On Wednesday this week 10 members and cars went to the recording of this week's Top Gear down in deepest darkest Surrey.

It was clear to me the programme was fairly topical but I hadn't realised it was recorded just a few days before the broadcast, including the celebrity lap in a 'reasonably priced car'. 

A 'lucky' three were arranged to be part of the proceedings bringing their cars into the studio. This apparently ended up being a whole day standing around moving cars, more standing around and eventually for the 'take' to be no more than a few seconds of the show - and we haven't seen the final result yet - it may be cut!!

Mr Clarkson was his usual entertaining self, throwing metaphors and similes around with abandon - in a pink shirt.  He was none too accurate with his comments on a typical GT40 replica but we have to give him some artistic licence as a motoring journalist!  Even to get some of cars into the show at all is a major achievement for better profile.

Star of the show was the new Ford GT (above), even though the gentle Martin Clunes was fun as the celebrity guest. Owning up to be a great VW Camper fan as many of us know.  Ian, Roy and Brian managed to get to sit in it (the Ford, not the camper) - perhaps we can have some comments from them on the driving position?

I couldn't get excited about the new Ford GT before but seeing it in the 'flesh' it is a lovely machine - I am beginning to covet one!  It is very much (IMHO) to the original GT40 as the new mini is to the old one.  Bigger, naturally more modern and much better finished.

Also it fortunately retains the character of the old 40 versus the equivalent Ferraris. Dare I say brute strength and speed against more delicate and sophisticated engineering.

I am sure it is chalk against cheese with the MkIIIs which were the first and only versions intended for the road.

The Top Gear team apparently treated our boys convivially which aside from the acerbic remarks from the main man made for a terrific day out.