Funeral for a Ford

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

In the final episode of the series, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May present a short and informative history class on one of the bedrocks of British life; the medium sized Ford saloon. Starting with the Cortina of the 1960s and ‘70s, the three chart the history of the car that changed British society and provided transport for millions of dads including Clarkson senior and father May though not, to his annoyance, Richard’s dad. To cover the ‘80s part of this documentary, Richard takes to the track in the legendary Sierra RS Cosworth before all three hosts regroup to celebrate the Ford Mondeo and this model’s unique claim to fame. Since the Mondeo seems certain to cease production without replacement in the coming years, the history lesson ends with a touching memorial service to this totem of British life.

Our Take

A fittingly sentimental sendoff, with the trio trading banter over decades of humble Fords their own fathers actually drove. It’s more relaxed documentary than car show, and that’s the point. The Sierra Cosworth segment adds some needed energy, but the real charm is three old men getting genuinely misty about a Cortina. Worth your time, especially if you grew up in the back seat of one.