Each presenter was given a to purchase a second-hand two-door convertible sports car : Jeremy Clarkson: Mazda MX-5 (decorated in a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" paint scheme) Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta Riviera Special (later modified with a nomadic tent appearance) James May:
How this episode compares to other like Vietnam or Africa. Share public link
In the Syrian desert, James May suffered a genuine, nasty head injury after tripping over a tow rope. He spent a portion of the trip in a local hospital, leaving Clarkson and Hammond to playfully mock his memory loss upon his return. top gear - middle east special full episode
Selected a 1998 BMW Z3 , believing the German engineering would carry him through the demanding terrain without breaking a sweat. The Route: A Time Capsule of History
The production team traveled with armed security details and medics disguised in standard support vehicles to avoid drawing attention. The presenters wore flak jackets and helmets during the initial segments in Iraq. Each presenter was given a to purchase a
The 1,200-mile route forced the team to navigate not only challenging natural landscapes but also complex international borders. 1. Northern Iraq to Turkey
For many viewers, the Syrian segment is the most poignant. Filmed just months before the devastating civil war began, the episode captures Syria as a peaceful, stunningly beautiful country filled with incredibly hospitable people. The trio drove through historic cities, visited Roman ruins, and enjoyed local markets, offering a snapshot of a cultural heritage that looks vastly different today. 3. The Desert of Jordan Selected a 1998 BMW Z3 , believing the
Search on Amazon Prime Video (the Top Gear seasons are often included with a Prime membership) or check BBC iPlayer if you’re in the UK. The special is from Series 16, Episode 0 (sometimes listed as a standalone special). You can also buy/rent it from YouTube, Google TV, or Apple TV.
The trio arrives at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. They decide to test the buoyancy of the water. However, because they are idiots, they also decide to "wash" themselves. Hammond goes in fully clothed. May goes in with a newspaper. Clarkson attempts to drink the water (spoiler: he vomits instantly). Meanwhile, the Fiat’s battery finally dies.
Following the airing of the episode, the three surviving sports cars were placed on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England, for fans to view up close.