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. Chris Goffey road tests the most important new model at the show — the Renault 19 and, on its 40th birthday, Beki Adam looks back at that most typical of French cars — the Citroen 2CV. Plus a look at some of the problems that motorists have to contend with in France.

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. Frank Page reassesses a classic sports car that lifted a little of the gloom of post-war Britain. Plus a road test on the new Vauxhall Cavalier, and Chris Goffey investigates the arcane world of the salvage trade.

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. Beki Adam looks at the late Sir Alec Issigonis’ ‘poached egg’, the Morris Minor, 40 years old this year.

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. Chris Goffey drives the 440 — the new Volvo made in Holland and Tom Boswell tackles rust warranties — how much protection do they offer? Jeremy Clarkson visits a firm that pulls apart new Rolls-Royces, and rebuilds them.

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. Plus a road test on the Honda Concerto, the Japanese equivalent of Rover’s Maestro replacement, out next year.

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. And taller-than-average Jeremy Clarkson follows up your letters about difficulties with fitting into your cars. Tom Boswell asks why owners are unable to find out more easily which vehicles are safer than others.

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.