Twenty two years.

That’s how long the legendary trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have been working together. They started in 2003 when James May joined, forming the trio on “Top Gear,” a show where they reviewed cars, did fun challenges and got up to all sorts of shenanigans. This marked the start of one of the greatest eras in automotive history, but also the start of one of the most influential shows of my life, fostering my love and passion for cars.

For their final adventure, the icons went to Zimbabwe. “The Grand Tour: One For The Road” brings fans along on a wild ride across land, water and memory lane in what was a beautiful send-off for three of the most influential people in the world of cars. 

Throughout the years, the trio drove a wide variety of cars from jet-powered dragsters and supercars to tiny little town cars; however, the vehicles the trio chose for their final journey are some of their best. I have a special place in my heart for cars similar to what the trio chose for their final voyage; classic compact sports cars like the Lancia Montecarlo Clarkson drove are the embodiment of what it means to be a car enthusiast. Appreciating the small things and unique qualities of every car is something I’ve learned throughout my years of watching these icons. It’s more important to focus on the emotional connection a person can have with a car rather than the practicality of it.

It was nice to see that, even in their final special together, they didn’t let old habits die young and kept true to who they have always been: constantly bantering and not helping each other when they broke down. It was comforting knowing that even though it is the final time, they make a special together, nothing really changed; they were still the hilarious and obnoxious blokes that fans loved. 

The trio also picked the perfect place to go for their final adventure. The scenery of Zimbabwe was absolutely breathtaking. The beautiful flowing hills, expansive forests, flowing rivers and waterfalls set the perfect backdrop for their final farewell. They were laughing and cracking jokes along the way, and I couldn’t help but laugh along with them, enjoying every single word and bit of banter between the guys and even the more serious notes of the special as it neared its end. 

From getting lost and having to completely reroute their course to traveling across land, water and even rail, “The Grand Tour: One For The Road” was the encompassing adventure the trio and fans deserved. It highlighted the best they’ve had to offer over the years. Even meeting some old friends along the way, Clarkson and May ran into their cars from the very first special they ever did. They were abandoned in Botswana, 15 years after the first special they did together, ending back where it all began, Kubu Island: another reminder of just how long they’ve been working together and how much their time together meant, not only to them, but to fans around the world.

Before ending, May addressed the situation saying, “I hope we’ve brought you a little bit of happiness.” 

To Clarkson, May and Hammond: you brought me more happiness than anyone will ever know. 

Clarkson, May and Hammond will always be a part of my life; I’ll never stop watching the legendary trio. I grew up watching them on “Top Gear,” and their love and passion for cars was a big part of why I fell in love with cars myself. I will continue to watch them and keep them close to my heart for the rest of my life because they are far more than just TV presenters. They are my idols, teaching me and millions like me lessons about cars, life and the massive world that we all share. I will continue to honor their legacy and show the future generations the beauty of the work they created. 

I put off watching the special immediately because, in my mind, if I never watched the final episode, it wouldn’t be over; there would always be one more episode — one more adventure. But I’m glad I decided to watch “The Grand Tour: One For The Road” because it gave me exactly what I needed: closure. 

I don’t like crying; it’s not a particularly enjoyable activity, but I couldn’t help it as the trio drove off into the sunset one last time. Even reflecting on it now, I find myself tearing up a bit, not in sadness, but joy that we got one last masterpiece from the iconic trio.