The first 'Top Gear Challenge' was actually back in the 1930s

The Veyron race to London, the Ferrari 612 race to Verbier – they all made for truly classic television. But cross-continental challenges have been happening for over 100 years, just like the Top Gear challenges that we know and love. Mike explains the most famous of them all – a battle between the Bentley Speed 6 and 'Le Train Bleu'.

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[johnpagdilao]

The eco race to Blackpool was hilarious. Clarkson didn't take it seriously at first and eventually then realized he could win is one of my favorites.

[MrSimonBustamante]

My favourite Top Gear Challenge is the race from London to Edinburgh, between the Peppercorn Tornado A1, the Jaguar XK120 and the Vincent Black Shadow. I think i may have watched it like 6 or 7 times! Love that episode

[JackOfAllTrades.YouTube]

Oh so that’s why the Grand Tour intro starts with a classic car racing a steam train...

[KatyLawson]

The best Top Gear Challenge for me is absolutely the two versions of Car vs Bike vs Public Transport vs Water in both London and Russia. Just fantastic entertainment all round.

[Nick_]

Clarkson : i am alergic to manual work ...
10 mins later Clarkson swiches his coal shovel to high gear ... :D

[CanadAce]

My favorite one was appropriately enough when they did their '1949 Challenge' with Clarkson in the Flying Scotsman locomotive, Hammond on the Vincent Black Shadow and May in the Jaguar. I liked it because I'm a huge history buff for one so seeing them in such old vehicles was fascinating but also before Hammond forgot to switch gas tanks and broke his carburetor it was really anyone's race and I had no idea who was going to win it. It was one of the coolest, unique and exciting races they ever did on either show and very much a throwback to this era of motorsport.

[strandvaskeren]

I want to see a race where Clarkson is the one on public transport.

[avlisk]

Being a railroad fan, I discovered Top Gear when Jeremy was shoveling coal in an old steam engine as he raced the other 2 guys to some pub somewhere up north. It'll always be my favorite episode because of the choo-choo.

[lwaves]

I don't know if I can pick a favourite but I have a soft spot for the three of them building the Caterham at the track. It was different and great to see the three of them in a confined space, supposedly working together.
Richard's frustration at James in the plane is also a standout.

[theeaselrider]

Best challenge?
Watching Clarkson continually fail trying to get his motorcycle licence in Vietnam. And having them continually announce ; " Clarkson - Fail ! ", over & over.

So not quite the challenge you were asking for, but still memorable.

[prabhaspandey]

SLR Vs Boat. Hethro To Oslo "I am Mad for doing this". Background Score was Killer.

[finrobinson]

Clarkson’s intelligence is still frightening to this day

[henryhol]

The first with the DB9 is my favorite! It was so original for Television it blew my mind. James May even mentioned that a Bentley had done it before whilst on the train to Paris.

[brotherluify]

My Favorite is the Audi A8 from London to Edinburgh and Back with on a single tank.

[That_Doctor_Del_Fella]

The race across Japan is probably my favorite. I have always wanted to visit Japan and seeing them experience the country in any capacity makes it a fun little adventure for me.

[BrokenBarBox]

The trip thru Vietnam is still my favorite. It looked beautiful there and the lads seemed to really enjoy the challenge

[pedrotrindade]

i really like the boat aginst the fastest car in the world

[whatchu_talkin_john_willis]

race to the north, the battle between the xk120, the black shadow. and the peppercorn was epic!

[mikereseigh]

The first trip across America was insane. That Alabama stunt was really scary. The trip to the north pole was incredible! Honorable mention for May's volcano climb which insanity.

[mattevans]

The Aston Martin DB9 race will always have a special place in my heart. The moment I saw and heard that Mona Lisa on wheels, I fell in love with it.