Top Gear: 24 Interesting Details About Richard Hammond's Car Collection

Affectionately known as "The Hamster", Richard Hammond of BBC Top Gear has a wide variety of vehicles in his stable. Hamster has it all, from rugged Land Rovers to fast and silky Lotus sports cars.

Many people may view a vehicle as a way to get from point A to point B. These people prefer a vehicle that doesn't make "noise" or looks like everyone else. Also important to the average consumer is not handling, but the ability to provide a smooth ride, comfortable seats, climate control, in-car entertainment and storage space. These features sound great, but we car enthusiasts want more. A vehicle must have personality, style, power, handling or anything else to get our attention, other than a box with an engine and wheels with a great audio system. Car enthusiasts need connection with the road, more power, more personality. In essence, a car enthusiast has a love affair with a car, a love affair that only another enthusiast would understand.

Many enthusiasts will hang out at social events and compare their cars to others like Top Gear hosts, and some of the test cars grab their attention along with cars they already have in their collection.

In this article, we will detail every famous vehicle in the Richard Hammond collection and provide some fun and interesting facts about each vehicle. So let's delve into the Hamster's huge collection of cars and maybe this will shed some light on Richard Hammond's love of cars and SUVs.

24 2009 Morgan Aeromax

through the design party

The Morgan Aeromax looks like a modern, retro-styled roadster with BMW's proven 4.4-liter V8 engine mated to a ZF automatic transmission or Getrag 6-speed transmission. Morgan Aeromax does not have anti-roll bars. Yes, you understood correctly. Morgan roadsters have a steel or aluminum chassis and an ash wood frame is used to support the bodywork, making the vehicle light and highly manoeuvrable. Most people won't buy a car over $95,000 with a manual top (soft top), but as I mentioned earlier, car enthusiasts aren't regular car buyers, and neither is the Hamster.

23 2009 Aston Martin DBS Volante

The Aston Martin DBS Volante is a sexy, sleek and topless bond car. Powered by a 12-horsepower V510 engine and an estimated top speed of 190 mph, the extra 200 or so pounds from the convertible undercarriage is barely noticeable in the performance department.

The DBS comes with either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.

With a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds, you don't need an oil slick or a smokescreen to get away from the villains in the rearview mirror, but I wish these features were just for fun. Remember, if you get this dry martini shaken, not stirred, be responsible and call a cab.

22 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8

He has a Hemi and 425 hp. from a 6.1-liter v8, sign me up. The Challenger is based on the shortened LX platform, which is the Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300. The SRT8 is Dodge's answer to the Ford Mustang Cobra and Chevrolet Camaro SS.

The Challenger SRT8 is equipped with Brembo brake calipers. When it comes to handling, the shortened LX platform will be known when it's sent down a twisty road.

This 4,189-pound car is more suited to the drag strip than the corners, so turn off traction control, select drive, and put your right foot down.

21 1999 Lotus Esprit 350 Sport

The Lotus Esprit 350 is in many ways similar to the regular Lotus Esprit, but this special edition is just one of 350 produced by Hethel Norfolk, UK. The engine also produces 354 hp. (European unit of measurement). I've always been impressed by Giugiaro designs when I saw a video of JK (Jamiroquai frontman) and Tiff Needell of 5th Gear UK driving. This car weighs just 2,919 pounds and handles corners with ease. With a 5-speed manual transmission, the Lotus hit 0-60 mph in XNUMX seconds in the wet. The Esprit XNUMX feels like a racing car with a few Grand Touring cars right out of the box.

20 2007 Fiat 500 TwinAir

Wait before judging the Hamster, the Fiat 500 has a cult following in Italy and much of Europe. Many people love the Fiat 500 for its excellent fuel efficiency and having only 2 cylinders and one turbocharger. The Fiat 500 TwinAir has a curb weight of 2216 pounds and approximately 85 hp. The TwinAir is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, which means you have a small car that drives like a dolly with climate control and an audio system. The TwinAir sprints to 0 km/h in about 60 seconds, which might not sound very impressive, but name one car that gets you 10/48 mpg without the help of a hybrid electric motor.

19 2013 Porsche 911 GT3

The 2013 Porsche GT911 3 is more than your "base" 911. With a 500-horsepower, naturally aspirated, boxer-six engine mated to two optional gearboxes, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or , of course, the optional 6-speed gearbox. this lightweight rocket accelerates from 6 to 0 in about 60 seconds. Many of you may say that the Porsche 3.0 GT911 is not the most powerful Porsche from Stuttgart, but this car is made for the driver. This Porsche feels right at home on the winding road and will test your skills and abilities.

18 2006 Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S

The 2006 Carrera S is a 3.8-litre flat-six flat-six engine that is much better than the 6 year model thanks to changes made to the IMS (countershaft bearing). The previous Porsche model (2005) suffered from this problem and is in need of a costly repair requiring removal of the engine.

Carrera S is essentially a rocket ship with excellent handling.

My experience of driving the Carrera S was like having a tie rod in each hand. I felt connected to the non-turbo road at the wrong moment, causing the rear end to come out. With 355 horsepower and 295 ft. lbs. torque along with a lightweight body, you will make the long journey home every day.

17 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

My personal experience of owning a Lamborghini Gallardo hardtop is something I will never forget. I was at an autocross track and was full of excitement.

With little interior space (I'm 6'4" and 245 pounds), I felt like a mutant-sized racing hero thanks to the Gallardo's excellent handling and the growl of a massive V10 behind my head.

Gallardo Spyder with its 560 hp / 552 hp, PS is short for Pferdestärke, which is a European power rating. The Gallardo LP560-4 hits 0 mph in about 60 seconds and has a top speed of XNUMX mph.

16 1994 928 Porsches

Although this car is a 1994 model, the Porsche 928 was designed in the 80s and is my favorite sports car era. Take a trip with me in this front wheel drive V8 rear wheel drive Gran Touring sports car. You could travel long distances listening to Jets or Michael Jackson audio cassettes and comfortably hit 120 mph. The 1994 model has 345 hp. and weight 369 pounds. torque and can accelerate to hundreds in 0 seconds. The ride was tough, but this Porsche could handle corners like no other. Many Porsche enthusiasts looked down on the 60 due to its unconventional front engine layout.

15 BMW 1994Ci 850

The BMW 850CSI has a 5.0-liter V12, but it only makes 296bhp. with 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 times for the 850 CSI is about 6.3 seconds and top speed is 156 mph.

The 850CSI is pretty much a Grand Touring sports car with BMW quality.

The car weighs 4111 pounds. which is quite heavy, but the car has all the luxury details. The European model came with four-wheel active steering, which made it handle like a dream, but unfortunately the domestic model did not have this feature.

14 1982 Porsche 911 SK

3 liter air-cooled horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engine with 180 hp. was in the back of the 911 SC. Handling was excellent for its time, and the simple handling makes this Porsche an excellent air-cooled engine. A flat 6-cylinder engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. With a top speed of 146 miles per hour. 911 SC accelerated to hundreds in 0 seconds. This car may not scream on the straights, but it remains the king of the corners. The cost remains at around 60 thousand dollars for a pure example. European models produced slightly more power due to the lack of US emissions controls.

13 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 HSE

The Discovery SDV6 HSE is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel engine producing 253 hp. and torque of 442 lbf-ft. Land Rovers have always been the go-to vehicle for off-road and urban jungles.

The Discovery has an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which saves fuel when driving on the highway.

The cabin has a lot of space for cargo and comfortably accommodates 5 people (including the driver). The Disco's 0-60 acceleration time is roughly 8.7 seconds, which is good for a Land Rover due to the Disco's weight. HSE is what you need to get.

12 Land Rover Defender 110 station wagon

Let me start by saying that this British SUV is a tank with an aluminum body and the ability to go anywhere. Built on a Land Rover Defender stretched frame, the Defender 110 station wagon is powered by a 2.2 hp 118 turbodiesel. and 262 ft-lbs of torque. You have no reversing cameras or sensors, no airbags, and the stereo is mediocre on its best days. What you have is a serious, purpose-built off-road vehicle. You won't find a Defender 110 in a Kardashian garage. I really want it, but it takes a lot of money and important people to get it in the US.

11 2016 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

via power steering

There is nothing more American than baseball, hot dogs and the Ford Mustang. The Mustang GT convertible is an icon of the US, powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, let's not forget the 435 hp.

My advice to you is make sure your hat, wig or wig is securely fastened to your head because the sheer force will blow it off your head.

The Recaro seats are simply impressive and you get a lot of cars for less than $40,000. The transmissions available for the Mustang GT are 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.

10 Porsche 2015 GT911 RS 3 years

The statement along with the Porsche GT3RS is "built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts" and they're not kidding. RS stands for Racing Sport, with a wider track and lighter weight. The roof is made of magnesium, and with a power of 500 hp. and 338 lbf-ft ​​of torque, this Porsche GT3RS doesn't need a big turbo to win. Transmission - automatic PDK. I know what you're thinking, but the automatic shifts faster and doesn't miss a gear.

9 1987 Land Rover Defender

through exotic classics

Land Rover Defender is equipped with a 3.5-liter 8-cylinder engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, with permanent all-wheel drive. The other engine option is a torquey 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel, but a V8 is the motor to have.

This small but powerful car can take you from any terrain with ease.

Save the laughs for a top speed of 89 mph and a 0-60 time of 11.6 seconds. The disadvantage of this vehicle is certainly compensated by the skills of vertical ascent and descent. Like all Land Rover, this car has an aluminum body that is resistant to rust and corrosion.

8 1985 Land Rover Range Rover Classic

When the Range Rover Classic debuted, it was very expensive. Like a luxury SUV for Pablo Escobar or a bulletproof version for an English queen. If you look inside, there is enough room for her and her many corgis. The Range Rover Classic has a permanent all-wheel drive system and a ZF 4-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover Classic has a curb weight of 5545 pounds. This weight is partly due to Rover's 3.5-liter V8 engine with two Zenith Stromberg carburetors. All old school Land Rovers are a symbol of British heritage.

7 1979 MG Midget

The MG Midget, manufactured by Morris Garages UK, provided the Western world with a two-seater sports car that handled well for its time and had a rudimentary undercarriage, although it was easy to work with. Dwarf.

Engines were produced in various variations from 948 cu. see up to 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engines.

These cars were lightweight and weighed 1620 pounds. With a convertible soft top and hard top as an option, the MG Midget was the British Miata of its time.

6 1969 G., Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type came with a 3.8-liter inline-6 ​​engine and had three carburetor options: SU, Webber, or Zenith-Stromberg. Power was about 265 hp. which was very good for its time. The Jaguar E-Type is a classic car well known around the world for its sleek lines. There were little issues that plagued the E-Type, but if you're familiar with a good independent garage or are good with wrenches, then you should be fine, but not as an everyday driver. The E-Type/XKE came with either a 4-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission or a 12-speed manual transmission. The Series III was offered with a V6 engine, but the XNUMX engine is a bit easier to work with.

5 1969 Dodge Charger R / T

The Dodge Charger needs no introduction. Dodge built the Charger because there was a need for a 4-passenger sports sedan and it was a powerful car. With an 425 HP Hemi V8 engine, dubbed "Hemi" due to the hemispherical combustion chamber and whose main advantage is very little heat loss. This aids in the combustion process, leaving virtually no unburned fuel in the process. The Dodge Charger weighs just over 4,000 pounds. and does 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. Not bad for 1969, but that was before the fuel crisis and federal requirements for catalytic converters.