1977: ANGELA RIPPON on the FIRST EVER TOP GEAR | Top Gear | Retro Transport | BBC Archive

Summary

In this episode of Top Gear, the focus is on road safety and economy. The host discusses police methods for catching speeding drivers, shares her personal driving experience, and interviews the Minister of Transport, William Rogers. She challenges stereotypes about female drivers, emphasizing that driving skill varies among individuals regardless of gender. The show also explores the cost of dining at a 24-hour service restaurant, comparing it to prices in Holland, and discusses the high operational costs of such establishments. Additionally, the importance of using car mirrors effectively for safety on motorways is highlighted.

Takeaways

• 🚔 The show discusses police methods for catching speeding motorists.
• 🚗 The presenter shares her personal experience as a frequent driver, covering long distances.
• 🏡 She contrasts driving from her home in Devon to London for work.
• 👩‍⚖️ The script challenges stereotypes about women drivers, emphasizing that driving skill is not gender-specific.
• 🍽️ A family's dining experience at a restaurant is highlighted, discussing the cost and value of the meal.
• 💰 A comparison is made between the cost of dining in England versus Holland, noting the impact of currency exchange rates.
• 🏭 The script touches on the high operational costs of running a 24-hour service, affecting food prices.
• 🚘 The importance of using car mirrors effectively for safety on motorways is emphasized.
• 😤 The presenter expresses frustration with drivers who overtake unnecessarily at high speeds.
• 🎥 The segment concludes with a personal narrative of a drive from London to Pebble Mill.

Q & A

What is the topic of the first edition of Top Gear?

The first edition of Top Gear discusses various topics including police methods for catching speeding motorists, an economy run in Britain, and an interview with the Minister of Transport William Rogers.

How does the speaker describe her driving experience?

The speaker describes herself as a semi-professional driver, having driven extensively for work, covering nearly 12,000 miles in her car within a few months.

What is the speaker's perspective on the difference between male and female drivers?

The speaker believes that there are good and bad drivers among both men and women, and she emphasizes that driving ability is not determined by gender but by individual skills and behavior.

What is the cost of the meal that the speaker had with her children?

The cost of the meal was £4, which the speaker and another person found to be good value for the convenience and quality of the food.

How does the cost of the meal compare to what the speaker would pay in Holland?

The speaker indicates that the meal would cost about twice as much in Holland, suggesting that the price in England is relatively good value.

What are the challenges faced by the 24-hour service restaurant mentioned in the script?

The restaurant faces high operational costs due to factors such as staff transportation, electricity charges, and the need to maintain a 24-hour service throughout the year.

Why is the petrol price different between the restaurant's garage and one in Birmingham?

The difference in petrol price is attributed to the fact that the restaurant's garage is open 24 hours a day, incurring higher operational costs, while the garage in Birmingham may not have the same overheads.

What is the speaker's opinion on the use of car mirrors while driving?

The speaker strongly believes in the importance of using car mirrors, advocating for 365° vision to be aware of surroundings on the motorway, and criticizes drivers who do not use their mirrors effectively.

How does the speaker feel about being overtaken while driving at a steady speed?

The speaker expresses frustration when she is overtaken, especially by drivers who exceed the speed limit significantly while she maintains a steady and legal speed of 70 mph.

What is the significance of the speaker driving a yellow sports car?

Driving a yellow sports car as a woman is likened to a 'red rag to a bull', attracting unnecessary attention from other drivers and the police who might stereotype her as a speeder.

Where is the speaker traveling to in the script?

The speaker is traveling from the television center in London up to a location called Pebble Mill.