Former Top Gear Host Quentin Willson Passes Away at 68 – Cause of Death Revealed

Former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson has passed away at the age of 68 after a brief fight with lung cancer, his family announced. The TV host and motoring journalist reportedly died peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.

Willson, who became a familiar face to car fans in the 1990s, was one of the early presenters of the BBC’s Top Gear, appearing alongside Jeremy Clarkson.

He hosted the show for a decade, from 1991 to 2001, before moving to Channel 5 to present Fifth Gear. Over the years, he also fronted programs like Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s the Star.

In a statement shared by his family, they described him as “a true national treasure” who helped bring “the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.”

Beyond television, Willson was deeply involved in motoring campaigns. He was known for his work as a consumer advocate, notably leading efforts to freeze fuel duty through the FairFuel campaign. More recently, he pushed for affordable access to electric vehicles with his FairCharge initiative. Earlier this year, he criticized the UK government’s decision to relax electric vehicle rules, calling it “a grave misstep.”

Willson was among the early supporters of electric cars, long before they became popular. His family remembered him as “always ahead of the curve,” noting his early enthusiasm for models like the GM EV1. They described him as a loving husband to Michaela, a devoted father to Mercedes, Max, and Mini, and a proud grandfather.

Tributes have poured in from across the motoring and broadcasting world. Former Top Gear co-host James May remembered him fondly, saying, “Quentin Willson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV back in the late 90s. I’ve never forgotten it.”

Willson, originally from Leicester, also had a strong presence in print media. He wrote weekly columns for the Mirror and Sunday Mirror for 15 years, contributed to Classic Cars magazine, and was named Motoring Writer of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2004.

He was also known for his appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he famously earned the lowest score in the show’s history for his cha-cha-cha performance.

Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, praised his dedication to making electric vehicles accessible, calling him “warm, generous with his knowledge, and unfailingly kind.”

Lawrence Whittaker, owner of Lister Cars, added, “He was the most knowledgeable person I ever met when it came to cars. We worked together for over 10 years, and he revolutionized the UK motor trade through his journalism and campaigning. God speed Q — you will be missed.”

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