A former presenter of Top Gear in the 1990s and then Channel 5’s Fifth Gear, Quentin Wilson was one of television’s historic figures for cars at Britain. From 1991 to 2001 he was Top Gear’s used car expert alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Vicky Butler-Henderson and James May.
In a statement cited by the DailyMail, his family said he died “peacefully, surrounded by his family” in Britainbidding farewell to a man who “brought the joy of the car, from thermals to electrics, into our living rooms” and who “helped shape the original Top Gear”.
On social media, James May paid tribute to him, recalling that Quentin Wilson was the one who gave him his first TV advice in the late 90s, calling him a “great bloke”.
Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died pic.twitter.com/eLhIACJECa
— The Sun (@TheSun) November 8, 2025
From the TV on the driver’s side
After leaving Top Gear, Quentin Wilson joined Fifth Gear while continuing his career as a motoring journalist and presenter on other shows including Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s the Star.
He was also known for his pro-driver activism. As a central figure in the FairFuel campaign, he campaigned against fuel tax increases, with his family claiming he helped prevent more than £100bn in new taxes from being imposed. A pioneer, he had championed the potential of electric cars very early on, before also getting involved in the FairCharge campaign to make electric vehicles more affordable.
A popular figure with self-deprecation
Quentin Wilson was also memorable in 2004 in a lighter role, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing. His performance earned him the lowest score in the show’s history – just 8 points out of 40 – a “record” he said he still laughed about years later, explaining that he thought it was important for public figures to accept being satirised.
A husband and father, he is survived by his wife Michaela, his children Mercedes, Max and Minnie, and several grandchildren. His family speak of a “void that will never be filled” and describe a man whose “automotive knowledge was not just learned, but lived; a veritable library of experience now beyond our reach.”