Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson has passed away at 68 after battling lung cancer, according to his family. Described as a “true national treasure” and known for bringing the joy of motoring to audiences, Willson peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 8th.
Born in Birmingham in 1957, Willson was a prominent motoring journalist and broadcaster who appeared on Top Gear in the 90s before transitioning to Fifth Gear in 2001. He co-hosted the original version of Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson and was recognized for his expertise on used cars.
In addition to his television work, Willson was an accomplished writer, contributing motoring columns to national newspapers and magazines, as well as authoring various books on cars. He was also actively involved in motoring advocacy, co-founding FairFuelUK in 2010 to lobby for lower fuel duty and transparent fuel pricing.
Throughout his career, Willson presented multiple TV series, including Britain’s Worst Driver and The Car’s the Star, and was involved in property-focused programs. Lawrence Whittaker, owner of Lister Motor Company, paid tribute to Willson, highlighting his contributions to the car warranty market and the UK Motor Trade.
Willson’s passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from the automotive community, with many expressing sadness at the loss of such a knowledgeable and influential figure in the industry.
