For fans of ‘Top Gear,’ the journey of James May and Richard Hammond has been as thrilling as the cars they showcased. As they revisit the iconic Dunsfold Aerodrome, we are taken on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, exploring the moments that defined their experiences and solidified their legacies in motoring history. Through laughter, camaraderie, and memorable mishaps, this article explores the poignant farewell to an era.
14. Final Goodbyes and the Promise: Never Again
In their final moments at Dunsfold, May and Hammond quietly acknowledged this truly was the end, exchanging heartfelt thanks and reflecting on the memories made over decades. With a promise they’d never do it again, the duo bid farewell to fans, leaving viewers with a nostalgic sense that an era had truly closed.
13. Remembering Stupid Little Trophies and In-Jokes
James May and Richard Hammond couldn’t help reminiscing about the silly trophies and inside jokes that defined their Top Gear adventures. From questionable “awards” handed out during infamous challenges to running gags like “ambitious but rubbish,” these quirky mementos and shared laughs perfectly capture the heart of their friendship and the show’s enduring charm.
12. Reflecting on Cars Once Driven on the Track
As the sun set over Dunsfold, Hammond and May reminisced about the cars they once raced on the iconic circuit. From humble hatchbacks to roaring supercars, each brought its own memories. They noted how even technology has changed—driving an electric car now, on the same corners where petrol legends once howled.
11. Honouring the Final Lap Around the Test Track
In May 2025, Hammond and May made a poignant return to Dunsfold Aerodrome for one last drive on the iconic Top Gear test track. The duo reminisced about famous sections like “Chicago,” “Hammerhead,” and “Gambon Corner” while piloting an electric car—a vehicle type that barely existed when they started their Top Gear journey. The setting sun provided a fitting backdrop for this nostalgic farewell.
10. Sharing Stories of Last Studio Recording Departures
Hammond and May revisited memories of their last studio recording, recalling the bittersweet moment of walking out after their final Top Gear shoot. Hammond described driving away in his bronze Land Rover, feeling a mix of uncertainty and nostalgia, while both reflected on the anxieties and excitement of recording days in the iconic studio.
9. Swapping Memories of Script Arguments and Laughter
In their emotional return to the Top Gear green room in 2025, Hammond and May reminisced about the space where they “assembled, worked on scripts, had arguments” during their tenure. The nostalgic moment visibly affected both presenters, with May confessing, “I feel funny,” as they revisited the somewhat shabby quarters that played such a significant role in their television careers.
8. Walking the Slightly Boggy Grass Parking Lot
Retracing their steps across the familiar, slightly boggy grass parking lot, Hammond and May couldn’t help but reminisce about countless arrivals at Dunsfold. The muddy patch was where they used to park—unless someone else nabbed a closer spot. Standing there, it felt as if years of Top Gear memories came flooding back.
7. Recalling the “Spitfire Table” Summer Chats
Amid their emotional farewell lap, Hammond and May fondly reminisce about the countless summer afternoons spent around the iconic “Spitfire table” at Dunsfold. These chats—filled with laughter, teasing, and motoring dreams—defined the duo’s camaraderie off-camera, making the nostalgia of their final drive all the more poignant.
6. Reminiscing Over the Trophy Cabinet
Returning to their old HQ, Hammond and May paused by the worn trophy cabinet. They joked about the “crap trophies” they’d earned—quirky reminders of their Top Gear years, never for anything grand, but always for fun. The cabinet’s contents perfectly captured their unique, unserious legacy.
5. Peeking Inside the Legendary Green Room
In March 2025, Hammond and May returned to the Dunsfold track, attempting to revisit their old Green Room where they once worked on scripts and had arguments. The duo described feeling “funny” and “odd” being back after years away. Unfortunately, they couldn’t enter as the door wouldn’t open properly due to a mat blocking it.
4. Visiting the Iconic Top Gear Studio Building
In March 2025, Hammond and May revisited the dilapidated Dunsfold Aerodrome studio where Top Gear was filmed until 2020. The emotional 15-minute video shows them exploring the empty shell of what was once their production office, including the writing room and the private changing area used by The Stig. The building sits adjacent to the massive aircraft hangar that housed the show’s main set.
3. Hammond’s Nostalgic Bronze Land Rover Memories
Richard Hammond revealed that after his final Top Gear studio recording in 2015, he drove home in his beloved bronze Land Rover, which he still owns today. He was so emotional and “tear-soaked” that he couldn’t stop for diesel, ultimately running out of fuel near his home on the M50. This Nara Bronze vehicle later featured in his written tributes to Land Rover Defenders.
2. The Emotional Drive Up the Old Access Road
In May 2025, Hammond and May made their poignant return to Dunsfold Aerodrome, driving up the same access road they had traveled countless times during their 15-year Top Gear tenure. As they approached the track, the setting sun created a nostalgic backdrop, highlighting the significance of this final visit to the place that shaped their careers and friendship.
1. Returning to the Legendary Dunsfold Aerodrome
Hammond and May made a poignant return to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, home to Top Gear’s iconic test track since 2002. The location, originally designed by Lotus Cars as a testing facility, has hosted countless Power Laps and celebrity drives over two decades. In 2017, planning permission was granted for 1,800 homes on the site, marking the end of an era for this motoring landmark.
Conclusion:
As Hammond and May bid their final goodbyes to Dunsfold, they leave behind a legacy filled with laughter, innovation, and passion for motoring. The memories they’ve created on this iconic test track have not only entertained millions but also highlighted the bond and chemistry that made their journey unforgettable. While the promise of ‘never again’ may signal an end, the impact of their adventures will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of fans worldwide.
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