For car enthusiasts, there’s no better way to feed your passion than watching car-related TV shows. Whether you want to learn more about automotive technology, classic cars, or see exotic vehicles in action, these car-themed TV programs offer both entertainment and education. Here are some of the best car-related TV shows that every car lover should add to their watchlist.
1. Top Gear (UK)
Overview
One of the most iconic car shows in television history, Top Gear has gained a massive global following for its combination of humor, breathtaking car stunts, and reviews of the latest cars. The show is known for its engaging hosts, who inject comedy into their car reviews, challenges, and road trips.
Why You Should Watch
- Learn about a variety of cars: From the latest supercars to affordable family vehicles, the show covers a wide range of cars in every episode.
- Challenges and road trips: Enjoy epic cross-country road trips, outlandish challenges, and stunts that put cars to the test in extreme conditions.
- Celebrity guests: Famous personalities take part in the “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car” segment, adding a fun element to each episode.
Best Episodes
- The Polar Special where hosts drive to the North Pole.
- The Vietnam Special, where the hosts take a thrilling road trip on scooters.
Where to Watch
You can stream Top Gear on platforms like Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, or motor-focused streaming services.
2. The Grand Tour
Overview
The Grand Tour was created by the original hosts of Top Gear—Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May—after they left the BBC. This Amazon Original series follows the same trio as they travel the world to test out exotic cars and take on ridiculous challenges. With bigger budgets and grander production, the show offers an exhilarating experience for car fans.
Why You Should Watch
- Exotic locations: Each season takes viewers to breathtaking destinations like Namibia, Mongolia, and the Middle East, often with unique car challenges in tow.
- Exciting stunts: The hosts perform daring car stunts and epic challenges that push their vehicles to the limits.
- Comedic banter: The humorous chemistry between Clarkson, Hammond, and May remains a highlight.
Best Episodes
- The Colombia Special, featuring incredible off-roading through jungles.
- The Mongolian adventure, where the team builds a car from scratch.
Where to Watch
Stream The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Fastest Car
Overview
Fastest Car is a Netflix original series that pits supercars against sleeper cars—ordinary-looking vehicles modified for speed. In each episode, three sleeper cars and one supercar face off in drag races to see if the underdog can beat the high-end luxury sports car.
Why You Should Watch
- Drag races: Witness exciting quarter-mile drag races that put high-performance supercars against cleverly modified everyday cars.
- Stories behind the cars: Each episode delves into the owners’ lives, giving you insight into why they built or modified their cars.
- Surprising outcomes: The thrill of sleeper cars potentially beating luxury supercars adds an element of suspense and excitement.
Best Episodes
- Season 2, Episode 1: A Bugatti Chiron takes on a set of sleeper cars.
- Season 1, Episode 4: A Tesla Model S faces off against three powerful sleeper vehicles.
Where to Watch
You can stream Fastest Car on Netflix.
4. Wheeler Dealers
Overview
Wheeler Dealers is a long-running British TV show that focuses on restoring and flipping used cars. Hosted by Mike Brewer, a car dealer, and mechanic Ant Anstead (formerly Edd China), the show’s concept revolves around purchasing a used car, restoring it, and then selling it for a profit.
Why You Should Watch
- Learn about car restoration: If you’re into classic cars or want to learn about restoring and upgrading vehicles, this show offers plenty of hands-on tips and tricks.
- Budget-friendly builds: The show emphasizes affordable restoration projects, proving that you don’t need a massive budget to breathe new life into old cars.
- In-depth mechanical insights: The show offers detailed explanations of how different car parts work and how they can be repaired or replaced.
Best Episodes
- The Porsche 911 (1973 Targa) restoration episode.
- The DeLorean DMC-12 episode, where they restore the iconic Back to the Future car.
Where to Watch
You can catch episodes of Wheeler Dealers on Discovery Channel, MotorTrend, or streaming services like Hulu.
5. Jay Leno’s Garage
Overview
Hosted by car enthusiast and comedian Jay Leno, Jay Leno’s Garage is an Emmy-winning series that showcases Leno’s personal collection of rare and unique cars. The show also features reviews, road tests, and interviews with celebrities and industry experts.
Why You Should Watch
- Unique and rare cars: Leno’s collection is massive, featuring everything from classic muscle cars to modern supercars and even concept cars.
- Celebrity interviews: Each episode features celebrities and automotive legends, providing fun insights into their favorite cars.
- Behind-the-scenes tours: The show offers an in-depth look at the design and engineering of iconic cars.
Best Episodes
- The Ford GT episode, where Jay tests the performance of one of the most iconic American supercars.
- The episode featuring the McLaren P1, a cutting-edge hybrid hypercar.
Where to Watch
Jay Leno’s Garage is available on YouTube, CNBC, and Peacock.
6. Car SOS
Overview
Car SOS is a heartwarming British TV series that focuses on restoring classic cars for deserving owners, usually car lovers who are unable to complete their restoration projects due to illness or financial hardships. Hosts Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend surprise the car owners by secretly restoring their vehicles and returning them in pristine condition.
Why You Should Watch
- Feel-good stories: Each episode focuses on people who have a deep emotional connection to their classic cars, making the show both heartwarming and inspiring.
- Expert restoration tips: You’ll learn about various aspects of restoring vintage cars, from mechanical repairs to aesthetic refurbishments.
- Unique cars: The show features a wide range of classic cars, from British sports cars to American muscle cars.
Best Episodes
- The restoration of the Ford Mustang for a terminally ill car enthusiast.
- The episode featuring the restoration of a Triumph TR4, a beloved British classic.
Where to Watch
Car SOS airs on National Geographic and is available on Disney+.
7. Rust Valley Restorers
Overview
Set in the scenic Rust Valley of British Columbia, Canada, Rust Valley Restorers follows Mike Hall and his team as they restore classic cars and sell them for profit. Mike is a quirky car enthusiast with a junkyard full of vintage cars, making this show both entertaining and educational.
Why You Should Watch
- Classic car restorations: Watch as the team takes rusted, forgotten cars and transforms them into valuable classics.
- Quirky personalities: The dynamic between Mike and his crew, including his son and close friends, adds a fun and humorous element to the show.
- Unique car builds: From muscle cars to rare vintage finds, the show showcases a wide variety of cars being restored.
Best Episodes
- The restoration of a 1966 Pontiac Parisienne.
- The build of a 1938 Ford hot rod.
Where to Watch
Rust Valley Restorers is available on Netflix.
Rev Up Your Knowledge with Car TV Shows
Whether you’re interested in the technical aspects of cars, classic restorations, or just want to watch high-speed thrills and car stunts, these car-related TV shows offer something for everyone. From learning how to repair and restore old cars to witnessing supercars in action, these programs are a must-watch for anyone passionate about automobiles.
