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The first ever top gear filmed was in 1998
more like 1977, the NEW top gear in the format as its now known started around 1998. i know this as ive been watching it for over 20 years!
He made his début in Top Gear on the 20th of October 2002 for the first episode of season 1 of the new format version of the show.
He wasn't Jason Dawe was, and believe it was because his bland factual segments didn't fit the shows desired format.
Top Gear of course
Pebble Mill created the original show in 1977, it was then produced by Jon Bentley.
The new format, currently in its 13th season was created by Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman.