Ep 7. The Italian Job

In Restoration Garage season 1 episode 7 titled "The Italian Job," the team at the Guild of Automotive Restorers takes on an ambitious project that involves restoring a 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S, the same model that was used in the classic heist film, The Italian Job.

The Mini Cooper S is an iconic car that has been popular among car enthusiasts for decades. With its compact size, racing history, and unique style, it is considered one of the most desirable classic cars in the world. As a result, the team at the Guild of Automotive Restorers is excited about the challenge of restoring one to its former glory.

The episode begins with the team discussing the specifics of the project and what needs to be done. The Mini Cooper S they are working on was discovered in a barn and has been sitting untouched for many years, so it's in need of a lot of work. The team talks about how they plan to restore the car and what parts they will need to get to make it look like new.

The first step in the restoration process is to take the car apart completely. This means removing every part, down to the last bolt. This is a tedious and time-consuming process, but it is essential for a proper restoration.

Once the car is stripped down, the team begins to assess the damage and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. They discover that the car needs extensive bodywork, including new floorpans, inner fenders, and rocker panels. They also find rust in several areas of the car, which needs to be cut out and replaced with new metal.

The next step in the restoration process is to focus on the engine and drivetrain. The original Mini Cooper S had a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual transmission, both of which need to be restored to their original condition. The team removes the engine and transmission and begins to disassemble them for inspection.

As they work on the car, the team faces several challenges. For example, they discover that some of the parts they need are difficult to find because the car is so rare. They also have trouble with the bodywork and have to redo some of it several times to get it right.

Despite these challenges, the team perseveres and continues to work on the Mini Cooper S with determination and skill. They spend countless hours restoring the car, often staying late into the night to ensure that everything is done properly.

Finally, after many months of hard work, the Mini Cooper S is complete. The team has done an amazing job of bringing this classic car back to life, and they are all proud of what they have accomplished. The car looks and runs like new, just as it did when it rolled off the assembly line more than half a century ago.

Overall, Restoration Garage season 1 episode 7, "The Italian Job," is a fascinating look at the restoration process. It showcases the skill and dedication of the team at the Guild of Automotive Restorers and provides an inside look at what it takes to restore a classic car to its former glory. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just someone who appreciates great craftsmanship, this episode is definitely worth watching.