Quentin Willson, Former Top Gear Presenter, Dies at 68 – Cause of Death Known

Quentin Willson, the beloved former Top Gear host and motoring journalist, has passed away at the age of 68 after a brief fight with lung cancer, his family announced on Saturday. According to the statement, Willson died “peacefully surrounded by his family.”

Willson first became a household name as one of the original presenters on the BBC’s Top Gear, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson from 1991 to 2001.

After leaving the show, he went on to front Channel 5’s Fifth Gear and created several other motoring programs, including Britain’s Worst Drivers and BBC Two’s The Car’s the Star. His family described him as “a true national treasure” who brought “the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.”

Beyond his television work, Willson was a passionate consumer advocate. He campaigned to freeze fuel duty through his FairFuel initiative and more recently focused on making electric vehicles accessible with his FairCharge campaign.

In April, he criticized government changes to EV rules that would allow petrol and diesel car sales until 2035, calling it a “grave misstep.” His family added that he had championed electric cars long before it was trendy, praising his early support of the GM EV1.

Willson is survived by his wife Michaela, his children Mercedes, Max, and Mini, and his grandchildren Saskia, Xander, and Roxana. His family said he will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him and added: “His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”

James May, his former Top Gear co-host, shared fond memories of working with Willson, calling him a “great bloke” and 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.”

Born in Leicester, Willson also wrote weekly columns for the Mirror and Sunday Mirror for 15 years and contributed to Classic Cars magazine. He was named Motoring Writer of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2004. He also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, where he holds the show’s lowest-ever score for his cha-cha-cha with Hazel Newberry.

Industry figures also paid tribute. Ginny Buckley, CEO of Electrifying.com, said: “He was warm, generous with his knowledge and unfailingly kind. He brought the joy of motoring – from petrol to plug – into our homes and hearts, and will be greatly missed.”

Lawrence Whittaker of Lister Cars added on X: “He was the architect of the Warrantywise plan and revolutionised not just the car warranty market but, through his campaigning and journalism, made the entire UK motor trade a better place. He was the most knowledgeable person I ever met when it came to cars and such a pro in front of and behind the camera. God speed Q! You will be missed.”

Quentin Willson’s impact on motoring and broadcasting will not be forgotten. His passion for cars, advocacy for consumers, and dedication to his work left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire both fans and colleagues.

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