ONE of the stars of the current series of Top Gear is heading for the New Forest.

The 20th series of the popular series is now on screens and presenter Richard Hammond has already used the “crucible of motorsport” to find out which type of taxi is the fastest in the world.

Coming out on top was India’s Hindustan Ambassador and now it is heading to Beaulieu to join other vehicles that have appeared in the programme.

Keen students of the car will note that this machine started life in Britain as the Morris Oxford but, with a quick name change, it went on to become one of India’s most enduring vehicles.

This particular example proved just how enduring the Ambassador really is when it saw off rivals from Britain, America, Germany, South Africa, Mexico and Russia to be named the world’s best taxi.

It’s so tough that, although it now lives in World of Top Gear at Beaulieu, with a quick wash and brush up, it could be back in service tomorrow – probably.

The Hindustan taxi joins a whole host of vehicles at Beaulieu created by the Top Gear presenters for some of their most ambitious challenges.

Another recent addition is the Grannymobile, from the last series, painted ‘hearing aid’ pink and sporting such features as an extended bumper to accommodate knocks and scrapes and easy chairs replacing rear seats − to make getting in and out so much easier. It was seen on the streets of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole when the team was filming.

The ‘Enormodrome’ recreates the feel of the Top Gear studio with regular features from the programme, including the Cool Wall and the Celebrity Lap Times board, kept up to date in line with the show.

Visitors can also watch behind-the-scenes footage of the Top Gear production zone and clips of some of the best Top Gear moments.