Top Gear (OTG) GB:TV-12 1977 The original Top Gear (which was aired from 1977 to 2001) started as a monthly television series produced by BBC Midlands, based at Pebble Mill. The 30 minute programmes had a magazine format and were transmitted to viewers in the Midlands region only. Top Gear and its title, was conceived by Executive Producer Derek Smith. The programme covered motoring related issues such as new car road tests, fuel economy, safety, the police, speeding, insurance, second-hand cars and holiday touring. William Woollard Host 1 Jeremy Clarkson Host 2 Chris Goffey Host 3 Tiff Needell Host 4 Sue Baker Host 5 Frank Page Host 6 Quentin Wilson Host 7 Tony Mason Host 8 Vicki Butler-Henderson Host 9 Jason Barlow Host 10 Adrian Simpson Host 11 Steve Berry Host 12 Noel Edmonds Host 13 Angela Rippon Host 14 Tom Boswell Host 15 Beki Adam Host 16 Judith Jackson Host 17 Barrie Gill Host 18 Mike Dornan Host 19 Michele Newman Host 20 Tim Coyne Host 21 Andy Wilman Host 22 James May Host 23