Top Gear - Middle East Special Full Episode [better] 〈BEST〉
Entering Syria, the tone shifted from cold mountain roads to punishing desert heat. The cars traveled through historic landscapes, stopping in the ancient city of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Damascus. This segment remains highly poignant for fans today, capturing the beauty, architectural heritage, and hospitality of Syria just months before the outbreak of the civil war. 4. Jordan and the Dead Sea
During a desert recovery mission, James May was knocked over by a towing strap snapped under tension. He suffered a genuine concussion and had to be rushed to a local hospital. Clarkson and Hammond’s blend of real concern and typical British sarcasm during his recovery highlighted the genuine bond between the hosts.
The journey passed through several countries and significant historical sites:
To survive the scorching desert heat, the hosts modified their cars. Clarkson fitted his Mazda with a literal brick wall and a pipe system, while Hammond attempted to install a nomadic tent over his Fiat.
The Top Gear Middle East Special remains one of the most ambitious, culturally significant, and enduringly popular episodes in the history of the hit motoring franchise. Originally broadcast on December 26, 2010, as part of Series 16, the feature-length episode tracks Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men using three budget open-top sports cars. top gear - middle east special full episode
Whenever a presenter's car broke down, they were threatened with driving the ultimate punishment vehicle: a brightly colored, incredibly camp Mazda6TS. The fear of this car forced them to repair their own vehicles against all odds.
| Aspect | Detail | | :--- | :--- | | | Middle East Special (also known as the Nativity Special) | | Original Air Date | December 26, 2010 | | Running Time | 76 minutes | | Challenge | Recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men from Iraq to Bethlehem in £3,500 convertibles. | | Route | 1,200-mile (1,900 km) journey through Iraqi Kurdistan, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Israel. | | Cars | Jeremy: Mazda MX-5 Richard: Fiat Barchetta Riviera Special James: BMW Z3 (exceeded the budget by £466) | | Memorable Moments | Scary cargo plane landing in Iraq, James's BMW breakdowns, Jeremy's "bulletproof" sand-filled doors, and the emotional arrival at "the stable." |
Crossing the entire length of the country before the outbreak of the civil war. Jordan: Navigating deserts and historical ancient ruins.
The Top Gear Middle East Special stands as one of the most ambitious, culturally significant, and enduringly popular episodes in the history of the BBC’s hit motoring show. First broadcast in December 2010 as a festive seasonal event, the feature-length episode pushed Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May to their absolute limits. Tracking a grueling journey across deserts, political borders, and treacherous mountain ranges, the special combined automotive chaos with real-world geographical stakes. The Premise: The Three Wise Men Tour Entering Syria, the tone shifted from cold mountain
Opted for a BMW Z3, bringing a touch of German engineering that would face severe structural tests. Navigating Geopolitical Complexities
Whether you are looking to rewatch the full episode or simply want to relive the chaos and stunning cinematography, The Mission: Three Wise Men, But Make It Petrol-Powered
The central narrative of the Middle East Special is a playful, modern-day reenactment of the biblical journey of the Magi. The trio is dropped off at Iraq's Erbil International Airport with a budget of £3,500 each to buy a used open-top sports car. The overarching goal is to drive across the rugged terrains of Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, eventually arriving at the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem.
The opening is pure Top Gear . The trio are in the back of a Russian cargo plane, having been told to buy £3,500 convertibles but given no other information about their destination. As the cargo doors swing open mid-flight to reveal a vast desert, the presenters—and the audience—realize they are in one of the most volatile regions on Earth. They have landed at Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Clarkson and Hammond’s blend of real concern and
Equipped with three affordable, open-top sports cars, the trio embarked on a treacherous 1,200-mile trek across some of the most politically sensitive and geographically challenging terrains on the planet. Here is the ultimate deep dive into the iconic episode, covering the cars, the route, the challenges, and why it remains a fan favourite. The Premise and the Controversial Route
– modified into a nomadic-style tent and frequently pranked with non-stop – camouflaged in Afrika Korps style (and over budget). Expedition Highlights
📺 Where to watch: Catch the full 76-minute adventure on BBC iPlayer (UK) or stream it on Tubi and The Roku Channel (US).
Chosen as the "luxurious" option, but it struggled with comfort and overheating issues. 2. Iconic Moments from the Middle East Special
Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Episode Overview
