Ep 1. Forming a Bond

Restoration Garage season 6 episode 1 titled "Forming a Bond" delves into the world of vintage auto restoration as it follows the crew at the Guild of Automotive Restorers. Situated in Bradford, Ontario, they've made a name for themselves as the go-to specialists for rare and exotic vehicles in the industry.

In this episode, the Guild has a new challenge on its hands – a client has brought in a 1938 Bugatti Type 57, an exceedingly rare car that has been parked in a garage and left untouched for decades. This particular car has a long and storied history, having been owned by the grandson of Ettore Bugatti himself. Over time, the car has deteriorated, both aesthetically and mechanically, making it virtually unrecognizable from the day it was built.

The team at the Guild, under the direction of David Grainger, sets to work on the massive project of restoring the Bugatti to its original glory. Grainger's first task is to bond with the owner, an essential part of any restoration project. In this case, Grainger knows that he must tread carefully as he builds a relationship with the owner, as the car holds immense sentimental value. In his usual charismatic way, Grainger immerses himself in the car's history, conversing with the owner about its past, and building a deep ahistorical connection.

From there, the Guild crew focuses on the technical aspect of the restoration. They disassemble the car and find that it has significant structural damage. They decide to rebuild the entire car from the ground up, replacing everything from the frame to the chassis. As they move along, they identify various details that are out-of-place and restore or replicate them to ensure a complete restoration.

The project takes an emotional and financial toll on the Guild team as they strive to give the car a new lease of life. The team grapples with the complexities of the restoration, with fears of breaking parts and inability to procure original replacement parts. They also work to rebuild the engine, restore the interior, and complete the paintwork to return the Bugatti to its original aesthetics.

As the work progresses, the relationship between Grainger and the client evolves, and they build trust and mutual respect for each other. The owner begins to see the Guild as a partner in his quest to bring the car back to life, and together, they make the final decisions about the car's details. They select the original paint color, the leather upholstery for the interior, and the chrome detailing. Finally, the iconic Bugatti Type 57 is restored to its original glory, and the owner is left awestruck by the craftsmanship and attention to detail that the Guild has delivered.

The episode offers the viewer an insightful look into the world of car restoration and the passion that goes into bringing vintage vehicles back to life. It is both an emotional and engaging experience, the relationship between the owner and the Guild of Automotive Restorers, offering the viewer an intimate understanding of the connection between a car and the individual who owns it.

Overall, Restoration Garage season 6 episode 1, "Forming a Bond," is a must-watch for anyone who loves cars and appreciates the skill and dedication that goes into bringing classic cars back to the roads. The episode highlights the passion and perseverance that the Guild of Automotive Restorers brings to each of its projects, and how they work to create automotive art that will last for generations to come.