LONDON – Quentin Willson, the veteran motoring journalist and television presenter whose expert analysis on shows like the BBC’s Top Gear made him a respected voice for car buyers in Kenya and worldwide, has died at the age of 68. His family announced he passed away peacefully on Saturday, 8 November 2025, following a brief battle with lung cancer.

In a statement released on Saturday, his family described him as a “true national treasure” who “brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.” They added: “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.”

Willson was a central figure on the original format of Top Gear from 1991 until 2001, where his segments on used cars earned him a reputation as a trusted consumer champion. His calm, knowledgeable delivery and sharp wit provided a contrast to co-presenters like Jeremy Clarkson. For many viewers in East Africa, where British television and a passion for automobiles have a strong following, Willson was a formative influence in understanding the intricacies of the car market.

After the original Top Gear was cancelled, he went on to co-host the rival programme Fifth Gear on Channel 5, cementing his status as one of the UK’s foremost automotive broadcasters. His television career also included creating and presenting shows such as The Car's the Star and Britain's Worst Drivers.

Tributes from former colleagues poured in following the news. Jeremy Clarkson wrote on the social media platform X: “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.” James May, another Top Gear alumnus who worked with Willson in the 1990s, described him as a “great bloke,” adding, “Quentin Willson gave me proper advice and encouragement during my earliest attempts at TV... I've never forgotten it.”

Beyond television, Willson was an accomplished journalist, writing for various publications and being named Motoring Writer of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2004. In his later years, he became a prominent campaigner for motorists' rights and a vocal, early advocate for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). He co-founded the FairFuelUK campaign to lobby for lower fuel duties and later established FairCharge to promote affordable electric vehicle adoption. His family noted that he championed the General Motors EV1 in the 1990s, proving he was “always ahead of the curve.”

While no direct ties to Kenya have been noted, Willson's influence was felt through the global reach of his programmes. His focus on consumer advice, vehicle reliability, and the used car market resonated strongly in Kenya, where the majority of vehicle purchases are second-hand imports. His insights into spotting a bargain and avoiding mechanical pitfalls were universally applicable, providing valuable guidance to buyers navigating the complexities of the local market.

Born in Leicester on 23 July 1957, Willson was the son of Bernard Willson, a Bletchley Park codebreaker. He is survived by his wife, Michaela, and three children, Mercedes, Max, and Mini. The family has requested privacy, with funeral arrangements to be announced in due course.