For their first challenge, the boys take on a mission of revolutionising the Indian “Dabbawala’s” – a group of people who deliver hot, home cooked meals from housewives, directly to their husbands at work. James agrees the 210bhp available in the Rolls is “adequate” and is happy to report that the car has no faults whatsoever. Jeremy feels extremely confident inside the XJS – all the dials are reading as they should, the engine is smooth and every single electric item in the car works. Richard loves the “chunky” power producted from the Mini’s tiny engine, whilst simultaneously wincing in pain from the car’s rough ride – thanks to its lowered suspension. The boys head out into the streets of Bombay to get to know their cars. The boys argue about which car is best, and for good reason – ahead lay a 1,300 mile journey across India and up into the Himalayas. Richard rolls up last in one of the last Mini Cooper Sports’ ever made – it looks immaculate and proudly displays the Union Jack on the roof. Jeremy turns up next in a Jaguar XJS – a car notorious for being utterly unreliable due to cheap electrical connectors and relays. James arrives first in a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow – a car hand wrought in Britain during the 1970’s, using the very finest British car making materials. Upon arriving, the boys meet up in the city of Bombay to see what cars the others had bought.
Top Gear ignores Mr Cameron anyway and the boys each purchase a British car for under £7,000 and begin their journey to India.
This special episode of Top Gear begins with the boys outside of Number 10 Downing Street – where they reveal the PM, David Cameron, personally dismissed their suggestion to run a British trade mission to India, in an effort to increase business between the two countries. Jeremy – Jaguar XJS, Richard – Mini Cooper, James – Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.Each selects a car which will help represent Britain.Jeremy, Richard and James go on a British trade mission to India.