Freddie Flintoff’s Top Gear car was NOT fitted with air bags during smash which left star with facial injuries
ANDREW “Freddie” Flintoff’s Top Gear horror crash vehicle was not fitted with air bags.
He was driving an open-topped three-wheel classic-look sports car, we can reveal.
An internal health and safety investigation is close to completion, with BBC bosses anxiously braced for possible legal action from those involved in the smash.
Ex-cricket star Flintoff and a crew member were badly injured as the Morgan Super 3 - which has a top speed of 130mph - flipped at an aerodrome in December.
The Ashes hero, 45, suffered serious facial injuries and broken ribs.
The £43,000 British hand-made roadster meets UK safety standards despite Morgan confirming on its website it does not have air bags.
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It is registered as a “motorised tricycle”.
A source said: “Very little has been revealed about the accident and bosses are keen to keep a lid on details.
"This revelation about not having an air bag is bound to spark questions from fans.”
We told last week the show will not return this year.
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Freddie has suspended all work as he recovers.
The 114-year-old Morgan Motor Company, based in Malvern, Worcestershire, made its name building three-wheelers before the war.
It reintroduced production of them in the 2000s.
Last month, ex-Top Gear host Richard Hammond revealed he fears a 319mph crash on the show has caused early onset dementia.
Freddie's fortune
ANDREW Flintoff Enterprises made over £1.2million last year, taking its value to £7million, figures show.
He and wife Rachael are listed as company directors.