Show fails to hit Top Gear

The Top Gear Australia Live show was a no show for many car lovers at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.

Trevor Veale

CAR enthusiasts and fans of the hit television show Top Gear Australia claim they have been let down by a promotional visit promising “a $2 million convoy of star cars”.

After a hyped media build-up, a crowd of up to 1000 people turned up at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour yesterday expecting to see a stunning array of Top Gear vehicles.

A Jaguar XF sports saloon was the star attraction of more than 50 vehicles on show, but a host of “star cars” featured in the Top Gear Live stage shows in Brisbane and Melbourne failed to eventuate.

Prior to the visit, publicists issued press releases spruiking fans could expect “the ultimate indulgence for any car lover”.

Instead, antique, vintage and restored vehicles sourced from local car clubs were shown off alongside luxury showroom vehicles from car dealerships and the official Top Gear Live fleet.

Car lover Garry Wilson was one Coffs Harbour local disappointed the Aston Martins, Maseratis, Ferraris and Porsches featured in the live stage shows in Brisbane and Melbourne didn't make an appearance.

“Fair enough there was a black Jaguar and, yes, there were $2 million worth of vehicles in the car park, but that's taking into account the cars local people drove there to see the star cars,” Mr Wilson said. “To be honest it was an absolute fiasco. I expected so much more.”

Publicist Martine Cousins, from Gold Coast-based company Fluid PR, said she was surprised to hear some people had been left disappointed by the convoy's visit.

“There was $2 million worth of vehicles on display, led by the matte black Jaguar and, yes, some vehicles were sourced locally,” Ms Cousins said.

“A lot of people had expected Jeremy Clarkson and James May to make an appearance, but due to their schedules they have not been part of the convoy. The Top Gear crew and their star cars will be appearing at the live stage shows in Melbourne and the Top Gear Live Festival later this week.

“Rare and collectors' vehicles sourced from the local area complemented the travelling Top Gear convoy.”

The vehicles on show in Coffs Harbour included a triumph TR-7 V8, a 1929 Chevrolet Tourer, a 1932 Ford coupe and a Mini Cooper.