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Originally aired on December 26, 2010, the Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) follows presenters as they drive second-hand convertibles 1,200 miles from Iraq to Bethlehem. The 76-minute episode features the trio navigating hazardous routes through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, ending with a satirical nativity scene. For more details, visit Top Gear Wiki.
The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), which first aired on December 26, 2010, follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they drive convertible cars from Northern Iraq to Bethlehem. The 76-minute, 1,200-mile journey involved navigating challenging terrain in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, ultimately concluding with the Fiat Barchetta identified as the most robust vehicle. Read more details at Top Gear Wiki
The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), originally aired on December 26, 2010, follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they drive 1,200 miles across the Middle East in used two-door convertibles. The 76-minute episode features the trio retracing the Three Wise Men's journey from Iraq to Bethlehem, navigating challenging terrain, and participating in "Old Testament NASCAR". The special is available for viewing on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV. Middle East Special - Top Gear (Season 16, Episode 2)
Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2), Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May retrace the 1,200-mile journey of the Three Wise Men from Iraqi Kurdistan to Bethlehem. The Mission & Rules The trio had to buy a second-hand two-door convertible sports car that could survive the varied terrain of the Middle East. Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5 – painted in a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" style. Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera
– modified into a nomadic-style tent and frequently pranked with non-stop – camouflaged in Afrika Korps style (and over budget). Expedition Highlights
The route spanned five countries, featuring a mix of historical landmarks and high-risk zones: Iraq Start:
The episode begins with the team being dropped off at Erbil International Airport via a Russian cargo plane. Syrian Detour: Before the Syrian Civil War, the team filmed in and the ancient city of "Old Testament NASCAR":
, Jordan, they raced their beat-up sports cars around a 2,000-year-old Roman chariot racing circuit. The Sea of Galilee:
Jeremy attempted (and failed) to "walk on water" and claimed several mundane occurrences were miracles he performed. The Final Result Upon arriving at the Mount of Olives , they unanimously declared Richard Hammond’s Fiat Barchetta
the best car for its character and surprising reliability. The journey concluded at a nativity scene in Bethlehem where, instead of the baby Jesus, the "gifts" (including a Nintendo DS ) were presented to a
The climax of the special takes place in Jerusalem. The challenge: find a parking space near the Damascus Gate during Friday prayers. It is impossible. May attempts to park the Z3 in a spot six inches too small. Hammond gets lost in a one-way system designed by Romans. Clarkson tries to bribe a policeman with a Fiat. It is a masterclass in comedic editing.
Unlike some Top Gear specials focused purely on stunts, the Middle East Special balances humor, genuine tension (real conflict zones), and a rare respectful tone toward local cultures. It’s often ranked by fans as one of the top 5 Top Gear specials.
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The Top Gear Middle East Special remains one of the most ambitious and culturally significant episodes in the history of the BBC franchise. Released during Series 16, this feature-length adventure saw the iconic trio—Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May—attempting to follow the path of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem.
If you are searching for the Top Gear Middle East Special full episode, this guide covers the highlights, the cars, the controversy, and where you can legally stream it today. 🚗 The Premise: A Journey of Biblical Proportions
The episode begins with the presenters being dropped off at an airport in Iraq. Their mission? Travel 1,200 miles through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan to reach the birthplace of Jesus in Israel. True to the show's format, they were restricted by a modest budget and a requirement that their vehicles be open-top two-seater sports cars. The Iconic Cars top gear - middle east special full episode
The trio chose three vastly different machines for the desert terrain:
Jeremy Clarkson: A Mazda MX-5 (NA). Known for its reliability, Jeremy gave it a custom "desert camo" paint job.
Richard Hammond: A Fiat Barchetta. Despite its front-wheel-drive layout, it proved surprisingly resilient.
James May: A BMW Z3. James focused on luxury and "modest" modifications, though it struggled with mechanical issues. 🌍 Key Locations and Challenges
The Middle East Special is praised for its stunning cinematography, capturing landscapes rarely seen on Western entertainment television at the time.
Northern Iraq: The journey began with the presenters wearing bulletproof vests and helmets, highlighting the real-world tension of the region.
The Syrian Desert: The team crossed into Syria, showcasing the incredible Roman ruins of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Aleppo.
The Sea of Galilee: The episode featured a memorable "water-walking" stunt and a campsite debate over the nature of the "Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh" gifts.
The Arrival: The finale takes place in Bethlehem, where the "manger" contains a surprise that only Top Gear could conceive. ⚠️ The Controversy: The Stig and Safety
The episode was not without its hurdles. During a segment in the desert, James May suffered a serious head injury after being knocked over by a tow rope. He was rushed to a local hospital, providing a rare moment of genuine concern and somberness in an otherwise comedic show.
Additionally, this episode served as a major plot point for the identity of The Stig. After the "White Stig" (Ben Collins) was outed in his autobiography, this special introduced the "Baby Stig" found in the manger, signaling the arrival of a new driver for the following season. 📺 Where to Watch the Full Episode
Due to licensing and copyright, finding the "Top Gear Middle East Special full episode" for free on platforms like YouTube can be difficult, as they are often removed. To watch the high-quality, uncut version, check these official sources: BBC iPlayer: Available for viewers in the UK.
Discovery+: The current home for the Top Gear library in many regions, including the US.
Amazon Prime Video: Available for digital purchase or via the MotorTrend add-on.
DVD/Blu-ray: Many fans prefer the physical "The Great Adventures" box sets for the unedited soundtracks. Originally aired on December 26, 2010, the Top
The Middle East Special stands as a testament to the chemistry of the original hosts, blending automotive testing with travelogue storytelling and a touch of irreverent humor. It remains a "must-watch" for any petrolhead or fan of adventure television.
If you'd like to dive deeper into this era of the show, I can help you with: A complete list of every Top Gear special in order
Details on the modifications made to the MX-5, Barchetta, and Z3 A guide on how to visit the filming locations safely today
Which part of the Top Gear history are you most interested in?
The Top Gear Middle East Special, originally aired on December 26, 2010, is widely considered one of the most ambitious and visually stunning episodes in the show's history. Spanning approximately 1,200 miles, the 76-minute extended episode follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they retrace the biblical journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Episode Overview and Premise
Presented as a Christmas special, the trio was tasked with purchasing second-hand two-door convertible sports cars for under £3,500. Their journey began in Erbil, Iraq, after being dropped off by a Russian cargo plane with no prior knowledge of their starting location. Car Selected Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5 Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera James May The Route: From Iraq to Bethlehem
The route took the presenters through a diverse and often dangerous landscape, crossing several international borders during a period of relative regional stability just months before the Arab Spring.
Iraq: Starting in the Kurdish region, they encountered hospitality and military history, including a drag race at an Iraqi air base built by Saddam Hussein.
Turkey: The team navigated the mountainous terrain of southern Turkey, which tested the limits of their low-slung sports cars.
Syria: This segment is now a poignant historical record, featuring high-definition footage of the ancient city of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Damascus before the Syrian Civil War.
Jordan and Israel: The journey concluded by passing through the Roman Hippodrome in Jerash and eventually reaching the West Bank barrier and the Mount of Olives. Key Challenges and Highlights
The special is remembered for its blend of humor, mechanical failure, and cultural exploration:
Modifications: To survive the terrain, the cars were heavily modified. Hammond's Fiat was turned into a "nomadic tent," Clarkson’s Mazda featured a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" paint job, and May’s BMW was camouflaged.
James May's Injury: During filming in Syria, May suffered a concussion after being knocked over by a tow rope. He was famously collected from the hospital by Clarkson and Hammond, who were disguised in burqas.
The "Miracles": Upon reaching the Sea of Galilee, the presenters joked about performing "miracles," including an unsuccessful attempt by Clarkson to walk on water. If you need help finding legal access in
The Ending: Following a beam of light to a stable in Bethlehem, the trio presented their gifts—a gold-relief medallion, "Frankincense" shampoo, and a Nintendo DSi—to find that the "baby Jesus" was actually a Baby Stig.
Watch the iconic moment where the team's questionable modifications and mechanical repairs are put to the test in the desert heat: Top Gear Middle East Special - Jeremy Fixes the Mazda Megan T (Muggs8787) YouTube• Nov 22, 2015 Legacy and Reception
The Middle East Special was a ratings success, watched by approximately 7.68 million viewers in the UK, making it one of the top ten most-watched episodes of the series. Jeremy Clarkson has since described it as the best of the adventures to watch, and it remains a staple of holiday television marathons. Today, the three main cars from the special are part of the World of Top Gear exhibition at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu.
As they move south into Syria, the tone shifts. The cars begin to fall apart—especially Hammond’s Fiat, which suffers from electrical issues and the desire to set itself on fire. This segment is famous for James May’s breakdown. In a fit of frustration, May physically assaults his BMW with a rock, destroying the windscreen in the process.
It is a perfect piece of television: May, usually the calm voice of reason, losing his mind in the heat, only for Clarkson to point out that he has now made his car "open top" (and technically illegal for the next checkpoint).
True to form, the cars were chosen not for their suitability, but for the presenters' specific brands of vanity:
The genius of Top Gear always lay in the restriction. Give three competent drivers fast cars on a track, and you get motoring journalism. Give them terrible cars in a hostile environment, and you get farce.
The starting point was Erbil in Northern Iraq. The cars were a fraud:
These were not off-road vehicles. They were low-slung, fragile, rear-wheel-drive sports cars. Sending them across the desert towards the cradle of civilization was an act of deliberate automotive cruelty. The "Stig’s" cousin—an enigmatic figure in a beige robe—and a quick drive through a minefield set the tone immediately. This was dangerous, but it was also going to be hilarious.
When fans debate the greatest episodes in the 22-year history of Top Gear, three specials always rise to the top: the Bolivia Special, the Botswana Special, and what many call the perfect balance of chaos, beauty, and danger—the Middle East Special.
Officially titled Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 0), this 75-minute epic follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they attempt to retrace the path of the Three Wise Men. Armed with three cheap, crumbling convertibles and a £3,500 budget, the trio set off from the holy city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, aiming to reach the birthplace of Jesus: Bethlehem in the West Bank.
If you are searching for the Top Gear – Middle East Special full episode, you have come to the right place. Below, we break down why this episode is a masterpiece, where to find it legally, the iconic cars involved, and the unforgettable moments that make it essential viewing.
The Top Gear production team had already mastered the art of the road trip by 2010. However, the Middle East Special added a layer of genuine tension that previous specials lacked. While the Vietnam Special was poetic and the Polar Special was technologically impressive, the Middle East Special was raw, unpredictable, and often dangerous.
Filming took place over 10 days across 1,200 miles of some of the most politically volatile land on Earth. The crew traveled through Iraq, Jordan, Syria (pre-civil war), and into the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Unlike studio-based challenges, the threat here was real—from military checkpoints, extreme heat, and the constant risk of their cheap cars dissolving into dust.
The formula was perfect:
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