For car enthusiasts in the UK, settling down to watch a good motoring show is a perfect way to unwind. With the landscape of television constantly evolving, and the absence of new Top Gear episodes, finding quality automotive entertainment can feel like navigating a complex road system. Fortunately, a wealth of car programs are available across various streaming services and channels, catering to every petrolhead’s taste. This guide dives into some of the best car programs UK viewers can enjoy, offering a mix of restoration projects, historical deep dives, and adrenaline-fueled adventures.
Repair Lot
Described as “The Repair Shop” but for automobiles, Repair Lot is a relatively new Car Program Uk that has quickly gained popularity. This show invites car owners to bring their cherished but dilapidated vehicles to a specialized workshop for some much-needed restoration and tender loving care.
Hosted by award-winning classic car journalist Charlotte Vowden, who has written extensively about cars for publications like Driving.co.uk, the show delves into the history and personal stories behind each vehicle. A team of skilled engineers and craftspeople then undertake the intricate work of restoring these automotive treasures. While the emotional reveal to the owners is a satisfying conclusion, the true appeal lies in witnessing the expertise and craftsmanship of the restoration team in action. For viewers who appreciate the artistry and dedication involved in bringing old cars back to life, Repair Lot is a must-watch car program uk.
The Car Years
The Car Years brings together familiar faces from the motoring world, with former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson joining forces with TV and radio personality Alex Riley. In each episode of this engaging car program uk, the duo undertakes the enjoyable challenge of selecting the best or most significant car launched in a particular year.
This format allows for lively debate, insightful analysis, and a wealth of fascinating facts about some of the most iconic and beloved classic cars in automotive history. The Car Years is a fun and informative car program uk, perfect for viewers who enjoy a blend of entertainment and historical automotive knowledge.
Speed with Guy Martin
Channel 4’s motoring programming in the UK is significantly shaped by the presence of Guy Martin. This charismatic former motorbike racer and engineer fronted three series of Speed with Guy Martin between 2013 and 2016 (potentially initially titled Guy Martin on Speed). This high-octane car program uk sees Martin pushing the boundaries of speed in various vehicles across land, air, and water.
Beyond the thrill of speed, the show delves into the science behind these incredible machines, offering viewers an educational element alongside the entertainment. Guy Martin’s energetic and enthusiastic presenting style makes Speed with Guy Martin a captivating car program uk for those who love adrenaline and engineering innovation. Further motoring content featuring Guy Martin is also available on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Carjackers
Carjackers offers a unique and often humorous twist on the car makeover show format. Imagine a blend of Pimp My Ride and Changing Rooms, and you’ll get the essence of this car program uk. In each episode, unsuspecting individuals have their cars “borrowed” and returned in dramatically revamped forms.
The comedic core of Carjackers lies in the often-shocked reactions of the car owners as they witness the sometimes questionable and over-the-top transformations their vehicles have undergone. For viewers seeking a lighthearted and entertaining car program uk with a focus on automotive customization gone wild, Carjackers delivers.
Car S.O.S
Another standout car program uk on Channel 4 is Car S.O.S, hosted by Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend. This show takes a more heartwarming approach to car restoration, focusing on helping individuals who have been unable to complete their classic car projects due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or financial hardship.
Tim and Fuzz step in to restore these dream cars, often leading to emotional and touching reveals. Car S.O.S is a popular car program uk that combines automotive expertise with genuine human stories, making it appealing to a broad audience, even those who aren’t solely car enthusiasts. Be warned, however, that Car S.O.S. is known to evoke strong emotional responses from viewers.
James May’s Cars of the People
James May, known for his articulate and insightful presenting style from Top Gear and The Grand Tour, hosts James May’s Cars of the People. This BBC-produced car program uk explores the fascinating history of how car ownership became accessible to the masses. As May himself explains, the show examines how “dictatorships and democracies alike pursued the dream of cars for all.”
Although a limited series with only six episodes available on UKTV Play, James May’s Cars of the People offers in-depth and captivating explorations of iconic vehicles like the VW Beetle, and less successful automotive ventures like the Sinclair C5. May skillfully places each car within its socio-political context, explaining its significance and impact. This car program uk transcends the typical car show format, appealing even to viewers with a general interest in history and societal change.
Wheeler Dealers
Arguably the quintessential car restoration show, Wheeler Dealers has long been a staple for car enthusiasts. The format revolves around Mike Brewer’s knack for finding dilapidated but potentially valuable cars, and the subsequent restoration process undertaken to bring them back to showroom condition, ideally for a profit.
Wheeler Dealers has seen presenter changes over its long run, with some viewers preferring the Edd China era. However, with both Ant Anstead and later Marc “Elvis” Priestley taking on the mechanic role, the show has consistently delivered engaging content. Regardless of the series, Wheeler Dealers remains a highly watchable car program uk for anyone fascinated by the transformation of rusty wrecks into gleaming automobiles. Wheeler Dealers is available for streaming on Discovery+.
Ant Anstead Master Mechanic
Ant Anstead, having gained prominence on For the Love of Cars and Wheeler Dealers, launched his own series, Ant Anstead Master Mechanic. This car program uk showcases Anstead’s impressive skills and deep knowledge as he undertakes ambitious builds. One notable project featured Anstead building a replica 1950s Alfa Romeo 158 from scratch within a tight 12-week timeframe.
Anstead’s expertise is matched by his personable presenting style, making Ant Anstead: Master Mechanic a thoroughly enjoyable car program uk for viewers who appreciate in-depth technical skill and automotive passion. This series can also be streamed on Discovery+.
Formula 1: Drive to Survive
Formula 1: Drive to Survive has been credited with revitalizing the popularity of Formula One racing. This docuseries offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the glamorous and high-stakes world of F1.
With five seasons already released and a sixth on the way, Drive to Survive provides an engaging retrospective of each Formula One season. Viewers are treated to candid insights into team dynamics, driver rivalries, and the intense pressure of competition, often captured through uncensored in-car radio communications and strategically placed microphones. The show’s dramatic narrative and compelling characters, such as the fan-favorite Guenther Steiner, have made Drive to Survive a global phenomenon and a must-watch car program uk for motorsport enthusiasts. Catch Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix.
The Grand Tour
For fans of the classic Top Gear trio, The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video is essential viewing. Reuniting Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, The Grand Tour initially adopted a tent-based studio format before transitioning to a series of road trip specials.
While the quality of specials varies, the best episodes of The Grand Tour recapture the chemistry and comedic motoring adventures that made the presenters famous. With a vast library of episodes available, The Grand Tour offers a substantial amount of entertainment for those seeking a car program uk with humor, travel, and automotive escapades. The Grand Tour is available on Prime Video.
Top Gear
No discussion of car programs uk is complete without mentioning Top Gear. The BBC’s flagship motoring show boasts an extensive archive on iPlayer, dating back to the early 2000s revival with Clarkson, Hammond, and May.
While earlier eras with presenters like William Woollard and Chris Goffey are not currently available, viewers can still enjoy a vast catalog of Top Gear episodes, including the more recent iterations with presenters like Chris Harris, Matt Le Blanc, and Paddy McGuinness. Despite being currently “on hiatus,” Top Gear‘s legacy as a groundbreaking and influential car program uk remains firmly in place, offering a wealth of content for viewers to explore.
This selection provides a diverse range of car programs uk, ensuring there’s something for every automotive taste, from classic car restoration to high-octane racing and humorous road trips. Explore these shows and discover your new favourite car program uk today.
