After almost a year-long break – which felt like an eternity – the three car community legends have returned for their most significant special yet.

Starring car community icons Jeremey Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond, “Sand Job,” which aired Feb. 16, takes fans of the trio and “The Grand Tour” back on a nostalgic road trip as they follow the legendary path of the Paris-Dakar rally through the Sahara desert. 

The iconic trio is best known for its time as “Top Gear” and their many crazy adventures together over the years, but sadly, the presenters have aged. This means there are fewer episodes of their second run on “The Grand Tour.” Their recent special “Sand Job,” marks what could be the end of an era, but, as sad as that makes me and other fans, the special did not disappoint. 

The trio started their journey off in a small town in Mauritania, Africa, waiting for their cars to arrive via train. However, it was not just any train — it was the longest train in the world: the iron train of Mauritania. This train usually transports iron ore across the Sahara and spans a massive two and a half kilometers. But, this time, the train had some special cargo: the trio’s cars for this massive undertaking. 

Clarkson selected a Jaguar F-type powered by a supercharged V6, modified for the journey with massive rally-style headlights. May chose to drive a Maserati GranCabrio powered by a roaring V8, and also slightly modified it for the excursion with wider-fitted fenders and better air intakes. Finally, Hammond chose to take an Aston Martin DB9 Volante powered by a lively V12 engine and modified it to fit a roof tent and bigger tires. 

After collecting their cars from the massive train, it was time for the group to start their journey. However, in typical “Grand Tour” fashion, only 12 minutes into the journey, they had to stop after Hammond’s DB9 had an issue with its power steering fluid, which was literally boiling in the desert heat. However, they quickly fixed the problem and got on their way. 

The group came across a massive hill with a dark tunnel filled with bats, which they had to go through in order to continue their trek. According to Clarkson, the only reasonable solution to cross the problematic area ahead was to go as fast as possible through the tunnel until the car got to the other side, which is probably the most Clarkson thing I’ve heard in a while and adds to the brimming nostalgia of the special.

They committed to Clarkson’s ‘brilliant idea,’ only to run straight into a minefield — literally. Hammond blasted through barriers and directly into an active minefield. Somehow, he slowly managed to back out of it without being blown into a million little pieces. After the close call, the trio decided it was best to just go back through the tunnel and around their not-so-little obstacle. The circumstance perfectly represents how crazy, stupid and lucky this renowned trio is, and how entertaining they are for fans. 

As they continued their journey along the historic path of the legendary Paris-Dakar rally, mechanical issues arose for Hammond and May. In fact, the only car that didn’t have a single issue was Clarkson’s Jag, but through trials and tribulations for the other two, the trio managed to get to the border of Senegal. 

They were forced to cross a river using handbuilt rafts made of plastic bottles and other assorted oddities that helped their cars float. Once they crossed the river between Mauritania and Senegal, they proceeded to the final stretch of their journey. Caked in desert mud and dust, the battered trio continued along the coast toward Dakar, Senegal. 

But, just as they cruised along the coast in a picturesque scene, Clarkson received some alarming news. The city of Dakar was in disarray and had turned into a massive warzone. Protests and conflict were happening at an alarming rate, meaning neither the crew nor the trio could dare venture into the city.

Even though the special ended in unfortunate circumstances, watching “The Grand Tour: Sand Job,” I couldn’t keep myself from smiling. Whether it was the nostalgia that came with watching the trio, the return of some of my favorite TV presenters or the hilarious banter throughout the special, I couldn’t help but laugh. It was, by far, one of my favorite episodes they have ever produced, from the jaw-dropping and stunning cinematography to the absolutely insane circumstances they endured.

I loved “The Grand Tour: Sand Job,” and I cannot wait to see what they put out next, even if it will be the last masterpiece from the legendary trio of Clarkson, May and Hammond.