Top Gear specials have taken viewers on incredible global adventures, filled with stunning landscapes, epic challenges, and the usual antics of Clarkson, Hammond, and May. From the icy Arctic to the scorching deserts of Africa, these specials are some of the most iconic moments in automotive TV history. Join us as we rank these classics from the ones that missed the mark to the absolute best.
Ranking Every Top gear Special: From Worst to Best
14 – India Special (2011)
A chaotic “trade mission” through India’s vibrant roads.
Runtime: 1h 28m
In this special, the trio embarks on a “trade mission” across India, each driving a modified vehicle loaded with supplies. Clarkson opts for a Jaguar XJS, Hammond a Mini Cooper, and May a Rolls-Royce. While the journey offers colourful scenes and cultural exploration, the pacing is uneven, and the scripted antics fall short.
Memorable Moments: The trio’s attempts at advertising with massive slogans on their cars create hilariously awkward moments, especially when they unravel on the streets. However, the lack of meaningful challenges results in an episode that misses the mark.
13 – Patagonia Special: Part 1 (2014)
An epic road trip through Patagonia begins with tension.
Runtime: 1h 2m
Driving classic sports cars through Argentina, the journey starts with breathtaking views and a sense of foreboding. Clarkson chooses a Porsche 928, Hammond a Ford Mustang, and May an old Lotus. While setting up a grand adventure, the first part feels more like a slow introduction to the turmoil that follows.
Memorable Moments: Clarkson’s attempts to handle the rough terrain with his Porsche lead to entertaining banter, hinting at the challenges awaiting in Part 2.
12 – Patagonia Special: Part 2 (2014)
High tension and drama on the roads of Patagonia.
Runtime: 1h 3m
The second part intensifies as the trio faces increasingly rough terrain and growing political tension. What begins as an adventure morphs into a dramatic escape from Argentina, overshadowing the special’s lighter aspects.
Memorable Moments: The escape from Argentina amidst controversy is gripping and intense, but it overshadows the episode’s comedic moments, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste.
11 – Africa Special, Part 1 (2013)
A comedic hunt for the source of the Nile.
Runtime: 59m
Kicking off their journey to find the source of the Nile, Clarkson, Hammond, and May set off in used estate cars through Africa. The first part is filled with playful banter and mechanical woes, laying the groundwork for a more intense second half.
Memorable Moments: The arguments over car modifications, from homemade snorkels to improvised exhaust systems, add a dose of classic Top Gear humour.
10 – Africa Special, Part 2 (2013)
Rugged terrains and endless laughs in the African wilderness.
Runtime: 58m
The quest for the Nile’s source becomes more intense as the trio crosses rivers, navigates rough terrain, and faces vehicle failures. This part showcases their resilience and chemistry as they handle one obstacle after another.
Memorable Moments: The epic river crossing where May’s car gets stuck, resulting in frantic rescue attempts, and the group’s ongoing disputes over their respective cars’ superiority.
9 – Burma Special: Part 1 (2014)
Setting off on a journey to build a bridge in Burma.
Runtime: 1h 3m
The trio begins their mission to construct a bridge over the River Kwai, starting with a road trip across Burma in a trio of old trucks. This episode is full of scenic landscapes, laughter, and the typical mechanical struggles that keep the adventure lively.
Memorable Moments: Clarkson’s continuous complaints about his clunky truck contrast hilariously with Hammond’s enthusiasm and May’s cautious driving style.
8 – Burma Special: Part 2 (2014)
Bridge-building chaos and camaraderie in Burma.
Runtime: 1h 2m
The bridge-building task becomes increasingly challenging as they tackle muddy roads and mechanical failures. The trio’s perseverance and camaraderie are at the forefront, highlighting their dynamic as they create something out of nothing.
Memorable Moments: The bridge-building sequences are a chaotic mix of trial, error, and occasional success, with Hammond’s bridge sections repeatedly failing, much to the others’ amusement.
7 – Middle East Special (2010)
Recreating the journey of the three wise men through the desert.
Runtime: 1h 16m
The trio sets off from Iraq to Bethlehem in convertibles, with each host bringing their own interpretation of a “gift” for the journey. The special is a blend of holiday spirit, adventure, and the usual Top Gear chaos as they navigate deserts, urban areas, and challenging terrain.
Memorable Moments: Clarkson’s ill-advised attempt to camouflage his car for desert travel, and the subsequent hilarity that ensues when it fails spectacularly.
6 – U.S. Special (2007)
Cheap cars, questionable slogans, and Southern hospitality.
Runtime: 51m
Embarking on a road trip through the American South, the hosts drive $1,000 cars adorned with provocative slogans. This special blends humour with a dose of danger as they encounter cultural differences and mechanical disasters.
Memorable Moments: The tense encounter with angry locals in Alabama and the trio’s desperate escape, highlighting both the comedy and tension of their journey.
5 – Winter Olympics (2006)
Cars take on winter sports in this absurdly fun special.
Runtime: 1h
The trio brings cars to the Winter Olympics, attempting various winter sports challenges. From skiing with a Mini to playing ice hockey with a Suzuki Swift, this episode is a delightfully absurd take on cars and cold weather.
Memorable Moments: The epic Mini ski jump, which results in an unexpectedly smooth landing, leaving everyone (including the hosts) in stunned laughter.
4 – Polar Special (2007)
A race to the North Pole in a Toyota Hilux versus a dog sled.
Runtime: 52m
One of the most iconic specials, the Polar Special sees Clarkson and May race to the North Pole in a modified Toyota Hilux, while Hammond attempts the journey by dog sled. The adventure is filled with danger and breathtaking arctic scenery, making it a standout episode.
Memorable Moments: Clarkson and May sipping whiskey while driving across the frozen landscape, and Hammond’s gruelling dog sled journey, which leaves him exhausted but determined.
3 – Botswana Special (2007)
Crossing Botswana’s harsh landscapes in sub-$1,500 cars.
Runtime: 52m
Armed with cheap, unreliable cars, Clarkson, Hammond, and May tackle the Kalahari Desert, salt pans, and rivers as they travel across Botswana. It’s a mix of adventure, humour, and stunning landscapes, capturing everything fans love about Top Gear.
Memorable Moments: Hammond’s deep affection for his beloved Opel Kadett “Oliver,” and the constant battle to keep the cars running through the tough desert conditions. Clarkson’s Lancia takes a beating, but it’s his stubborn determination that keeps the journey going.
2 – Bolivia Special (2009)
An adventurous journey through jungles, mountains, and dangerous roads.
Runtime: 1h 16m
The trio navigates the Bolivian rainforest, Death Road, and the Andes mountains in used 4x4s. It’s one of the most treacherous journeys they’ve ever taken, filled with danger and memorable moments as they battle the elements and their unreliable vehicles.
Memorable Moments: Hammond’s rollover in the dense jungle, and the terrifying drive along the infamous Death Road, where the slightest mistake could send them plummeting off a cliff.
1 – Vietnam Special (2008)
An epic motorbike journey through the stunning landscapes of Vietnam.
Runtime: 1h 14m
Arguably the most beloved Top Gear special, the Vietnam Special sees the trio ditch cars for motorbikes as they journey from south to north Vietnam. The episode is filled with cultural encounters, breathtaking scenery, and the hosts’ usual hilarious struggles with their vehicles.
Memorable Moments: The stunning final boat ride to Ha Long Bay, Clarkson’s constant struggles with his Vespa, and Hammond’s disbelief at riding a Russian Minsk. The episode’s blend of beauty, humour, and heart make it a fan favourite.
