Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend returned to our screens last month in a brand new series of Car S.O.S. on National Geographic with 10 new episodes of the popular and much loved car show.
Now in its 14th season, the Car S.O.S. team is once again restoring the beloved classic and cherished cars of ten deserving owners along with what has become a regular feature of the show more recently, and that is the appearance of some familiar celebrity faces. This series features Dame Joanna Lumley, Comedian Brian Conley and Post Office Campaigner Sir Alan Bates.
After 13 years of restoring a long and enviable list of classic and iconic cars, as well as the odd van and fire engine, Car S.O.S. continues to grow in popularity with car enthusiasts around the world since its launch back in 2013. It’s fair to say that the show’s success can largely be attributed to its two amiable presenters Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend and the well thought out and emotional reveals.
Series 14 – Episode 1 ‘1958 Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite’
The opening episode was one such example with Dame Joanna Lumley making a special appearance for what was perhaps one of the most emotional reveals the series has ever seen when she helps return a lovingly restored Austin-Healey Frogeye Sprite to its owner whose romance with their late partner began in this very car over 60 years ago.
It proved to be a real challenge right from the outset as Tim and Fuzz sneak the Frogeye Sprite out of its owner’s garage, where it’s been for the last 50 years. This car was owner John’s pride and joy, but family life got in the way as it often does and forced him to sideline the little roadster. Inevitably the years of it being locked away had taken its toll on the car allowing rot to set in with the bodywork riddled with rust, the engine seized, the gearbox needing a full rebuild and the interior having fallen apart. Undeterred, the boys set about trying to save as many of the original components as possible in their effort to bring this little car back to life.
Series 14 – Episode 2 ‘2001 Mercedes SLK 230’
In the second episode, Tim and Fuzz take on a 2001 Mercedes SLK with huge sentimental value for owner Lili from Barnsley, who inherited the car after losing both her parents. Unfortunately, the roadster which her mother had cherished since new had been been locked away, plagued by mechanical problems, suspension issues, a tired interior and a folding roof that wouldn’t close. Repaired and restored, the episode ends with an emotional reveal in the West End.
Series 14 – Episode 3 ‘1973 Triumph Bonneville’
In a first for Car S.O.S. the team take on a motorbike and, in this case, a 1973 Triumph Bonneville which belongs to ex-postmaster Ian, a lifelong biker whose pride and joy has been in bits for over 20 years. With very little experience in restoring motorbikes, Tim and Fuzz turn to Triumph HQ for help, whose expert is stunned by the bike’s condition. There is corrosion everywhere, the waterlogged engine has seized and Tim battles to rescue the rare “tombstone” tank and in so doing, discovers his inner artist. The boy’s journey through Britain’s motorbike heritage concludes with Tim tracking down Ian’s hero, Sir Alan Bates, for an emotional reunion with a much loved machine.
Series 14 – Episode 4 ‘1983 VW Golf GTI Mk1’
An iconic Mk1 Golf GTi is the focus of episode 4, owned by Saj from Birmingham, who is known locally as the “VW oracle”. With a clear vision of how his beloved Golf should look Tim and Fuzz set about creating the ultimate show-winning car. However, there is an extra challenge as Saj lives with muscular dystrophy, meaning he can no longer drive. Undeterred, Tim sets out to find a way to give Saj back some control behind the wheel. If that wasn’t enough, Fuzz has to fix Saj’s self-modified engine and repair the rust riddled body.
Series 14 – Episode 5 ‘1988 Austin Mini Mayfair’
In this next episode, Tim and Fuzz head to Cardiff to rescue a 1988 Mini Mayfair. The car’s owner Donna bought the modified Mayfair using the small inheritance left by her late father, but her dream was to actually own a Mini Cooper. Riddled with rot and mechanics that have seen better days her poor health put a stop to any hopes of restoring it. While Fuzz battles to rebuild the neglected engine and running gear, Tim sets about transforming the Mayfair into the ultimate Cooper tribute with help from the Cooper family themselves.
Series 14 – Episode 6 ‘1992 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R’
The team take on a 1990 Nissan Pulsar GTi-R in episode 6. But this not just a straightforward restoration, as they want to uncover why this rally-born icon never became the ultimate hot hatch. The car was the dream build of owner Raymond; however, three bouts of cancer put a stop to any chance of finishing the car. With a rotting bodyshell and boxes of parts, that included the engine but no turbo, this turns into a full-blown rescue mission and part finding mission for Tim. The episode concludes with an emotional Raymond reunited with his beloved car at Silverstone.
Series 14 – Episode 7 ‘1968 Alfa Romeo Spider’
Jane’s 1968 Alfa Romeo Spider turns out to be one of the toughest rescues yet. Jane bought the car over 25 years ago using a small inheritance from her father and was meant to be her dream restoration. Made famous by the film The Graduate, the Spider symbolised freedom and hope, that was until a devastating banking scam wiped out Jane’s life savings and part of her pension. As a result, the Alfa was hidden away and a painful reminder of everything she had lost. Unsurprisingly after years in storage, corrosion had taken its toll on the car. But with its rare and highly prized 1.75-litre engine, the team got to work on restoring this little Italian sports car.
Series 14 – Episode 8 ‘2000 Land Rover Defender’
Episode 8 sees Tim and Fuzz head over to Northern Ireland to pick up a 26-year-old Land Rover Defender which helped launch the Community Rescue Service 20 years ago and has played an important role in saving lives, but serious mechanical failure and rot has put it out of action.
With over 200 volunteers relying on dependable 4x4s, the loss of the Defender has left a big gap on the frontline. The Car S.O.S. team therefore get to work on bringing this vital rescue vehicle back to life and returning it to active duty by carrying out a full gearbox and drivetrain rebuild as well as a crucial differential upgrade and adding some new cutting-edge tech.
The final two episodes see the team bring a 1962 Rover P4 100 back to life to support men’s mental health and tackle one of their rarest restoration projects to date as they tackle an ultra-rare a 1978 Lamborghini Silhouette.
Tim commented:
“This season is on another level. The cars are rarer, the builds are tougher, and the responsibility to get it right for the families is enormous. When you hear firsthand what some of them have been through, you’ll understand why these reveals mean everything. First and foremost, this is a show about people – the cars give us a way to tell their story, and we feel incredibly lucky to make a difference and be part of a new chapter in their lives.”
Fuzz added:
“Every year we think we’ve taken on our toughest restoration, and every year the bar somehow is set higher. The technical challenges in the workshops are massive, and the combined ingenuity of our super-skilled teams is incredible to watch. But what leaves indelible marks are the moments when you’re reminded just how much a car can mean to someone, and the difference it can make to their life.”
The new season of Car S.O.S airs on National Geographic every Thursday evening at 8:00pm and runs until 14th May 2026.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is a UK-based motoring and travel journalist and editor, a member of the Guild of Motoring Writers and former saloon car racing driver.
Photographs courtesy of Car S.O.S. and National Geographic
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