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 Africa on that same continent describes the land a lot and the way some of the shots are shown with the 3 cars moving near the cameraman feels like a 70s exploration movie.

The best special of the 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 favourite 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 pategonia and Bolivia are out of this world

Absolutely hilarious two-part episode! Best special, no, best episode yet!

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.

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 its one of the finest bits of T.V. 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 humour and is unique in its bike aspect and the history as well scenery is brilliant. We also have one of the best ending so there's that.

Loved it was 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.

This was just the best Top Gear special ever... the soundtrack, scene, and tear jerking comedy makes this a must see!

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, Hammonds fear of insects and when his Donkey died

They actually acted as a team and were quite suprised 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 ledgendary but the middle does get a bit repetitive but without a doubt top 3

The opening is probably one of the best in the series, however it does sort of dwindle after they get off death road.

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 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 endings with them literally just them 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 as 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.

This is clearly the best one!
"Oliver" and crossing the salt lake was legendary

The best Top Gear Special by a country mile!

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 roadtrip specials!

The best part is when they are buying their cars and Clarkson encounters the "Persion" with the guns so funny!

How can anything beat the bit where they're chased out of the petrol station?

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 humour was a bit forced but still incredible definitely one to watch

An interesting and funny interpretation of the nativity however the last few moments does sort of drag and lowers the quality for me just a bit.

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

The episode we were introduced to the new Stig in one of the funniest ways I can imagine

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 over all. It has around twenty minutes before the adventure begins with them training, the 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!

This one is highly rated but for me there's not enough excitement to gain out of this one. For me the start is funny but gets boring for most of it.

Epic... to utilize an overused idiom.
But, it's a fitting descriptor. No?
When was the last time you drove a custom Hilux over a frozen sea?

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 & the building of the bridge is even funnier

This was a very good special why is this not on the list?

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 roadtrip 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 main staged by the BBC but his behaviour comes across as painfully annoying and 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 for me is the finest filming ever out of the uk. This is the 3 at their best

The cars were great the guys were at there
best the journey was one of the most challenging yet. People seem to use the ending and 'misunderstanding' to criticise the episode when actually it just added to the epic choas this special was. This is easily my favourite!

Probably the best, we know the tense finale but the scenery all round was stunning

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 but 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!

Ending was the best

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

BAdd New Item