No, Patrick Macnee, widely celebrated for his role as the dapper secret agent John Steed in The Avengers, was not a proficient driver, particularly when behind the wheel of the iconic vehicles featured in the series. Despite his character's sophisticated persona and frequent use of classic automobiles, Macnee himself openly admitted to a significant lack of driving skill.
Patrick Macnee's Driving Limitations On-Set
Macnee's personal driving ability presented unique challenges during the production of The Avengers. His confessed unfamiliarity with proper driving techniques led to some interesting workarounds on set:
- Limited Gear Use: Macnee stated that he consistently operated the cars, especially the distinctive Bentleys, only in third gear. This restricted his ability to navigate the vehicles smoothly or at varying speeds.
- Crew Assistance: Due to his limited driving prowess, the production crew often had to physically push the vehicles into the camera frame to position them correctly for a shot.
- Reliance on Doubles: For any scenes requiring genuine driving or more complex maneuvers, a driving double was frequently employed to operate the car while Macnee focused on his performance within the vehicle.
It is also noteworthy that the Bentleys used for filming were typically rented from private owners and were often reported to be in rather poor condition, which might have further complicated any attempts by Macnee to drive them effectively. Ultimately, Macnee's on-screen persona as a capable driver was a testament to his acting and the resourceful efforts of the production team, rather than his personal driving skill.
