Because of music licensing rights (the episode famously uses Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold”), the full, unedited version has become slightly difficult to track down. However, here are your best options:

Warning: Avoid unofficial YouTube uploads. They are usually cropped, slowed down to avoid copyright strikes, or missing the last 15 minutes. Support the show legally to ensure more specials get made (currently, the new Top Gear presenters have attempted their own Middle East trip, but nothing matches the 2010 original).

Captain Slow, in a rare moment of financial genius (or luck), bought a tatty, high-mileage BMW 325i with a broken roof mechanism and a front-end suspension thump. It looked like a bargain but hid deep issues.

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In the pantheon of Top Gear "Grand Tour" style adventures, few episodes achieve the perfect storm of geopolitical absurdity, mechanical cruelty, and genuine camaraderie quite like the Middle East Special.

Airing as the Christmas Special in 2010 (Series 16, Episode 0), the episode sees Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: drive from the shores of Iraq to the birthplace of the Messiah, Bethlehem. It remains a masterclass in the "Clarkson Era" of the show—a blend of stunning cinematography, arrogant incompetence, and three middle-aged men arguing in a desert.

The Top Gear - Middle East Special full episode is not just a car review; it is a time capsule of early 2010s television. It represents the last era where three middle-aged men could drive through a geopolitical hot spot, make fun of every culture involved, and get away with it purely because they were charming.

If you can find the uncut 75-minute version—via DVD or a VPN on BBC iPlayer—clear your evening. Make a cup of tea. And watch three men prove that no matter where you go in the world, a cheap Italian car will always ruin the trip.

Rating: 10/10 (Essential viewing for any fan of Top Gear, The Grand Tour, or automotive chaos).

Search Tip: When looking for the episode online, use the exact phrase "Top Gear Middle East Special 2010 full episode" and filter by "long" (over 60 minutes) on video platforms. Avoid clips labeled "best bits" or "highlights"—they miss the slow, painful breakdowns that make the special a masterpiece.

"Desert Storm: Top Gear's Middle East Special Full Episode Review"

The popular British motoring show, Top Gear, has taken its unique blend of humor, adventure, and high-octane excitement to the unforgiving landscapes of the Middle East. In this special episode, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May embark on a thrilling journey across the region, pushing their driving skills and their vehicles to the limit.

The Journey Begins

The episode starts with the trio setting off in three rugged 4x4s - a Land Rover Defender, a Toyota Land Cruiser, and a Mercedes-Benz Unimog - from the Jordanian city of Aqaba, with the ambitious plan to drive to Bahrain, covering over 1,000 miles of varied terrain. The hosts are determined to test their vehicles and themselves in the harsh conditions of the desert.

Dunes, Dirts, and Drama

As they venture into the desert, the hosts face numerous challenges, including treacherous sand dunes, rocky mountain tracks, and scorching temperatures. The Land Rover Defender, driven by Jeremy Clarkson, proves to be a capable companion, but its limitations are soon exposed on the demanding terrain. Richard Hammond, behind the wheel of the Toyota Land Cruiser, demonstrates his driving prowess, navigating the dunes with ease. Meanwhile, James May, in the Mercedes-Benz Unimog, showcases the vehicle's incredible off-road capabilities.

However, the journey is not without its setbacks. The hosts encounter mechanical issues, navigation problems, and the occasional disagreement, all of which add to the drama and humor of the episode.

The Cultural Experience

In addition to the driving challenges, the episode also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. The hosts visit ancient historical sites, interact with local people, and sample traditional cuisine. These moments provide a welcome respite from the intense driving sequences and add depth to the episode.

The Verdict

The Middle East Special is a thrilling and entertaining episode of Top Gear, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie, driving skills, and ability to adapt to challenging situations. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who enjoys adventure, off-road driving, and exploring new cultures.

Episode Highlights

Watch the Full Episode

If you missed the Middle East Special or want to relive the excitement, you can watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, or purchase it on DVD. Don't miss this unforgettable adventure with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they take Top Gear to the Middle East.

Top Gear: Middle East Special - Episode Details

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled journey through the Middle East with Top Gear's iconic hosts.

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

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?

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 stage was set in the humid chaos of Erbil, Iraq. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May stood around three "sports" cars that had seen better decades, tasked with following the path of the Three Wise Men to Bethlehem.

"I’ve brought a Mazda MX-5," Hammond announced, beaming. "It’s the world's best-selling sports car. It’s reliable, it’s nimble—"

"It’s a hairdresser's car, Hammond," Jeremy interrupted, leaning against his massive, temperamental Fiat Barchetta. "I, meanwhile, have a proper Italian thoroughbred. It’s stylish, it’s soulful, and the heater is currently stuck on 'Incinerate'."

James May simply pointed to his BMW Z3. "I’ve gone for German engineering. It’s sensible, it’s beige, and unlike yours, Jeremy, the door handles haven't fallen off yet."

The journey was a grueling 1,200-mile odyssey through some of the most beautiful and desolate landscapes on Earth. They crossed the mountains of Kurdistan, where Jeremy’s Fiat immediately began to disintegrate, and navigated the sprawling deserts of Syria.

Disaster struck early when James, attempting to scout a route, fell and suffered a concussion. For a brief, terrifying moment, the bickering stopped. But once the doctors cleared him, the mockery resumed with double the intensity. James spent the rest of the trip wearing a helmet decorated with "flowers" (courtesy of Jeremy) to protect his "gentle" head.

The challenges were classic Top Gear absurdity. They had to cross a literal minefield, camouflage their cars for a secret night mission (Jeremy chose a "traditional" look involving a lot of sand and glue), and survive the terrifying traffic of Damascus.

As they reached the Jordan River, the heat was blistering. Hammond’s Mazda was holding together by sheer willpower, while Jeremy’s Fiat was leaking every fluid known to man. They spent their final night in the desert, under a canopy of stars, debating the merits of their battered machines.

"The Fiat is a disaster," Jeremy admitted, pouring water over his smoking engine. "But it has character."

"My Mazda has been hit by a truck and driven through a mountain," Hammond countered, "and it still starts every morning. That’s not just a car; that’s a friend."

On the final leg into Bethlehem, the trio arrived at a stable. Inside, they didn't find gold, frankincense, or myrrh. Instead, they found a small, screaming baby... who looked suspiciously like a miniature version of The Stig, complete with a tiny white racing helmet.

"Well," Jeremy whispered, looking at the "Baby Stig" and then back at their ruined cars. "On that bombshell, it’s time to go." If you'd like to dive deeper into this special, I can: List the specific modifications they made to the cars Detail the exact route they took through the Middle East

Share behind-the-scenes facts about the production challenges

Overnight, the crew stays in a spectacular abandoned hotel near the Jordanian border. Because they cannot drive, they decide to race mobility scooters stolen from a local supermarket. This subplot has nothing to do with cars or the Middle East, but it is universally considered the funniest five minutes of television that year.

By 2010, the "Clarkson, Hammond, and May" dynamic was fully matured. We saw character arcs that had been building for years:

They were no longer just presenters; they were a dysfunctional family unit. The bickering felt real, but so did the camaraderie. When they worked together to navigate a border crossing or push a car out of sand, it was a reminder that for all their insults, they actually liked each other.