The motoring world is in mourning following the death of former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson at the age of 68. The broadcaster and automotive journalist passed away on Saturday, November 8, after a short battle with lung cancer, his family confirmed.
A Peaceful Passing and Heartfelt Tributes
According to a statement from his family, Willson died 'peacefully surrounded by his family'. The news prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from his former colleagues and the wider industry.
Jeremy Clarkson, his original Top Gear co-host, paid tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter. He wrote: 'I'm far away so I've only just heard that Quentin Willson has died. We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.'
Fellow presenter James May shared a more personal reflection, noting that Willson had given him 'proper advice and encouragement' when May was trying to break into television in the 1990s. May fondly described him as a 'great bloke'.
Ex-racing driver and fellow Top Gear and Fifth Gear host Tiff Needell also expressed his sorrow, posting: 'Oh Quentin how can you leave us so soon. So many memories of the @BBC_TopGear we built in the nineties... RIP Q.'
A Storied Career in Motoring and Television
Quentin Willson was a cornerstone of British motoring journalism. He served as one of the original presenters on the BBC's revitalised Top Gear programme, hosting the show from 1991 until 2001 alongside Clarkson.
After leaving the BBC, he moved to Channel 5 to front Fifth Gear. His television portfolio was extensive, having also developed and hosted popular shows like 'Britain's Worst Drivers' and BBC Two's 'The Car's The Star'.
For 15 years, he penned weekly columns for The Mirror and Sunday Mirror and contributed to Classic Cars Magazine for nine years. His expertise was recognised in 2004 when he was awarded Motoring Writer of the Year at the British Press Awards.
In a lighter moment that year, he made headlines for achieving the lowest score in the history of BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing', scoring just eight points for his cha cha cha with professional Hazel Newberry.
Legacy of a Consumer Champion
Beyond entertainment, Willson was a passionate advocate for motorists. He was a recognised consumer champion, founding the FairFuel campaign to freeze fuel duty and working tirelessly with his FairCharge campaign to make electric vehicles affordable.
His family's statement highlighted this foresight, noting: 'Long before it was fashionable, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric cars, proving he was always ahead of the curve.'
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of EV advice site Electrifying.com, echoed this, describing him as a 'true national treasure' who was 'warm, generous with his knowledge and unfailingly kind'.
Willson's legacy is also carried by his family. He is survived by his wife, Michaela, his three children named Mercedes, Max, and Mini, and his grandchildren, Saskia, Xander, and Roxana.
The family has requested privacy and confirmed that funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
