Top Gear magazine in 1993

Clarkson in 1993: "The government spends millions telling us it's foolish to smoke, but not a penny telling us not to go to Norfolk unless you like orgies and the ritual slaying of farmyard animals."

Three cars from 1993

Peugeot 106 Rallye

What we said: "This car transports you to the special stages of the World Rally Championship even when you're in Safeway's car park. There is no escape. As soon as you're given the keys, you become a rally(e) driver. This stripped-out special is lighter, louder and lairier than any other 106. It's got stupid stripes, white wheels and a frantic 100bhp, 1,249cc engine. For nine-grand, it's the biggest grin on the block." November 1993

Plymouth Prowler Concept

What we said: "There has never been a car that is so radically different to its forbearers. This is like walking into a branch of Comet and finding that Zanussi has made a fridge which is bright blue and shaped like a helicopter. Everyone notices as you drive by and everyone wants to know what made someone buy a car that weird. You can see them asking: ‘Who is that guy? Is he married? Is he good in bed or what?'" October 1993

Ferrari 456GT

What we said: "The engine in a 456 sounds exactly like the Daytona's, but the older car's uncatalysed exhausts drowned it out. The 456 is just loud, flat-sounding, and, dare I say it, a bit boring. But you tend to forget about that the first time you take this car by the scruff of its neck and go for it. Then, you are left marveling at the accuracy of the steering, the deftness with which it changes direction, and the earth-shattering power." December 1993

The best-selling car of 1993: Ford Escort

The best-selling song of 1993: I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) - Meat Loaf

And elsewhere in the world in 1993: Czechoslovakia is dissolved to create Slovakia and the the Czech Republic, a van parked beneath the World Trade Centre explodes, killing six and injuring 1000, and Ferruccio Lamborghini dies, aged 76.