Kevin McCloud's latest television venture, "Classic Car Road Trips," presented on Channel 4, offers viewers a journey through the countries of origin of six iconic automobiles. The show, reviewed by Roland White for the Daily Mail, received a rating of three out of five stars.
In the debut episode, McCloud is seen driving a convertible Citroen DS along the French Riviera. The car, once recognized as the most beautiful of the 20th century, is described by McCloud as feeling like "a piece of sculpture." The reviewer notes the car's unique features, including a gear lever on the steering wheel, the absence of a clutch, and adjustable suspension height, which McCloud learns to operate under the guidance of mechanic Lionel Aubert in Monaco. The driving experience is characterized by a sense of floating, with McCloud remarking that the car "sounds like the wind" and its suspension feels as if it is "actually floating on the breeze."
The program's format diverges from typical car shows, focusing more on the aesthetics and historical context of the vehicles rather than performance tests. White likens the show to "Top Gear presented by Brian Sewell, the art critic," emphasizing an appreciation for the cars' curves and beauty.
Despite the scenic backdrop and the allure of classic automobiles, the first episode encountered a minor setback when the car broke down en route to Cannes. McCloud's journey also included stops in the village of Biot, where he engaged in a game of boules with wooden cubes, met with design students interested in old technology, and visited a restaurant with a private art collection. In a demonstration of the Citroen's suspension, McCloud drove along a cobbled street while sipping coffee without spilling a drop, an act the reviewer suggests would likely result in a penalty notice in England.
The series aims to explore classic cars in their native settings, with McCloud appearing to relish the experience of driving these vehicles through picturesque landscapes, prompting the observation that "isn't showbiz tough!"