Former Top Gear host Richard Hammond previously demonstrated what would happen if vehicles were struck by lightning in a hilarious sketch for the popular TV series.
Richard attended a special facility in Germany in a Volkswagen Golf and asked engineers to fire 800,000 volts straight at the vehicle.
The Top Gear star conducted the assessment after admitting most car manufacturers “don’t test” whether their cars can sustain lightning.
The TV host was confident he would be fine with the Golf’s shell acting as a “Faraday cage” and repelling any current.
The iconic sketch is one of the most memorable in Top Gear history and was filmed two decades ago back in 2004.
It comes with thunderstorm weather warnings in place across the country with the potential for 40-60 mm of rain striking parts of the UK.
Richard explained: “You might be thinking the tyres will protect me by insulating the car from earth because they are rubber.
“No. If the electricity can make it from the sky to the car, it can make it from the car to the ground.
“What’s going to protect me is this, the body shell itself. Like all cars, the Golf’s body forms a Faraday cage.
“A Faraday cage is something that attracts electricity and then sends it shooting round the outside so whatever’s inside shouldn’t be harmed.”
Despite his confidence, Mr Hammond looked visibly worried behind the cockpit seconds before the beam was fired directly at the model.
As the lightning bolt hit the car, Richard complained that his hands were beginning to tingle with the car showing signs of wear seconds later.
Just after the beam hit, an error code appeared on the Volkswagen with the handbrake light also flashing.
But, it appeared to be a false alarm with the car standing strong and remaining in top condition.
After the test, Richard was stunned to find the model had no damage and could even be driven away with all the components functioning as normal.
He said” “So it works, assuming I’m not now talking to you with wings and a harp. I’m alive
“Question, is the car? The electric windows work obviously.. Lights? They work. Stereo? That’s nice, lovely.
“Indicators? I mean everything, And it starts, It still works. Amazing.”
