This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
The final stretch takes the team through Israel and into the West Bank. The emotional and narrative climax occurs at a stable in Bethlehem, where the trio discovers a humorous twist on the traditional gold, frankincense, and myrrh gifts awaiting them. Behind the Scenes: Real Danger and Concussions
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the episode: where to find it, what makes it a classic, the cars they drove, the major challenges, and why it remains a forbidden fruit on streaming services.
A gold relief medallion, a bottle of hotel shampoo (Frankincense), and a Nintendo DSi (in place of myrrh).
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. Originally broadcast as a Christmas special on December 26, 2010, the episode features hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempting to retrace the journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East. Balancing high-stakes automotive challenges with the region's complex geopolitical realities, this iconic episode redefined what a television road trip could achieve. The Premise: The Three Wise Men in Budget Roadsters top gear - middle east special full episode
The episode begins in Iraq, a starting location kept secret from the presenters until they landed. The producers handed the trio a budget of £3,500 each to buy an open-top sports car. Their mission? Drive from Iraq, through Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, to reach Bethlehem. The Cars Chosen by the Trio:
Hammond chose a left-hand-drive Fiat Barchetta. Painted in a striking ocean blue, it was arguably the prettiest car of the trio. However, it was also the most unreliable. The Fiat suffered from constant electrical gremlins, cooling issues, and a catastrophic fuel leak that nearly ended Hammond's journey prematurely. James May: BMW Z3
How this episode fits into the Share public link
Today, the full episode serves as a time capsule, capturing a specific moment in geopolitical history and representing the absolute golden era of BBC's flagship motoring show. If you'd like, I can help expand this article. This public link is valid for 7 days
A Mazda MX-5 (NA), which he famously customized with a unique camouflage paint job and a built-in pipe for smoking.
Looking for the full ? 🌍 The 2010 Christmas classic is available on several platforms as of April 2026:
Available for digital purchase or via the MotorTrend add-on.
Opted for a Fiat Barchetta . The Italian roadster brought style but immediate reliability concerns. Hammond modified his vehicle by raised suspension and adding a festive, bedouin-inspired tent fabric over the chassis to block the intense desert sun. Can’t copy the link right now
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
If you are about to watch the , here is what to expect minute-by-minute:
For a deeper dive, you can explore on the BBC website or detailed breakdowns on the Top Gear Wiki . To watch the full episode, check your local Amazon Prime Video or Google Play store.