The Botswana Special worked so well because the cars reflected the distinct personalities of the men driving them:
His argument was simple: for the budget of a cheap suit, he had bought a proper Italian sports car. Initially, it seemed he had pulled a masterstroke. It had a luxurious interior, it didn't leak, and it looked magnificent against the African sunset. top gear botswana cars
After the special ended, May chose to leave the car in Botswana, believing it was "utterly the wrong thing to do" to bring it back. He felt that the car's history was more valuable than its restoration. The Mercedes was later found, having been welded back together, but remarkably still intact. The Botswana Special worked so well because the
In a classic twist of irony, the car that was supposed to be the most reliable proved to be a constant headache for May. The Mercedes suffered from frequent suspension failures due to the brutal corrugated dirt roads. It also struggled heavily with overheating in the intense African sun. Modifications After the special ended, May chose to leave
(The Backup) : This car served as the penalty for any presenter whose car failed completely. It was painted in a bright "backup" color to humiliate the driver. What Happened to Them?
While many Top Gear cars are scrapped after filming, the Botswana trio had a different fate:
Oliver was the oldest car in the challenge, boasting a meager 40 horsepower. Its simplicity proved to be its greatest asset. Lacking complex electronics or heavy modern components, the lightweight Opel floated over the treacherous, crusty surface of the salt pans where heavier vehicles sank. The Okavango Disaster