Jeremy Clarkson Reflects on the Worst Thing He’s Ever Done During Coniston Water Speed Attempt
In the latest episode of The Grand-ish Tour, Jeremy Clarkson opened up about what he considers the “worst thing” he’s ever done, and it happened during a memorable stint in the Lake District in 2017. Clarkson, along with his fellow co-stars Richard Hammond and James May, found themselves in the picturesque setting of Coniston Water, trying to break records in a modified Bond Bug car that could navigate both land and water.
The trio were no strangers to trying their hands at dangerous and daring feats for their television show, but this particular attempt quickly became a disaster for Clarkson, despite it being part of the grand thrill of speed enthusiasts taking to the water for Records Week.
The event was an exciting and high-energy spectacle, drawing numerous onlookers who gathered to watch the team attempt to break records in the Lake District. Clarkson and his fellow hosts were aboard a bizarre creation: a Bond Bug that had been modified into a three-wheeled amphibious vehicle. Along with it, they had an impressive boat with caterpillar tracks, designed to drive on both land and water. For many, it seemed like an epic moment to capture, with the gorgeous scenery of Coniston Water in the background.
However, things quickly took a turn for the worse when Clarkson got behind the wheel of the Bond Bug. The goal was clear: break the existing speed record for amphibious vehicles, but Clarkson’s experience was far from smooth. In the most recent episode, Clarkson looked back at the fiasco, admitting that the day was filled with challenges and frustration.
Reflecting on the chaotic moment, Clarkson said: “That Pond Bug that you two built. The Three-Wheel Aqua car. I’m thinking the bug turned into a hydroplane.” He continued, “Yes, and then you two built it, and you said to me, ‘You drive it, and while you are at it, set a new water speed for amphibious cars.'”
Richard Hammond humorously replied, “We gave you all the glory,” while James May chimed in, adding, “We did the work. You got the prize.”
Despite the laughter between the hosts, Clarkson couldn’t help but recall how difficult the experience had been. Recalling the scene from 2017, Clarkson exclaimed: “It’s a ****ing nightmare. I can’t steer it. I am going to crash into the bloody safety boat. Why have they given me such shoddy workmanship? That’s the worst thing I have ever done. Ever!”
He wasn’t shy about voicing his frustrations, turning to May and Hammond with more criticism: “You two, not only have you built something ugly and complicated, but no, it’s rubbish and lethal.”
Despite his harsh words and frustration, Clarkson eventually acknowledged the achievement they had pulled off. The modified Bond Bug, despite its many issues, managed to reach an impressive speed of 47.81 miles per hour, setting a new national record in the experimental amphibious unlimited class. Clarkson, perhaps begrudgingly, admitted that while the vehicle had been a nightmare to drive, the result was undeniable.
The Grand Tour team’s foray into Coniston Water was part of a broader tradition of speedboat record attempts that have taken place on English lakes for nearly a century. Lakes like Ullswater, Windermere, and Coniston Water have all served as iconic venues for powerboat racing, drawing drivers, support crews, families, and spectators from all over. These events have paid tribute to the speed heroes of the past, surrounded by the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Lake District.
That day, Clarkson, Hammond, and May made history, albeit in a far messier way than they had expected. While Clarkson may not have been a fan of the amphibious vehicle, he certainly had to recognize its success in setting a new speed record. Reaching 47.81 mph in the Bond Bug was no small feat, and it placed the trio in the history books, despite the mishaps and frustrations that accompanied the attempt.
The team’s time on Coniston Water was a perfect example of the high-risk, high-reward antics that have become a hallmark of The Grand Tour. While Clarkson may have labeled the experience as the “worst thing” he had ever done, the legacy of the day remains as an unexpected achievement, cementing their place in the history of amphibious vehicle speed records.