Ep 10. Lotus Flowers

Car SOS is a popular British show that combines the passion of classic cars with emotional stories of people who own them. In season 1 episode 10, titled Lotus Flowers, we get to see Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend take on a very special and unique challenge.

The episode begins with the introduction of the owner of the classic Lotus, Keith, who is understandably overwhelmed and anxious about the state of his beloved car. As soon as the hosts begin their inspection of the vehicle, it becomes clear that Keith has his work cut out for him. The car is in a truly pitiful state - it's rusted, has badly damaged bodywork, a broken engine, and other mechanical issues that have kept it off the road for more than 20 years.

Keith inherited the car from his brother who passed away, making it an incredibly meaningful possession for him. Despite this, he has struggled to restore it as it's simply been too big of a project for him to handle. This is where Car SOS comes in - to bring Keith's dream to life and get his beloved Lotus back on the road.

As Fuzz gets to work on the mechanical side of the vehicle, Tim delves into the history of the makes and models, revealing some intriguing facts for the audience to learn from. We get a glimpse of the Lotus Type 14 Elite - a vehicle that changed the face of sports cars in the 1950s. We find out how Lotus became a household name through their success in Formula One racing and how they used their knowledge and expertise to produce striking road cars.

Fuzz starts with a complete overhaul of the engine, which was beyond repair. He replaces it with a more powerful engine that will give the vehicle a much-needed boost in performance. He then focuses on the car's bodywork, repairing several blemishes and dents, and replacing parts that were too damaged to fix.

Despite the extra work and hefty amount of time needed, the restoration goes smoothly, which leaves the hosts feeling positive that they can make Keith's dream a reality. The moment of truth arrives when Keith is shown the completed car for the first time - and he's noticeably moved to tears. The car he thought would never see the road again is up and running, looking more stunning than ever before.

Keith's dream was to use the car on a daily basis, but he couldn't have foreseen the handling of a Lotus. Therefore, Tim takes him for a joyride, allowing him to get a sense of what it's like behind the wheel of this prestigious vehicle.

The Lotus Elite has a top speed of 120mph, and it's clear from Keith's expression that he's thrilled while Tim drives him around a test track, showcasing the performance of the car. The car's design is so aerodynamic that it glides through the air, leaving Keith in disbelief of its handling.

The episode ends on a high note, with Keith's Lotus finally back on the road, as he takes a first, delightful spin. The show shares a great message about the love for classic cars and how they connect people emotionally. The presenters are nothing short of professional, and the episode showcases some stunningly restored vehicles. It's an excellent watch for any petrol head and will leave you feeling inspired.