Ep 4. McLaren Twins

In the fourth episode of the seventh season of Restoration Garage, the focus is on the McLaren Twins, two rare and classic sports cars that require extensive restoration work. The episode follows the team at the Guild of Automotive Restorers as they tackle the challenges of bringing these iconic vehicles back to their former glory.

The McLaren Twins consist of two models: the M1B and the M8A. The M1B is a classic race car that was produced in the 1960s, while the M8A is a prototype built for the Can-Am racing series. Both cars were designed by Bruce McLaren, the legendary New Zealand-born driver and engineer who founded the McLaren racing team.

The episode starts with a brief history of the McLaren brand and its importance in the world of motorsports. We learn about Bruce McLaren's life and his contribution to the development of the M1B and M8A. The Guild of Automotive Restorers team acknowledges the significance of these vehicles and the challenges that come with restoring cars that are over 50 years old.

The first car to be restored is the M1B. The team starts with a thorough inspection of the vehicle to assess the extent of the damage. They find that the car has some structural issues that need to be addressed before they can move on to the cosmetic work. The team works tirelessly to fix the frame and suspension, ensuring that the car is safe to drive and perform at a high level.

Once the mechanical components have been restored, the team moves on to the exterior and interior restoration. The car's bodywork is stripped down to bare metal so that the team can identify any flaws or damage that needs to be repaired. The original paint color is matched and a new coat is applied. The leather seats are reupholstered, and the dashboard is refurbished to bring the car back to its original state.

The second car to be restored is the M8A, a prototype that was built for the Can-Am racing series in 1968. This car is even more challenging to restore, as there are only a few remaining in the world. The car has been sitting in a barn for over 20 years, and it is in a state of disrepair. The team has to rebuild the engine and install new electrical components and fuel system.

As with the M1B, the exterior and interior restoration work follows. The team has to source rare and hard-to-find components to ensure that the car is restored to its original specifications. After months of hard work, the M8A is finally ready to be driven again, almost 50 years after it was built.

Throughout the episode, the team members share their thoughts and experiences about working on these rare and historic vehicles. They talk about the challenges and what it means to be part of a team that restores classic cars to their former glory. We also get to see the Guild of Automotive Restorers' state-of-the-art facilities and the dedication of the team to their craft.

The episode ends with the McLaren Twins ready to leave the Guild of Automotive Restorers' workshop and be reunited with their owners. We see the joy and excitement on the owners' faces as they take possession of their newly restored cars, knowing that they are now part of the legacy of Bruce McLaren and his remarkable racing team.

In conclusion, Restoration Garage season 7 episode 4, titled McLaren Twins, is a must-watch for anyone interested in classic sports cars and the art of automotive restoration. The episode showcases the incredible work of the Guild of Automotive Restorers team and their dedication to preserving automotive history. The McLaren Twins are truly a remarkable example of the art form, and this episode highlights their importance and enduring legacy.