So you’ve got an insatiable need for speed and a passion for power under the hood. You live for the rumble of a finely tuned engine and the smell of burning rubber. When you’re not out on the open road behind the wheel of your prized set of wheels, you’re tuning in to watch shows celebrating automotive culture.
Lucky for you, there are some fantastic series out there made just for car enthusiasts. From documentaries about iconic models to reality shows following custom shops, you’ll be revved up for hours of entertainment. Here are the 10 absolute best shows for car enthusiasts to get your motor running. Buckle up – it’s going to be a wild ride!
Top Gear
Top Gear is the original show for car fanatics. For over 25 years, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have reviewed some of the hottest new supercars while embarking on epic motoring adventures.
This show has it all. You’ll see insane lap times set in the “Reasonably Priced Car” and hear the hosts banter about anything and everything automotive. Dream about driving an Aston Martin or Porsche through scenic European roads. Learn about the latest innovations in the auto industry.
The Grand Tour
The Grand Tour is a show for true gearheads. Hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, the original hosts of Top Gear, this Amazon Prime series follows the trio on epic road trips across the globe.
In their travels, they get behind the wheel of some of the hottest supercars and put them through their paces. We’re talking Lamborghinis, McLarens, Porsches – if it’s fast and pricey, it’ll end up on the show. Each episode sees the hosts journeying to a new exotic locale in a selection of drool-worthy vehicles while engaging in witty banter and good-natured ribbing.
Fast N’ Loud
If you can’t get enough of classic cars and the drama of bidding wars, Fast N’ Loud is the show for you. This Discovery Channel hit follows Richard Rawlings and his crew at Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas as they buy, restore, and sell forgotten cars from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Each episode starts with Rawlings tracking down a new project car. He has to make a deal for the right price because his whole business model depends on buying low and selling high after a Gas Monkey makeover. Once a car is purchased, the real fun begins. The mechanics get to work stripping it down, replacing or rebuilding parts, and transforming it into a mint-condition classic worthy of any auto show. Of course, there are always unexpected complications, expensive parts to track down, and clashes between strong personalities.
Street Outlaws
Street Outlaws follows a group of street racers in Oklahoma City as they build and race custom muscle cars. If you love classic American muscle and the thrill of the race, this show is for you.
The all-star lineup of cars is reason enough to watch. From Daddy Dave’s GTO ‘The Sonoma’ to Big Chief’s ‘The Crowmod,’ these highly modified beasts of machines are works of art. With massive engines, custom paint jobs and performance parts, these hot rods and race cars embody power and speed.
Jay Leno’s Garage
If you can’t get enough of high-performance vehicles and the stories behind them, Jay Leno’s Garage is for you. The legendary late-night host and comedian has been collecting rare, vintage, and high-powered cars for decades.
In each episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay takes you into his massive garage to explore the history and engineering behind some of the world’s most iconic cars.
Wheeler Dealers
One of the best shows for car lovers is Wheeler Dealers. This British show originally aired in 2003 and is still ongoing. The premise follows Mike Brewer, a used car trader, and Edd China, a mechanic, as they find, fix up, and flip used cars for a profit.
Each episode focuses on a different vehicle. Mike searches classified ads, online listings, and auctions to find a car with potential that needs some TLC. Once he buys a car, usually for a good deal, Edd gets to work diagnosing any issues, repairing or replacing broken parts, and restoring the vehicle to roadworthiness. Along the way, Edd shares tips for DIY fixes and how to spot common problems. The transformations are always impressive.
Counting Cars
Counting Cars is a reality show that follows Danny “The Count” Koker and his crew at Count’s Kustoms, an automobile restoration and customization company. If you love classic cars and seeing how creative mechanics can transform them, this show is for you.
Each episode focuses on a few different restoration or customization projects Count’s Kustoms is working on. You’ll see everything from revamping vintage roadsters to turning boring family sedans into one-of-a-kind hot rods. Danny and his team show an incredible amount of skill, passion, and creativity with every vehicle that comes into their shop.
MythBusters
MythBusters was a show dedicated to putting urban legends, myths, and rumours to the test. Hosted by Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, the show ran for over 10 years from 2003 to 2016. Each episode focused on testing the validity of myths, rumours, and urban legends in popular culture.
Some of the myths they put to the test involved explosions, stunts, and experiments. The hosts would first research the myth, determine if it was plausible, and then design an experiment to see if they could replicate the results. Some myths were “busted” while others were “confirmed.”
Part of the appeal of the show was seeing Adam and Jamie build contraptions and set up elaborate experiments. Their passion for science, building, and problem-solving came through in every episode.
Motor Week
Motor Week is the longest-running automotive series on U.S. television. For over 40 years, the show has provided viewers with the latest news and information on new cars, trucks, and the automotive industry.
The show features road tests, reviews, and comparison tests of the newest vehicles like sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and alternative fuel vehicles. They analyze performance, handling, comfort, and value. The hosts and reviewers point out the pros and cons of each vehicle to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs and budget.
Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge
Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge was an animated series that originally aired in 2005. If you’re a fan of fast cars, crazy stunts, and over-the-top action, this show is for you.
The show followed a group of teens who competed in high-speed races and stunt challenges in souped-up concept cars on a virtual racetrack called the Ultimate Raceway. Each week, contestants would design a custom vehicle to compete in challenges like the Corkscrew Crash or the Wall of Flames to advance to the final Ultimate Challenge race. The contestant with the fastest time would win a virtual trophy and bragging rights.
There we have it, our list of 10 best shows about vehicles. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: