Top Gear is an exceptionally successfully British TV show based on the rating, testing, abusing and occasional destruction of classic cars and other road vehicles in the widest variety of ways possible.

Whilst the first version of the show was fairly serious, in recent year it's become a funnier, racier show with as much emphasis on how fun or cool the cars are as stats about their performance, and pranks between the presenters.

There are lots of silly challenges, such as presenters proving their favoured car would be best as a 1970s police car, or is faster over a shortish race from a stationary start than a jet fighter.

Of course, there's also the celebrity lap, where a famous face takes a go at a standard circuit, and their time is immortalised on the board. A concept now adopted by Jay Leno on his new TV show.

This sometimes brings exceptional performances, as well as language and facial expressions, out of those competing.

TV architect Kevin McCloud, from Grand Designs, shows how it's done - beating Simon Cowell, much to his surprise. 

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