When Harry Metcalfe decided to take the pre-production Gordon Murray T.50 prototype through the English countryside, it was only a matter of time before it stopped by the most famous farm in the Cotswolds. The result? Jeremy Clarkson in the passenger seat and a deafening V12 that leaves no room for idle chatter.
A central place, but only for the chosen ones
Although Clarkson is used to being the master of the wheel, this time he had to be content with the role of navigator. The reason is purely technical and typical of Gordon Murray's manic approach - the driver's seat in the T.50 is fixed and adjustable individually for each owner. For someone of Jeremy's stature, getting into a cockpit set up for someone else proved to be a mission impossible.
A symphony at 11,500 rpm
The star of the show is undoubtedly the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 developed by Cosworth. With its 654 hp and the ability to rev to a mind-boggling 11,500 rpm, the engine is described by Clarkson as “exceptional”. However, the journalist did not fail to note the other side of the coin – The noise in the cabin is so brutal that normal conversation becomes practically impossible.
The T.50 is not a car for social conversations, but a machine for precise cornering. Weighing under a ton and with a manual gearbox, it is a direct challenge to the digital age.
„Excitement“ or just extremeness?
The clash of opinions between the former Top Gear colleagues is interesting. While James May (known for his meticulousness) raves about Murray's engineering prowess, Clarkson was more sceptical after his brief drive. He said he didn't experience the same "thrill" that May trumpets, though he admitted his opinion would probably be radically different if his right foot controlled the accelerator rather than just the floor of the car.
Harry Metcalfe, who spent five days behind the wheel, summed up the experience as "more extreme than expected". Manoeuvring in town is made easier by power steering, which automatically disengages above 14 km/h, leaving a purely mechanical connection between driver and road at higher speeds.
The T.50 remains perhaps the last of its kind - raw, analogue and uncompromising. But is it too noisy for everyday use, or is that just the price of pure automotive perfection? Clarkson has yet to decide if he ever gets into the driver's seat. Watch the video.