Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Wilson dies at 68 | Top Gear

Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Wilson has died after a short illness, his family announced on Saturday. He was 68 years old.

A statement said that the TV presenter and automotive journalist died “peacefully, surrounded by his family.”

Wilson was one of the first presenters of the BBC motoring programme, alongside Jeremy Clarkson, before progressing to Channel 5 show Fifth Gear.

He hosted Top Gear from 1991 until 2001 and went on to create and present shows including Britain’s Worst Drivers and BBC Two’s The Car’s the Star.

“A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms,” the statement read.

The broadcaster has been a passionate advocate for consumers, championing a number of campaigns including helping to freeze fuel duty through his FairFuel campaign and more recently working to make electric cars more affordable through his FairCharge campaign.

In April, he criticized the government for changing electric car rules to allow more sales of cars powered by petrol and diesel engines until 2035, calling it a “serious misstep”.

The family statement added: “Long before it was trendy, he championed the GM EV1 and the promise of electric vehicles, proving he was always ahead of the curve.

“Much loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Minnie, cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander and Roxana. Quentin will be greatly missed by his family, friends and everyone who knew him personally and professionally.”

“The void he left can never be filled. We not only learned to know it, we lived it; a library of experiences now beyond our reach.”

Clarkson paid tribute in a post on

Former Top Gear colleague James May, who appeared alongside Wilson on the programme, described him as a “great guy”. He added: “Quentin Wilson gave me the right advice and encouragement during my first attempts at television, in the late 1990s. I’ve never forgotten that.”

Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Tiff Needle said: “Oh Quentin, how could you leave us so quickly. There are so many @BBC_TopGear memories we made in the 90s that I wanted to reminisce with you.

“Please upload the film of me and Jeremy in the Ford Puma which perfectly captures the times we spent together… Rest in peace.”

Wilson, who was born in Leicester, wrote weekly columns for the Mirror and Sunday Mirror for 15 years and contributed to Classic Cars magazine. He was named Motoring Writer of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2004.

Wilson also made headlines after his performance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 where he went on to receive the lowest score in the show’s history after getting an eight for his cha-cha-cha with Hazel Newberry.

“Quentin was a true national treasure,” said Jenny Buckley, CEO of electric vehicle consultancy Electrifying.com. “I’ve been fortunate to get to know him in recent years through his excellent work with FairCharge, where his passion for making electric vehicles truly accessible to everyone was evident.

“He was warm, generous with his knowledge, and unfailingly kind. He brought the joy of motoring — from gasoline to electric delivery — into our homes and hearts, and we will miss him greatly.”

Lawrence Whittaker, owner of racing car manufacturer Lister Cars, also paid tribute, writing on

“And he knew best [sic] The person I met when it came to cars who was a professional in front of and behind the camera. We have worked closely together for over 10 years, and my thoughts go out to his wife and family at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

“Hurry, God, S! We’ll miss you.”