Ep 7. Triumph of the Stag

Car SOS is a British television series that premiered in 2013 on the National Geographic channel. Hosted by Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend, this car restoration show aims to bring old and neglected classic cars back to life in every episode. In each episode, the duo tackles a new car restoration project with a tight deadline and limited budget, creating a heartwarming story of automotive restoration along the way.

Season 1, Episode 7 of Car SOS is titled Triumph of the Stag. The show's focus is on a Triumph Stag, a car that was initially intended to be an alternative to the MGB in the '60s and '70s. The Triumph Stag was a two-door, four-seater convertible featuring a V8 engine, created by renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti. The car was considered a design classic, but it had mechanical faults that initially harmed its reputation.

In this episode, Tim and Fuzz head to a remote part of rural Scotland to save a Triumph Stag that has been deteriorating in a garage. They are surprised to see that the car is in a far worse condition than they had anticipated. The car is rusted and inoperable, and it has been sitting in the same spot for over 13 years.

The owner of the car, Jim, had bought it in 1977 after saving up for several years. Jim's love for his car was obvious, and he had always dreamed of keeping his beloved Triumph Stag alive. Jim had attempted some repairs, but he was not successful, and the car had been left in a state of disrepair for over a decade.

Tim and Fuzz decide to take on the challenge of restoring Jim's Triumph Stag and bringing back the car's former glory. The restoration is complex and time-consuming, with a limited budget, placing enormous pressure on Tim and Fuzz. They must recruit other experts to help with the job, including a former Triumph employee who knows the inside and outs of the engine.

The restoration is a roller-coaster of emotions, with highs and lows. The team has to fight against rusted bolts, engine issues, and even removing the windshield without breaking it. With so many things wrong with the car, the restoration takes an unforeseeably long time, with numerous setbacks that almost push the team past its breaking point.

As they work on the restoration, Jim starts turning up at the garage to check on the car. During these visits, the team allowed him access to watch as his beloved car is being restored. Jim is ecstatic and chuffed every time he comes to the garage and sees the progress the team is making.

Despite all the obstacles, the restoration team perseveres and completes Jim's Triumph Stag in time. They bring the car back to life in a grand fashion, and it looks stunning. Fitted with a gleaming new paint job, a brand-new interior, and a restored engine, the Triumph Stag is an absolute beauty to behold.

When the time comes to present Jim with his restored car, the look on Jim's face shows it was all worth the effort. He breaks down with tears of joy, thanking the team for rescuing his beloved car. It was a highly emotional and heartwarming moment, one that perfectly represents the beauty of what this show does - bringing cars out of death row, all in exchange for a little love and care.

In Triumph of the Stag, Car SOS displays the true essence of automotive restoration's joy and wonder, and the story exemplifies how cars can have extensive emotional value that transcends beyond a simple machine. The team's effort in bringing the Stag back to life, along with Jim's reaction to seeing his car restored, signifies the unyielding power of automotive restoration and perfectly encapsulates what makes Car SOS unique and heartwarming.