Top 10 Best Top Gear Specials

Top Gear took the world by storm with its unique blend of motoring journalism, stunning cinematography, and a healthy dose of British humor. When it comes to the show's specials, though, things really kick into high gear. The specials are where the show's trio - Jeremy, Richard, and James - take on epic journeys, far-flung adventures, and sometimes downright ridiculous challenges. But which of these specials stand out from the rest? Which ones had you on the edge of your seat, laughing out loud, or marveling at the sheer audacity of the challenges?

Vote for the specials that made you laugh, made you gasp, or simply made you fall in love with the show all over again. Maybe it was the special where they tackled the Death Road in Bolivia, or perhaps it was their chaotic journey across India. It could be the special that showcased a country you've always wanted to visit, or one that introduced you to a car you've since dreamed of driving.
The Top Ten
1 Africa The Africa Special had the Top Gear trio venturing across the breathtaking landscapes of Africa in a quest to find the true source of the River Nile. They navigated treacherous terrains and tested their chosen estate cars to the limits, all while encountering the majestic beauty of the continent.

This was like the best special yet. I mean, playing Toto's Africa on that same continent describes the land a lot, and the way some of the shots are shown with the three cars moving near the cameraman feels like a '70s exploration movie.

The best special of them all. The gags are great, the scenery is great, the challenge is interesting. Everything about this is great. No wonder May finds this to be his favorite adventure!

For me, the journey in this is the best they've done. The end is great and is the classic trio. It is incredible, just the Patagonia and Bolivia are out of this world.

2 Vietnam In the Vietnam Special, the lads swapped four wheels for two, traversing the length of Vietnam on motorcycles. The journey was filled with beautiful scenery, challenging roads, and a unique exploration of Vietnamese culture, making it one of the most memorable specials.

The soundtrack alone makes this the best special. Add that to the spectacular scenery, epic adventure, the unexpected twist to finish, and the ghost of the Vietnam War hanging around. It's one of the finest bits of TV the BBC ever created, and not a car in sight!

Between this and the Africa special, it's hard, but the Vietnam special has plenty of humor and is unique in its bike aspect. The history as well as scenery is brilliant. We also have one of the best endings, so there's that.

Loved it and would say that this and the Africa special are in the same league. Always loved Top Gear, never gets old. Hope the new series can fill some big shoes.

3 Bolivia The Bolivia Special was a thrilling ride that saw our favorite car enthusiasts tackle the perilous Death Road and the vast salt flats of Bolivia. With their second-hand off-roaders, the journey was fraught with danger and hilarity, a true adventure in the heart of South America.

Death Road made my heart skip a few beats, especially when Clarkson had to go around that guy by the waterfall and when James had to use torches to see where he was going. The funniest parts were Jeremy sinking, Hammond's fear of insects, and when his donkey died.

They actually acted as a team and were quite surprised themselves because of it. The high-altitude mountains brought the team spirit up... not to mention James' "Please don't leave me" to Hammond while on the Death Road.

The one I've watched most for sure. For me, everything is perfect in this apart from the middle of it. The start is great, and the ending is legendary, but the middle does get a bit repetitive. Without a doubt, top three.

4 Botswana In the Botswana Special, our favorite car enthusiasts embarked on an epic journey across the beautiful wilderness of Botswana, each in a used car. This adventure took them through the stunning Makgadikgadi salt plains and the challenging Okavango Delta, testing their vehicles to the extreme.

In second-to-last place for me is this special. Memorable for Oliver, but I feel this special lacks actual motivation. Like, what was the point of this special again? Even the ending is one of the worst, with them literally just arriving at a checkpoint. No grand ending, no grand adventure. It's kinda dull.

That said, it is highly entertaining and is a million times better than the dreadful Polar special.

This is, in my opinion, the best episode. I think it's so funny the way that Richard Hammond forms such an attachment to his little friend Oliver, all the while the others were laughing at him.

5 USA During the USA Special, the team hit the open road in the heart of America. Buying cars for less than the price of a second-hand motorbike, they embarked on a journey across several states, experiencing the diversity of American landscapes and culture.

Very good but falls into the good category. The Alabama part was class but wasn't enough of a full-on journey to be considered.

The one that started it all may not be perfect, but it is entertaining throughout. A great start for the road trip specials!

The best part is when they are buying their cars, and Clarkson encounters the "Persian" with the guns. So funny!

6 Middle East The Middle East Special was a thought-provoking and humorous journey that saw the trio travel from Iraq to Bethlehem in three convertible sports cars. This Christmas special was filled with stunning desert landscapes, ancient cities, and the typical Top Gear banter we all love.

One of the classics and definitely the easiest one to watch. Again, it is a great journey, but I think some of the humor was a bit forced. Still incredible, definitely one to watch.

An interesting and funny interpretation of the nativity. However, the last few moments do sort of drag and lower the quality for me just a bit.

One of the most interesting specials. The final bit with the presents especially.

7 Polar The Polar Special saw the team undertake their most daring challenge yet - a race to the magnetic North Pole. With Jeremy and James in a specially modified Toyota Hilux, and Richard on a dog sled, this icy adventure was filled with peril, excitement, and some astonishing Arctic views.

Probably the worst special and one of the weakest episodes overall. It has around twenty minutes before the adventure begins with them training. Then, we are treated to the most boring and lifeless adventure. It feels more like a nature documentary rather than Top Gear.

No wonder they stopped their "polar challenges" after this because, well, the ratings weren't that great for this special, and it's barely even repeated. It's that bad!

Could easily be the best Top Gear special. It just has the Top Gear trio at their best. If you are going to watch any special, watch the Polar Special!

8 Burma The Burma Special found the trio in Southeast Asia, facing the daunting task of building a bridge over the River Kwai. Traveling in big trucks across Burma, this two-part special was filled with breathtaking landscapes, camaraderie, and the usual dose of mischief.

The use of trucks and the idea of building the bridge over the River Kwai is an interesting concept. The special's longer length also benefits it and gives us more enjoyment from the trip.

Just for me, too long for what we got. I would rather see a 2-hour Middle East than this, but none are bad so yes.

The best special for me! Hilarious road trip, great scenery, and the building of the bridge is even funnier.

9 Patagonia The Patagonia Special was a controversial and thrilling expedition across the rugged terrains of South America. Facing unforgiving landscapes and tense situations, the team's journey from Bariloche to Ushuaia was as eventful as it was visually spectacular.

Great length, infamous controversy, but an interesting road trip with plenty going for it. My big complaint is that Hammond is a real pain in the arse in this special, and I'm sure it was mainly staged by the BBC, but his behavior comes across as painfully annoying and a bit of a dick in this.

The finest piece of TV you will see, in my opinion. Of course, the ending is the most memorable, but for me, them camping next to the lake with the shining trophy, eating beaver, is the finest filming ever out of the UK. This is the three at their best.

10 India The India Special was a colorful and chaotic journey across the subcontinent. Tasked with promoting British trade and culture, the trio embarked on a hilarious journey filled with cricket, chaos, and some truly incredible Indian scenery.

I understand people hating this. It is a major step back from other specials, but it does have the train race and the party that goes wrong. Yeah, definitely at the bottom half.

Too forgettable and no real infamous moments. Still decent.

A lot of people say this isn't good. I literally don't get that!

The Contenders
11 Winter Olympics The Winter Olympics Special brought a unique Top Gear twist to the traditional winter sports. From car ice hockey to a Mini Cooper ski jump, the team's hilarious attempts at recreating Olympic events using cars made for an entertaining spectacle against the snowy backdrop of Lillehammer, Norway.

I feel bad for rating it last, but it's just not a special in my opinion.

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