Richard Hammond Explores Jordan’s Heritage Through Classic Cars

British TV presenter Richard Hammond visited Jordan, exploring its automotive history and completing a historic camel trek tracing T.E. Lawrence’s journey. His engagement at the Royal Automobile Museum highlighted the deep connection between cars and culture, revealing the growing classic car scene in Jordan, tied to royal enthusiasm and economic opportunities.

Renowned British television presenter Richard Hammond, famed for co-hosting Top Gear, recently visited Jordan to indulge his passion for classic cars while also engaging in a historic mission. At the Royal Automobile Museum, he expressed his admiration for the Jordanian people and discussed his new television series, The Smallest Cog Workshop, set to debut its fifth season on Discovery+.

Hammond’s trip coincided with the conclusion of an epic journey through the Jordanian desert, mirroring T.E. Lawrence’s legendary trek to Aqaba. Accompanied by four Special Forces veterans, he completed a remarkable 1,100km expedition over 25 days.

This extraordinary camel trek aimed to raise awareness for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund, which supports veterans and their families. Reflecting on his experiences, Hammond remarked on the heartfelt hospitality of the Jordanian people, highlighting their genuine smiles and warm welcomes.

Besides his trekking adventure, Hammond’s exploration of Jordan’s automotive heritage was equally captivating. At the Royal Automobile Museum, he delved into the impressive collection that narrates the tale of Jordanian royalty and the broader national identity. He noted that cars are universal symbols, transcending language barriers and offering insight into culture.

Established in 2003 by King Abdullah, the museum showcases a breathtaking collection of 80 vehicles and motorcycles, dating back to 1909, each representing a piece of Jordan’s history, especially from King Hussein’s era. Hammond interacted with approximately 20 local classic car enthusiasts during a procession from the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan to the museum.

He found the classic car scene in Jordan fascinating and looks forward to featuring it in his show later this year, aiming to showcase Jordan’s welcoming spirit despite regional adversities. When asked about his favorite vehicle in the collection, he fondly mentioned the Aston Martin DB2, once owned by King Hussein, and praised the storytelling nature of classic cars.

Hammond admired the growing classic car culture in Jordan, attributing it to the Royal family’s love for automobiles. He emphasized that this culture not only fosters passion but also serves as a significant economic segment, generating jobs and supporting livelihoods for many. His observations highlighted the strong and expanding enthusiasm for classic cars throughout the country.

Richard Hammond’s recent visit to Jordan beautifully intertwined his love for classic cars with the rich tapestry of the country’s history and culture. His trek across the desert pays homage to a legendary journey while his exploration of the Royal Automobile Museum reveals the deep connections between automobiles and storytelling. This experience underscores Jordan’s welcoming spirit and burgeoning classic car culture, vital for both heritage and economic prosperity.

Original Source: jordantimes.com