Jeremy Clarkson, the outspoken automotive journalist and television personality, recently shared his favorite cars in a special episode of the Autocar podcast. The recording took place at his Diddly Squat Farm, a location that reflects his increasingly diverse business ventures – including a farm shop, pub, brewery, and the popular television show Clarkson’s Farm.
A Rare Moment of Downtime
The podcast came about after Clarkson jokingly admitted in his Sunday Times column that he had “time to spare” due to the unusually wet British winter slowing down his farming operations. This admission caught the attention of Autocar’s Matt Prior and the author, who had previously been rebuffed in attempts to secure an interview due to Clarkson’s hectic schedule.
Clarkson’s willingness to participate this time was swift; he responded within hours to a request for one hour of his time. The meeting was set for the following afternoon at Diddly Squat Farm.
Behind the Scenes at Diddly Squat
The farm itself has expanded significantly since its initial portrayal in Clarkson’s Farm. While modern agriculture often prioritizes efficiency over personnel, Clarkson’s operation was bustling with activity, including a film crew preparing for the next season of his show. Clarkson explained that a constant presence of production staff is necessary given the unpredictability of farm life.
The Interview: A Passion for Cars Remains
The interview took place in a new, modern office on the farm, complete with car-themed artwork. Clarkson immediately struck a welcoming tone, offering no restrictions on questions or filming.
The conversation covered familiar themes: his skepticism towards electric vehicles (“white goods”), his preference for high-performance gasoline engines (“the soul of a car”), and his admiration for brands like Lamborghini and Lexus. Notably, he expressed a strong desire to acquire a Lexus LFA if the opportunity arose.
Clarkson’s Enduring Enthusiasm
Despite his many projects, Clarkson remains deeply engaged with the automotive world. He actively stays informed, drawing on years of experience to form strong opinions on current cars and trends. The podcast episode captures his signature bluntness, humor, and enduring passion for automobiles.
“Clarkson’s willingness to engage with the automotive community underscores his continued influence in the industry, even as his career diversifies beyond traditional car journalism.”
The full podcast is available for listening above, offering a candid glimpse into Clarkson’s thoughts on the cars he loves and why they matter.
