For years, Top Gear has been the pinnacle of car entertainment, capturing the hearts of gearheads and casual viewers alike. While its regular episodes are full of car reviews, challenges, and banter, it’s the Top Gear Specials that have truly solidified the show’s legendary status. These specials have taken hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May to exotic locations, subjected them to grueling challenges, and produced some of the most hilarious and awe-inspiring moments in television history.
In this article, we’ll take a journey through some of the best Top Gear specials, revisiting the moments that made them so iconic.
1. The Vietnam Special (Season 12, Episode 8)
Arguably the most beloved of all Top Gear specials, the Vietnam Special takes the trio on a two-wheeled adventure across the stunning landscapes of Vietnam. Unlike most episodes, the hosts are not driving cars but are instead given motorbikes. The challenge? Traverse 1,000 miles from the southern city of Ho Chi Minh to the northern capital of Hanoi, all while spending a mere 15 million Vietnamese dong.
Highlights:
- Hammond’s skepticism about motorbikes and his eventual embrace of them.
- Clarkson’s memorable decision to purchase a scooter, which he hated almost instantly.
- The final challenge to convert their bikes into “boats” and ride across a bay.
The Vietnam Special stands out for its breathtaking scenery, the hilarious breakdowns (both mechanical and emotional), and the unexpected camaraderie that develops between the hosts. The balance of humor, travel, and incredible vistas makes it a fan favorite.
2. The Botswana Special (Season 10, Episode 4)
The Botswana Special is another standout episode where the hosts are challenged to cross the vast wilderness of Botswana in cars they purchase on a limited budget. Unlike other specials that feature high-end, flashy cars, this episode puts the spotlight on beaten-up old vehicles, each with its own quirks and personality.
Highlights:
- Clarkson’s undying love for his trusty Lancia Beta Coupe, despite its constant mechanical issues.
- Hammond’s unwavering attachment to his “Oliver,” a 1963 Opel Kadett, which he refuses to part with even after the special.
- May, as always, choosing the most sensible car— a Mercedes-Benz 230E.
The special is full of adventure and humor, with the trio tackling some of Africa’s toughest terrain, including salt pans and crocodile-infested rivers. The Botswana Special captures the essence of what makes Top Gear great: unrelenting humor, friendly rivalry, and stunning locations.
3. The Polar Special (Season 9, Episode 7)
The Polar Special is one of Top Gear’s most extreme adventures. For the first time in the show’s history, the hosts are on a quest to reach the Magnetic North Pole, and the challenge is simple: get there before your colleagues. Clarkson and May team up in a custom Toyota Hilux, while Hammond takes the more traditional (and grueling) method: a sled pulled by huskies.
Highlights:
- Clarkson and May’s combination of sheer excitement and frustration as they navigate the Arctic in their nearly indestructible Hilux.
- Hammond’s miserable but commendable effort to push through with his team of huskies.
- The genuine danger and high stakes of traversing the Arctic ice, with the looming possibility of a serious mishap.
The Polar Special is unique in its intensity and authenticity. Unlike many other episodes, the danger is real, and the cold, unforgiving environment adds an edge to the usual light-hearted antics.
4. The Bolivia Special (Season 14, Episode 6)
The Bolivia Special is one of the most harrowing episodes in the history of Top Gear. The hosts are tasked with driving from the Bolivian Amazon to the Chilean coast, crossing some of the most dangerous and treacherous roads on the planet. They begin their journey with a set of unreliable 4x4s bought sight-unseen, making the challenge even more daunting.
Highlights:
- The breathtaking but perilous ascent up the infamous Death Road, a narrow mountain path with steep cliffs.
- Hammond’s Jeep consistently failing in the most inconvenient places, adding to the chaos and comedy.
- The trio’s struggle with altitude sickness as they tackle the unforgiving heights of the Andes.
This special is a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, death-defying danger, and the typical banter and rivalry that makes Top Gear so entertaining.
5. The Middle East Special (Season 16, Episode 1)
The Middle East Special takes the three presenters on a biblical journey as they follow the path of the Three Wise Men, traveling from Iraq to Bethlehem. In true Top Gear fashion, their chariots of choice are a set of sports convertibles, wholly unsuited for the harsh conditions they face in the deserts of the Middle East.
Highlights:
- The absurdity of driving convertibles through deserts, including sandstorms and unbearable heat.
- The group’s comedic attempts to navigate through war-torn areas while trying to stay inconspicuous.
- The heartwarming and hilarious conclusion, where they deliver their “gifts” in Bethlehem.
The Middle East Special manages to combine humor with poignant moments, particularly as they traverse politically sensitive areas. It’s a thrilling blend of adventure and comedy, mixed with a touch of historical intrigue.
6. The Patagonia Special (Season 22, Episodes 1-2)
The Patagonia Special was one of Top Gear’s most controversial episodes. Set in the stunning landscapes of Argentina and Chile, the journey starts off innocuously enough, with the trio driving a selection of V8-powered cars. However, things take a turn when the locals take offense to a number plate on Clarkson’s Porsche, which they believe references the Falklands War.
Highlights:
- The sheer beauty of the Patagonian wilderness, from glaciers to mountains.
- The moment when the trio realizes they’re in danger, leading to a tense but dramatic escape from an angry mob.
- Despite the controversy, the banter between the hosts and the stunning cinematography make this special memorable.
The Patagonia Special is one of Top Gear’s most dramatic and emotionally charged episodes, showing the unpredictable nature of filming in foreign countries and how quickly things can escalate.
7. The India Special (Season 17, Episode 7)
The India Special is a mix of humor, culture, and chaos. The trio is tasked with promoting British industry in India, but as expected, nothing goes to plan. Driving a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, a Jaguar XJS, and a Mini Cooper, the team embarks on a wild road trip through the vibrant and chaotic streets of India.
Highlights:
- The hilarious yet disastrous attempt to organize a train-based trade mission.
- The inevitable mechanical breakdowns, especially Clarkson’s Rolls-Royce, which struggles in India’s heat.
- The unexpected encounters with elephants, street vendors, and chaotic traffic.
The India Special blends Top Gear’s typical misadventures with the rich culture and vibrant landscapes of India, making it a highly entertaining episode.
Conclusion
The Top Gear Specials are more than just car shows; they are grand adventures that take viewers to some of the most beautiful, dangerous, and fascinating places on Earth. Whether it’s the jaw-dropping scenery, the unpredictable challenges, or the hilarious camaraderie between Clarkson, Hammond, and May, these specials represent the best of what Top Gear has to offer.
From Vietnam to Bolivia, the Top Gear specials allow viewers to travel the world from the comfort of their living rooms while laughing at the trio’s mishaps. These episodes will forever remain iconic, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and epic road trips.
