MotorWeek debuted in 1981 and has had its foot on the accelerator ever since! Television’s longest running automotive series; MotorWeek broke new ground 40 years ago, becoming the first weekly series to fuel America’s fascination for all things automotive. As we celebrate 40 seasons of MotorWeek, we look back at how it all began.

Season Slideshows

The Pilot Episode was shot in 1980 at Martin State Airport in Maryland.

Goss’ Garage was originally shot at Goss’ Gulf Station located in Riverdale, Maryland. Photos are from 1981.

In-studio with MotorWeek. For the first six seasons, MotorWeek was shot on a set made to look like an automotive styling studio.

A look at some familiar faces from over the years.