William Woollard presents the first of the autumn series from the Paris Motor Show. Long one of the most prestigious venues for the world’s motor manufacturers to show off their latest products, it benefits greatly from France having a very strong domestic car industry. Tom Boswell, a new recruit to the team, reflects on the constantly changing fortunes of that country’s two mighty domestic producers — Peugeot Citroen and Renault

Forty years to the day after the first post-war British Grand Prix was held there, William Woollard visits a much developed Silverstone circuit for the final round of the Formula 3 Championship. To complete his reports on the various training formulas leading to Grand Prix status, Tiff Needell track tests a Formula 3 and Formula 3000 racing car. Forty years ago this month, the motoring world was astonished by the arrival of the Jaguar XK120

William Woollard and Tom Boswell at the Motorcycle Show at Earls Court, and a look at a vintage bike rally. But it’s not all two wheelers — Beki Adam enters the world of drag racing involving prize custom cars and Chris Goffey reflects on 40 years of Porsche sports cars. And do motorists get a good deal from specialist fitting centres?

William Woollard at the British International Motor Show which opens on Saturday. Chris Goffey road tests the estate version of Peugeot’s successful 405; and reports on Malaysia’s emergence as a car-building nation with the Proton. Tom Boswell sheds some light on lead-free petrol

When police surveillance systems catch motorists breaking the law, the onus is increasingly on drivers to prove their innocence rather than on the police to prove guilt. William Woollard investigates this apparent change in emphasis. Tony Mason reports on preparations for the Lombard — RAC Rally

From the Transport and Road Research Laboratory in Berkshire. William Woollard reviews the progress on computerised systems to ease traffic congestion and Chris Goffey reports on ways to make motorcycling safer. Beki Adam talks to some dedicated supporters of three-wheelers and Tiff Needell assesses the latest Reliant Robin as practical transport

The first London to Brighton veteran run in 1896 marked a newly-won freedom for early motorists — being allowed to drive their vehicles without a man walking in front carrying a red flag. William Woollard joins this annual motoring spectacle. Tiff Needell visits a firm of car restoration specialists, who have prepared some of the vehicles for this year’s London to Brighton event

William Woollard visits the Caravan, Camping and Holiday Show at Earls Court to review the latest in mobile homes, while Tom Boswell assesses the luxury end of the market, the bespoke motor caravan. Tiff Needell reports on the coming sport of supercross — motorcycle scrambling in an arena. Tony Mason previews Top Gear’s coverage of next week’s Lombard RAC Rally