The television program “Top Gear” was once among the most-watched in the entire globe. It was first shown in 1977 but was given a makeover in 2002 with the aid of a mystery test driver called the Stig and the top gear trio comprising Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.
This was one of the leading British TV programs, aired in more than 200 nations, and helped make the three presenters well-known.
“Top Gear” has received a lot of criticism over seasons that are not without controversies. These terrible occurrences involve the actors driving carelessly and saying nasty things. In 2015, Clarkson was terminated from the program due to the issue. Hammond, May, plus executive producer Andy Wilman all departed “Top Gear” soon after to work on Clarkson’s
“The Grand Tour” for Amazon Prime. In the end, some different presenters took their place, though it’s questionable whether any of them connected with viewers as well as the initial three did.
Notwithstanding those drawbacks, “Top Gear” had a fantastic gear crew and was unquestionably one of the most enjoyable television programs. Selecting the best Top Gear episode out of more than 200 episodes and more than 30 seasons is challenging.
Luckily, we’ve just put in the challenging work. So relax and check out which “Top Gear” episodes you must not miss.
20. Patagonia Special
- Season number: Unknown
- Episode number: Unknown
There were no broadcast parts in the two-part “Top Gear” episode “Patagonia Special,” which was entirely set in South America. However, to commemorate the 60th birthday of the V8 engine, Clarkson, Hammond, with May, drove three V8-powered sports cars between Chile and Argentina in a two-day holiday special that aired in 2014.
The excursion took a Porsche 928, a Ford Mustang, and a Lotus Esprit around 1,600 miles.
The Ford and Porsche experienced multiple malfunctions and problems as the three attempted to negotiate the rough terrain and bad roads. The speakers were compelled to camp outside, cross a dilapidated bridge, and navigate a swampy marsh.
The episode’s finale, however, may be its most well-known moment since it involved a large crowd of protestors who had gathered because of what they believed to be insulting license plates that referred to the Falklands War. An examination discovered that the automobile was registered on the license plates since 1991.
19. Amphibious Car Challenge
- Season number: 8
- Episode number: 3
This one is Season 8’s third episode. This was the first round of the task, and Clarkson, Hammond, and May created vehicles that might sail or drive on the ground. May added a sail to a vintage Triumph Herald, Hammond went with a Volkswagen travel trailer he named the Damper Van, and Clarkson made a Toyota out of a Toyota Hilux truck. May eventually won the contest as Clarkson and Hammond’s cars sunk inside the reservoir they were driving across.
The program also included the customary “Top Gear” features in addition to the main task. The Lacetti was piloted around a slick course in 1 min, 54.3 seconds by Philip Glenister, who appeared as the celebrity in a moderately priced automobile.
The Lotus Exige S, which was tested by Clarkson as well as the Stig but was finally removed from the “Top Gear” excellent board, was found to be unpopular.
18. Australian Northern Territory Road Trip In G.T. Cars
- Season number: 22
- Episode number: 2
The three hosts of “Top Gear” take a road trip, specifically to the Northern Territory, in this episode from Season 22. Each of these for the journey selected a fast and roomy grand tourer: Clarkson chose a BMW M6 Gran Coupé, Hammond chose a Bentley Continental G.T. V8, and May drove a Nissan GT-R.
They saw some of the longest and largest vehicles while traveling across Australia’s wide-open areas, toured an ancient gold mine, and completed the task by assisting in herding more than 4,000 cows on one of the country’s most giant farms.
Before going home to check out more affordable choices like a Ford Focus, the lads drive to Albania to check out a few new cars and a couple of Rolls-Royces.
Unlike typical ” Top Gear ” episodes, there was no news section or energy test, unlike standard “Top Gear” episodes; instead, the Australian challenge took up most of the airtime. Nevertheless, Canadian star Kiefer Sutherland drove the star vehicle and posted a time of 1 minute and 49.2 seconds while driving in damp conditions.
17. Albania Road Trip
- Season number: 16
- Episode number: 3
The “Top Gear” crew traveled to Albania for the 3rd episode of Season 16 to try out three ultra-luxury vehicles. The final goal was determining which car would best fit an organized crime leader. The trio first settled on a Bentley Mulsanne, a Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, and a Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Bentley, regrettably for Clarkson, dropped out of the program just before it began. He was obliged to move to a Yugo Skala 55 because circumstances created problems when the vehicle wouldn’t ignite during a drag race halfway through the program.
In addition to the task in which the team robs a bank, Clarkson also evaluated the newest Cosworth vehicle, the Subaru Impreza STI CS400. Furthermore, he makes comparisons to the Volvo C30 PCP as well as the Ford Focus RS500.
The headline driver was British broadcaster Jonathan Ross, who succeeded in setting a time of 1 minute, and 49 seconds on a slick circuit while driving a reasonably priced vehicle.
16. Amphibious Car Challenge II
- Season number: 10
- Episode number: 2
Clarkson, Hammond, and May returned to one of their best-known challenges from the show’s first few seasons in this episode from Season 10. They each attempt to develop amphibious cars that function equitably well on land and water by using various vehicles.
May returned to his previous Triumph Herald, albeit he modified it with some advanced materials and functions. Hammond used a Volkswagen as he used in the last amphibious challenge. Finally, Clarkson utilized a Nissan truck that he called the Nissan.
The gang left Sidcup and drove to Dover before crossing the English Channel towards Calais, France. Sadly, Hammond and May’s cars developed problems in the water, preventing them from finishing the task as they sank. In the meantime, Clarkson’s Nissan worked well, and he soon managed to pick up his two coworkers.
Jools Holland, a singer, and the speaker, was the focus of this episode and drove a reasonably priced vehicle. He recorded a record of 1 minute and 49.9 seconds.
The program’s primary focus was Clarkson’s comparison of Hammond’s Porsche 997 Carrera S versus the Audi R8. Although both hosts believed the Audi lacked spirit, it did perform much better on the course.
15. Homemade Ambulance Challenge
- Season number: 22
- Episode number: 3
This is the third episode of Season 22, which aired in February 2015. The three primary presenters faced several challenges while building their exclusive ambulances. The three began constructing their vehicles to enhance the patient transport service after analyzing the shortcomings of a typical ambulance in the U.K.
These initiatives underwent testing to determine their utility, quickness, viability, and financial worth. In the end, Clarkson finished second using his Porsche 944 Turbo, May finished last with a Ford Scorpio Cardinal, while Hammond won using his Chevrolet G20 van.
Daniel Ricciardo, a Formula One racer, was the episode’s centerpiece and drove a modestly priced vehicle. To create a fair playing field for any Formula One drivers upon that leaderboard, Ricciardo was allocated the classic Suzuki Liana instead of the Vauxhall Astra Tech Line GT that’s been utilized for the section beginning with Season 20.
As a result, the Formula One driver, with the quickest time on the scoreboard, recorded a timing of one min and 42.2 seconds.
14. Race Across The Urban Landscape Of St. Petersburg
- Season number: 22
- Episode number: 1
The crew competed in a race around Saint Petersburg, Russia, inside this “Top Gear” Season 22 launch. The competition effectively served as a reenactment of the race from Season 10, in which the trio raced to traverse London.
Then, Hammond rode a bicycle, May drove a little Renault, and Clarkson mostly traveled by water on a hovercraft. May ultimately prevailed, but the Stig was unable to finish due to transportation difficulties.
A successor for the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Huracán, was assessed by Hammond somewhere else in the show. Ed Sheeran, a famous musician, was the celebrity driving a cost-effective vehicle. Sheeran stated he had to have an automatic because this was his first experience behind the wheel. He recorded a timing of 1 min 54.2 seconds in incredibly slick conditions.
One of the most well-known incidents from this episode occurred when Hammond rode, and a lorry moved out in front of him. This resulted in a profane outburst against the driver, primarily excised from the first broadcast. However, the uncut version offered on the DVD has gained popularity on social media sites like TikTok.
13. The U.S. Special ( season 9, episode 3)
- Season number: 9
- Episode number: 3
The U.S. special was outstanding for several very excellent reasons, in my opinion. First and foremost, it was due to Jeremy’s vehicle for the excursion. Yes, the third-generation Camaro pulled at my heartstrings the entire time since it’s essentially one of my favorite vehicles ever made.
Because I grew up in the 1980s, I have a soft spot for those third-generation Camaros. Yes, I am strange like that.
The trio’s goal is to show that purchasing a car would be much more fun and affordable than merely renting one, which is the idea of the program. So, having just $1,000 to spend, Clarkson, Hammond, and May choose to purchase a 1989 Cadillac Brougham, a 1991 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, and a 1991 Chevrolet Camaro R.S.
They encounter Stig’s American relative along the way, who puts each vehicle through performance evaluations as they travel from Miami toward New Orleans.
In the episode’s best-known sequence, the trio is pursued from an Alabama petrol station. The hosts had painted humorous messages on each other’s automobiles, including a NASCAR jab, which was in reaction to them.
The unsavory vehicles. It was brilliant and utterly mad to write unpleasant phrases on their automobiles while driving through Alabama, such as “man love rules fine” and “country and western is trash.”
They were going about with no clue of what was printed on their automobiles made it much funnier.
They left writing on the other’s automobiles before driving everywhere for a bit while not paying attention, which infuriated many people.
12. Making A Train Out Of A Specially Modified Car And Caravans As Carriages
- Season number: 17
- Episode number: 4
The team attempted to enhance the railroad experience in the United Kingdom in this Season 17 episode, which debuted in July 2011.
The gang modified various models and caravans to run on standard rails since they believed using a train may be costly, time-consuming, and uncomfortable. However, Hammond and May gave up and continued to ride a regular train as they competed with Clarkson’s modern sports train design.
The star of the affordable vehicle was Rowan Atkinson, who is well known for his role in “Mr. Bean,” who rode the Kia Ceed all-around test track. He finished in 2nd spot following Matt LeBlanc, who went a tenth of a second faster, with a timing of 1 minute plus 42.2 seconds.
The Stig test drove the Nissan GT-R all-around circuit and posted a lightning-fast time, easily outpacing several of its competitors. In contrast, in a report, Clarkson contrasted the vehicle with the Jaguar XKR-S and asserted that the Nissan GT-R was considerably more usable and superior for most drivers.
11. Race To The North — Ferrari FXX Lap Time — The Stig Revealed
- Season number: 13
- Episode number: 1
This “Top Gear” episode debuted in the summer of 2009 as the first episode of Season 13. A legendary Formula One driver, Michael Schumacher, appeared as a guest during the “Race to the North” part.
Many people were dubious that the Formula One star could be the test drive when it was said that Schumacher was indeed the Stig. However, someone who spoke to The Guardian noted this disclosure was a hoax.
The squad raced against one another in the “Race to the North” while they made their way from London to Edinburgh. The idea was to show how “Top Gear” may appear if it were shot 60 years ago.
While Clarkson utilized a Tornado steam locomotive, Hammond and May rode a Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle and a Jaguar XK120. With Clarkson finishing second, May won the competition by a relatively slim margin of about 10 minutes.
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10. Polar Special
- Season number: 9
- Episode number: 8
The first “Top Gear” episode to be televised in H.D. was the “Polar Special” episode, which debuted in 2007. Whereas the team utilized a separate customized Hilux and a Toyota Land Cruiser 120 for shooting, Clarkson and May tried to visit the north magnetic pole inside a Toyota Hilux Double Cab 3.0L.
Hammond and adventurer Matty McNair competed against the duo using a dog sled drawn by huskies.
Following Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ assistance, the party underwent cold weather preparation in Australia before beginning their journey in Canada. The contestants traveled a total of about 450 miles on the voyage. The episode garnered positive reviews from viewers, although it was also criticized.
One of the primary criticisms was on a moment wherein Clarkson and May looked to be sipping gin and tonics while operating a vehicle, raising the possibility that they had drunk alcohol while operating the vehicle.
Subsequently, a petition was sustained by the BBC Trust, which stated that the use of the material was unjustified. In addition, explorers criticized the show for exaggerating how simple and risk-free arctic missions are.
9. Building Motor Homes
- Season number: 15
- Episode number: 4
The fourth episode of Season 15 of “Top Gear” is the “Building Motor Homes” episode. In contrast to several other attacks on this list, this one adheres more to the structure of a regular attack than just a special episode.
The key obstacle for Clarkson, Hammond, and May in the 2010 episode was building their unique motorhomes. They had to alter the vehicles they bought, along with a Citroen, Land Rover, and a Lotus, for them to function as R.V.s. At the same time, they journeyed through the West Country in the U.K. to evaluate how well they work in normal campervan circumstances.
Lauren McAvoy, a model, also appeared in a scene when Clarkson drove her all-around race course. Andy Garcia, who starred in “The Godfather: Part III” and “Ocean’s Eleven,” was the headliner in a cost-effective vehicle.
The presenters tried a range of cars during the program, pitting the Audi R8 V10 Spyder against one of the most recent Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet.
8. Middle East Special
- Season number: 16
- Episode number: 0
The “Middle East Special” was a 2010 “Top Gear” episode in which the three traveled 1,200 miles from Iraq via Turkey, Syria, then Jordan towards Palestine. The party stopped at an abandoned amusement park, passed via Aleppo and Bethlehem, and viewed the Mount of Olives and the Sea of Galilee while traveling.
The program’s purpose was to show Clarkson, Hammond, and May traveling in the same direction as the Three Wise Men, who are said to have traveled to the baby Jesus in the Bible. One of the more extended “Top Gear” episodes aired during the Christmas season in 2010 and lasted 76 minutes.
They drove a Mazda MX-5, Fiat Barchetta Riviera, and BMW Z3, respectively. For tasks, the hosts had to alter the automobiles, such as making them fireproof and giving them a unique look.
Since then, Clarkson has acknowledged that the “Middle East Special” has been one of his favorite shows. The host listed this episode as being “perhaps the most spectacular to see,” together with the “Botswana Special” plus “The Grand Tour” episodes where they went to Mongolia.
7. Botswana Special
- Season number: 10
- Episode number: 4
The 60-minute “Top Gear” episode “Botswana Special” debuted in November 2007 and served as the show’s fourth
installment of Season 10. With only £1,500, Clarkson, Hammond, and May are compelled to buy used vehicles before crossing Botswana’s salt plains. The Stig’s African relative accompanied the three presenters, testing the automobiles they had bought by racing them around a filthy rally course.
The three automobiles utilized in the special were a 1963 Opel Kadett, a Lancia Beta coupé, and a Mercedes-Benz 230 E from 1985. As a kind of retaliation for any host whose vehicle has become too wrecked to drive, a Volkswagen Beetle was maintained as a backup vehicle.
After a 1,000-mile voyage, the crew finally arrived at the Namibian border. They determined that the Beetle was the best vehicle because it required no repairs along the way. Among the fun and enjoyable activity of the presenters, the beautiful vistas and distinctive surroundings of the location stood out in particular.
6. A Tribute To Sabine Schmitz
- Season number: Unknown
- Episode number: Unknown
This “Top Gear” episode was unique in that it is regarded as one of the best Top Gear episodes despite having debuted long through into the post-2015 period of the program. As an homage to Sabine Schmitz, it also had a melancholy undertone. In 2021, the retired professional racer representing BMW most frequently died from cancer.
Before that, she frequently guest-starred on “Top Gear” and later served as a host on the reimagined season of the show alongside Chris Evans, Matt LeBlanc, Rory Reid, and Chris Harris.
Other previous “Top Gear” stars, including Clarkson, Hammond, and May, made appearances to respect their coworker. It premiered in April 2021, only a few weeks following Schmitz’s passing, and featured some of her finest moments on “Top Gear” and significant milestones from her life. Both admirers and detractors of the show agreed that it was a suitable tribute to the 51-year-memory.
5. The Africa Special (season 19, episode 7)
- Season number: 19
- Episode number: 7
This “Top Gear” episode, part of another two-parter special, debuted in Mar 2013. The three hosts go to East Africa in this 6th episode of Season 19 to discover the origins of the magnificent river called the Nile. Unfortunately, they encountered several difficulties and impediments along the route, such as congested traffic and witnessing their vehicles suffer damage.
Clarkson rode a BMW 528i Touring for the trip, Hammond a Subaru Impreza WRX Estate, and May drove Volvo 850 R.
The group encountered mudslides, insufficient map coverage, and navigational challenges throughout the two segments. Like previous “Top Gear” specials, this episode did not include the customary studio portions and instead concentrated entirely on the main attraction.
Even those reviewers who confessed they weren’t big fans of the show stated they liked the “Africa Special.” The program was more natural and sincere, with genuinely emotional moments.
4. Burma Special
- Season number: 22
- Episode numbers: 6 and 7
In the “Burma Special,” a two-parter “Top Gear” program, the three hosts drove abandoned trucks across Burma. The fundamental idea is that they’d travel to the Thai border and try to construct a bridge over the River Kwai. This was a homage to Alec Guinness’ 1957 movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” Both episodes debuted in Mar 2014.
Even though the two trucks had distinct looks, Clarkson & Hammond used customized Isuzu TXs, though May operated a Hino FB110. The trio plays football with a bunch of police officers inside this special.
They also paint their trucks and battle to keep them running in challenging conditions. The show was “undeniably humorous” and full of silly jokes that would make most viewers giggle.
3. The Bolivia special (season 14, episode 6)
- Season number: 14
- Episode number: 6
The “Bolivia Special,” a component of Season 14, debuted in 2009, a little after Christmas. Although the episode is titled “Bolivia Special,” it takes place in various South American nations as the hosts travel from Bolivia’s Amazon jungle in the middle to Chile’s Pacific coast.
The group wound up with only a Range Rover, a Suzuki SJ40, and a Toyota Land Cruiser brought up the river on something like a raft after being given £3,500 to spend on automobiles.
The crew must first figure out how to get the cars off the vessel and onto shore before they can even move. Other difficulties included waterproofing the vehicles so they could cross a river securely.
When it was first broadcast, the episode garnered 6.4 million people in the United Kingdom alone, making it the most-watched program on the BBC. The fabled Road of Death, including some of the world’s most hazardous routes, and a meeting with local drug lords were among the attractions.
2. The Vietnam special (season 12, episode 8)
- Season number: 12
- Episode number: 8
The “Vietnam Special” is the 8th episode of Season 12 of “Top Gear,” in which the three presenters were granted 15 million dongs to purchase motorbikes so they could tour the Asian nation. The speakers traveled from Ho Chi Minh City towards H Long Bay, almost 1,000 kilometers.
It was longer than most show episodes, clocking in at 75 minutes, and it lacked any of the typical “Top Gear” components, such as “Star in a Reasonably Priced Car,” which are typically included.
Vietnam Special stood out among “Top Gear” episodes, which typically concentrate on automobiles. According to director and producer Andy Wilman, the plot of this part had “skewed towards the three boys.” As a result, the hosts displayed more of their connection and humor with one another than was often feasible, according to many spectators and reviewers. According to Hot Cars, the hilarity was enhanced by the fact that Clarkson was compelled to utilize a motorcycle despite his hatred for them.
1. Season 22, Episode 8
- Season number: 22
- Episode number: 8
This “Top Gear” episode was initially scheduled to show in Mar 2015. However, it was postponed due to a Jeremy Clarkson-related event. Then, just a few days before the show was scheduled to air on television on Mar 10, he was stopped.
The BBC finally terminated the presenter’s employment after deciding not to extend his contract due to what it deemed an “unprovoked violent attack” on a program director.
The attack contained a few typical components of a standard “Top Gear” episode. Instead, it started with May and Hammond stating that this had been pieced together using two characteristics that had been shot for the previous season.
Finally, after a protracted wait, it debuted in Jun 2015. This was the final episode to include the three primary presenters until Chris Evans & Matt LeBlanc took their places for Season 23.
In the first of the two movies, the three buy vintage convertible automobiles for the English summer and discover what it takes to maintain the cars and the surrounding culture. In the second segment, the presenters had to decide on an SUV and participate in tests to gauge their skill levels.
