The latest episode of The Grand Tour, entitled EuroCrash, brings a unique driving experience and views to this Amazon Prime car show.
As with most episodes of this car show, the trio of bumbling Brits gives us a modern take on the Three Stooges with a lot of car influence tossed in. Rather than the slapstick comedy of the Stooges, these three characters bring us practical jokes and pranks pulled on each other while traveling to some of the coolest areas of the world. In this latest episode, this trio takes a road trip that nobody has ever thought to take.
What is the road trip taken?
The show opens with the three on a boat in the Baltic Sea, discussing various countries they could visit for a road trip. For the most part, they point out many places they can’t go for various reasons, including that Jeremy Clarkson is banned from India. Eventually, they settle on a road trip through Central Europe, starting at Gdansk in Poland and venturing to Bled in Northern Slovenia. This road trip covers 1,400 miles and allows the trio to visit some interesting locations along the way.
What cars were driven during EuroCrash?
If you’ve followed The Grand Tour during its time on Amazon Prime, you know that these road trips have become a regular occurrence. Although the show transitioned from a regular offering to two-hour specials after COVID-19, road trips have been part of the plan for a while.
It’s also become a regular occurrence for the team to choose cars to drive during their road trips. For EuroCrash, Jeremy Clarkson chose a Mitsuoka Le-Seyde, Richard Hammond drove a Chevrolet SSR, and James May chose a Crosley. The goal was to choose cars that had never been chosen for a road trip, befitting a road trip that’s never been taken.
Two had fun and enjoyed the sights; one did not
The 1,400-mile journey in these three odd cars put two of the cars way out in front of one. The Crosley, driven by James May, is over 70 years old and has only 26 horsepower. This is barely enough to get the car to more than 30 mph, which means James spent much of the filming being blown off the highway. This also meant that he missed most of the sights, which became a bit of a theme of the episode.
Although the Crosley was slow, James did arrive at the track to witness Richard Hammond behind the wheel of a race car, which eventually crashed. The Crosley had been turned into the medic wagon, but it was so slow getting to the crash site that if Hammond had actually been injured, he might have perished.
During the rest of the journey, James May barely made it up with the group, and when his Crosley broke down, he had to drive the backup car. This backup car is an old Ford hot rod with a Jaguar engine painted purple with the words “Titties and Beer” on the side.
Spectacular views and a Fast and Furious ending
The road trip through Central Europe reminded us of a time when the Berlin Wall stood, and this area of Europe was under Soviet control. Although Communism was rampant, some incredible and amazing cars came out of this part of Europe; one racing machine in particular, James May had the pleasure of driving.
Near the end of this episode of The Grand Tour, Clarkson and Hammond reach Slovenia, where the views are absolutely spectacular. Upon arrival at their destination, Lake Bled, you can see exactly why this team chose the spot. Lake Bled is absolutely gorgeous, with clear blue water, a castle nestled in the cliffs, and an island featuring a small lighthouse. Everything about this lake is incredible and beautiful. Unfortunately, James May didn’t arrive until after dark and, because of the Crosley, had to leave before dawn.
The final scene of EuroCrash takes a page from the Fast and Furious movies, with all three cars driving up a ramp onto a plane. As it turns out, it’s the wrong plane, and they didn’t need to risk their lives to catch their ride home.
In the end, the road trip during this episode of The Grand Tour was incredible, fun, and humorous. Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond both kept their cars, but James May chose not to keep the Crosley. Being passed on the highway and breaking down didn’t leave a good feeling for this slow and historic car.
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