This segment is now a poignant historical record, featuring high-definition footage of the ancient city of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Damascus before the Syrian Civil War.

Details on the made to the MX-5, Barchetta, and Z3 A guide on how to visit the filming locations safely today

However, the journey is not without its setbacks. The hosts encounter mechanical issues, navigation problems, and the occasional disagreement, all of which add to the drama and humor of the episode.

Cultural interactions and local context

The trio arrives at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. They decide to test the buoyancy of the water. However, because they are idiots, they also decide to "wash" themselves. Hammond goes in fully clothed. May goes in with a newspaper. Clarkson attempts to drink the water (spoiler: he vomits instantly). Meanwhile, the Fiat’s battery finally dies.

Today, the route they took is largely impossible due to the Syrian Civil War and the rise of ISIS. The special inadvertently serves as a time capsule of a fleeting moment of relative stability in the region. It adds a layer of melancholy to the viewing experience; the ruins they passed in Palmyra have since suffered damage, and the bustling markets they visited have faced years of strife.

As with any great Top Gear challenge, the success rested on the cars. Each presenter chose a second-hand convertible for under £3,500, believing that open-top motoring would suit the Middle Eastern climate. They were all catastrophically wrong.