Ep 1. 1969 Opel GT

Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead are back with a brand new season of Wheeler Dealers, ready to take on another classic car restoration challenge. In the season 18 premiere, the dynamic duo sets their sights on a 1969 Opel GT, a sleek and sporty European coupe that's been sitting in a garage for years.

The Opel GT was a popular model in its day, known for its distinctive styling and impressive performance. However, this particular car is in rough shape, with rusted-out bodywork and a non-running engine. It's going to take a lot of work to bring this classic back to life, but Mike and Ant are up to the challenge.

The first step in the restoration process is to assess the damage and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. Mike and Ant take a close look at the car and identify several major issues that need to be addressed. They'll need to replace the entire front end of the car, for example, and strip the body down to bare metal to remove the rust.

Once they've identified the major issues, Mike and Ant get to work. They start by stripping the car down to its chassis and removing the engine and transmission. The engine is in especially bad shape, with several major components missing or damaged beyond repair. To get the car running again, they'll need to find replacement parts or have them fabricated from scratch.

Meanwhile, the bodywork begins in earnest. The car's entire front end is removed, revealing even more rust damage beneath the surface. The team uses a combination of grinding, sanding, and welding to repair the damaged metal, and then applies a fresh coat of primer to protect it from future corrosion.

As the restoration progresses, Mike and Ant face a few unexpected challenges. They discover that the car's fuel tank is rusted out and needs to be replaced, for example, and they have trouble finding replacement parts for the engine. However, they don't let these setbacks slow them down, and continue to work tirelessly to get the car back on the road.

Finally, after weeks of hard work, the car is ready for its grand reveal. Mike and Ant have transformed the 1969 Opel GT from a rusted-out hulk to a sleek and powerful classic car. The new front end looks amazing, and the fresh coat of paint really brings out the car's distinctive lines. Inside, the car has been restored to its original glory, with new upholstery and refurbished gauges and controls.

Of course, the real test is how the car drives. Mike takes it out for a spin on the open road, testing out the new engine and suspension. The car handles beautifully, and Mike is clearly impressed. This 1969 Opel GT may have been a challenging restoration, but it was worth it in the end.

Overall, the season 18 premiere of Wheeler Dealers is a fantastic showcase of Mike and Ant's skills and expertise. They take on a challenging project and turn it into a stunning classic car, demonstrating once again why they're the best in the business.