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James May's Cars of the People
Overview
James May takes a look at the 'peoples car'. Covering every form of cars for the masses - from the Beetle to the Kei Car, May looks at the many forms of people's car, their origins and their effect on history. Each episode covers a particular theme; these being cars from dictatorships, microcars and the dream cars we aspire to.
Status
Ended
Network
BBC Two
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
James May visits Russia, Japan and Europe to discover how motoring came to the masses.
Episodes
Episode 1
A look at European cars: the VW Beetle, the Trabant, the Wartburg 353, the Fiat 500, the Fiat 124 and the Lada which was based on the Fiat 124.
Episode 2
A look at two extremes: the massive American gas-guzzling "automotive palaces" with their excess of chrome and fins, and the low-powered three-wheeler microcars which could be driven without a driving licence or on a motorbike licence.
Episode 3
James continues to take a look at the examination of the social significance of cars by taking a look at how aspiration and new wealth were behind the development of some of the greatest cars ever built.
Top Cast
James May
Self - Presenter
