Rover James is a modified-version of Fiat Multipla designed and built by Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond specifically for elderly people. It was featured in the fifth episode of Top Gear's nineteeth series as part of a film in which Hammond and Clarkson attempt to build the perfect car for old people. Because of this the duo made numerous changes to original Fiat Multipla.
Design[]
Rover James design it is simply lengthen the front bumper while keeping it's intact design but also moves forward the number plate. Though, it reduces significantly it's drag coefficient that covers the air duct. The colour scheme change to beige that matches for hearing aid.
Modifications[]
On the interior, it has a numerous feature with many amenities a purpose for comfortable journey. These features include:
- The original dashboard stripped out then they create their own style. Uniquely, some functions are also simplified. The sat-nav system was also comes with only three points of interest like: home, bingo, post office, Peggy's house. And finally with huge magnifying glass on front.
- The SRS airbag (both driver and dashboard) had stripped off when Richard suggest that the elderly sits forward. But Clarkson cut the blue wire (presumely ground wire), then placed on rear end bumper.
- Speedometer alters it's cluster instead of the original ones.
- Richard painted the Fiat beige, one that matches the colour of a hearing aid.
- A squeaky ball was also put below the brake pedal
Testing[]
To test the Rover James, Clarkson and Hammond drove around the town of Christchurch in Dorset before inviting three eldery pensioners for a day trip around town: Mirian, Betty, and Barbara. During their testing the presenters discovered numerous flaws with their creation; firstly, the Rover James leaked in the rain (Caused by the holes drilled on the roof) and got one of the elderly passengers wet. Secondly, the pet cage on the roof was not safe enough and resulted in the death of Tiddles the cat.
Finally, the radio, which they nicknamed the 'irresistible clapping machine', was dangerous to the driver of the car and the Shackleton chairs were extremely difficult to get in and out of. Lastly, the self destruct feature Jeremy installed rendered the car useless and unable to go anywhere, infuriating Richard.
Trivia[]
- The satnav guide's voice was provided by late actor Richard Briers.
- Although a seemingly random connection at first, Rover badging on a Fiat may very well have been a reality in the early '00s, as the former were poised to base a compact car on the running gear of the Stilo, although these plans eventually fell through in favour of the RDX60, an in-house proposal which never materialised.