Ep 3. Lotus Esprit

Car SOS season 8 episode 3, titled "Lotus Esprit," follows the renovation of a classic 1978 Lotus Esprit. Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend take on the challenge of bringing back to life a car that's been left to rust for almost a decade.

The Lotus Esprit is known for its sleek design and for being one of the most iconic vehicles of the 1970s. This particular Esprit has a sentimental value to its owner, Tony, who had to park it for years due to financial constraints. The car has been deteriorating inside a garage for over 8 years, but Tony has kept it because of his love for the car.

The Car SOS team opens the doors of the garage to reveal the headlights of the Lotus and the layers of dust and junk that have accumulated over the years. The car has not moved since the day Tony parked it. The team assesses the condition of the vehicle and starts working on a plan to restore it to its former glory.

The next step in the restoration process is to get the engine started. The engine has been dormant for years, the fuel has probably turned to varnish, and it's unknown if the car has any hidden mechanical issues. The team tests everything and fortunately, the engine cranks up. The car immediately starts making strange noises, though, and the team is concerned that they might be facing a bigger problem.

After analysis, they discover that it needs a radiator. They have a hard time finding the right one for the car since it is an uncommon one, but they eventually found one. Once the radiator is in place, the car is able to run smoothly, and the team can focus on the next task, which is repairing the bodywork.

The car's paint job is in a dire state, and it’s going to take a lot of hard work to restore the car's original color. The team spends a lot of time carefully removing layers of paint and rust, sanding, priming and painting the car. They carefully apply each coat of paint to ensure that the finish is even and polished.

While repairing and restoring the car, Tony's love for his Lotus Esprit sparks conversations between him and the team about the car culture and lifestyle that comes with it. The show highlights that cars aren't just machines, they can be so much more to those who appreciate them.

As always, the Car SOS team adds their personal touches to the car. Fuzz spends a lot of time making the interior perfect. He replaces the old seats with new ones, repairs and replaces the old carpets and upholstery, and diligently cleans and restores the dashboard and gauges.

The team spends several weeks working on the car, but in the end, the Lotus Esprit is back on the road. Tony is overjoyed to see his car revived, and he takes it for a spin. The final product is a beautifully restored Lotus Esprit that looks as good as new.

Overall, the episode showcases the love that classic car owners have for their cars and highlights the skills and expertise of the Car SOS team. It’s a great watch for car lovers and anyone who enjoys seeing a classic car given a new lease of life.