9 Times Top Gear Crossed The Line

3. The Quintessentially German Car

As already evidenced, Clarkson isn't what you'd call the most culturally sensitive of TV personalities, but special mention goes to the first episode of series seven. Responding to Hammond's claims that a car with an integrated tea set was "quintessentially British", Clarkson joked that a "quintessentially German" car should be put into production. At his suggestion, the car would feature Hitler salutes as turn signals, a Sat-Nav system that would only go to Poland, and "ein fanbelt that will last a thousand years". Funny though his joke may have been, they didn't go down too well with the German Government. Their own concern and the concern of viewers that the comments would lead to negative feelings towards Germans led to complaints being sent to the BBC Board of Governors. This is just one instance in which Clarkson could have done with a little bit of wisdom being sent his way. In the immortal words of Basil Fawlty, "Don't mention the war."