The Grand Tour’s Mauritania special, officially titled Sand Job, was released to much fanfare as a major highlight of the series. Premiering on Amazon Prime Video on February 16, 2024, this episode marked the penultimate adventure featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May under the Grand Tour banner. Spanning roughly two hours and sixteen minutes, this installment sends the trio on an unforgettable journey across Mauritania, retracing parts of the iconic ParisDakar Rally while navigating the unforgiving Sahara Desert.
Setting the Stage: What Is Sand Job?
In Sand Job, the hosts travel through remote regions of Mauritania in cheap, modified sports cars instead of traditional Dakarstyle racers. The journey begins with offloading their vehicles from the world’s longest train and continues through scorching sand dunes, perilous river crossings, and rugged terrain. Protecting their fuel bowser from exploding becomes a recurring comedic and logistical obstacle.
Vehicles and Mission Details
Each host chooses a classic exotic convertible later adapted for off-road performance:
- Jeremy Clarkson Jaguar FType V6
- Richard Hammond Aston Martin DB9 Volante
- James May Maserati GranCabrio
These cars were creatively modified into makeshift dune racers, combining humor with ingenuity as the team navigated the harsh desert environment.
Release Date and How to Watch
Sand Job was officially released on Friday, February 16, 2024, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. It was available to stream in all markets where Prime is offered. This episode is the final feature of Season 5 and serves as the penultimate Grand Tour special before their concluding Zimbabwe special later in the year.
Regional Availability
Prime Video subscribers in the UK, US, and other territories could stream it immediately upon release. With a runtime exceeding two hours, the length and cinematic production elevated it beyond a typical episode, positioning it as a milestone in the series.
Fan Reactions and Critiques
Reactions from fans and critics were mixed but generally positive. Many praised the stunning desert landscapes and impressive cinematography. Comments on Reddit described the journey’s visuals as breathtaking and labeled Mauritania one of the most beautiful backdrops the trio had ever visited.
Some viewers felt the special leaned more documentary-style and offered fewer comedic moments than earlier Grand Tour episodes. Still, others valued the atmosphere, journey, and energy over punchline-heavy humor.
Memorable Moments from the Special
- The world’s longest train used to transport their cars through the desert.
- Exaggerated attempts to protect the fuel bowser, culminating in dramatic scenarios.
- Interaction with Mauritanian locals and landscapes, adding cultural depth.
- A staged explosion near a minefield and unplanned pranking moments.
Production Insights and Timeline
Filming for the Mauritania special began in late April 2023 and continued into early May, covering both Mauritania and parts of Senegal. The production involved over 200 crew members, extensive logistical planning for desert campsites, and collaborations with local authorities to ensure safety and coordination during filming.
Production Highlights
- Use of remote desert locations, including Nouakchott, Atar, and the Richat Structure.
- Challenges navigating harsh terrain and unpredictable desert conditions.
- Local collaboration and cultural exposure through interactions with residents.
Where Sand Job Fits in The Grand Tour Timeline
Sand Job is officially catalogued as Season 5, Episode 3, and the 45th overall episode of The Grand Tour. It follows A Scandi Flick (released September 16, 2022) and Eurocrash (June 16, 2023). Following Mauritania, a final special set in Zimbabwe was filmed but released later in 2024.
Series Milestone
This journey stands out as the longest special ever produced by the Grand Tour team, clocking in at about 2 hours and 17 minutes. It’s presented as their most ambitious and visually rich episode, aiming to close out Clarkson, Hammond, and May’s run with maximum spectacle and adventure.
Why the Release Date Mattered
The February 16 release was strategically timed. It created excitement among fans eager for new content after long travel-based gaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The date also provided ample lead-up to their final special. It gave fans a strong backdrop for discussion, speculation, and sharing favorite scenes shortly thereafter.
Prime Video Strategy
Amazon’s promotion helped build anticipation, and the timing ahead of Valentine’s Day offered a memorable launch for viewers seeking entertaining, high-production content. It also aligned with the trio’s eventual exit from the show, making Sand Job feel both celebratory and nostalgic.
The Grand Tour Mauritania special, known as Sand Job, premiered on February 16, 2024, marking one of the most visually compelling and ambitious episodes in the series. With exotic modified convertibles, challenging desert terrain, and a sense of finality, the episode captured fans’ imagination even if it leaned more on spectacle than humor. Serving as the second-to-last adventure for Clarkson, Hammond, and May, it delivered memorable landscapes, bold missions, and a fitting farewell within their epic journey through motorsport and travel. For anyone seeking the release date, context, or significance of this Grand Tour installment, it remains a standout chapter in their outgoing saga.
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