Top Gear and Fifth Gear star Quentin Willson dies at 68 after battle with lung cancer as family pay tribute to a ‘true national treasure’

Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died aged 68 after a short battle with lung cancer, his family said.

He was one of the original stars of Top Gear and was the show’s used car expert for a decade from 1991.

During her time on the show, Willson worked alongside Jeremy Clarkson, Vicki Butler-Henderson and James May.

He later appeared on Channel 5’s rival motoring show Fifth Gear and also worked as a motoring journalist.

Willson appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004; Her eight-point total for a dance here remains the lowest score awarded by the judges in the competition.

In later life he worked as a campaigner at the forefront of the FairFuel campaign to reduce the cost of fuel duty. He was also an early advocate of electric cars.

In a heartbreaking tribute, Willson’s family described him as a ‘true national treasure’ who ‘brought the joy of motoring from the combustion engine to electric into our living rooms’.

He died surrounded by his family on Saturday after a short battle with lung cancer, they said.

Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died aged 68 after a short battle with lung cancer, his family said.

Willson was seen on ITV’s Good Morning Britain in March this year

Willson later appeared on Channel 5’s rival motoring show Fifth Gear and also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing.

The statement said: ‘The family of television presenter and producer, motoring journalist, author and campaigner Quentin Willson would like to announce that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday 8 November, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 68 years old.

‘A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from internal combustion engines to electricity, into our living rooms.

‘He helped shape the original Top Gear as one of its first presenters, working with Jeremy Clarkson and the team that took the pioneering show global.

It beat ‘Fifth Gear’ and still holds the dubious honor of being Strictly Come Dancing’s lowest score in history.

‘Quentin saved UK consumers a fortune by helping to freeze fuel duty through his FairFuel campaign. Over £100bn of new taxes have been avoided thanks to the campaign – a real consumer win from a true consumer champion.

‘He also created and presented hit shows such as Britain’s Worst Drivers and Star Cars.

‘Long before it became trendy, GM championed the EV1 and its electric car promise and proved it was always ahead of the pack.

‘More recently he has worked tirelessly to make electric vehicles affordable for everyone through his FairCharge campaign.

‘Loved husband of Michaea, devoted father of Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather of Saskia, Xander and Roxana. Quentin will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him personally and professionally.

‘While messages of condolence are welcomed, the family requests that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.