Motoring journalist and former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died at the age of 68 following a battle with lung cancer. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
In a heartfelt statement, his family called him a “true national treasure” who helped millions discover a passion for cars. Willson is survived by his wife, Michaela, their three children, and three grandchildren.
Willson was a defining face of British motoring television throughout the ’90s and early 2000s. He co-hosted the original Top Gear from 1991 to 2001, appearing alongside Jeremy Clarkson and James May before the show’s BBC relaunch. Clarkson paid tribute, calling him a “properly funny man,” while May remembered him as a “great bloke” who made car TV smarter, sharper, and more entertaining.
Known for his sharp wit and fearless honesty as the show’s used-car expert, Willson became famous for his dry, cutting reviews. In one memorable moment, he joked that Jaguars had once been “the domain of spivs, crooks and bookmakers,” a line that left an imprint on car culture.
Willson later joined Fifth Gear on Channel 5 and continued to shape the automotive world as a consumer champion, campaigning for fairer fuel pricing and becoming an early and vocal advocate for electric vehicles. His work expanded beyond TV, with writing roles for Classic Cars magazine and The Mirror. In 2004, he earned the title of Motoring Writer of the Year at the British Press Awards.
His legacy spans decades of journalism, broadcasting, and public advocacy — all delivered with intelligence, humor, and a genuine love for motoring.
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