What does the ex-Stig actually drive? - Ben Collins' car history

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  • čas přidán 3. 04. 2022
  • Thank you to Gtechniq for sponsoring today's video! Check out their newly reloaded range here:
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    He has graced our screens in a helmet and white racing suit for years, but what does the Stig actually drive as his daily car? Mike Fernie caught up with Ben Collins to check out his daily, as well as dive into the racing driver's car history.
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Komentáře • 2,4K

  • @Drivetribe
    @Drivetribe  Před 2 lety +97

    Thank you to Gtechniq for sponsoring today's video! Check out their newly reloaded range here:
    bit.ly/gtechniq-reloaded

    • @danievanrensburg1168
      @danievanrensburg1168 Před 2 lety +4

      Where did you guys film this? Especially the bit where you swopped cars.

    • @stephencowan6070
      @stephencowan6070 Před 2 lety +1

      What a comment I'm the exact same

    • @RafaelHabegger
      @RafaelHabegger Před 2 lety +12

      Why not wash it in a nature preserve next time?

    • @jamesdisnow
      @jamesdisnow Před 2 lety +1

      Wow, the way you guys insert these sponsorships are not organic and they go for too long. Yeesh.

    • @savagegtalks5912
      @savagegtalks5912 Před 2 lety +1

      maybe Ben goes back to his roots and find a little used Civic type R...????

  • @otix3253
    @otix3253 Před 2 lety +3158

    never realized it until now but i have been watching this guy drive cars throughout my teen years! crazy to see him talk now

    • @TroyHR123
      @TroyHR123 Před 2 lety +67

      Look up Richard Porter (Sniff Petrol/script writer for Topgear). When I first listened to his podcast a year or so ago; it made me realise a lot of Topgear was literally just Richard's personality cinematized. If you were as obsessed with Topgear as I was growing up, you'll spot it quickly.

    • @cavemanvi
      @cavemanvi Před 2 lety +41

      I consider myself a huge top gear fan and never really wanted to know.
      Always thought it was Schumacher

    • @MrOvershoot
      @MrOvershoot Před 2 lety +16

      @@TroyHR123 Yep the Smith & Sniff podcasts often have a window into the phrases and grammar used on Top Gear which as you say is Richard Porter's script writing

    • @otix3253
      @otix3253 Před 2 lety

      @@TroyHR123 is it on spotify?

    • @TroyHR123
      @TroyHR123 Před 2 lety

      @@otix3253 Nigel got the Podcast, Richard P/ Jonny Smith have a CZcams channel called "Smith & Sniff".

  • @Arturo_S3
    @Arturo_S3 Před 2 lety +1470

    The fact he just cares about handling and how the car feels makes SO much sense. Such a Stig thing

    • @strings1586
      @strings1586 Před 2 lety +77

      He's driven the fastest, most expensive, most rare vehicles mankind has ever built. Makes sense that he would choose the most geeky of all driver's cars

    • @negnatrepsej2903
      @negnatrepsej2903 Před 2 lety +17

      I’m not a racecar driver, but I still feel difference in cars, so would expect it from a professional driver

    • @BlatentlyFakeName
      @BlatentlyFakeName Před 2 lety +24

      Feel is more important than performance. The fast Audis have a lot of power, but they feel like lard.

    • @ldorman
      @ldorman Před 2 lety +8

      @@strings1586
      "...most geeky..."
      If that would be the case, he would drive a Nissan GT-R
      They more powerful, quicker and cheaper as a 997 Turbo - especially the early ones you could pick up before C19 for under 35k where as the 997T in decent condition never fall under 55k and you had to be lucky to find one.

    • @GTChucker86
      @GTChucker86 Před 2 lety +31

      ​@@ldorman Then again this is the stig we're talking about, he didnt want a more powerful car. He picked the 997 because he loves how it drives while feeling connected and engaged. And also the 997 comes with a proper analog manual gearbox and handbrake which he prefers a lot and did mention in the video. The GTR never had a manual option.

  • @996rick
    @996rick Před 2 lety +744

    The amount of rock chips on the front of that Turbo is sensational. Mad respect to those who use these as cars first, rather than sculptures.

    • @yeahyeah4433
      @yeahyeah4433 Před 2 lety +8

      I do agree, they enjoy being driven, thats why their made. Although I can understand 1/10 cars being kept and not driven but cars like this are made to be used.

    • @lucadambrosio2615
      @lucadambrosio2615 Před 2 lety +20

      Performance cars were built to be driven, not to sit in a garage or showroom and not be, they're supposed to be fun and put to the limit of what they were made for

    • @Robdutton91
      @Robdutton91 Před 2 lety +16

      Cars are meant to be driven, always makes me sad when a car like that is just stored and never used.

    • @lucadambrosio2615
      @lucadambrosio2615 Před 2 lety +5

      @@Robdutton91 it just kills me that people do it

    • @ToreDL87
      @ToreDL87 Před 2 lety +2

      Yeah its meant to be driven, will perish otherwise.

  • @lawrenegummy4736
    @lawrenegummy4736 Před rokem +142

    Honestly makes him feel relatable and on the ground knowing he has to save up for nice things too.

    • @Emira_75
      @Emira_75 Před 10 měsíci +21

      I feel like this man has been unfairly payed compared to one of the hosts or a mid-grid F1 driver e.g.

    • @PlaaTable
      @PlaaTable Před 4 měsíci +4

      made me sad. dude should have at least few rarris and clarens

    • @yammmit
      @yammmit Před měsícem

      @@Emira_75paid*

  • @jasongarey8329
    @jasongarey8329 Před 2 lety +1518

    Ben is a solid guy. I appreciate his rationale for choosing the Porsche and that he saved up for it.

  • @critterjon4061
    @critterjon4061 Před 2 lety +2035

    “Some say he drives a Porsche 997 turbo gen 2”

    • @Tbo1235
      @Tbo1235 Před 2 lety +5

      Jahahahah

    • @adamschaeffer3614
      @adamschaeffer3614 Před 2 lety +66

      .....and he does!

    • @chadhudson1589
      @chadhudson1589 Před 2 lety +101

      All we know is he's called the stig

    • @Dippy637
      @Dippy637 Před 2 lety +119

      Let’s all admit we said this in clarksons voice

    • @kyejt-r
      @kyejt-r Před 2 lety +16

      @@adamschaeffer3614 all we know is, He's called the STIG

  • @therealphee
    @therealphee Před 2 lety +105

    I love Ben’s car history. It feels like a genuine enthusiast’s progression.

    • @onuohafamily
      @onuohafamily Před rokem +1

      Civic prelude a3 for work because he had access to better cars, s5 then 911. Yup

  • @tidysampler585
    @tidysampler585 Před 2 lety +1210

    I personally believe that Ben should have a permanent slot on Drivetribe. His & Mike’s conversations are sublime. Great content to watch & listen to 🔥

    • @clairemarie4621
      @clairemarie4621 Před 2 lety +4

      Agree 👍

    • @eshanmirash2456
      @eshanmirash2456 Před 2 lety +9

      He has his own channel cold Ben collins drives I think

    • @bryango5979
      @bryango5979 Před 2 lety +11

      their banter is reminiscent of the old top gear and definitely better than the new top gear.

    • @AlessandroCD7
      @AlessandroCD7 Před 2 lety +4

      I absolutely agree. He is a great personality, he really should appear more often on Drivetribe

    • @BenCollinsDrives
      @BenCollinsDrives Před 2 lety +17

      Thank you Tidy - if I just keep turning up & driving into their shots on a weekly basis I figure they have no choice but to make it official ;)

  • @gerryjamesedwards1227
    @gerryjamesedwards1227 Před 2 lety +474

    I know 'The Stig' was part of what made Top Gear into a phenomena, but Ben is such a personable chap, with such a wealth of experience, that I can't help wishing he'd been one of the presenters.

    • @johnjfrederick
      @johnjfrederick Před 2 lety +17

      Was thinking the same thing. Not that TG was where you came for objective opinions about cars, but opinions about performance cars mean a little more when coming from someone who knows how to drive :-)

    • @herocar4133
      @herocar4133 Před 2 lety +2

      yes I would watch him talking about cars, he knows how to drive

    • @martinuso7446
      @martinuso7446 Před 2 lety +1

      Agree, Chris, Ben and Jenson talking shop... That would be a great fireworks..

    • @dannyboywhaa3146
      @dannyboywhaa3146 Před 2 lety

      Yes, instead of Hammond lol... all of them far better than the current crop, Paddy and Freddie are great but they’re idiots and Top Gear is not for idiots!

    • @xjjtvx2533
      @xjjtvx2533 Před 2 lety +4

      @@dannyboywhaa3146 *Jeremy Clarkson enters the room*

  • @thesolidsnek8096
    @thesolidsnek8096 Před 2 lety +15

    This dude could have moderated a car show by himself he is interesting to watch and obviously mad skilled. I enjoyed your work Ben, Thank you for everything!

  • @benblackburn2693
    @benblackburn2693 Před rokem +15

    He seems like such a genuine down to earth guy. Honestly for someone with a resume like his, this car is extremely refined and modest considering all the other vehicles he experienced and could have purchased.

    • @BillStrathearn
      @BillStrathearn Před rokem +2

      I was definitely surprised to learn that it took him seven years to save up for a used Porsche though. I thought they would have paid him a lot more on the show

    • @kamilianos
      @kamilianos Před 5 měsíci

      @@BillStrathearn He is slowly opening up in recent interviews about his departure from BBC. He was underpaid and asked for more. They called him greedy and easily replacable. Soon after, he got sacked (possibly due to leaking his identify). Watch Road to Success Podcast to learn more.

  • @josephelgrably6400
    @josephelgrably6400 Před 2 lety +582

    He’s definitely more a driving enthusiast than a car enthusiast. You absolutely see that with his car choice and his speech.

    • @dagnut
      @dagnut Před 2 lety +33

      I disagree, anyone who drives a car beyond there means, which is not for clout, is a car enthusiast. Ben is not a wealthy man like the others from Top Gear

    • @jasper5097
      @jasper5097 Před 2 lety +19

      @@dagnut he's worth like 12 million pounds. Don't forget he is a professional racing driver after all.

    • @dagnut
      @dagnut Před 2 lety +4

      @@jasper5097 did you just Google net worth?

    • @ldorman
      @ldorman Před 2 lety +17

      @@dagnut
      "...anyone who drives a car beyond there mean..." - is an idiot.
      If you are a car enthusiast you buy the next best or go as close as you can but without breaking the bank.
      And regarding Ben Collins being not wealthy - his yearly income is around £100.000,-; alone as a stunt driver he made around 50k /year.
      He made some money with his book as well.
      How much he's really worth, no idea, but I guess a few million but doubt the 12mil posted by Jasper.

    • @dagnut
      @dagnut Před 2 lety +1

      @@ldorman I agree with that, I didn't mean to imply his buying cars and going without , that was probably phrased wrong. The point is , he's not. Wealthy man who can just buy brand new Ferraris like these spoiled ruch kid CZcamsrs

  • @Bmontepeque11
    @Bmontepeque11 Před 2 lety +589

    I like how Ben is very "realistic" like throughout Top Gear he drove just an A3, and how he says "This 911 is fast enough", I love it! ✨

    • @brois841
      @brois841 Před 2 lety +43

      To be fair, that 911 has 500hp and almost 500ft-lbs of torque. Does 0-60 in the low 3's (PDK version capable of

    • @Bmontepeque11
      @Bmontepeque11 Před 2 lety +1

      @@brois841 Oh, Yes! This is definitely fast enough!

    • @brois841
      @brois841 Před 2 lety +15

      @Evan Andrews 997.2 Turbo PDK with launch control will do under 3-seconds. Google it. Even if you disagree, the point is that the car makes more than enough power for a daily driver.

    • @razrramon2256
      @razrramon2256 Před rokem +2

      Porsche are always conservative with times reckon it’ll dip 3

  • @MikeJohnson-fs3ct
    @MikeJohnson-fs3ct Před rokem +1

    The videos coming from this channel are world class. Mike is a legend with a great group of people around him!!

  • @Sunderland1963
    @Sunderland1963 Před 2 lety +195

    A few years ago I invited Ben to attend a charity event at Silverstone where he drove around Silverstone with people who attended the event. His car of choice at the time was a Morgan and I have to say been driven around Silverstone with Ben driving will stay with me for life. Some say never meet your hero’s as you may be disappointed, well I have to say his attitude,willingness to please and professionalism were exemplary. Thank you very much for that day Ben you were a fantastic host

    • @resnonverba137
      @resnonverba137 Před 2 lety +4

      Heroes...

    • @piratepete4322
      @piratepete4322 Před 2 lety +4

      @@resnonverba137 stickler.

    • @resnonverba137
      @resnonverba137 Před 2 lety +3

      @@piratepete4322 Wanting basic and simple English to be used correctly hardly makes one a 'stickler'.

    • @samforster1794
      @samforster1794 Před rokem +3

      @@resnonverba137 Bet you're fun at parties ! Could have just enjoyed the story rather than nit picked one grammatical error in a paragraph on a CZcams video.....

    • @resnonverba137
      @resnonverba137 Před rokem +2

      @@samforster1794 You could have thought of something more original for your opening. Are you familiar with the expression regarding fools and wise men when it comes to corrections?

  • @mitchreeves1
    @mitchreeves1 Před 2 lety +266

    I love how that's his daily and he takes his kids to school in it. Imagine getting dropped off to school and telling the others kids that thats your dad and he is the Stig 😂

    • @johnluujl
      @johnluujl Před 2 lety +93

      And then everybody just goes "Who?" because they're all ten years old and have no clue who the Stig is:D

    • @sumukhapk4136
      @sumukhapk4136 Před rokem +11

      Kids: hey whats your dad's name.
      Kid: I've been waiting for this moment my whole life.
      He's called the Stig!

    • @culling
      @culling Před rokem

      Was*

    • @Texicus_Reddicus
      @Texicus_Reddicus Před rokem

      @@culling *is

    • @rust5846
      @rust5846 Před rokem +2

      ​@@sumukhapk4136 well.... some say he-

  • @sparkyplug28
    @sparkyplug28 Před 2 lety +7

    Ben is just an insane driver a genuinely mega quick guy who never got the right chances in a race car. His book which goes into driving techniques and driving safely while fast is a fantastic read

  • @captainmerica2498
    @captainmerica2498 Před 2 lety +7

    Ben should have a permanent spot on Drive Tribe. He is awesome.

  • @rorybeanz
    @rorybeanz Před 2 lety +236

    Small detail but the way he perfectly positions the car, all the time, on the road is amazing!

    • @RainingDarkChocolate
      @RainingDarkChocolate Před 2 lety +31

      Seems like just a regular driver obeying the road rules to me.

    • @Ben-dr7kj
      @Ben-dr7kj Před 2 lety +12

      He's the stig mate do you expect anything less

    • @warrengday
      @warrengday Před 2 lety +1

      I'm now going to rewatch this video, just for this.

    • @overlived
      @overlived Před 2 lety +14

      Completely agree! The way he turned the steering wheel when going into the turn...That was just masterful chain of actions.

    • @MindDezign
      @MindDezign Před 2 lety +5

      Uhm...you can practice on roads just driving. Any speed you can make up your on lines thru a turn even just in your lane. More so on a motor cycle but a Sports Car ,you can do the same.
      It hardens your eye and hand . Also you can practice your foot work. Any professional will try and maximize " practice times"
      Just driving everyday, in what ever you have.
      A Sports Car is more fun because you can set it up to dial in or out, driving feel. And nimble and small enough to enjoy " just in your lane.
      I've been daily driving Sports Cars since I was 16, 50 yrs I drive Sports Cars ( currently Datsun Z ,S30 and Old Kawasaki GPz) I drive for 50 yrs this way. And on roads you know very well, it's your personal road course,to stick to your lines thru the turns.
      It's fun at any Speed and nobody knows, your always practicing Driving, shifting, braking and steering.

  • @PkHarryB
    @PkHarryB Před 2 lety +106

    First 3 cars he had was a civic, a prelude and a mk4 supra. No wonder I've always loved this Stig. Ben, you're my favorite childhood driver!

    • @rayxmen
      @rayxmen Před 2 lety +2

      This was exactly my evolution. Tho i jumped into a Saab 9-3 instead of an Audi A3.

    • @marcusdamberger
      @marcusdamberger Před rokem

      I love the Prelude, my halo car in highschool, (91' to be specific, last year of third gen, though I love looks of 5th and final gen) it delights me that the stig had one as his daily. Now I want to fulfill that desire even more.

    • @raphaellauf7786
      @raphaellauf7786 Před rokem +1

      if even ben collins said a civic is a wicked car, it is a wicked car. it comes from a man who has driven probably the best the automotive world has had to offer for quite some years

  • @richardgeorge8612
    @richardgeorge8612 Před 7 měsíci

    Thank you so much for this presentation, Ben is such a lovely, genuine guy and you are such a great presenter

  • @SpartanHighKing14
    @SpartanHighKing14 Před 2 lety +1

    Please do more videos with Ben. He's absolutely fantastic. Such a great bloke

  • @LostChildOfTime
    @LostChildOfTime Před 2 lety +352

    Proof that if you've driven nearly everything, you'll still end up unsurprisingly with a Porsche. It's not surprising. Something quick, but not extreme, practical, but not practically boring... and something that has the spirit of driving in spades.

    • @I_THE_ME
      @I_THE_ME Před 2 lety +36

      You aren't really compromising on anything when getting a 911. They are know to be reliable compared to most other sport cars and just built well. The suspension isn't overly harsh and if something goes wrong with them, it's quite easy, although expensive, to get them fixed.

    • @ldorman
      @ldorman Před 2 lety +8

      @@I_THE_ME
      To be honest, everything to the 997 was relative easy to work on.
      A friend of mine has a 996 GT2 and he dropped the whole drivetrain incl. engine within 35 minutes in his garage.
      He pretty much does everything on that car himself. He bought the car as an accident damage, and originally wanted to make a track car out of it, but after he fixed it and took it out still in close stock condition he decided to get it back onto the road.
      He got the car cheap, because it is cat.something it would be not worth selling, so it become in the last 7 yrs his weekend car.

    • @ekim4926
      @ekim4926 Před 2 lety +7

      Calling a 911 Turbo not extreme is… eh? Yes it’s not the fastest car, especially today, but drive around town and you’ll still be driving one the fastest cars on the road

    • @ldorman
      @ldorman Před 2 lety +3

      @@ekim4926
      In 2022 there some pampers bombers out there what can keep up with a 13 year old 997 Turbo, so to be honest, it isn't an extreme car at all.
      I know people with tuned Focus RS what smoke that Porsche for breakfast when they doing the school run - car technology changed a lot in the last 15 years.
      Also, 997 Turbo is easy to drive because essentially it is a Carrera 4S with a forced induction - GT2/GT3 are where the aggressive fun starts.

    • @rhinsl5740
      @rhinsl5740 Před 2 lety +1

      @@ekim4926 well... not that extreme for the stig🤔 He have driven some of the fastest and craziest car on the planet like Enzo, Koenigsegg, SLR ...etc He also get to drive some of the greatest porsche like turbo S, GT3RS, GT2RS, CGT etc

  • @schipholspottersams
    @schipholspottersams Před 2 lety +88

    I love these kind of videos. Two nerds talking cars it feels a bit like this could be a conversation that can happen anywhere

  • @Haroosh20
    @Haroosh20 Před 2 lety +17

    I'd love to see Ben rag a 205 GTI 1.9. Perfect car for his skills :-)

  • @Jimmy_Broadbent
    @Jimmy_Broadbent Před 2 lety +12

    Can those lads come clean my cars please?

  • @tomvsas
    @tomvsas Před 2 lety +69

    The sponsor actually fits with the video! Really like it when they do that, as it doesn't interrupt the flow of the video, while still getting that advertisement. Props to you!

  • @blondeboi
    @blondeboi Před 2 lety +80

    Love to see more of Ben on here such a humble intelligent guy

  • @happycanayjian1582
    @happycanayjian1582 Před 2 lety +4

    Ben’s the man. Seems like such a cool bloke, and his book was a great read. Had me in stitches at times. 😂

  • @yep.5329
    @yep.5329 Před 2 lety +2

    He seems like a really down to earth guy. It's nice to hear that someone that you would be extra wealthy, like you would think the Stig would be, would have to save for seven years to buy the Porsche he wanted. Like, a lot of the channels on CZcams make it seem like everyone's super wealthy & buys whatever luxury sports car they want on a whim whenever they want. This video was really humbling in that respect. I also think it's cool the Stig not only acknowledges & appreciates the driving characteristics of older & cheaper cars, but also wants to buy one for himself, or wanted to at the time of filming. I remember James May saying smaller cars are more fun to drive because you can drive them on their limits more often in an old episode of Top Gear. I wonder if he got that directly from the Stig. Cool stuff. Nice video & cool guy to have interviewed.

  • @Theferrariguy
    @Theferrariguy Před 2 lety +73

    Seeing loads of chips in the 911 kills the cleaning geek in me but it also makes me happy because it shows that Ben clearly drives his car a lot which is lovely

  • @RainingDarkChocolate
    @RainingDarkChocolate Před 2 lety +20

    I like how the ad feels like part of the video. This is sponsorship advertising done right.

    • @eyesodd
      @eyesodd Před 2 lety

      It's funny isn't it, because I hate how they added the advert to look like part of the video, I stopped watching it then.

    • @RainingDarkChocolate
      @RainingDarkChocolate Před 2 lety +2

      @@eyesodd Usually I'd skip, but it was pretty satisfying seeing the same car featured in the video being cleaned.

    • @JB-fj5bm
      @JB-fj5bm Před 2 lety

      No, it was an ad

  • @beardedbadger6333
    @beardedbadger6333 Před 2 lety

    Fantastic car, Great chap, brilliant video. Could watch this over & over again.
    Bravo 😎👌🏼

  • @mrsasshole
    @mrsasshole Před 2 lety

    Really enjoyed that. Thank you, gentlemen.

  • @kasparsbutlers
    @kasparsbutlers Před 2 lety +181

    Please more videos with Ben just talking about car stuff. Somehow I value his opinions on cars above any other Top Gear presenter/crew member. And Chris Harris, of course :)

    • @metadata4255
      @metadata4255 Před 2 lety +5

      Yeah dude, it's pretty insane how influential Top Gear lap times felt like back when The Stig was still THE Stig. That man provided so much fodder for debates about which car was better/faster/etc. Really cool to see the man under the white helmet, doubly so given how grounded he seems.

  • @tony66au
    @tony66au Před 2 lety +26

    Ben is such a nice bloke and down to earth as well, Buying his dream car as an affordable 4 seater so he can take the family to school AND driving a Landy as a daily s well speaks volumes about the style and nature of this Gentleman.
    He deserves the best.

  • @beyondthelol
    @beyondthelol Před 2 lety +3

    Ben loves a real transmission and a real handbrake - a man of my heart

  • @randomkindness1470
    @randomkindness1470 Před 2 lety

    That was nice, looking forwards to the next Ben Collins video.

  • @chesspiece81
    @chesspiece81 Před 2 lety +68

    Some say he teleports from point A to point B. All we know is he's called...I doubt Ben sees this but my daughters enjoyed your character portrayal so much growing up. They memorized all your lines throughout the series.

    • @Elwaves2925
      @Elwaves2925 Před 2 lety +18

      He had a lot of lines too. Some days you couldn't shut him up.

    • @vertsk8er419
      @vertsk8er419 Před 2 lety

      sarcasm? what lines...

    • @Elwaves2925
      @Elwaves2925 Před 2 lety +4

      @@vertsk8er419 No, we're being completely serious.
      Or not. 😄

    • @Croatilillious
      @Croatilillious Před 2 lety +3

      Yeah same my favorite line is

    • @DodderingOldMan
      @DodderingOldMan Před 2 lety

      @@vertsk8er419 It's a well known fact that the Stig had a team of writers working for him, and that he himself worked 12 hours most days just working on witticisms, jokes, anecdotes and soliloquys to perform on Top Gear. It's just that we could never hear them, because of the helmet.
      Still, such dedication!

  • @hugoferreira3846
    @hugoferreira3846 Před 2 lety +79

    Its a 997.2 Turbo with manual. He knows for sure how to choose them 🤯

    • @henrik1743
      @henrik1743 Před 2 lety +11

      I would want one as well and those are gonna go up in value

    • @cathalfolan8441
      @cathalfolan8441 Před 2 lety +4

      He said it took him years to save up for that and he didn't but it new, how much did they pay him? Clarkson and the boys all getting paid millions and driving around in new Ferraris and Ford GTs, sounds like a scandal to me. He was one of the main stars of the show!

    • @henrik1743
      @henrik1743 Před 2 lety +2

      @@cathalfolan8441 He prob just got a standard salary as a test driver

    • @luffyduy9227
      @luffyduy9227 Před 2 lety

      @@cathalfolan8441 he's just a test drive. And the stig can be anyone else not just him

    • @cathalfolan8441
      @cathalfolan8441 Před 2 lety +2

      @@luffyduy9227 yeah but for the majority of seasons it was him as far as I know. How many millions did they make selling t shirts with his helmet on them? It sounds to me like he was shafted.

  • @matsteventon
    @matsteventon Před rokem

    I think this is the best car video I've seen! Brilliant !

  • @szymonski1905
    @szymonski1905 Před 2 lety +1

    I remember seeing him on the Polish TV show as a kid and I was gobsmacked that they had managed to get Ben on there!
    Really nice to see a proper driver’s choice and hear some insights, seems like a really nice bloke too! Great vid

    • @kamilianos
      @kamilianos Před 5 měsíci

      Top Gear was very well received in Poland. The show was transcripted to Polish ( a single voice would read all the lines and you could hear original language in the backgroud).
      The humour still worked due to the the visuals and mannerism of the hosts and challenges. Ben was not hated in Poland for revealing his identity, so it was a perfect break for him from the UK drama and a chance to get some on on screen experience (talking and reviewing)

    • @szymonski1905
      @szymonski1905 Před 5 měsíci

      @@kamilianos I know, I watched it all the time.

  • @CHROMETK
    @CHROMETK Před 2 lety +74

    The fact that Ben is a lovely chatty character shows how strong his will was to keep it contained as the stig.

  • @pauld.b7129
    @pauld.b7129 Před 2 lety +54

    His car choices are way more conservative than I would have imagined from the stig. He's way more sensible than I'd imagine a race car driver to be 😂

    • @rhyswilliams4893
      @rhyswilliams4893 Před 2 lety +13

      When he drives crazy cars on trsck for a living road driving is probably more a chore than anything.

    • @ridhwanramzi4773
      @ridhwanramzi4773 Před 2 lety +7

      Race car drivers usually are sensible. They have seen all the speed most of mankind can see on land (besides top fuel dragsters) and are worn out by it, so theres no point of having a very very fast car in day to day driving.
      Some even prefer to get chauffeured or driven around instead.

    • @BMWWolf
      @BMWWolf Před 2 lety

      In other words he knows what he is talking about

    • @aurelius8439
      @aurelius8439 Před rokem

      @@ridhwanramzi4773 I recall recent interviews with Verstappen and Riccardo. Both say they don't really speed or pursue fancy cars. Also why would they? They drive the pinnacle of technology for a living, road cars are purely utilitarian.

  • @andrewwhite1305
    @andrewwhite1305 Před 2 lety

    Thanks Mike and Ben, cool vid!

  • @MrRocknrolla4u
    @MrRocknrolla4u Před 2 lety +35

    Ben.. now there’s a guy that actually fully uses a Porsche 911 Turbo to its full capability and practicality (daily ride). You can tell by the stone chips on his Porsche that it’s actually a tool for him and not just “his pride and joy” that he brings out the garage every weekend to polish.

  • @SnoBeatz
    @SnoBeatz Před 2 lety

    The cinematography is just as amazing as ever

  • @xenofalcon
    @xenofalcon Před 2 lety +26

    Having done stuff with Praga cars and interacting with Ben, I must say, the Ben collins you see on screen is no different to how he is in real life, really nice guy.

  • @Jimbobsgarage
    @Jimbobsgarage Před 2 lety

    I remember meeting Ben when he stayed at my friend’s mum’s B&B near Brands and he had that lovely black Supra. As a 19/20 year old I was drooling over that cutting edge (then) bit of kit!

  • @paultaylor9652
    @paultaylor9652 Před 2 lety +1

    Simply a great video, enough said.

  • @kiwirar5885
    @kiwirar5885 Před 2 lety +52

    Some say, this is actually his stunt actors car and the real Stig drives a Dacia Sandero.

  • @LaaloVT3
    @LaaloVT3 Před 2 lety +32

    Love to see Ben on the channel, and would love to see him in GT as well.

  • @samloose7526
    @samloose7526 Před 9 měsíci

    Ben Collins seems like such a lovely guy! I love how he's not desperate for the latest and greatest, but appreciates a car that is 10+ years old. Awesome car!

  • @standingbadger
    @standingbadger Před 2 lety

    Fantastic vid! Thanks! CTR EP3. Still lots to like about them. I’ve had one for 8 years as a daily and even at 52 I can’t let it go.

  • @sowkaiser6572
    @sowkaiser6572 Před 2 lety +13

    I currently drive an a3 as well and I absolutely love it. It often surprises me and I’d pat the steering wheel and say ‘well done’.

  • @quicknickdriver8510
    @quicknickdriver8510 Před 2 lety +28

    Ben’s such a grounded bloke. Mk1 Fiesta super sport with subtle chassis mods, or a 205 rallye perhaps. Much more fun to drive a less powerful car near the limit for the road.

    • @wilfy7744
      @wilfy7744 Před 2 lety +1

      205 Rallye would be right up his street. Great little back roads car. I had a F Reg (89) 205 XS (85 bhp) in 1992 and it was a hoot. Chris Harris has a 205 Rallye. I bet they are hard to find. Funnily enough when I was living in Oxford in 1989/90 my mate had a fiesta supersport (W Reg (1980)) and he lent it to me for the weekend. I loved that car. I was only 19 and it was heaven blasting round in it. So thirty years later, I’ve got an E63 and he’s sold his Audi R8 and is getting a Tesla !! 🤣

  • @Wheelsandjourneys
    @Wheelsandjourneys Před 2 lety

    Very cool, loved every minute of it

  • @rickintexas1584
    @rickintexas1584 Před 2 lety +1

    Fantastic video. Cruising around in a Porsche with the Stig sounds like a wonderful idea to me.

  • @prerunnerwannabe
    @prerunnerwannabe Před 2 lety +236

    For a more "retro" hot hatch, a 1st generation Focus RS would be pretty sick.

    • @kianshahrokh
      @kianshahrokh Před 2 lety +18

      Gta147

    • @hooduswinkus2657
      @hooduswinkus2657 Před 2 lety +1

      This

    • @cgr_doorjam0263
      @cgr_doorjam0263 Před 2 lety +3

      that or maybe an st150 or early st180

    • @LiamNI
      @LiamNI Před 2 lety

      Aye, and about £30k+! Totally overpriced IMHO.

    • @metadata4255
      @metadata4255 Před 2 lety +1

      based on his description of the joys of Land Rover motoring, he should get an old Geo Metro with a coke can turbo and stock brakes

  • @54mgtf22
    @54mgtf22 Před 2 lety +6

    I have a 987 for all the same reasons Ben mentioned.
    And it also can break speed limits in hairpins. Simply awesome drive.
    Love your work 👍

  • @chrisopherhoness8292
    @chrisopherhoness8292 Před 2 lety

    Used to climb loads around there when I lived in Bristol so know those roads so well. What a great drive they are!

  • @SJR313
    @SJR313 Před 2 lety

    Ben Collins - what a great, down to earth, humble guy - 👍

  • @edinborogh
    @edinborogh Před 2 lety +13

    Some say... awesome Ben! True legend.

  • @krsslim
    @krsslim Před 2 lety +17

    Back to the roots, EP3 type-R was born to be the stigs grocery getter!

  • @leonardodeabreu257
    @leonardodeabreu257 Před 2 lety

    Excellent video!!!!

  • @Oooo-bi7bi
    @Oooo-bi7bi Před 2 lety

    His job was providing some of the most exciting TV every week for our childhoods. Glad he’s a nice guy , level headed.

  • @bennylloyd-willner9667
    @bennylloyd-willner9667 Před 2 lety +3

    Great format this, and both petrolheads seem so relaxed and down to earth - great video👍

  • @flyboy1975
    @flyboy1975 Před 2 lety +8

    Great to see someone identifying the B roads on the Mendip Hills as fantastic driving roads. Love that area. It’s been my playground for years

    • @kamilianos
      @kamilianos Před 5 měsíci

      I had a pleasure driving throgh Mendip and the roads we great, but the rain and flooding made me a bit nervous from time to time. Would have been great in a 4x4 beater hatch.

  • @Mihalyofficial
    @Mihalyofficial Před 9 měsíci +1

    Such a beauty that 911, this is why its my goal to own one one day as well. It can not only perform, but its such a great handling and feeling car all around as well.

  • @darrelljones5960
    @darrelljones5960 Před 2 lety

    Loving the content keep up the great work. Ben Collins. The stig has always been my favorite. you have to love that guy. If i was gonna throw in a hot hatch.. Golf R. Newish years.

  • @bghoody5665
    @bghoody5665 Před 2 lety +4

    Ben is always a great guest - very knowledgeable and humble. As for a hot hatch, I suppose a VW Corrado with a VR6 would be nice.

  • @SamI-jk5vt
    @SamI-jk5vt Před 2 lety +8

    we need more videos of ben

  • @robcollins2017
    @robcollins2017 Před rokem

    Love the fact that uncle Ben had a prelude,because I got on right here! Awsome.

  • @acroracing
    @acroracing Před 2 lety

    Super awesome interview. Thanks for this post DRIVETRIBE.

  • @AleksandrHalas
    @AleksandrHalas Před 2 lety +32

    TOP GEAR LEGEND!!!!

  • @PGriff
    @PGriff Před 2 lety +55

    Ben needs an Integra Type-R (DC2); best handling FWD ever made, insanely thrashable, so rewarding and engaging to drive with lovely lift-off oversteer, and will keep him near(ish) to the speed limits while still having plenty of fun

    • @Emersonbmx16
      @Emersonbmx16 Před 2 lety

      And they beautiful 🤌🏼🤌🏼

    • @BenCollinsDrives
      @BenCollinsDrives Před 2 lety +9

      That's a punchy statement Mr G - I have something else in my sights atm...

    • @PGriff
      @PGriff Před 2 lety +2

      @@BenCollinsDrives ha, it may be punchy, but it’s also fairly arguable (I’m not a Honda fanboy either, just love an Integra).
      I’ll concede they’re probably not ideal daily drivers though, what with the short ‘box and limited soundproofing.
      Another hatch with awesome turn-in, even more lift-off and very little understeer is a 205GTi, albeit that might be a bit too old and too expensive now.
      If we’re continuing the slightly older FWD theme, I suspect you may still be thinking French - maybe something from the RenaultSport stable?
      If you loved your A3 maybe even a Leon Cupra? (those are a bit boring though in my humble opinion…)

    • @RyuLongRHOG
      @RyuLongRHOG Před 2 lety +1

      @@BenCollinsDrives Sir, may I interest you in an Alpine A110 Litchfield? I know it's modern, and it isn't a hatch, but you've got to try it.

    • @josephthomas8318
      @josephthomas8318 Před 2 lety +2

      I'm no Honda fan boy either but my old 2001 Integra gsr was easily one of the most fun yet economical cars I ever owned.

  • @beans5171
    @beans5171 Před 2 lety +4

    A nice option for Ben might be an old CRX Si considering that he seemed to like his old Civic and Prelude. Uses a similar engine, and is nimble as anything on the road.

  • @robertmerritt5078
    @robertmerritt5078 Před 9 měsíci +1

    I totally agree with Ben on the driving slow cars fast. I have driven a few exotics as a dealership photographer and they threw me the keys to go do scenic shots out and about. Nothing has been more fun to drive than hot hatches. Costa Rica has some insane roads and my dream halo car is an Abarth 595 biposto.

  • @thisislenin7800
    @thisislenin7800 Před 2 lety +14

    True legend

  • @boss_vision65
    @boss_vision65 Před 2 lety +7

    Great episode. I wish I could afford a 997 911, as it is my all time fav shape and package of all. I can appreciate the insight he has with cars. Glad y'all have him on DT, given that he was a mute on TG.
    For his hot hatch, a few suggestions are EP Civic Type R, 08 Focus RS, Gen 2 BMW M135i or Mazdaspeed 3. If he wants to go back further, then EK Type R, early 90s Nissan Pulsar GTI-R or even a Lancia Delta Integrale.

  • @motovieweditor
    @motovieweditor Před rokem +2

    Whilst testing for Ascari, he had the A3 and I remember surveying the front end that was insect smattered with fog lights damaged - before he was outed as The Stig.

  • @MrLamborghini1994
    @MrLamborghini1994 Před 2 lety +16

    Seeing as Ben used to have a Civic I'd say an EP3 Civic Type R would be perfect, high revving, lightweight, reliable seems like an awesome combo

    • @onuohafamily
      @onuohafamily Před rokem

      Yup or Integra it's basicallyba hatch too

  • @DarkKnight2845
    @DarkKnight2845 Před 2 lety +6

    The 997 Porsches have always been one of my favourites, glad to see the Ex-Stig drive it.

  • @theodoredeverell3894
    @theodoredeverell3894 Před 2 lety +6

    For Ben's hot hatch recommendation, Citroen AX GT.

  • @maliphathwemgidlana6089

    Enjoyed this

  • @nazhif1
    @nazhif1 Před 2 lety

    Nice to see Ben and I share the same taste in cars. I adore the 997.2 turbo.

  • @XNick291X
    @XNick291X Před 2 lety +39

    Ben would definitely suit something like a Peugeot 205/309GTI imo! Also blew my mind he he lives in the same city as me!

    • @Osmosis909
      @Osmosis909 Před 2 lety +2

      My immediate thought was 205gt

    • @philpritt9626
      @philpritt9626 Před 2 lety +1

      I had 309 GTi back in the day and paid £450 for it. Best money I've ever spent on a car I love it

    • @XNick291X
      @XNick291X Před 2 lety

      @@philpritt9626 That's great, would love to drive one!

  • @HawkMillFarm
    @HawkMillFarm Před 2 lety +3

    I remember the Top Gear episode so well, I bought a 911, then made the mistake of getting an Aston V8 too, what a mistake! still into 911s, had a pdk version of Ben's car, great machine but needed a DSC suspension controller as a bit harsh for me (my wife!).

  • @Leopardosx
    @Leopardosx Před 2 lety

    Such a humble guy.

  • @si_h44
    @si_h44 Před 2 lety

    ben is such a lucky guy, he has literally driven every performance car around for year on the limit!!! i dont think there is anyone else who has driven as many cars!! on top gear he would lap every car as we seen all the powerlap times, that must have been some job!

  • @jujitsujew23
    @jujitsujew23 Před 2 lety +14

    Cool to know Collins had an A3 Turbo and loved it. I've had a 2011 A3 TFSI 6 speed for years and love it
    Since he's thinking of getting an hot hatch, and the R26R is too modern, he should try and find a Renault Clio Williams

    • @rhyswilliams4893
      @rhyswilliams4893 Před 2 lety +3

      I love that he drove it till it died as well. Proper down to earth guy.

    • @jujitsujew23
      @jujitsujew23 Před 2 lety +2

      @@rhyswilliams4893 I can understand why. I won't be getting rid of mine anytime soon

    • @bigsmudge3232
      @bigsmudge3232 Před 2 lety

      I was hoping he will get a polo G40

    • @rhyswilliams4893
      @rhyswilliams4893 Před 2 lety

      @@jujitsujew23 if it's still running and you love it why would you!

  • @rhyswilliams4893
    @rhyswilliams4893 Před 2 lety +4

    Gotta love how the guy drove his daily till it died like a really working class lad.

  • @ricardofreitas2402
    @ricardofreitas2402 Před rokem +1

    What a legend the Stig is!! And this is the stuff of dreams!! Driving fast cars with all we know is he's called The Stig !

  • @robbielonergan5583
    @robbielonergan5583 Před 2 lety +1

    Ben Collins is an amazing human being

  • @leebo130
    @leebo130 Před 2 lety +17

    That might have been the weakest snow foam I’ve ever seen lol

    • @Anenglishrocket
      @Anenglishrocket Před 2 lety +1

      I was looking for this comment, my dish soap will do a better job

  • @rourke5000
    @rourke5000 Před 2 lety +5

    Watch out for the Bristol pusher

  • @sleepeatdrive7619
    @sleepeatdrive7619 Před 2 lety +1

    That must have been a DREAM of a day to take a drive with THE STIG!!!!!

  • @ArnoldVette
    @ArnoldVette Před 10 měsíci +1

    Why was I not surprised that that would be a sensible and logical choice for Stig.

  • @Bruno-xb2mt
    @Bruno-xb2mt Před 2 lety +14

    The 8L generation Audi S3 would be a great choice. Quick with 4wd, has a manual and kind of a throwback to his 1.8t a3.

    • @Bruno-xb2mt
      @Bruno-xb2mt Před 2 lety +1

      @@CandyMan2001 nothing a bit of suspension work or weight reduction can’t fix