Over the years, “Top Gear” has taken its place best British TV shows. It was first aired in 1977 and was revamped in 2000 by the trio Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The series goes beyond just cars and engines, but also tells the stories behind them, the people who drive them, and the culture that surrounds them. Additionally, the show offers a blend of excitement and exploration with epic road trips and daring challenges.
If you are a car enthusiast or simply a fan of good entertainment, chance are you’ve heard of this iconic television series “Top Gear”. However, you may likely ask what episodes remain the best in 235 episodes of the show. Here’s your treat!
Best Top Gear Episodes You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Vietnam Special (Season 12, Episode 8)
Not only has the rating of 9.4 placed this episode in the first spot but also its adventurous scenes. This episode sees Jeremy, Richard, and James go on a wild motorbike adventure across Vietnam using their preferred bike.
The trio go for scooters, Vespas, and a rugged motorbike respectively, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Vietnam. With 15 million dong (about US$ 1000) given to each to spend on buying some wheels, the whole plan was to make sure they arrived in the north of Vietnam.
This episode would also see them explore the Vietnamese culture as they prove that the best journeys are sometimes the wackiest.
2. Bolivia Special (Season 14, Episode 6)
On the second spot is the Bolivia special episode, a rollercoaster of thrills and near spills. In this episode, Jeremy, Richard, and James embark on another daring adventure. This time, they went on a 1000-mile journey from the Amazon Rainforest to the Pacific Ocean. Interestingly, for this journey, the trio used cars that are 4WD and also found in the Bolivian second-hand classifieds.
Another thrilling scene is having to go through the Death Road where they experience extreme driving conditions but would have to keep moving.
3. Burma Special (Season 21, Episode 7)
In Burma, Jeremy, Richard, and James take modifying to a whole new level having to modify everything that involved their journey.
Imagine building a bridge over the River Kwai with their trucks, and modifying their trucks to fit in Top Gear fashion. Aside from the racing challenge, viewers also get a glimpse into the lives of the Burmese people.
4. Africa Special, Part 2 (Season 19, Episode 7)
Think electric cars are boring? Think again! Using converted electric vehicles such as the Subaru Impreza, a Volkswagen Beetle, and even a Ford Focus, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May navigate through insane traffic, and lethal mudslides while on this quest.
This episode sees the fearless trio travel through the African River Nile to find its source and fans witness their struggles and triumphs.
Read Also: 10 Best Adventure Movies That Have Ever Been Made
5. Botswana Special (Season 10, Episode 4)
While many explorers over the years have claimed to have already found the source of the River Nile, the Top Gear trio believes they stand better chances by traveling using three aging estate cars.
Jeremy, Richard, and James go on the challenge to find the source of the Nile River in Africa with nothing but cheap, second-hand cars.
The trio opts for a Lancia Beta Coupe, an Opel Kadett, and a Mercedes-Benz 230E respectively. In this episode, expect wildlife encounters, hilarious car troubles, and the never-ending quest to find this elusive river source.
6. The one with Lewis Hamilton (Season 10, Episode 8)
This episode makes it to this list not as just one of the best but also the most-watched Top Gear ever, and for good reason.
In this episode, Lewis Hamilton himself joins the fraying. He takes Richard for a spin in a Formula One car. Meanwhile, Jeremy and James get into an interview with James Blunt in the automotive history, searching for the car that started it all.
7. Building Motor Homes (Season 15, Episode 4)
In this episode, viewers get to see the creative sides of Jeremy, Richard, and James. The trio attempts to convert ordinary cars and vehicles into motor homes. It is their creativity, resourcefulness, and several hilarious mishaps that make this episode exciting to watch.
8. Polar Special (Season 9, Episode 8)
This would have to be one of the episodes with the most ambitious and arduous challenges on “Top Gear”. Here, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond aren’t just racing cars to the Magnetic North Pole this time, they’re facing off against a team of sled dogs. They embarked on a land race starting in the town of Resolute, Northern Canada, and finishing at the Magnetic North Pole.
The question here is, will the fearless trio or a pack of huskies conquer the frozen wasteland?
9. USA Road Trip Special (Season 9, Episode 3)
In this episode, the hosts set out on a thrilling adventure across the United States. As for the challenge, they’ll have to purchase a car in Miami with a measly $1000. Their mission is to reach New Orleans using these rolling wrecks.
Like always, it’s not going to be a smooth ride. They face roadside meltdowns, several repairs, and later run-ins with disgruntled locals who force them out of the town.
10. The Police Car Challenge (Season 11, Episode 1)
Though the last on our list, this episode remains the most entertaining and outrageous. Remember those tricked-out cop cars in cheesy action movies? Top Gear takes it to the extreme. Jeremy, Richard, and James transform their ordinary cars into extraordinary police cars with flamethrowers, speakers blaring opera, and ejector seats.
This episode unfolds several challenges while they put their modified police cars to the test. If you a fan of comical mishaps, creativity, and chaos then this is the episode you will not forget so soon.
