 very cool .

Posted by: village idiot Jan 3 2011, 12:34 AM

I have the distinct feeling he didn't have any idea where 1st or reverse was. I don't think it was the trans

Posted by: GeorgeRud Jan 3 2011, 12:34 AM

Unfortunately, even with the 914 coverage, this show sucks. Maybe it's the English accents, but Top Gear UK is great, but this US abortion should be put to rest before enthusiasts are all vomiting.

Now, let me tell you what I really think..............

Posted by: Beach914 Jan 3 2011, 01:19 AM

Just finished watching the episode.

Heard the comment about it replacing the 356....where did that come from?

I think that VI was right, he didn't know where 1st and R were on the pattern since it probably didn't have the original knob.

Foust should stick to his battles with Paul Tracy on Speed. He only knows the new muscle and supercars.

I thought Tim Allen would have gone faster. He looked PO'd.

Posted by: Beach914 Jan 3 2011, 01:22 AM

Oh and "Cars 911", the car lot, is here in Glendale. I wonder if we'll be seeing that car at local events.

Posted by: johannes Jan 3 2011, 01:57 AM

Downloaded ...

Was fun but way from TOP GEAR UK...

Posted by: flipb Jan 3 2011, 07:56 AM

It may have been the linkage, or it may have been an actual Tranny issue, but it wasn't ignorance of the shift pattern:

http://jalopnik.com/5653827/how-i-made-sure-top-gear-usa-wouldnt-suck

Side note: Was the author of the Jalopnik post one of the two 914 test drivers actually shown in the episode last night?

Posted by: RobW Jan 3 2011, 08:32 AM

I appreciate Tanner's enthusiasm to buy it in the first place. They didn't bag it, wreck it, or call it names... fine.

That said, it was the lamest episode I've seen so far. I forwarded through Tim Allen, and the Stig drove nothing.

The biggest lesson of used cars wasn't even highlighted... you make money on the buy side... buy anything right and you'll make money...

Posted by: URY914 Jan 3 2011, 08:37 AM

Tim Allen did suck. He has raced in PRO SCCA I believe. Not funny and slow.

Posted by: geniusanthony Jan 3 2011, 08:39 AM

I have never been in the car business personally but I agree with Rob's comment about making money on the buy side. Good example of this is trade-in values.
The guy with a members only jacket made his money on the buy side.
I bet a can of wax & grease remover takes all the black off the 1$ Lexus...

Posted by: C.Plavan Jan 3 2011, 09:25 AM

Whats even funnier, is that Tanner owns a 912!

Posted by: Zundfolge Jan 3 2011, 09:46 AM

Wow, there's a comment that could come back to bite one on the backside.

Posted by: C.Plavan Jan 3 2011, 09:53 AM

Posted by: rnellums Jan 3 2011, 10:17 AM

Yikes!

Posted by: turboman808 Jan 3 2011, 10:38 AM

Would have rather seen them drive a 914 then try and sell one. Rather a boring episode.

Posted by: Michael N Jan 3 2011, 10:40 AM

I wonder if that was the first test driver wearing the Flying Lizard Racing shirt. Maybe he was just a crew member that was thrown on camera for the sake of speeding up the filming.

Posted by: treborzerimar Jan 3 2011, 10:56 AM

After viewing that sad excuse for a "Top Gear" last night, I watched a few episodes of season 9 Top Gear (original) on Netflix. What a difference.

I won't say that the Brits KNOW more about the cars, but they certainly have better presence on-screen. Much more thought-provoking comments.

And the filming - worlds apart. Really makes me appreciate the old episodes. Glad they are all on Netflix "Instant-Watch".

Now if the U.S. version could showcase some grassroots cars (914, 240z, etc.) in an episode, we might have something special. Something timely and American.

Posted by: Lou W Jan 3 2011, 11:32 AM

Good point. I thought it was pretty corny.

Posted by: pete000 Jan 3 2011, 11:37 AM

I have watched most of the episodes and I just do not like this show. The UK version is entertaining, but the US version is just horrible.

The black Honda 85 Si was a really great car (I had several) and they should have done a head to head shoot out with it and the new CRZ !

I hope the show does not get renewed, or they dump the cast !

Posted by: RobW Jan 3 2011, 11:47 AM

I don't think the US TG is a total waste. The Moonshine Run, Drifting Competition, Lancer in the snow, and GM revival were entertaining enough... The race in the Keys wasn't bad either.

I think TG needs to decide if its a "mainstream"show (yawn), or a car show.. if its the later, lets see more cars and technical information..

Posted by: RobW Jan 3 2011, 11:48 AM

I mean, what's wrong with people smashing cars and acting stupid?

Posted by: flipb Jan 3 2011, 11:49 AM

I've seen all of the episodes and I think what it boils down to, for me, is this:

1. DRIVE THE CARS!
They spend a lot more time talking about cars, talking about other stuff, and doing goofy stunts... In the UK version, you get Clarkson (and sometimes Hammond) driving something new, tearing around the track, or a countryside road, and really reviewing the car with a lot of clever humor interwoven... which leads to #2:

2. Casting
I like Tanner. He's a great driver and a pretty intelligent guy. But none of the cast members combine the automotive knowledge, driving skill, and charismatic TV presence of any of the Top Gear UK cast members. I'd start by replacing Adam Ferrara with Adam Corolla, find somebody (maybe with deep technical/engineering smarts) to replace Rutledge.

Posted by: monkeyboy Jan 3 2011, 11:58 AM

It seems like Rutlege was just put there to fill the "odd guy" Captain Slow spot. Like he wouldn't quite fit in, but that would be his fit. Unfortunately, he isn't funny, isn't particularly graceful on screen, and seems to just be there to look stupid.

Posted by: RFoulds Jan 3 2011, 12:02 PM

First off lets get this staight. 356 replaced by 912, replaced by 914, replaced by 924.

Although this episode featured one of our favorite cars, this episode all on its own proved that this show is trying too hard to be entertainment and not about cars.

ANY ONE with car knowledge would not have painted it before sorting out the shift linkage, or the misfiring.

And the fat kid who says he "has flipped cars all his life," spray paints a Lexus? Come on, that was just embarrassingly stupid.

Some producer is forcing them to do this, because he thinks its similar to what the Brits do on their show, and we find that show more entertaining because of it.

WRONG on both counts, Mr Producer. Let the guys ACTUALLY do what they think would make the car sell. Let the humor happen out of the real situation and the characters involved. NOT manufactured by silliness like spray painting a Lexus.

Posted by: RFoulds Jan 3 2011, 12:15 PM

Oh. And the TG UK episode where they went to a car auction, was a specialty auction for special interest vehicles, with some very interesting choices, not run-into-the-ground family sedans.

Yet another bad choice from a know-nothing producer. "Gee, all car aucctions are the same, right?"

NOPE!!

This POS show is making even "Chasing Classic Cars" look good, and I used to bag on THAT show until this one came along.

I will say, Tanner at least acknowledges the 914 is a great handling car, so he must know something.

If you want to see how to REALLY flip a car for a good profit, watch "Wheeler Dealers." Mike doesn't always make a profit, but at least he always puts a hlaf way decent car back on the road in solid driver condition.

Posted by: turboman808 Jan 3 2011, 01:24 PM

Be nice if they got a properly setup 914GT on their track to see how it compares to the modern cars. Someone start a petition.

Posted by: Rod Jan 3 2011, 01:44 PM

Is the American Top gear really as bad as I have just read over the last few pages?? What a shame, it's an excellent 'Entertainment' program over here in the UK... Top Gear started off as a car show and in all honesty it isn't anymore - it's an entertainment show with cars thrown in.. It's still good over here as the presenters are just right, (although the lesser two newbies (Hammond and May) have set off on their own accord doing various other programs, some of which are really really good)) It is a really funny watch and I live about 20k from where it's filmed so sometimes see the cars about on the country roads round here..

Shame yours is so bad as it's a great show (I blame the shows producers for selling the idea anyway - we don't have a Jay Leno car show wannabe over here...)

EDIT - Oh and by the way as said before, if Clarkson had the opportunity to get his hands on a 914 he would slate it until the cows came home, he hates Porsches and the worst car (in all the presenters eyes) is the VW beetle, so the 914 would be burned at the stake!!

Posted by: oldschool Jan 3 2011, 04:02 PM

I went on the IMBD site ..and yes the producers are the people calling the shot's, So if they have no clue that's what you will see.

Real soon here I will be starting to shoot a show about a shop here in my area, and it will feature a 914 conversion.
So please be on a look out,I will PM some of you guys for your help. I hope to show some of the nice work that has been done here.
I'm doing the treatment now and will be shooting a pilot when it's done.

BTW I would like to talk with some of you guys that work on these cars for a living as well.

Posted by: johannes Jan 3 2011, 04:14 PM

Sounds great !!! ...

Posted by: brilliantrot Jan 3 2011, 05:01 PM

Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Posted by: oldschool Jan 3 2011, 06:02 PM

I may be calling you to do some driving....

Posted by: r_towle Jan 3 2011, 08:15 PM

Funny, I watched the program last night really late on mute while my wife slept.
I had the sub titles on.
It was actually funny if I read the jokes with a british accent.

I think they should add a brit as one of the hosts.

Rich

Posted by: brilliantrot Jan 3 2011, 08:20 PM

Possess heavy right foot, will travel.

Posted by: vwsamba Jan 3 2011, 10:22 PM

but at least with "chasing cars" his dumbfoolery is extremely funny because he is always trying to be so serious and this makes for great stories to tell friends. There is nothing so far on TG US i want to tell anyone about as when you try to be funny you are'nt. I really like paul tracey on "battle of the supercars" though and am surprised he was not chosen as his hard nose no BS style is entertaining and that should be the most important thing.

Posted by: KaptKaos Jan 3 2011, 10:43 PM

Um.... Rod. Just so you know, some of us (i.e. thousands) watch Top Gear on Sunday evenings just like you do. Thank God for the interwebs.

Many of us have been fans for years, witnessing James May's first episode (season 2 in this version of Top Gear), the launch of the black stig, the rise of the white stig, numerous references to Keira Knightly, traversing the English Channel (multiple attempts) and Hammond's rocket car fiasco. Who doesn't remember Oliver?

BTW: Jezza makes the show. His no-holds-barred approach and honesty make the show fun. If he doesn't like a car, he doesn't like it, so what? That doesn't mean everyone should think like he does. God forbid, we'd all be wearing triple denim enables on Clarkson Island.

Posted by: KaptKaos Jan 3 2011, 10:51 PM

Figured I should add this too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMuO-8S_0Wg

My embed-fu is weak.

Posted by: johannes Jan 4 2011, 02:12 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMuO-8S_0Wg




...

Posted by: dflesburg Jan 4 2011, 09:39 AM

So perhaps it wasn't the guys on the show that couldn't get the Lambo's to go much faster than my '03 cobra convertable... Maybe the boss (producer) wouldn't let them.

Why do they have to gay everything up and TV and make straight white guys look so stupid and lame?

Jackwagons!

Posted by: Richard Casto Jan 4 2011, 10:19 AM

Watched the show last night. I am glad they didn't rip on the 914 and Tanner gave it some Kudos. Its a shame they didn't try to address the 1st/Reverse shift issue. I got a kick out of watching them test drive it in traffic with the large trucks!

Richard

Posted by: SGB Jan 4 2011, 10:38 AM

OK.

You could be watching Dancing with Biggest Loser. C'mon, at least it occaisionally mentions cars. I'm going down with the ship probably.

The Clarkson Island bit is pretty funny. Brits got self-depreciation humor down. Americans are too hung up to laugh about ourselves.

As a straight white guy, I can verify that I usually look pretty stupid.

Posted by: RFoulds Jan 4 2011, 11:28 AM

Watched 3 Hours of real Top Gear last night. Even the lame episodes, like the homemade caravans episode last night, are funny in their own way.
Clever British humor. Hammond wakes up, shoos the sheep out of his caravan. Total of 30 seconds of camera time for the gag, and its funny aftermath.

The American version of this would have taken 5 minutes of camera time, as the host tells us what is happening, we see it over and over, then they tell us why it was funny, then after commercial break, they recap it for us in case we forgot how funny they are.

THAT is the biggest entertainment difference. And its how you fill time when you have a limited budget.

The CAR difference is even bigger. When given a chance to buy a cheap used car, the Brit version selects: 944 S2, 350Z, Capri, MGB, Austin, etc. interesting cars.
US version selects, old Lexus, Buick wagon, and a POS Pontiac.

In my past life as a TV executive, I was often asked to replicate a successful program on a fraction of the budget. If you make smart decisions, you can pull it off to a degree.
The US version is obviously a cheap, sttripped down version of the original. The budget for the entire season is probably less than one episode of the Real Thing. They would have been better off to use that small budget to create an entirely new concept, and do it well.

Posted by: oldschool Jan 4 2011, 11:49 AM

I was about to say you should be on the writing team. Now I know why
can I pick your brain

Posted by: RobW Jan 4 2011, 12:02 PM

People fall in love (TV wise) with people. Why else would my sweet kind loving wife watch American Choppers?

Posted by: RFoulds Jan 4 2011, 12:03 PM

Surely. PM me for e-mail.

Posted by: poorsche914 Jan 4 2011, 06:05 PM

That is why I hate watching TV nowadays. There are so many shows on History, Discover, etc that could easily be a 30 minute show but they stretch it out to an hour. The rehashing of information and repetition of clips gets annoying.

Posted by: dw914er Jan 5 2011, 01:30 AM

I think there are three things that makes the UK show better, and the US a flop

1) The UK presenters, while they entertain, are still automotive journalists. They do know some good tidbits of cars, and while none may be a race and stunt driver like Tanner, they hold their own

2) The Chemistry. They have reached a good position where they can interact and present an onscreen charm. This is not easy; it's just organic. I think the English tradition of humour makes it even more difficult to replicate, since, well, the English are better at those jokes. (I did live in London btw, this isn't some generic stereotype, but just an observance between our two cultures.)

3) Production. The BBC pays alot of money for their show, and it shows. While the do recoup the costs of syndicating it internationally, it's still well done. The US version attempts it, trying to do interesting cinematography, but yet, fails. They use wide angle shots when they shouldn't, they overexpose car footage scene, and the result is a hog bodge of poorly done work. The themes for the shows only bury's i.

I think they could get better though, after all, Top Gear UK ran for a long time before they hit their good stride. I think the issue is the producers need to really take a look at the show and see what can make this work beyond relying on the name of "Top Gear." While the US, like Australia, want a Top Gear geared towards our market, bringing the name alone won't suffice.

Posted by: LvSteveH Jan 7 2011, 05:18 PM

Just a quick update on the car.

It came into Renegade as a conversion candidate from a local Las Vegas guy maybe two months ago. It was already orange, so obviously the episode was shot sometime before that. Interestingly no one mentioned the Top Gear connection. It wasn't the best starting point for a conversion, so it was put up for sale on Ebay where it was a no sale. The owner ended up selling it to a friend after we got the shifting sorted.

No one bothered to fix the shifting problems prior to us seeing it, it wasn't driver error. There were three main shifting issues. The shifter itself was rotating making it feel like a tail shifter. So it was welded. Then after shift bushings and proper adjustment all the gears were present and accounted for.

Had Tanner spent $240 to have the shifting fixed instead of installing the new steering wheel and shift knob he would have been in much better shape.

Not surprisingly it will also need a clutch soon thanks to all those 2nd gear starts.

Posted by: patssle Jan 7 2011, 09:50 PM

So is there any video of the Top Gear 914?

Posted by: bandjoey Jan 7 2011, 10:40 PM

USA Not. Bad Acting. Why did they waste money on paint! It didn't do anything for the show or the sale.

Watched the used car show and it'll take years to catch up with the British show. The worldwide audience is about 350 million and BBC puts the gross worldwide revenues at over a $1Billion (heard this on the BBC) . They can afford to hire better people for the US show.

Posted by: oldschool Jan 7 2011, 10:45 PM

I was on netflix looking at old show..... my off
the one that was cool is when they go the the flats....

Posted by: Rand Jan 14 2011, 02:03 PM

For those who haven't seen the episode with a 914, it's now posted online:
http://www.history.com/shows/top-gear/videos#top-gear-used-car-salesmen

Posted by: Dirty Evo Jan 14 2011, 02:21 PM

honestly guys, I enjoy the U.S. show. And I don't particularly like the british show. Of course, like every car guy, I do watch it, but I find it a bit annoying sometimes. The USA version is also a bit annoying, but I don't know, its not so bad.

I agree that Tanner is kind of unlikeable. he might even be a good guy in real life but he comes accross on TV as kind of a douche.. and teh other two guys.. well... an real automotive journalist would be great on there instead.

Not saying the show is perfect, its not.. but just saying I find it entertaining, I don't think its the worst show... it will get better over time if it doesn't get cancelled

Posted by: 7TPorsh Jan 14 2011, 02:43 PM

I think that's my town.

Posted by: pcar916 Jan 14 2011, 04:03 PM

I'm willing to give the USA guys some time. I've enjoyed a few sequences. Besides, anyone who treats our 914's with respect gets extra consideration from me, and plenty of it. We just need to get them a properly setup 914 to drive. Heck. I'll bring 'em mine!

I watch the British show all the time and so do my girls. It's a hoot.

Posted by: adambo Jan 15 2011, 10:04 PM

Maybe this could help them improve their track, I'm not sure if they could make a good course from the "winding road"

http://www.cbre.com/USA/US/CA/South+Bay+LA/Property/hondatesttrack.htm?pageid=1

-Adam

Posted by: Brent Sep 4 2011, 08:26 PM

Again, Cool ForzaM4 episode against real life car at Infineon, and the others playing the video game. Posted already in the Forza Motorsport 3 Thread.

Posted by: Brent Sep 4 2011, 08:36 PM

Sweet, now Tanner is doing a lap in a Limo...oh stirs the thoughts of the 914 World Limo!

Posted by: nsr-jamie Sep 4 2011, 09:43 PM

I was never able to watch the 914 video, the above link is not working on my computer...anybody know where to find a video link of it so I can see for myself please

Is it on youtube yet?

Posted by: Thestigz06 Sep 5 2011, 12:31 AM

He really is a super nice guy, a little dorky but great guy.

Posted by: johannes Sep 5 2011, 12:53 AM

Here are the links to the torrent files http://www.finalgear.com/shows/topgearusa/1/7/
Torrent are not videos. Those are links to shared files. You must first install a bittorrent client software. I use "Vuze".
When the client software is installed, download the torrent file. Then the video will download in the torrent client software. This may take from ten minutes to an hour, depending on how many people share the file.

Posted by: LvSteveH Jan 21 2014, 06:46 PM

Well, here's yet another update about the Top Gear 914. The new owner put some time and $$ into it. He painted it dark gray and had some engine work done. With it up and running properly he put quite a few miles on it over the last couple years.

Unfortunately it was recently stolen outside his home. Thankfully he was insured and ultimately the car was recovered..... but it has a bit of a door ding.

Somehow it still runs and drives. Against my better judgement I am the new owner of this priceless piece of 914 history. My wife will be soooooo pleased

Posted by: r_towle Jan 21 2014, 06:57 PM

Oh dude, that chassis looks bent.

Posted by: carr914 Jan 21 2014, 06:58 PM

Not the Right Link!

Posted by: rnellums Jan 21 2014, 07:47 PM

Definitely a good conversation piece, good luck saving it!

Posted by: LvSteveH Jan 21 2014, 09:52 PM

I was having a rough day, so I though, why not lighten the mood and drive the 914 home. Well...... suffice it to say I had a smile on my face the whole way.

The smile was not induced by a 914 as it naturally is, but rather a reaction to the sheer number of things going wrong simultaneously. How anyone drove the car on a regular basis is absolutely beyond me. I have no reason to doubt the guy and it had recent plates. It's a really "special" car. He drove it over to our shop and said it drove well despite being whacked, so I thought I could get away with driving it home. It did drive straight, I'll give it that.

Basically the trip home was a 30 mile gauntlet to avoid having it impounded on the spot. The single headlight was so dim that the spot it landed 4 feet in front of the car at was roughly equivalent to the light on my key chain... no exaggeration. So no headlights at all on a dark night. I got 1st gear when leaving the parking lot at work, but never again. Thankfully I was on the freeway most of the time.

Ultimately I owe a great debt of gratitude to a speeder who was stopped ahead of me and then to a motorcyclist who, in what may have been his last mortal act, distracted the authorities as I passed.

So I made it home. It tracks straight and the engine runs well. The rest is rather bleak. It's future is uncertain. Cool wall art or ebay..... decisions decisions. Still smiling though!

Posted by: ericoneal Jan 22 2014, 06:41 PM

I just saw the episode here:
http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gear-usa-s01e07-season-1-episode-7_part-1_2185074.htm

It is in 4 sections of about 10 minutes or so, each one will start after then next.

Posted by: nsr-jamie Jul 31 2014, 09:48 AM

Just watched it on the History channel as a repeat and spotted the 914 and saw you now own it, sorry to see it end up like that...just curious how it will turn out? Are you going to repair the car? Would like to see it saved if possible

Posted by: Andyrew Jul 31 2014, 09:18 PM

Steve, just saw your post, Cool purchase! Any progress on the car?

Posted by: jmmotorsports Aug 2 2014, 09:49 AM

i think tanner is a drift car driver

Posted by: mgp4591 Aug 2 2014, 10:13 AM

Yep, drifter and rally driver... not Sebastian Loeb type rally driver, more the Rallycross type. But he's pretty good!

Posted by: PBritain Dec 7 2021, 05:17 PM

Hilariously, I just found this thread by jumping down a 914 rabbit hole and ended up here.


Hi, you may know me as the guy who wrote that Jalopnik article and was wearing the Flying Lizard shirt in the Top Gear episode. Love that this car is still around (or at least it was 7 years ago.)

I owned a 914 at the time and was looking to buy this one to use it as a parts car, mostly for the side shift trans. So when it ended up having a trans problem when I drove it, I didn't want it.

Funny enough, I sold my 914 shortly after this adventure and went onto other cars, but about 3 months ago I happened to see my old car for sale on FB marketplace and bought it back, in much the same condition (albeit a little crustier) as I left it. My name was still on the title. In poking around to see what is new in the 914 world over the past 10ish years, I found this thread.

Posted by: bahnzai Dec 7 2021, 06:31 PM

Now that is a funny story, especially reading through this thread...welcome back to the crazies!