Jeremy Clarkson's plate in the 2014 Patagonia Special could have gotten him killed...
Before the trio arrived in Ushuaia, the locals had already heard about their visit and began planning a protest.
Aware of the rising tension, the presenters checked into a nearby hotel, but a small group of Falklands War veterans appeared outside with a van decorated with
nationalist slogans, including “Las Malvinas son Argentinas!” (“The Falklands are Argentinian!”). Protesters soon entered the hotel, accompanied by police,
and warned the crew that filming would lead to trouble.
The cause of the anger was the Porsche’s number plate: “H982 FKL,” which many believed to be a deliberate reference to the 1982 Falklands War.
Locals assumed it had been custom-made to provoke, although it was later confirmed to be genuine.
Producers tried to negotiate with Argentinian officials, even offering to remove the plate before filming a car football match, but their efforts failed.
The situation escalated further, and Clarkson was informed they had been ordered to leave the Tierra del Fuego region immediately.
Although a full departure would have taken 24 hours, protesters threatened violence unless they left within three.
The crew rushed to leave, with the presenters initially remaining at the hotel before flying out with two female crew members.
The remaining team set off with a police escort towards San Sebastián, but were soon followed by protesters on motorbikes looking for the Porsche.
As they approached Tolhuin, police warned of a large group blocking the road. The convoy encountered a lorry that slowed their progress, giving protesters
time to pelt the vehicles with eggs and stones. Windows were smashed and two crew members were injured. The team pulled over to help the injured and make
repairs, but decided to abandon the presenters’ cars, especially the Porsche, which had become the main focus of anger.
They later received word of a larger mob waiting in Río Grande. To avoid further danger, the convoy left the main road and travelled cross-country,
while police stayed behind to provide cover. Eventually, they reached the Chilean border,
where they crossed illegally but safely. Once in Chile, the ordeal ended, and Clarkson, May and Hammond paid tribute to the region in a style reminiscent of Butch Cassidy.
