Former Top Gear presenter and motoring journalist Quentin Willson has died at the age of 68 after a short illness, his family announced. Willson, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of Britain’s most influential automotive voices.
Born in Leicester, Willson became a household name in the 1990s as Top Gear’s used car expert, where his wry humour and candid reviews made him a fan favourite. He co-hosted the BBC motoring show from 1991 to 2001, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson and others before joining Fifth Gear on Channel 5.
Willson’s family described him as a “true national treasure” and “consumer champion,” adding that “the void he has left can never be filled.” They praised his early advocacy for electric vehicles, noting his promotion of General Motors’ EV1 in the 1990s as proof that he was “always ahead of the curve.”
Beyond television, Willson was a passionate campaigner for fair fuel pricing. Through his leadership of the FairFuel UK campaign, he successfully lobbied for the freeze of fuel taxes, helping millions of motorists save money.
Tributes have poured in from across the motoring world. Fellow presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson hailed him as “the champion of the consumer,” while James May remembered him as a “great bloke” who offered guidance during his early TV days.
Willson also made a memorable appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where his infamously low score became part of the show’s folklore something he later said made him “very proud.”
AA president Edmund King described Willson as a “brilliant presenter and campaigner,” adding, “He will be missed by all.”
Quentin Willson’s contribution to motoring journalism and his tireless advocacy for fair fuel and electric mobility will long be remembered.
