Top Gear Season 3 Episode 4: Lamborghini Legends Take Centre Stage
The fourth episode of Top Gear’s third series celebrates Lamborghini’s 40th anniversary with a showcase of the Miura, Countach, LM002 and a record-setting Murciélago lap.
Top Gear’s third series reached its fourth episode with a tribute to Lamborghini’s 40th anniversary, dedicating the bulk of the show to the Italian marque’s most memorable models. The episode, first broadcast in late 2003, features an impressive line-up of the Miura, Countach, LM002 and Murciélago for a mix of road tests, nostalgia, and power laps.
Overview of Top Gear Series 3 Episode 4
- Episode aired during Series 3 in 2003
- Focus on Lamborghini’s 40th anniversary
- Features: Miura, Countach, LM002, Murciélago
- Murciélago sets power lap record at 1:23.7 (dry)
Testing Lamborghini’s Icons
Richard Hammond takes the wheel of the 1967 Lamborghini Miura, often cited as the world’s first supercar. He discusses its radical mid-engined layout and styling, which broke with the conventions of the time. The Miura’s low, wide stance and innovative engineering established a template that many later supercars would follow. Hammond also samples the later Miura SV, riding alongside its owner, musician and car collector Jay Kay. Jay Kay explains the improvements made to the ultimate version of the Miura, including enhanced power and refinement. Their drive highlights the Miura’s enduring appeal and its place in automotive history.
James May is granted his childhood wish by driving the Lamborghini Countach, the car that adorned countless bedroom walls in the 1970s and 1980s. May finds the Countach’s performance and soundtrack live up to its legend, but notes the car’s notorious impracticality. He highlights the cramped cabin, heavy controls, and poor rear visibility, making parking a particular ordeal. Despite its flaws, the Countach’s dramatic looks and raw driving experience leave a lasting impression, embodying the excess and excitement of its era.
Super-SUV and Track Performance
Jeremy Clarkson turns to the Lamborghini LM002, the brand’s V12-powered SUV from the 1980s. Nicknamed the “Rambo Lambo”, the LM002 was originally developed for military use but found a niche as an extravagant civilian off-roader. Clarkson demonstrates the LM002’s huge thirst for fuel and unwieldy handling, describing it as both absurd and entertaining in equal measure. The LM002’s size, power, and unique character make it a standout even among Lamborghini’s famously bold vehicles.
The modern Murciélago returns to the Top Gear test track for a dry lap, following its earlier run in wet conditions during Series 1. This time, the car delivers on its promise, setting a new record on the leaderboard with a time of 1:23.7. This result confirms the Stig’s earlier prediction that it would top the board in the dry, and cements the Murciélago’s reputation as a modern supercar capable of combining speed with drama. The lap time was the fastest on the Top Gear board at the time of broadcast, highlighting Lamborghini’s ongoing commitment to performance.
A Lamborghini Showcase for Fans
With its focus on Lamborghini’s heritage and performance, this episode appeals to both classic car enthusiasts and fans of modern supercars. The show’s mix of road tests, owner stories, and track action provides a broad look at what has made Lamborghini a fixture in automotive culture for four decades. The episode’s nostalgic look at the Miura and Countach is balanced by the spectacle of the LM002 and the cutting-edge performance of the Murciélago, offering something for every type of car fan.
For viewers interested in more Lamborghini content on Top Gear, later episodes such as Top Gear Season 14 Episode 3 and Top Gear Season 13 Episode 2 feature the Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni and Murciélago LP670-4 SV respectively. These episodes continue the tradition of showcasing Lamborghini’s evolution, highlighting both the company’s history and its ongoing influence on the world of high-performance cars.
Legacy and Impact of the Episode
Top Gear’s Season 3 Episode 4 is often remembered for its celebration of Lamborghini’s bold design and engineering. By bringing together iconic models from different eras, the episode illustrates Lamborghini’s lasting influence on car culture and the supercar segment. The appearance of Jay Kay, a noted car enthusiast, adds a personal touch, while the show’s presenters each bring their own perspectives to the cars they test. This approach helps explain why the episode remains popular among fans, even years after its original broadcast.
The episode also serves as a reminder of Top Gear’s ability to blend entertainment with genuine automotive insight. Through detailed tests and memorable moments, it manages to capture both the excitement and the quirks of Lamborghini ownership. For those interested in automotive history or simply looking to revisit classic Top Gear, Series 3 Episode 4 stands out as a highlight of the show’s early years.
