Former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson has died aged 68 following “a short battle with lung cancer”, his family said.
Willson, who died on Saturday, was described by his family as a “true national treasure”, who “brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms”.
In a statement, they said: “The family of Quentin Willson, television presenter and producer, motoring journalist, author, and campaigner, wish to announce that he passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, 8 November, following a short battle with lung cancer.
“A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.
“The void he has left can never be filled.
“His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”
In a tribute posted on X, fellow Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson said: “I’m far away so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died. We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.”
In a separate post, Clarkson said that “properly funny man” is “literally the highest accolade you can bestow on someone”.
Lawrence Whittaker, owner of racing car firm Lister Cars, said he was “utterly devastated to hear that Quentin Willson has passed away”.
He said: “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 was such a pro behind the camera.
“We worked closely together for over 10 years and my thoughts go out to his wife and family at this difficult time.
“He will be sorely missed by all.
“God speed Q.”
Willson co-hosted the original version of Top Gear with Clarkson from 1991 to 2001 offering his expertise on motoring and used cars.
The Leicester-born host went on to present Fifth Gear on Channel 5 and later Britain’s Worst Driver, a format which launched a raft of similar shows.
He made a brief return to the BBC in 2004 to participate in the second series of Strictly Come Dancing.
His family said he “helped shape the original Top Gear as one of its first hosts, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson and the team who took the pioneering show global”.
They added: “He went on to front Fifth Gear and still holds the dubious honour of Strictly Come Dancing‘s lowest score in history.
“He also created and presented much-loved programmes such as Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Car’s the Star.”
Later in this career, he took on a campaigning role becoming the national spokesman for FairFuel UK from 2011 to 2021, calling for lower government fuel duty.
“Through his FairFuel campaign, Quentin saved UK consumers a fortune by helping to freeze fuel duty”, his family said. “Over £100bn in fresh taxation was prevented by the campaign, a real consumer win by a true consumer champion.”
He also championed electric vehicles and had “worked tirelessly to make EVs affordable for all, via his FairCharge campaign”.
The 68-year-old leaves behind wife Michaela, three children and three grandchildren.
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His family described him as a “much-loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander & Roxana.
“Quentin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him personally and professionally” they said.
