Humor & Presenting
The journey concluded in Bethlehem, where the "Baby Jesus" in the stable was revealed to be a Baby Stig .
The climax of the full episode is unexpectedly emotional. After fighting through Israeli military checkpoints, the team realizes they cannot drive directly into Bethlehem (the West Bank is restricted). They are forced to abandon their cars at the separation barrier. The final shot—three men, covered in dust, walking through the security gate in their leather driving gloves, carrying a gold, frankincense, and myrrh (actually, a jerry can, a car jack, and a box of wine)—is a rare moment of genuine Top Gear heart. top gear - middle east special full episode
A Mazda MX-5 (NA), which he famously customized with a unique camouflage paint job and a built-in pipe for smoking.
As with all Top Gear specials, the journey was defined by mechanical failures, ridiculous challenges, and endless banter: Humor & Presenting The journey concluded in Bethlehem,
Airing as the Christmas Special in 2010 (Series 16, Episode 0), the episode sees Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May tasked with a seemingly impossible mission: drive from the shores of Iraq to the birthplace of the Messiah, Bethlehem. It remains a masterclass in the "Clarkson Era" of the show—a blend of stunning cinematography, arrogant incompetence, and three middle-aged men arguing in a desert.
As they navigate the ancient streets of Damascus, Clarkson fails to see a viciously high speed bump. The Fiat Barchetta hits it at 25 mph. The suspension bottoms out with a sickening crunch. A cloud of rust, dust, and shame envelops the car. Upon inspection, the sump guard is bent, the exhaust is hanging off, and Clarkson declares, “It’s broken its spine.” They are forced to abandon their cars at
Their intended route was a grand historical tour, taking them from Iraq into Iran, across the mountains of southern Turkey, through the cities of in Syria, then into Jordan, and finally to Israel.