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Many fans have only ever seen the chopped-down, 45-minute version uploaded to Dailymotion or the corrupted file that freezes when May’s Suzuki gets stuck in a swamp. You are doing yourself a disservice.
The Bolivia Special is widely considered the greatest single episode of Top Gear because of its narrative structure: three men, hopelessly out of their depth, genuinely fearing for their lives. No scripted jokes can compete with the reality of a Range Rover splitting in half or a road carved into a vertical cliff face.
When you watch the full fixed episode, you experience:
The Top Gear Bolivia Special, airing in 2009, is considered a pinnacle of the show's format, featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May driving cheap 4x4s from the Amazon rainforest, over the Andes, to Chile. The episode is renowned for its high-stakes journey, including navigating the treacherous Yungas Road and overcoming extreme altitude sickness.
You're looking for information on the Top Gear Bolivia Special!
The Bolivia Special, also known as the "Amazon Rainforest" or "Top Gear: Bolivia" special, is a 10th-season episode of the popular BBC motoring show Top Gear. Here's what I found:
Episode Details:
Helpful Feature:
If you're looking for a fixed episode with a helpful feature, I assume you want to know more about the cars used in the special. Here are the vehicles featured:
The episode features the hosts driving through the Amazon rainforest in these cars, facing various challenges and adventures.
Fixed Episode Availability:
The Bolivia Special is available to stream on various platforms:
If you're having trouble finding the episode, ensure you're checking the correct platform or region.
Episode Overview
The Bolivia Special, also known as the "Amazon Rainforest" or "Fixed Episode" special, is a unique episode of Top Gear that aired in 2019. In this special, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May embark on an adventure across Bolivia, South America.
The Challenge
The challenge for this episode was to travel from the Bolivian Amazon to the world's largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni, in three customized, fixed vehicles. The catch? The vehicles had to be completely fixed, with no repairs or maintenance allowed throughout the journey.
The Vehicles
The hosts were given three specially modified vehicles:
The Journey
The journey takes the hosts through the dense Amazon rainforest, across rivers, and over rough terrain. They face numerous challenges, including breakdowns, accidents, and the harsh Bolivian environment.
Highlights and Lowlights
Highlights:
Lowlights:
Verdict
The Bolivia Special is an entertaining and engaging episode of Top Gear that offers a fresh take on the show's traditional format. The fixed vehicle challenge adds an extra layer of complexity and unpredictability, making for compelling television. While there are some frustrating moments, the hosts' enthusiasm and humor shine through.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommendation
If you're a fan of Top Gear or enjoy adventure travel, this episode is definitely worth watching. Even if you're new to the series, the Bolivia Special provides an excellent introduction to the show's style and humor.
Tips and Insights
The Top Gear Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) is widely considered one of the greatest automotive films ever made. It features Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempting to drive 1,000 miles from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast of Chile. 🚙 The Vehicles
The presenters were given £3,500 to buy off-road vehicles sight-unseen from local classifieds.
Jeremy Clarkson: Range Rover Classic (3.5L V8). Chosen for its legendary off-road reputation, though it suffered from constant electrical failures.
Richard Hammond: Toyota Land Cruiser (40 Series). Heavily modified by the previous owner, it was the most rugged but suffered from a broken steering rack.
James May: Suzuki Samurai (SJ413). Small and light, it excelled on narrow tracks but lacked the power for high altitudes. 📍 Key Journey Milestones 1. The Amazon Rainforest
The trio began on a raft in the river. They had to winch their cars through dense jungle, battling high humidity, insects, and deep mud. This segment showcased the physical toll of the journey and the difficulty of basic navigation. 2. Death Road (Yungas Road) The team drove the "World's Most Dangerous Road."
The Hazard: Single-lane gravel tracks with 2,000-foot drops and no guardrails.
The Incident: Jeremy famously encountered a local truck while on the cliff edge, forcing a terrifying bypass. 3. The Altiplano and High Altitude
As they climbed the Andes, oxygen levels dropped significantly.
Health Risks: The presenters suffered from altitude sickness, requiring supplemental oxygen.
Engine Failure: The cars lost roughly 50% of their power due to the thin air, forcing "field repairs" like James May's makeshift carburetor adjustment. 4. Guallatiri Volcano
The final ascent took them to an altitude of 17,200 feet (over 5,200 meters). The Suzuki struggled to stay running, while the Range Rover’s cooling system began to fail. 5. The Atacama Descent
The special concluded with a high-speed race down a massive sand dune toward the Pacific Ocean. While the Range Rover and Land Cruiser took damage, the Suzuki arrived relatively unscathed. 🌟 Legacy and Impact
Cinematography: It set a new standard for travel documentaries, using high-definition cameras to capture the scale of the Andes.
Chemistry: The episode is cited for its "unscripted" feel, highlighting the genuine tension and camaraderie between the hosts.
Reliability Myth: It reinforced the "indestructible" reputation of the Toyota Land Cruiser, despite Hammond's mechanical woes.
💡 Which aspect of the special are you most interested in for your paper?
The technical specifications and modifications of the three cars.
The filming challenges and behind-the-scenes production stories.
A cultural analysis of how the show depicted South American geography.
Top Gear Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) is widely considered one of the show's greatest episodes. It first aired on December 27, 2009 Episode Overview Jeremy, Richard, and James are tasked with a 1,000-mile journey
from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast of Chile. They are restricted to secondhand 4x4s bought locally via Bolivian classified ads for under The Cars and Outcomes Unlike other specials, there was no backup car provided; if a car died, the presenter was on their own. Condition & Outcome Jeremy Clarkson Range Rover Classic
Believed to be a 3.9L fuel-injected V8; was actually a 3.5L carbureted model. Survived and was declared the winner Suzuki SJ413 (Jimny) top gear bolivia special full fixed episode
Smallest engine (1.3L). Despite a broken 4WD system (3WD), it was the most reliable, though the "ride was rotten". Richard Hammond Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ40)
Nicknamed "Donkey." Suffered the most breakdowns. Failed to finish after rolling driverless down a sand dune. Major Journey Segments The Amazon Rainforest:
The starting point required slashing through dense undergrowth and building a makeshift bridge out of tree trunks to cross a gully. The "Death Road" (Yungas Road):
A terrifying narrow ledge with sheer drops. A famous scene shows Jeremy passing a crew vehicle while the road edge crumbles beneath his wheels. High-Altitude Crossing: The trio reached 17,200 feet
(5,243 meters) near the Guallatiri volcano. They suffered from
(low oxygen) and famously took Viagra to prevent high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) before being forced to turn back. The Atacama Desert & Pacific Coast:
The final challenge involved descending a massive sand dune. Hammond's Toyota rolled and was destroyed, while Clarkson and May successfully reached the water. How to Watch
The full 76-minute special is available through official channels: BBC iPlayer Available on and occasionally on streaming platforms like Apple TV from the Director's Cut specifically?
The Top Gear Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) features Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May navigating the Amazon rainforest to the Chilean coast in affordable 4x4s. This acclaimed installment includes iconic moments such as driving the North Yungas road, scaling the Guallatiri volcano, and the Range Rover Classic's triumph. Full episodes are available on Prime Video and Plex. BBC One - Top Gear, Series 14, Bolivia Special
The Ultimate Rugged Classic: Why the Top Gear Bolivia Special Still Rules If you ask any gearhead to name the definitive episode, the Bolivia Special
(Series 14, Episode 6) is almost always at the top of the list. Originally aired on December 27, 2009, this 1,000-mile journey from the Amazon rainforest to the Pacific coast of Chile captured the trio at their absolute best—or perhaps their most desperate. The Cars: Three "Shabby" 4x4s
The premise was classic Top Gear: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May were dropped into the Bolivian jungle and tasked with buying a 4x4 from local classifieds for less than Jeremy Clarkson Range Rover Classic
(advertised as a 3.9L V8 but discovered to be a 3.5L carburetor version). Richard Hammond Toyota Land Cruiser (J40)
, which famously suffered mechanical failure and rolled down an embankment at the final hurdle. Suzuki SJ40 (Samurai)
, which survived surprisingly well due to its light weight despite its lack of comfort. The Journey: From Mud to Mountains The route was a relentless test of man and machine:
Aired on December 27, 2009, the Top Gear Bolivia Special (Series 14, Episode 6) follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May on a 1,000-mile journey from the Amazon to the Chilean coast in budget 4x4s. The episode is famed for navigating the dangerous North Yungas "Death Road" and high-altitude Andean passes, with a 76-minute Director's Cut often referred to as the "full fixed" version. For more details, visit Top Gear Wiki.
Here is your complete guide to the episode, including what you need to know about "fixed" versions and where to find the authentic content.
Best option for completeness and quality:
Avoid: YouTube compilations (chopped into parts, missing scenes), US Netflix or BBC America reruns (heavily edited for time and content).
Introduction: A Journey Through Hell
The Top Gear Bolivia Special follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they attempt to traverse from the Amazon rainforest in northern Bolivia to the Pacific coast of Chile. Their chosen vehicles—a used Toyota Land Cruiser (Clarkson), a Suzuki Vitara (Hammond), and a Range Rover Classic (May)—are comically unsuitable for the journey. Over three days, they face the deadly “Death Road,” 15,000-foot mountain passes, freezing salt flats, and dense jungle.
The episode is remembered for its raw tension: Hammond nearly dying of altitude sickness, May’s Range Rover constantly breaking down, and Clarkson physically pushing his Toyota through a swamp. It feels visceral and real.
The “Fixed” Allegations: Where Do They Come From?
A small segment of online viewers and forums have suggested the episode was “fixed” or heavily scripted. Their claims usually center on three points:
The Reality: Why It Wasn’t Fixed
Former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman and the presenters have repeatedly addressed these claims. The truth is more mundane but more impressive: Many fans have only ever seen the chopped-down,
Why the Myth Persists
The “fixed” accusation often stems from confusion between Top Gear’s later, more scripted era (roughly 2012–2015) and the Bolivia Special (2009). Later specials like India or Burma did feature more staged gags. However, the Bolivia Special sits in a golden window where the budget was high but the production was still lean enough to feel dangerous.
Additionally, the presenters’ comedic timing is so sharp that viewers mistake genuine reactions for scripted lines. When Clarkson shouts, “How hard can it be?” before his Toyota sinks, it feels like a setup—but that was simply his character reacting to reality.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Unscripted Chaos
The Top Gear Bolivia Special remains unfixed in the worst and best sense: It was genuinely miserable, genuinely dangerous, and genuinely unplanned. The presenters have all stated it was the hardest shoot of their careers. To “fix” it would have required manufacturing suffering that already existed in abundance.
So, if you search for a “full fixed episode,” you won’t find one—not because it was deleted, but because it never existed. What you will find is a brilliant piece of adventure television where three men and three old cars barely survive a continent. And that’s far more impressive than any script.
Recommendation: Watch the original, unedited broadcast version (available via BBC’s streaming services or physical media). The “full” episode runs about 60 minutes and needs no fixing.
Top Gear Bolivia Special is widely regarded by fans and critics as a masterpiece of the series, marking a significant shift toward the "adventure-documentary" format. Originally aired on December 27, 2009
, as the sixth episode of Series 14, it follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they navigate 1,000 miles from the Amazon rainforest to the Chilean coast in second-hand 4x4s. Overview and Challenge
The core premise involved the presenters purchasing vehicles from local Bolivian classified ads for under £3,500 each , sight unseen. Jeremy Clarkson Range Rover Classic (3.9L fuel-injected). Richard Hammond Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ40) with a soft-top conversion. Suzuki Jimny (SJ40) with a 1.3L engine.
The journey spanned some of the most dangerous and varied terrains on Earth, including dense jungle, the North Yungas "Death Road,"
and the high-altitude Andes mountains, where they reached over 17,200 feet. The "Fixed" Episode and Director's Cut While the standard broadcast episode runs for approximately 76 minutes , fans often seek out the Director's Cut (approximately 86-90 minutes Top Gear, Series 14, Bolivia Special - BBC One
The “full fixed episode” of the Top Gear Bolivia Special is a fan-created restoration, not an official BBC product. It exists to undo copyright-related cuts in streaming releases. If you want the most complete legal version, buy the Series 14 DVD. If you find an online file labeled “fixed,” it is almost certainly a fan edit.
The Top Gear Bolivia Special is the sixth episode of Series 14, originally aired on December 27, 2009, as a Christmas special. It is widely considered by the presenters and fans as one of the most challenging and greatest episodes in the show's history. The Premise
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May were dropped deep in the Amazon Rainforest with a mission to drive 1,000 miles (1,600 km) to the Pacific coast of Chile. They were required to buy second-hand 4x4 vehicles from Bolivian local classifieds for under £3,500 each, sight unseen. The Vehicles
Jeremy Clarkson: A red Range Rover Classic. Although advertised as a 3.9L fuel-injected model, it was actually a 3.5L carbureted version.
Richard Hammond: A tan Toyota Land Cruiser (FJ40) with a soft-top conversion. Despite its reputation for durability, it proved to be the most unreliable car of the trip.
James May: A red Suzuki Jimny (SJ413) with a 1.3L engine. It arrived in red instead of the advertised blue and had a broken 4-wheel drive system (effectively 3-wheel drive). Key Highlights & Obstacles
The Jungle: The trio struggled to get their cars off a river raft using makeshift ramps and had to hack through dense undergrowth while facing snakes and insects.
The Death Road: They navigated the infamous North Yungas Road, known for its narrow passes and terrifying sheer drops. Jeremy famously had a near-death encounter when the road edge began to crumble under his wheels while passing another vehicle.
High Altitude: Crossing the Andes, they reached altitudes of over 17,200 feet, where thin air caused engine power to drop significantly (the Suzuki was reduced to less than 20 bhp) and the presenters suffered from altitude sickness.
The Sand Dune Finale: For the final descent to the Pacific, they had to drive down a massive, steep sand dune. Hammond’s Toyota, which had no working brakes, was rolled down driverless as a "practice" run and was destroyed, leaving only Clarkson and May to complete the final descent.
Watch how the team struggled just to get their vehicles off the raft and onto dry land: 02:57 Top Gear Bolivia Special HD 5 YouTube• Jul 2, 2022 The Winner
Clarkson declared his Range Rover the winner, concluding that "the most unreliable car in the world is the most reliable car in the world," as it survived the journey despite constant overheating. TV REVIEW: Top Gear – Bolivia Special (2009)
If you see a file or stream titled Top Gear - Bolivia Special - FULL FIXED, it likely refers to a fan-made correction of one or more of these issues:
| "Fix" Claim | What Was Actually Changed | Is It Official? | |-------------|---------------------------|----------------| | Audio sync fixed | Realigned audio track from a different source | No (fan edit) | | Extended/Full | Re-added cut scenes from UK broadcast into shorter versions | No (fan reconstruction) | | Color corrected | Boosted saturation or contrast | No (subjective) | | No logos/bugs | Removed BBC or network watermarks | No | | Aspect ratio fixed | Cropped or stretched 4:3 to 16:9 incorrectly | Avoid (usually worse) | The Top Gear Bolivia Special, airing in 2009,
Warning: Many "fixed" episodes on torrent or streaming sites are actually lower quality than the original. The safest way to watch the true full episode is the original UK broadcast or the BBC DVD release.
As they climb out of the jungle and into the mountains, the oxygen levels drop. The "fix" here is the physiological reality of high-altitude driving. The cars lose 50% of their power, and the presenters suffer from altitude sickness, leading to delirious, hilarious, and genuinely dangerous interactions.