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So what if world-famous presenter and automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson said he’s done making the shows car enthusiasts love? Clarkson and co-stars Richard Hammond and James May are back for the Africa-set “The Grand Tour: Sand Job” special. Better yet, the British journos picked some choice convertible sports cars for the task.  

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are back in ‘The Grand Tour: Sand Job’

The three are back– this time in a series of rear-wheel drive (RWD) cabriolets. With their eyes set on Mauritania and a Dakar-style adventure, the trio chose drop-top sports cars to convert into endurance race rally machines. The goal? Pull it off for much less than a factory Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato. Not a difficult price point; a Sterrato will set you back nearly $280,000.  

Jeremy Clarkson chooses a handsome Jaguar F-Type and, you guessed it, ruins the thing. Richard Hammond hits the desert in an Aston Martin DB9. Shockingly, he also ruins it. But, in a wholly un-James May move, “Mr. Slowly” handsomely outfits a Maserati GranCabrio for rally antics. At the very least, the Jaaaag jokes are back. 

Never thought you’d hear Chicago’s “If You Leave Me Now” while rally-outfitted sports cars kick up plumes of sand? “The Grand Tour: Sand Job” will right that wrong. Unfortunately, early on, we find that an older Aston Martin DB9 doesn’t play well with triple-digit temperatures. 

Richard Hammond, James May, and Jeremy Clarkson attempt a river crossing with a van in The Grand Tour: Sand Job.
Richard Hammond, James May, and Jeremy Clarkson attempt a river crossing | Amazon Prime

Of course, Mauritania wasn’t going to let the old journos have an easy go of it. At one point, terrain akin to a slab of rare steak broke up the vast, superheated emptiness. Beyond wild topographic challenges, disease-ridden bats, landmines, waterborne parasites, and car-nivorous paths is the order of the day. 

Either way, the gang is back in one of the best “The Grand Tour” specials Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond have ever undertaken. I know; it’s high praise. After all, the trio took three American land barges to the breathtaking landscape of the Scottish Highlands in “The Grand Tour: Lockdown.” That’s a tough one to top.

Unfortunately, Jeremy Clarkson announced that he’s done shooting the specials we know and love. Still, he signed off “The Grand Tour: Sand Job” with a reassuring phrase. Clarkson turned to the camera on a Senegalese beach and uttered the words “We’ll see you next time.” See? It’s going to be okay, superfans.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).