Overview
Episode structure and key segments
Mission setup (planning and objectives)
Route and geography
Vehicle selection, preparation and modifications
Mechanical and logistical challenges encountered
Cultural interactions and local context
Safety, legal and diplomatic considerations
Environmental and ethical observations
Entertainment techniques and broadcasting craft
Practical lessons for viewers planning similar trips
Critical reflections
Conclusion
Top Gear: Middle East Special (2010) is widely regarded as one of the peak moments of the Clarkson, Hammond, and May era. Following the path of the Three Wise Men in three used convertibles, the trio delivers a 76-minute adventure that blends "puerile" schoolboy humor with a hauntingly beautiful historical record of regions soon to be changed forever. The Premise: One Wise Man, an Idiot, and a Cheat
The challenge was simple yet absurd: buy a used convertible for under £3,500 and drive from Iraqi Kurdistan to Bethlehem. Jeremy Clarkson Mazda MX-5
, which he later decorated with a "Technicolor Dreamcoat" paint job. Richard Hammond Fiat Barchetta Riviera , which he famously modified into a nomadic "moving tent". went with a
, though he went over budget, earning him the title of the "cheat". Highlights: Chaos and Comedy The Landing:
In a signature over-the-top intro, the presenters arrive in an Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane that performs a "go-around" before dropping them in Erbil, Iraq. The Burqa Disguise:
After James May suffered a concussion from a tow rope accident in Syria, Clarkson and Hammond famously picked him up from the hospital wearing burqas to "blend in"—a scene that remains a fan favorite for its sheer ridiculousness. The "Genesis" Prank:
To torment Hammond, Clarkson and May rigged his car stereo to play songs by the band
non-stop, showcasing the trio's classic "cruel but funny" chemistry. The Nativity Finale: top gear - middle east special full episode
Reaching Bethlehem, they presented "gifts": gold-relief for James, hotel shampoo for Richard (as frankincense), and a Nintendo DS for Jeremy (replacing myrrh). The "Baby Jesus" in the manger was revealed to be a A Bittersweet Time Capsule
What makes this episode stand out today is its unintentional status as a historical record. It contains some of the last high-definition footage of the ancient city of
before its destruction by ISIS, and portrays a pre-civil war Syria as a welcoming, vibrant place. This backdrop of peaceful landscapes that were soon ravaged by conflict adds a layer of poignancy that few other specials possess. Critical Verdict
To watch the full episode legally:
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.
Brief summary of the special (2010):
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May travel from Erbil, Iraq to Bethlehem via Jordan and Israel. They drive used, cheap convertibles:
The trip includes humor, breakdowns, cultural moments, and a final challenge of crossing the desert to reach the Dead Sea — the lowest road on Earth. It’s famous for the “Jesus” car rental gag and the three wise men–style ending.
Would you like a full scene-by-scene breakdown or the list of challenges from the episode?
The Top Gear Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) remains one of the show’s most historically significant and visually striking episodes. Released as the 2010 Christmas special, it followed Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they attempted to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men from Northern Iraq to Bethlehem. The Cars and the Mission
The trio was tasked with completing the 1,200-mile journey in second-hand, two-seater convertible sports cars bought for under £3,500. Jeremy Clarkson: Mazda MX-5 (painted with a "Technicolour Dreamcoat" scheme) . Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta Riviera (later fitted with a collapsing Bedouin tent) . James May: BMW Z3 (camouflaged in the style of the Afrika Korps). A "Time Capsule" of Syria
The episode holds an accidental but profound historical distinction: it features some of the last high-definition footage of Palmyra, Syria, before the onset of the Syrian Civil War and the subsequent destruction of the ancient site by ISIS. Fans often describe the episode as "bittersweet," as it captures a vibrant and peaceful Syria that looks very different today. Notable Moments and Trivia
The Injury: James May suffered a genuine concussion after being knocked over by a tow rope while filming in Syria. He was collected from the hospital by Clarkson and Hammond, who were famously wearing burqas as a disguise—a stunt that later sparked significant controversy and criticism.
The Forbidden Route: The crew originally planned to drive through Iran, but because the BBC is a state-funded broadcaster, the team was denied entry, forcing a detour through Turkey.
Stig Birth: The journey concluded in Bethlehem, where the "Baby Jesus" in the stable was revealed to be a Baby Stig.
The "Secret" Guest: To maintain their security in high-risk areas, the team traveled with an advisor who had "learned in the Special Forces how to have a pixelated face".
For a look at the team's arrival and the start of their journey through Iraq: 33s The Scenic Route to Iraq | Top Gear YouTube• Apr 19, 2011 If you'd like to dive deeper, I can look up:
The specific car modifications they made to survive the desert. The exact route they took through Turkey and Jordan.
Where to watch the full episode or its "Director's Cut" today. Expand map The Start Syria Leg Final Destination
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 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 Commentary: Top Gear — "Middle East Special" (Full
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
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.
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 "Middle East Special" is an episode of
No Top Gear special works without the right cars. For the Middle East, the producers forced the trio to buy cheap, open-top two-seaters that would be "suitable for a Mediterranean cruise." The results were predictably disastrous.
Jeremy Clarkson’s Car: 2000 Fiat Barchetta (£3,100)
Clarkson, in a rare moment of optimism, bought an Italian "little boat." It was red, pretty, and theoretically fast. Within the first hour of driving, the electric roof jammed half-open, the exhaust fell off, and the air conditioning failed. For the rest of the journey, Clarkson drove wrapped in a wet towel like a sheikh, constantly screaming at the cursed Italian electronics.
Richard Hammond’s Car: 1998 Mazda MX-5 (£3,500)
Hammond played it safe. The MX-5 (Miata) is the default answer for cheap roadsters. It was the only car that survived the journey without a single major mechanical fault. Naturally, Clarkson and May relentlessly mocked him for being "boring." Hammond’s main issue was that his car was "too good," which somehow made him the villain of the piece.
James May’s Car: 1996 BMW Z3 (£3,450)
Captain Slow stumbled upon the wildcard. The Z3 was designed by Japanese engineers but built in South Carolina, a hybrid that May described as "confused." The car suffered from overheating, a cracked windscreen, and a mysterious electrical drain. However, May’s pedantic nature kept the car running through sheer force of will.
If you have never seen the Top Gear – Middle East Special full episode, stop reading this article and go find it immediately. It is not just a car show. It is a travel documentary, a survival guide, a comedy masterclass, and a piece of television history. It proves that the best adventures are not about luxury or speed—they are about buying a £1,000 BMW, praying it starts, and driving toward a war zone with nothing but a GPS and a sense of humor.
Rating: 10/10 (and a gold-plated jerry can for James May).
Did we miss your favorite moment from the Top Gear Middle East Special? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you found this guide useful, check out our deep dives into the Bolivia Special, the Burma Special, and the final Grand Tour specials.
The Top Gear: Middle East Special (Series 16, Episode 2) originally aired on December 26, 2010. In this 76-minute feature, presenters Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Mission Overview
Objective: Retrace the path of the Three Wise Men from Northern Iraq to a stable in Bethlehem to deliver gifts to a "newborn child".
Starting Point: Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan, where they were dropped off via a Russian Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane.
Route: The 1,200-mile (1,900 km) journey took them through Iraqi Kurdistan, southern Turkey, Syria (Aleppo, Palmyra, and Damascus), Jordan, and finally into Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Cars
The presenters were given a budget of £3,500 to purchase a second-hand, two-door convertible sports car, as Israel typically does not allow cars registered in neighboring countries to enter. Jeremy Clarkson: Mazda MX-5. Richard Hammond: Fiat Barchetta. James May: BMW Z3. Key Highlights & Challenges
Hostile Terrain: The team faced the "war zones" of Iraq, the conflict-ridden mountains of Turkey, and the searing heat of the Syrian desert.
Modifications: Along the way, they modified their cars to handle the terrain; notably, Jeremy's Mazda was given a "technicolor" paint job and desert-proofing.
Old Testament NASCAR: In Jordan, they raced their sports cars around a 2,000-year-old chariot circuit in Jerash.
The Ending: Upon arriving at a stable in Bethlehem, they presented gifts of a gold medallion, hotel shampoo (Frankincense), and a Nintendo DSi (Myrrh). They discovered the "baby Jesus" was actually a "Baby Stig". Legacy and Reception
Historical Significance: The episode is one of the few high-definition records of sites like Palmyra before their destruction during the Syrian Civil War, which began shortly after filming.
Critical Acclaim: It is frequently cited as one of the best Top Gear specials. Jeremy Clarkson has described it as the best of their adventures to watch.
Controversy: The episode drew criticism for the trio using niqabs as disguises and for the depiction of a "Baby Stig" as Jesus. Where to Watch The full episode can be found on several platforms:
Where can I rewatch old top gear full episodes? (2002 till 2017)
The setup is classic Top Gear. The producers drop the trio in the war-torn border region between Turkey and Iraq. Their goal? To recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men, but with significantly less wisdom and significantly more horsepower.
Unlike the Polar Special or the Bolivia Special, where the environment was the primary antagonist, the Middle East Special introduces a unique tension: the proximity of active conflict zones. As the presenters pick their steeds, the reality of where they are sets in almost immediately.