1
00:00:00,634 --> 00:00:02,066
-[Mike] Oh!
-This time...
2
00:00:02,066 --> 00:00:05,867
-Oh, yeah!
-We're taking a trip
back to the 1970s
3
00:00:05,867 --> 00:00:08,467
in an underrated
British classic.
4
00:00:08,467 --> 00:00:12,100
That's the magic
of a Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
5
00:00:12,100 --> 00:00:14,266
To see if this
super-fast saloon...
6
00:00:14,266 --> 00:00:16,500
[Marc] The engine was
the main selling point
of this car.
7
00:00:16,500 --> 00:00:18,533
It's an absolute bullet proof
rocket machine.
8
00:00:18,533 --> 00:00:23,734
Could ever be considered
superior to one of the icons
of its era.
9
00:00:23,734 --> 00:00:26,500
Is it better than
a Mark 1 Mexico?
10
00:00:26,500 --> 00:00:28,867
That's a big old bold claim
that, isn't it?
11
00:00:28,867 --> 00:00:30,000
Can we bring this car back
from the dead?
12
00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:31,600
Can we bring this car back
from the dead?
13
00:00:31,600 --> 00:00:34,467
She's alive!
Alive, I'm telling you.
14
00:00:34,467 --> 00:00:38,266
And show the automotive world
that it really was a triumph
15
00:00:38,266 --> 00:00:39,533
of its era.
16
00:00:40,266 --> 00:00:41,600
-Oh.
-What do you reckon?
17
00:00:41,600 --> 00:00:42,734
[Marc laughs]
18
00:00:42,734 --> 00:00:45,000
-That our car?
-Just can't take it all in.
19
00:00:45,734 --> 00:00:48,166
It's like holding on
to a wild beast.
20
00:00:48,166 --> 00:00:51,166
I'm Mike Brewer.
And I've been buying
and selling cars
21
00:00:51,166 --> 00:00:52,367
for nearly 40 years.
22
00:00:52,367 --> 00:00:56,266
It's rattley, it's smelly
and it's blooming brilliant.
23
00:00:56,266 --> 00:01:00,000
Now I've set up shop
in Britain's motoring
heritage heartland.
24
00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:00,700
Now I've set up shop
in Britain's motoring
heritage heartland.
25
00:01:00,700 --> 00:01:04,367
Can see the back of the Volvo
and there it is. Very nice.
26
00:01:04,367 --> 00:01:08,266
Along with
ex-Formula One mechanic,
Marc Elvis Priestley.
27
00:01:08,266 --> 00:01:10,700
So that engine management
light never put you off then?
28
00:01:10,700 --> 00:01:12,166
Together we're going
to buy...
29
00:01:12,166 --> 00:01:13,367
I think you're the right man
for it.
30
00:01:13,367 --> 00:01:14,467
Top man.
31
00:01:14,467 --> 00:01:16,100
-And fix up...
-Little bit more.
32
00:01:16,100 --> 00:01:17,867
-Are you actually pushing?
-'Course I'm pushing.
33
00:01:17,867 --> 00:01:20,734
The most iconic
and exciting cars
on the market.
34
00:01:20,734 --> 00:01:22,166
This is gonna be epic.
35
00:01:22,166 --> 00:01:26,266
Bolt a super charger to it
and you end up with a car
that does this.
36
00:01:26,266 --> 00:01:28,367
With Elvis' engineering skill.
37
00:01:28,367 --> 00:01:30,000
Like trying to wake
Sleeping Beauty, innit?
Apart from the beauty bit.
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00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:31,266
Like trying to wake
Sleeping Beauty, innit?
Apart from the beauty bit.
39
00:01:31,266 --> 00:01:34,166
-And my car dealing clout.
-[man 2] He's gonna be over
the moon isn't he?
40
00:01:34,166 --> 00:01:35,700
Elvis better get
the posh tools ready.
41
00:01:35,700 --> 00:01:38,734
We should be able
to make ourselves
a tidy profit.
42
00:01:38,734 --> 00:01:41,734
'Cause this is my job
and I blooming love it.
43
00:01:43,467 --> 00:01:45,533
[theme music playing]
44
00:01:59,500 --> 00:02:00,000
Mate, I've been thinking
about the next car
45
00:02:00,000 --> 00:02:03,000
Mate, I've been thinking
about the next car
46
00:02:03,000 --> 00:02:04,967
for the workshop ramp.
47
00:02:04,967 --> 00:02:08,000
-Yeah, go on, what is it?
-Well, what do you remember
from the mid-'70s.
48
00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:10,367
Well, you won't remember much
are you, you're too young.
49
00:02:10,367 --> 00:02:14,100
No, I was only born in '76.
I mean if you're talking cars,
50
00:02:14,100 --> 00:02:16,367
I dunno back then, Ford had
a couple of good ones,
didn't they?
51
00:02:16,367 --> 00:02:19,166
They did. They did.
They had the, uh, the Capri,
52
00:02:19,166 --> 00:02:20,967
Escort and the Mexico Escort.
53
00:02:20,967 --> 00:02:24,100
Yeah. Exactly, uh, BMW had
that little pocket rocket,
54
00:02:24,100 --> 00:02:25,166
the 2002.
55
00:02:25,166 --> 00:02:27,467
They had the 2002,
that was a wicked little car,
56
00:02:27,467 --> 00:02:30,000
-yeah, proper petrol
head's cars.
-Yeah.
57
00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:30,367
-yeah, proper petrol
head's cars.
-Yeah.
58
00:02:30,367 --> 00:02:33,166
But there was also another
petrol head car that
59
00:02:33,166 --> 00:02:34,700
got overlooked by everybody,
60
00:02:34,700 --> 00:02:37,000
but I've been keeping an eye
on the prices
61
00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:39,700
and they've started to go up
because they're just about
to celebrate
62
00:02:39,700 --> 00:02:42,000
their 50th anniversary
and people are starting to
63
00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:43,467
talk about 'em again.
64
00:02:43,467 --> 00:02:44,867
-British car?
-Hmm.
65
00:02:44,867 --> 00:02:47,867
-I can't work it out, go on,
what is it?
-Triumph Dolomite Sprinter.
66
00:02:47,867 --> 00:02:49,166
Oh, wow, good car.
67
00:02:49,166 --> 00:02:50,967
Stonking engine
in those things.
68
00:02:50,967 --> 00:02:52,700
-They handled brilliantly.
-Yeah.
69
00:02:52,700 --> 00:02:55,500
Lots of them have rusted away
to nothing, but there's
70
00:02:55,500 --> 00:02:57,066
a few survivors out there.
71
00:02:57,066 --> 00:02:58,467
Yeah, okay, I'd love
to get my hands on one, yeah,
72
00:02:58,467 --> 00:02:59,700
-do it.
-Nice one.
73
00:02:59,700 --> 00:03:00,000
-Cheers.
-Nice one.
74
00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:01,233
-Cheers.
-Nice one.
75
00:03:04,166 --> 00:03:06,367
[Mike] I think the Dolomite
Sprint is one of the most
76
00:03:06,367 --> 00:03:08,533
overlooked British cars
ever built.
77
00:03:08,533 --> 00:03:11,100
They offered that perfect
blend of sports car
78
00:03:11,100 --> 00:03:13,867
like performance
and saloon comfort.
79
00:03:13,867 --> 00:03:16,367
Loaded with
cutting-edge technology,
80
00:03:16,367 --> 00:03:19,500
they were capable
of 120 miles an hour,
81
00:03:19,500 --> 00:03:22,100
not bad for 1973.
82
00:03:22,100 --> 00:03:24,600
Unfortunately they came along
at a time
83
00:03:24,600 --> 00:03:27,500
when the world had fallen out
of love with British cars
84
00:03:27,500 --> 00:03:30,000
which is part of the reason
why only 23,000
85
00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:30,700
which is part of the reason
why only 23,000
86
00:03:30,700 --> 00:03:32,000
were ever built.
87
00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:35,467
On the plus side,
that means today,
they're a rare gem.
88
00:03:35,467 --> 00:03:38,100
I've come to see
specialist Chris.
89
00:03:38,100 --> 00:03:41,266
He's been buying, selling
and doing up Dolomite Sprints
90
00:03:41,266 --> 00:03:43,367
for as long as anyone
can remember.
91
00:03:43,367 --> 00:03:46,166
So if anyone's gonna
have the right car for sale,
92
00:03:46,166 --> 00:03:49,634
-it's him.
-Yes. I love a Dolomite Sprint
93
00:03:49,634 --> 00:03:53,100
and here's my man.
It's Chris. How you been?
94
00:03:53,100 --> 00:03:54,600
Really good, thank you. Mike.
95
00:03:54,600 --> 00:03:56,266
-Great to see you.
-Yeah, you too.
96
00:03:56,266 --> 00:03:59,266
What's the world of, uh,
Triumph Dolomite Sprints
like these days?
97
00:03:59,266 --> 00:04:00,000
Uh, absolutely booming mate.
Everybody wants 'em.
98
00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:02,000
Uh, absolutely booming mate.
Everybody wants 'em.
99
00:04:02,000 --> 00:04:04,734
The problem is the Mark 1
and the Mark 2 Escorts
went through the roof.
100
00:04:04,734 --> 00:04:06,467
And people couldn't
afford them,
101
00:04:06,467 --> 00:04:08,367
so the Dolomite Sprint
was the next one.
102
00:04:08,367 --> 00:04:11,266
But it's a better car than
a Mark 1 and Mark 2 Escort.
103
00:04:11,266 --> 00:04:14,166
Controversial. Ah, well.
Controversial, Chris.
104
00:04:14,166 --> 00:04:16,867
I dunno, they are. They drive
better, they're just quicker.
105
00:04:16,867 --> 00:04:19,000
As I pulled up I see those
three blue ones,
106
00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:21,166
you've got lined up outside.
Can we go and have a look
at 'em?
107
00:04:21,166 --> 00:04:22,700
Course we can.
We can go and have a look.
108
00:04:22,700 --> 00:04:24,233
Yeah, let's go
and have a chat.
109
00:04:30,367 --> 00:04:33,100
This is no good for me,
that's way too finished.
110
00:04:33,100 --> 00:04:35,367
-Yeah, it's a beautiful car.
-But come on Chris,
111
00:04:35,367 --> 00:04:37,500
-sell me this.
-I can't, Mike,
I can't sell it.
112
00:04:37,500 --> 00:04:38,967
-You can sell me this.
-I can't.
113
00:04:38,967 --> 00:04:40,100
Look at it,
it's perfect for me.
114
00:04:40,100 --> 00:04:42,700
-Sold to a customer, this one.
It is, mate.
-Is it?
115
00:04:42,700 --> 00:04:45,100
Chris, it's me.
Can't you unsell it
to the customer?
116
00:04:45,100 --> 00:04:47,500
No, man of my word.
Never go back on a deal.
117
00:04:47,500 --> 00:04:49,500
There's this one here,
you can have a look at
this one.
118
00:04:49,500 --> 00:04:52,367
That looks like it's about
to be picked up by a crane
119
00:04:52,367 --> 00:04:53,867
and turned into soup cans.
120
00:04:53,867 --> 00:04:56,100
No. Have, have a look
around it, Mike.
121
00:04:56,100 --> 00:04:57,867
Tell me about it.
What's good about it?
122
00:04:57,867 --> 00:04:59,467
Everything is good about this.
123
00:04:59,467 --> 00:05:00,000
[laughs] Come on Chris.
It's got a green bonnet.
124
00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:02,266
[laughs] Come on Chris.
It's got a green bonnet.
125
00:05:02,266 --> 00:05:03,367
-Bumper.
-Yeah.
126
00:05:03,367 --> 00:05:06,100
It's scrappy, bodywork's
a bit scrappy.
127
00:05:06,100 --> 00:05:08,700
Wrong color doors on it.
Where's the vinyl roof?
128
00:05:08,700 --> 00:05:12,100
Well, you'd have to sort that.
She looks rough,
129
00:05:12,100 --> 00:05:13,500
but she's solid, mate.
130
00:05:13,500 --> 00:05:15,166
Let's have a look at
this interior.
131
00:05:15,166 --> 00:05:17,734
-What?
-Ooh! It's there, isn't it?
132
00:05:17,734 --> 00:05:19,266
[Mike gasps]
133
00:05:19,266 --> 00:05:22,600
I've got a few interiors Mike,
we could do a deal.
134
00:05:22,600 --> 00:05:25,600
-What's the engine like?
-Engine's brilliant in this.
135
00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:29,634
These are the first 16 valve
mass produced engines, these.
136
00:05:29,634 --> 00:05:30,000
-Predates the Golf GTI
16 valve, this car.
-It certainly does.
137
00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:33,066
-Predates the Golf GTI
16 valve, this car.
-It certainly does.
138
00:05:33,066 --> 00:05:35,533
-Oh, look at the boot lid.
That's fantastic.
-Yeah.
139
00:05:35,533 --> 00:05:37,634
It looks like the car's
having a poop, don't it?
140
00:05:37,634 --> 00:05:40,367
Yeah, but it's solid, Mike.
Get yourself in it.
Go for a test drive.
141
00:05:40,367 --> 00:05:44,600
-You're kidding. Seriously?
-Seriously get in it
and drive it.
142
00:05:44,600 --> 00:05:46,900
Come on then let me drive it
and I'll talk to you after.
143
00:05:48,500 --> 00:05:50,266
See what it feels like then.
144
00:05:51,967 --> 00:05:54,867
[laughs] Oh, no way.
145
00:05:54,867 --> 00:05:58,000
Oh. Oh, yes!
146
00:05:58,000 --> 00:06:00,000
And that's, that's the magic
of a Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
147
00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:03,500
And that's, that's the magic
of a Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
148
00:06:03,500 --> 00:06:07,734
Wow, I mean, this car
looks like a bag of nails,
149
00:06:07,734 --> 00:06:12,100
but it drives like
an absolute beast, this car.
150
00:06:12,100 --> 00:06:15,367
That's caught me completely
by surprise because
151
00:06:15,367 --> 00:06:20,266
let's face it on the outside,
this vehicle looks so tatty
152
00:06:20,266 --> 00:06:21,867
and embarrassing.
153
00:06:21,867 --> 00:06:24,266
I wouldn't think anyone
would wanna buy this car,
154
00:06:24,266 --> 00:06:29,333
but under the right foot,
it feels like an absolute gem.
155
00:06:29,867 --> 00:06:30,000
It handles beautifully.
156
00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:32,700
It handles beautifully.
157
00:06:32,700 --> 00:06:35,266
Oh, the steering's
precise and direct.
158
00:06:35,266 --> 00:06:37,734
Don't get me wrong,
there's still room
for improvement.
159
00:06:37,734 --> 00:06:41,100
There's a little bit of fluff
in, coming from
the carburetor,
160
00:06:41,100 --> 00:06:43,467
there's a little bit of
a flat spot, I can feel that.
161
00:06:44,867 --> 00:06:47,634
Let's try the old overdrive
in the gearbox.
162
00:06:49,500 --> 00:06:51,600
Yeah typically
that doesn't work,
163
00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:54,367
so that's gonna have
to be addressed.
164
00:06:54,367 --> 00:06:57,500
I mean, my target price
for this car would be
somewhere
165
00:06:57,500 --> 00:07:00,000
I can't believe I'm gonna say
this, around six grand,
166
00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:00,634
I can't believe I'm gonna say
this, around six grand,
167
00:07:00,634 --> 00:07:03,533
but I reckon he could
probably sell this car
168
00:07:03,533 --> 00:07:05,266
for like eight grand as it is.
169
00:07:05,266 --> 00:07:08,100
'Cause they are making
massive money
170
00:07:08,100 --> 00:07:09,700
if they're fully restored.
171
00:07:09,700 --> 00:07:13,367
And there's a line of people
queuing up to buy one.
172
00:07:13,367 --> 00:07:15,500
I think the world has
just cottoned on
173
00:07:15,500 --> 00:07:18,734
to how good
the Triumph Dolomite Sprint
really is.
174
00:07:18,734 --> 00:07:20,367
But what a car.
175
00:07:30,100 --> 00:07:30,967
[door closes]
176
00:07:32,166 --> 00:07:34,000
What's it drive like?
It drove all right.
177
00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:35,533
-You weren't lying, was you?
-No.
178
00:07:35,533 --> 00:07:38,000
I'm kind of shocked.
It's a little bit fluffy on
179
00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:39,367
-the accelerator
and on the carbs.
-Yeah.
180
00:07:39,367 --> 00:07:41,700
-It could do with
the carbs rebuilding.
-I could feel that,
181
00:07:41,700 --> 00:07:44,500
so the carbs need rebuilding.
But handling-wise,
182
00:07:44,500 --> 00:07:47,467
it's good, engine's got
good power, clutch and gearbox
feel alright.
183
00:07:47,467 --> 00:07:48,967
Yeah. It's a good car, Mark.
184
00:07:48,967 --> 00:07:50,867
How much you reckon
you're gonna get for this?
185
00:07:50,867 --> 00:07:53,600
-Eight grand. Like this.
-Like this?
186
00:07:53,600 --> 00:07:56,100
Take six grand for it.
I can't do six, Mike.
187
00:07:56,100 --> 00:07:58,533
Course you can. To me,
what's the best you can do?
188
00:07:59,500 --> 00:08:00,000
I'd do six and a half to you.
189
00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:01,533
I'd do six and a half to you.
190
00:08:02,600 --> 00:08:05,166
I'd give you 6,250 for it,
what'd you say?
191
00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,100
-Go on then, Mike.
-Yes. Lovely.
192
00:08:08,100 --> 00:08:11,500
I've just bought myself
a Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
193
00:08:11,500 --> 00:08:14,066
-Scrapper. Project.
-It's a project.
194
00:08:20,166 --> 00:08:24,166
Over the years I've spent
literally millions of pounds
195
00:08:24,166 --> 00:08:27,100
on buying and selling cars,
but never have I been happier
196
00:08:27,100 --> 00:08:30,000
to spend £6,250
on a car that looks
so hideous.
197
00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:32,367
to spend £6,250
on a car that looks
so hideous.
198
00:08:32,367 --> 00:08:35,600
But I need to convince Elvis
that underneath
199
00:08:35,600 --> 00:08:38,367
this tatty exterior, interior,
200
00:08:38,367 --> 00:08:43,467
there is a car that's dying
to be treated by us.
201
00:08:43,467 --> 00:08:46,734
It's desperate for some
Wheeler Dealer attention.
202
00:08:55,000 --> 00:08:57,467
[Marc] Mate, what on earth
is that?
203
00:08:57,467 --> 00:08:59,266
-That's hideous.
-[laughs] All right, buddy.
204
00:08:59,266 --> 00:09:00,000
You must be either on
your way from the scrapheap
205
00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:01,600
You must be either on
your way from the scrapheap
206
00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:03,266
or on your way to
the scrap heap, look at it.
207
00:09:03,266 --> 00:09:05,100
You know what that this,
don't you?
208
00:09:05,100 --> 00:09:06,967
I do know what it is,
it's a Dolomite Sprint.
209
00:09:06,967 --> 00:09:09,700
I mean they're amazing cars.
But I mean that one isn't.
210
00:09:09,700 --> 00:09:12,867
Uh, mate open your eyes,
you're gonna love this,
come follow me.
211
00:09:12,867 --> 00:09:15,266
Obviously, the paintwork
is a big issue.
212
00:09:15,266 --> 00:09:16,533
Yeah. Just a bit.
213
00:09:16,533 --> 00:09:20,100
It, it may look like a bit of
a scrapper but it has
got this.
214
00:09:20,100 --> 00:09:22,867
-Oh, yeah.
-The engine was the main
selling point of this car,
215
00:09:22,867 --> 00:09:25,533
it's an absolute bullet proof
rocket machine that is.
216
00:09:25,533 --> 00:09:27,000
I mean it's a single
overhead cam,
217
00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:29,100
but was one of
the first engines to have
218
00:09:29,100 --> 00:09:30,000
four valves per cylinder
as well.
219
00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:30,533
four valves per cylinder
as well.
220
00:09:30,533 --> 00:09:32,367
And massive performance
out of that.
221
00:09:32,367 --> 00:09:34,100
Yeah, first mass produced
multi valve engine.
222
00:09:34,100 --> 00:09:37,500
And it actually pre dates
the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
223
00:09:37,500 --> 00:09:40,000
Nice strong engine,
pulls really well.
224
00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:42,166
The carburetors need
a tune up.
225
00:09:42,166 --> 00:09:44,100
Okay, well, I mean,
that's easy, isn't it?
226
00:09:44,100 --> 00:09:46,600
We could even go as far
as bringing it in
to the modern day
227
00:09:46,600 --> 00:09:48,266
and doing like
an E10 conversion,
couldn't we?
228
00:09:48,266 --> 00:09:50,867
Yeah, nice, E10 conversion,
like that idea.
229
00:09:50,867 --> 00:09:53,266
Uh, it's got a really
good gearbox as well.
230
00:09:53,266 --> 00:09:55,367
Feels nice and positive
through the gears.
231
00:09:55,367 --> 00:09:57,500
-Nice. Sweet, yeah.
-It's a four speed overdrive.
232
00:09:57,500 --> 00:09:59,066
The overdrive
isn't working though.
233
00:09:59,066 --> 00:10:00,000
So that needs fixing. Okay.
234
00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:01,634
So that needs fixing. Okay.
235
00:10:01,634 --> 00:10:03,100
Uh, yeah, so we need
to sort that out
236
00:10:03,100 --> 00:10:05,500
and then the rest of it...
What?
237
00:10:05,500 --> 00:10:07,634
-That's not right.
-No, it should have
a vinyl roof.
238
00:10:07,634 --> 00:10:10,367
Yeah, where are we gonna get
a vinyl roof in this day
and age?
239
00:10:10,367 --> 00:10:13,266
Pfft! Dunno, last time I seen
somebody do a vinyl roof,
240
00:10:13,266 --> 00:10:15,500
I was watching
Starsky and Hutch
on the television.
241
00:10:15,500 --> 00:10:17,100
On the internet.
242
00:10:17,100 --> 00:10:19,000
-Exactly, yeah.
-That's where the vinyl roofs
gonna come from, the internet.
243
00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:20,734
That will be a mission,
trying to find one of those.
244
00:10:20,734 --> 00:10:22,100
Have you seen in here?
245
00:10:22,100 --> 00:10:24,533
Leave the interior to me.
All the bits of trim
that are missing,
246
00:10:24,533 --> 00:10:25,634
I'll get those.
247
00:10:25,634 --> 00:10:27,500
And then there's
the big elephant in the room,
248
00:10:27,500 --> 00:10:30,000
which is the, um,
the hideous paintwork.
249
00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:30,500
which is the, um,
the hideous paintwork.
250
00:10:30,500 --> 00:10:32,634
-You don't want to leave it.
-No, I don't wanna leave it.
251
00:10:32,634 --> 00:10:35,467
I think we should celebrate
this car by going back
252
00:10:35,467 --> 00:10:37,000
to its original color,
which is the blue.
253
00:10:37,000 --> 00:10:38,867
Yeah, okay. Look,
I'll tell you what,
254
00:10:38,867 --> 00:10:42,166
I'm a lot more enthusiastic
than I was when I walked
through that door
255
00:10:42,166 --> 00:10:44,533
a minute ago because
if what you're saying is right
256
00:10:44,533 --> 00:10:46,266
and underneath here is
a proper solid platform
257
00:10:46,266 --> 00:10:48,367
to build from then
I'm excited.
258
00:10:48,367 --> 00:10:52,467
I didn't wanna drive this car,
but by the time I'd snatched
second gear,
259
00:10:52,467 --> 00:10:55,700
I was willing to turn round,
run back and give him
260
00:10:55,700 --> 00:10:57,867
every penny of £6,250 for it.
261
00:10:57,867 --> 00:11:00,000
That sounds actually
all right, that's a decent
price isn't it?
262
00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:00,100
That sounds actually
all right, that's a decent
price isn't it?
263
00:11:00,100 --> 00:11:03,266
And if you was to get behind
the wheel, you'd feel exactly
the same as I did.
264
00:11:03,266 --> 00:11:05,467
Well, here's a bold claim
for you, Chris,
265
00:11:05,467 --> 00:11:09,467
the expert on these cars,
he reckons that this car was
266
00:11:09,467 --> 00:11:12,700
so underrated that he thinks
it's a much better car than
267
00:11:12,700 --> 00:11:14,600
an Escort Mexico.
268
00:11:14,600 --> 00:11:17,166
Wow, I think that
is a bold claim.
269
00:11:17,166 --> 00:11:19,000
But I mean, he might be right,
you know.
270
00:11:19,000 --> 00:11:21,500
The technology in this was
so good, so far ahead
271
00:11:21,500 --> 00:11:22,967
of its time, like I say.
272
00:11:22,967 --> 00:11:25,867
I mean the performance
was there, they are great,
great cars.
273
00:11:25,867 --> 00:11:27,734
I just don't think
they ever got the credit
274
00:11:27,734 --> 00:11:29,000
that they deserved.
275
00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:30,000
I mean I'd love to prove him
right, you know.
276
00:11:30,000 --> 00:11:30,600
I mean I'd love to prove him
right, you know.
277
00:11:30,600 --> 00:11:32,266
-Let's prove it. Yeah.
-Yeah.
278
00:11:32,266 --> 00:11:34,800
-Happy? Right,
let's get to work.
-I'm excited.
279
00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:46,166
[Marc] The Mark 1 Mexico
was the rally-inspired
sporty special edition
280
00:11:46,166 --> 00:11:48,800
of Ford's multimillion selling
Escort.
281
00:11:48,800 --> 00:11:52,867
It featured a 1.6 liter engine
and race inspired suspension
282
00:11:52,867 --> 00:11:56,634
and brakes making it
lightning fast in corners.
283
00:11:56,634 --> 00:11:59,100
It was loved by Brits
who snapped up more than
284
00:11:59,100 --> 00:12:01,166
10,000 of them.
285
00:12:01,166 --> 00:12:04,166
Keen to take a bite out of
the sporty saloon pie,
286
00:12:04,166 --> 00:12:05,080
Triumph launched
the Dolomite Sprint in 1973.
287
00:12:05,080 --> 00:12:07,634
Triumph launched
the Dolomite Sprint in 1973.
288
00:12:07,634 --> 00:12:10,467
It was more powerful
and technologically advanced
289
00:12:10,467 --> 00:12:11,533
than the Mexico,
290
00:12:11,533 --> 00:12:14,533
but it was also more expensive
and less glamorous.
291
00:12:14,533 --> 00:12:18,533
Which meant it never came
close to taking a big chunk
out of the market.
292
00:12:18,533 --> 00:12:22,000
But could it ever be
considered the all-round
better car?
293
00:12:22,000 --> 00:12:24,100
Well, that's
the million dollar question.
294
00:12:24,100 --> 00:12:26,634
The Sprint's credentials
really speak for themselves,
295
00:12:26,634 --> 00:12:30,467
almost 120 miles an hour,
0 to 60 in just over
296
00:12:30,467 --> 00:12:31,634
eight seconds.
297
00:12:31,634 --> 00:12:35,080
For 1973, those are stats
that are well ahead
of its time.
298
00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:35,634
For 1973, those are stats
that are well ahead
of its time.
299
00:12:35,634 --> 00:12:38,266
Is it better than
a Mark 1 Mexico?
300
00:12:38,266 --> 00:12:40,266
Well, it's a big old bold
claim that, isn't it?
301
00:12:40,266 --> 00:12:43,734
But only once I get this car
back to its brilliant
gleaming best
302
00:12:43,734 --> 00:12:45,967
can we have any hope
of trying to find out.
303
00:12:54,100 --> 00:12:56,266
I need to get to the bottom
of what's going on with
304
00:12:56,266 --> 00:12:58,266
our electronic
overdrive system.
305
00:12:58,266 --> 00:13:02,166
And to do that I need
a little help from one
of my mechanic mates.
306
00:13:02,166 --> 00:13:04,500
So I've got Dan sat
inside the driver's seat,
307
00:13:04,500 --> 00:13:05,080
and when he throws the switch
on the gear lever,
308
00:13:05,080 --> 00:13:07,100
and when he throws the switch
on the gear lever,
309
00:13:07,100 --> 00:13:11,000
what I should hear is
this solenoid actuating.
310
00:13:11,000 --> 00:13:14,367
Before manufacturers started
fitting five speed gearboxes
311
00:13:14,367 --> 00:13:15,266
as standard,
312
00:13:15,266 --> 00:13:17,734
many of them used
an overdrive system.
313
00:13:17,734 --> 00:13:21,166
Which is a bit like having
an extra gear that
you can turn on and off
314
00:13:21,166 --> 00:13:23,900
allowing you to cruise
at higher speeds.
315
00:13:23,900 --> 00:13:25,800
So Dan, if you wanna
pop the ignition on
316
00:13:25,800 --> 00:13:28,967
and then just flick
the switch on and off
a couple of times, please.
317
00:13:30,634 --> 00:13:34,000
-[clicking]
-No. Nothing.
318
00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:35,080
What it should be doing is
throwing a rod in and out
319
00:13:35,080 --> 00:13:37,367
What it should be doing is
throwing a rod in and out
320
00:13:37,367 --> 00:13:40,000
on the end of the solenoid
and that's what engages
321
00:13:40,000 --> 00:13:41,100
the overdrive gear.
322
00:13:41,100 --> 00:13:43,166
That's not happening,
which means
323
00:13:43,166 --> 00:13:46,600
I've a further investigation
to do as to why.
324
00:13:46,600 --> 00:13:49,367
A solenoid is a type of
electromagnet that needs
325
00:13:49,367 --> 00:13:52,266
an electrical current
to turn it on and off.
326
00:13:52,266 --> 00:13:54,367
What I need to find out is
whether the current
327
00:13:54,367 --> 00:13:57,367
is getting to it from the car
or if it's the solenoid itself
328
00:13:57,367 --> 00:13:58,734
that's broken.
329
00:13:58,734 --> 00:14:02,166
Okay, so I'm gonna use
this multi meter here
330
00:14:02,166 --> 00:14:04,734
to test the two connections
on the back of the solenoid.
331
00:14:04,734 --> 00:14:05,080
If I get this on here,
would you turn the ignition on
332
00:14:05,080 --> 00:14:09,600
If I get this on here,
would you turn the ignition on
333
00:14:09,600 --> 00:14:11,800
and then throw
the switch please, mate?
334
00:14:11,800 --> 00:14:15,166
Yeah, there you go.
Right, so that confirms then
335
00:14:15,166 --> 00:14:17,266
that we are getting power
to the solenoid,
336
00:14:17,266 --> 00:14:19,467
that end of the system
is working as it should.
337
00:14:19,467 --> 00:14:22,100
The problem then means
that it must be inside
338
00:14:22,100 --> 00:14:23,000
the solenoid itself.
339
00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:24,533
Because although
we're energizing it,
340
00:14:24,533 --> 00:14:26,533
it's not mechanically moving.
341
00:14:26,533 --> 00:14:28,367
That means I'm gonna have
to get it off
342
00:14:28,367 --> 00:14:29,967
and take it apart
and have a look.
343
00:14:32,166 --> 00:14:35,066
But before I do that, I should
probably let Dan out the car.
344
00:14:40,100 --> 00:14:42,000
So I've been tasked
with trying to find
345
00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:44,734
an interior for
our Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
346
00:14:44,734 --> 00:14:47,734
When I bought the car
from Chris,
347
00:14:47,734 --> 00:14:52,166
he said "If you need
any interior, let me know,
he can help me."
348
00:14:52,166 --> 00:14:55,634
So I thought "You know what
I'm gonna jump in the car,
349
00:14:55,634 --> 00:14:57,467
I'm gonna go down
and see him."
350
00:14:57,467 --> 00:15:01,266
The choice though
is whether I go for
the original brown color
351
00:15:01,266 --> 00:15:04,533
or whether I change
that color and go
for something else.
352
00:15:06,467 --> 00:15:08,600
Here he is, Chris.
353
00:15:08,600 --> 00:15:10,500
-How you doing, bud?
-I'm all right, Mike. You?
354
00:15:10,500 --> 00:15:12,166
-Good to see you.
-Yeah and you.
355
00:15:12,166 --> 00:15:14,634
If you remember,
when I was last here.
356
00:15:14,634 --> 00:15:16,800
-Yeah.
-And you broke my arm
357
00:15:16,800 --> 00:15:18,266
and I had to buy that car
off you,
358
00:15:18,266 --> 00:15:22,600
-that ridiculous scrapper
off you. Scrapper.
-Project. Project.
359
00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:25,266
You said as I left
that you could help me out
360
00:15:25,266 --> 00:15:26,867
with an interior because
the interior of that car
361
00:15:26,867 --> 00:15:28,000
-is hideous.
-Yeah.
362
00:15:28,000 --> 00:15:30,634
So I've been looking around
for an interior
363
00:15:30,634 --> 00:15:32,467
-and it's led me back to you.
-Okay.
364
00:15:32,467 --> 00:15:34,800
So why don't you just
unbolt the interior out
365
00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:35,080
-No.
-of this special edition.
366
00:15:35,080 --> 00:15:36,367
-No.
-of this special edition.
367
00:15:36,367 --> 00:15:37,467
-Can't do it.
-And I'll take that away.
368
00:15:37,467 --> 00:15:39,266
Not this one.
This is a rare one, mate.
369
00:15:39,266 --> 00:15:41,500
Non headrest early car. But...
370
00:15:41,500 --> 00:15:43,533
-That's why I want it.
-No, but I have got
371
00:15:43,533 --> 00:15:45,100
some interiors
you can look at.
372
00:15:45,100 --> 00:15:46,000
-Have you? Come on then.
-Yeah.
373
00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:46,967
-Show me what you got.
-Let's go.
374
00:15:48,900 --> 00:15:53,800
Well, can I say, uh, you are
displaying basically
375
00:15:53,800 --> 00:15:56,000
the interior of that scrapper
that you sold me?
376
00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:57,467
-Project, Mike.
-[chuckles]
377
00:15:57,467 --> 00:16:00,100
Uh, are these the colors
that were available back
in the '70s?
378
00:16:00,100 --> 00:16:01,634
Certainly was Mike, yeah.
379
00:16:01,634 --> 00:16:03,533
I need to think
about salability.
380
00:16:03,533 --> 00:16:04,734
-Yeah.
-Selling our car.
381
00:16:04,734 --> 00:16:05,080
Do I go for originality
and go for the brown interior
382
00:16:05,080 --> 00:16:07,367
Do I go for originality
and go for the brown interior
383
00:16:07,367 --> 00:16:09,533
or in your opinion,
what color sells best?
384
00:16:09,533 --> 00:16:12,734
I would go for
a black interior, Mike.
385
00:16:12,734 --> 00:16:15,000
Would that not matter,
though, that
it's non-original?
386
00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:17,734
No, not really.
Everybody prefers a black.
387
00:16:17,734 --> 00:16:20,467
Yeah and it'll have a black,
uh, vinyl roof as well,
388
00:16:20,467 --> 00:16:21,734
so it would suit it, won't it?
389
00:16:21,734 --> 00:16:23,800
-It'll match.
-Okay, well, uh, that's not
390
00:16:23,800 --> 00:16:25,367
the black interior
I want though.
391
00:16:25,367 --> 00:16:27,533
-That's horrible, isn't it?
-It, it is, Mike, it is.
392
00:16:27,533 --> 00:16:29,800
But we've got, we've got
some that we can clean up
393
00:16:29,800 --> 00:16:31,367
for you and get over to you.
394
00:16:31,367 --> 00:16:32,800
Okay, how much
is it gonna cost?
395
00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:35,080
Um, seats and door cards,
you're looking at 250, Mike.
396
00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:36,734
Um, seats and door cards,
you're looking at 250, Mike.
397
00:16:36,734 --> 00:16:38,900
-250 quid. Done.
-Yeah.
398
00:16:38,900 --> 00:16:41,000
-Thank you very much,
Chris. See?
-Thank you.
399
00:16:41,000 --> 00:16:44,634
Eh, I swing round
and all I do is put money
in your pocket.
400
00:16:44,634 --> 00:16:46,467
-[Chris laughs]
-All the scrap
you keep selling me.
401
00:16:46,467 --> 00:16:47,734
Projects.
402
00:16:49,333 --> 00:16:51,734
[Marc] Whilst Mike's hopefully
sorting me out a new interior,
403
00:16:51,734 --> 00:16:54,533
I'm sending the car off
to a specialist to be painted.
404
00:16:56,100 --> 00:16:59,233
Next, I've gotta take care of
that overdrive problem,
405
00:16:59,233 --> 00:17:01,100
and having already
removed the gearbox,
406
00:17:01,100 --> 00:17:03,467
I'm hoping it's an easy fix.
407
00:17:03,467 --> 00:17:06,467
I had hoped to be able
to repair the solenoid on
408
00:17:06,467 --> 00:17:07,967
our overdrive system here,
409
00:17:07,967 --> 00:17:10,367
but having just put 12 volts
directly from a battery
410
00:17:10,367 --> 00:17:12,233
onto the terminals,
there's no click,
411
00:17:12,233 --> 00:17:14,533
there's nothing happening
and it is dead.
412
00:17:14,533 --> 00:17:17,533
However I've also found out
that a new one only costs
413
00:17:17,533 --> 00:17:18,280
just over £100
and so I'm going
to replace it.
414
00:17:18,280 --> 00:17:21,100
just over £100
and so I'm going
to replace it.
415
00:17:21,100 --> 00:17:23,367
Whilst I've got the gear box
out, it'll only take me
416
00:17:23,367 --> 00:17:25,967
a couple of hours to give
the main overdrive components
417
00:17:25,967 --> 00:17:27,867
a bit of a service.
418
00:17:27,867 --> 00:17:30,533
I'm going to inspect the gears
and check the filters
419
00:17:30,533 --> 00:17:32,634
that keep the oil
in the system clean.
420
00:17:36,800 --> 00:17:39,900
As the gears inside
the overdrive spin,
421
00:17:39,900 --> 00:17:41,734
of course they wear over time.
422
00:17:41,734 --> 00:17:43,467
And those particles
that wear away can find
423
00:17:43,467 --> 00:17:45,166
their way through the system
and cause problems
424
00:17:45,166 --> 00:17:47,333
if left unchecked.
425
00:17:47,333 --> 00:17:48,280
The system has two filters.
This one a coarser filter
426
00:17:48,280 --> 00:17:50,166
The system has two filters.
This one a coarser filter
427
00:17:50,166 --> 00:17:52,467
or primary filter
that picks up the big bits
428
00:17:52,467 --> 00:17:54,900
and then behind that,
just underneath this cap
429
00:17:54,900 --> 00:17:57,367
is a secondary filter
that's really, really fine
430
00:17:57,367 --> 00:17:58,967
to get those
tiny little particles
431
00:17:58,967 --> 00:18:00,433
that we still need
to clear out.
432
00:18:02,367 --> 00:18:04,634
[chuckles] Ugh, that's gross.
433
00:18:04,634 --> 00:18:06,367
So that is seriously
clogged up,
434
00:18:06,367 --> 00:18:08,367
but that's
the secondary filter,
435
00:18:08,367 --> 00:18:09,634
so that's the really
fine mesh.
436
00:18:09,634 --> 00:18:12,333
So that would've built up
probably over many years.
437
00:18:12,333 --> 00:18:15,734
It's fine particles of things
like fragments of clutch,
438
00:18:15,734 --> 00:18:17,900
little bits of wear and tear
off the gears itself.
439
00:18:17,900 --> 00:18:18,280
I'd be much more concerned
if the primary filter
440
00:18:18,280 --> 00:18:20,967
I'd be much more concerned
if the primary filter
441
00:18:20,967 --> 00:18:21,900
had big chunks.
442
00:18:21,900 --> 00:18:23,467
So both of these just need
a good cleanout.
443
00:18:23,467 --> 00:18:24,967
I'm really pleased though
444
00:18:24,967 --> 00:18:27,000
looking at that one
that we're doing it.
445
00:18:30,734 --> 00:18:34,233
I'm using a fine brush
and a little squirt
of brake cleaning fluid
446
00:18:34,233 --> 00:18:36,266
to help remove
the decades of grime.
447
00:18:38,266 --> 00:18:42,533
With everything clean and tidy
I'm putting in a new end seal,
448
00:18:42,533 --> 00:18:45,433
replacing the housing and
the freshly washed filters.
449
00:18:46,634 --> 00:18:48,280
And finally adding
our brand new solenoid.
450
00:18:48,280 --> 00:18:50,233
And finally adding
our brand new solenoid.
451
00:18:50,233 --> 00:18:52,166
Right, well, that's
the solenoid all back in.
452
00:18:52,166 --> 00:18:55,467
Just leaves me one job
and that's to test it.
453
00:18:55,467 --> 00:18:58,467
Connect our wires back up,
what we should hear this time
454
00:18:58,467 --> 00:19:02,800
is a definite click as
that solenoid kicks
into action
455
00:19:02,800 --> 00:19:05,634
when we give it its 12 volts.
Here we go.
456
00:19:07,734 --> 00:19:08,900
And there it is.
457
00:19:09,734 --> 00:19:11,867
There we go, great.
So we've now got
458
00:19:11,867 --> 00:19:13,000
a working solenoid.
459
00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,533
We've checked for wear inside.
I've replaced the rear seal,
460
00:19:15,533 --> 00:19:16,533
cleaned out the filters.
461
00:19:16,533 --> 00:19:18,280
We now have a fully
operational overdrive system
462
00:19:18,280 --> 00:19:19,967
We now have a fully
operational overdrive system
463
00:19:19,967 --> 00:19:23,800
and that's one thing
the Ford Escort
Mark 1 Mexico never ever had.
464
00:19:25,867 --> 00:19:28,166
Feels like the competition's
heating up
465
00:19:28,166 --> 00:19:30,867
and another way I can help
our Dolomite to maybe edge
466
00:19:30,867 --> 00:19:33,467
a win is by sorting out
the carburetor problem
467
00:19:33,467 --> 00:19:35,266
that Mike noticed
on the test drive.
468
00:19:36,967 --> 00:19:39,967
Now Mike said there
was a problem
with the carburetors
469
00:19:39,967 --> 00:19:41,800
on our Dolomite Sprint.
470
00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:43,867
And so I've had 'em in
the parts washer
471
00:19:43,867 --> 00:19:45,000
to give 'em a thorough clean
472
00:19:45,867 --> 00:19:47,967
because I want them to be
clean on the outside
473
00:19:47,967 --> 00:19:48,280
but perhaps even more
importantly on the inside.
474
00:19:48,280 --> 00:19:50,467
but perhaps even more
importantly on the inside.
475
00:19:50,467 --> 00:19:52,000
They're a complex bit of kit.
476
00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:53,734
But while I give them
a full overhaul,
477
00:19:53,734 --> 00:19:55,166
I also wanna give 'em
an upgrade
478
00:19:55,166 --> 00:19:57,333
so they can work on
E10 fuel as well.
479
00:19:59,367 --> 00:20:03,800
In September 2021, E10 fuel
became the standard grade
480
00:20:03,800 --> 00:20:05,634
of petrol in the UK.
481
00:20:05,634 --> 00:20:09,000
The difference being that
it has 10% ethanol content
482
00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:11,467
as opposed to 5%
in the old fuel.
483
00:20:11,467 --> 00:20:14,734
It's hoped that this change
will cut vehicle CO2 emissions
484
00:20:14,734 --> 00:20:18,100
by 750,000 tons a year.
485
00:20:18,100 --> 00:20:18,280
Which is the equivalent
of taking 350,000 cars
486
00:20:18,280 --> 00:20:21,166
Which is the equivalent
of taking 350,000 cars
487
00:20:21,166 --> 00:20:22,367
off the road.
488
00:20:23,867 --> 00:20:26,533
The reason conversion kits
like this one exist
489
00:20:26,533 --> 00:20:29,734
is because the higher ethanol
content in the E10 fuel
490
00:20:29,734 --> 00:20:32,467
is far more degrading
to things like rubber hoses,
491
00:20:32,467 --> 00:20:36,433
O rings and seals than
the E5 fuel was previously.
492
00:20:37,634 --> 00:20:40,867
This kit has set up back £300.
493
00:20:40,867 --> 00:20:44,734
But a recent survey found that
66% of classic car owners
494
00:20:44,734 --> 00:20:46,734
were having trouble finding
the right type of fuel
495
00:20:46,734 --> 00:20:48,280
for their cars.
496
00:20:48,280 --> 00:20:48,734
for their cars.
497
00:20:48,734 --> 00:20:51,967
So having the ability
to fill up anywhere out
on the road
498
00:20:51,967 --> 00:20:54,734
should add a fair
amount of value
to our Dolomite Sprint.
499
00:20:55,734 --> 00:20:57,533
I'm gonna change a number
of components
500
00:20:57,533 --> 00:20:59,634
to make them compatible
with E10 fuel,
501
00:20:59,634 --> 00:21:01,900
but I'm also gonna change
some of the older parts
502
00:21:01,900 --> 00:21:03,433
as part of a general service.
503
00:21:04,166 --> 00:21:05,634
Having stripped
the carbs down,
504
00:21:05,634 --> 00:21:08,800
I'm starting by replacing
the spindle
and butterfly valve.
505
00:21:10,100 --> 00:21:12,266
These are the parts that open
and close to allow
506
00:21:12,266 --> 00:21:15,000
the right mix of air and fuel
into the engine.
507
00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:18,280
So we need them working
perfectly to get the best
performance.
508
00:21:18,280 --> 00:21:18,433
So we need them working
perfectly to get the best
performance.
509
00:21:19,367 --> 00:21:21,734
With the spindle
slotted into position,
510
00:21:21,734 --> 00:21:24,533
the throttle disc
or butterfly valve slots
511
00:21:24,533 --> 00:21:26,367
through the gap in the middle
512
00:21:26,367 --> 00:21:30,266
and then what we have
to do is just play around
with it,
513
00:21:30,266 --> 00:21:31,467
moving it back and forth,
514
00:21:31,467 --> 00:21:35,467
until we get it
perfectly seated
inside its housing.
515
00:21:35,467 --> 00:21:37,467
-[metallic clink]
-And it's that sound there.
516
00:21:37,467 --> 00:21:40,100
That sound tells me
it's sitting perfectly,
517
00:21:40,100 --> 00:21:41,967
it's sealing when it's closed.
518
00:21:41,967 --> 00:21:44,000
And I can put
the retaining screws in.
519
00:21:45,467 --> 00:21:48,000
Next I'm replacing
the old nylon float
520
00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:48,280
which is susceptible
to degrading if it comes into
521
00:21:48,280 --> 00:21:50,166
which is susceptible
to degrading if it comes into
522
00:21:50,166 --> 00:21:52,867
contact with E10 fuel
for a prolonged time
523
00:21:52,867 --> 00:21:55,266
with one that's made from
a more modern material.
524
00:21:56,967 --> 00:21:59,634
Now with a new float,
it's important that we set
525
00:21:59,634 --> 00:22:00,900
that float at the right height
526
00:22:00,900 --> 00:22:04,233
because as the chamber fills
with fuel and the float rises,
527
00:22:04,233 --> 00:22:06,233
it's that that shuts off
the flow of fuel
528
00:22:06,233 --> 00:22:07,233
into the chamber itself.
529
00:22:07,233 --> 00:22:08,634
So if we set it at
the wrong height,
530
00:22:08,634 --> 00:22:11,000
you'll either get too much
or too little fuel in there.
531
00:22:11,000 --> 00:22:14,333
Now the manufacturers specify
a gap of three millimeters
532
00:22:14,333 --> 00:22:16,100
from here at the base
of the chamber
533
00:22:16,100 --> 00:22:17,734
to the bottom of
the float itself,
534
00:22:17,734 --> 00:22:18,280
so we're using a three mil
drill bit as a gauge
535
00:22:18,280 --> 00:22:20,000
so we're using a three mil
drill bit as a gauge
536
00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:22,634
and all we need to do because
at the moment it's too big
537
00:22:22,634 --> 00:22:25,867
is to give it a gentle tweak
and bend the metal
538
00:22:25,867 --> 00:22:27,100
that it sits on
539
00:22:28,000 --> 00:22:29,533
until we get it about right.
540
00:22:34,467 --> 00:22:38,166
And with everything replaced,
I can reassemble the car
back together.
541
00:22:39,266 --> 00:22:42,233
There we go.
That's one carburetor
now fully rebuilt
542
00:22:42,233 --> 00:22:44,100
and E10 fuel compatible.
543
00:22:44,100 --> 00:22:47,000
So I'm pleased with that.
Of course I've got another one
to do
544
00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:48,280
plus some hoses
and ancillary parts
545
00:22:48,280 --> 00:22:48,967
plus some hoses
and ancillary parts
546
00:22:48,967 --> 00:22:50,100
need changing as well.
547
00:22:50,100 --> 00:22:52,734
But when the car comes back,
I can get these installed,
548
00:22:52,734 --> 00:22:55,266
get them balanced
and set up and fine tuned
549
00:22:55,266 --> 00:22:58,333
to give our car
the very best chance
of performing
550
00:22:58,333 --> 00:22:59,734
at its highest level.
551
00:22:59,734 --> 00:23:03,367
And with all this work maybe,
just maybe,
552
00:23:03,367 --> 00:23:05,734
we might just be able
to prove that actually it is
553
00:23:05,734 --> 00:23:07,900
in fact better than
a Mark 1 Mexico.
554
00:23:07,900 --> 00:23:09,467
Of course, it's not just
about performance,
555
00:23:09,467 --> 00:23:11,533
it's gotta look the part too
and I hope that when Mike
556
00:23:11,533 --> 00:23:13,467
finally brings it back
from the paint shop,
557
00:23:13,467 --> 00:23:15,734
it's gonna be
a complete transformation.
558
00:23:17,433 --> 00:23:21,634
[Marc] We've got our hands on
a 1979 Triumph Dolomite Sprint
559
00:23:21,634 --> 00:23:24,066
and are trying to find out
whether this overlooked
560
00:23:24,066 --> 00:23:26,533
piece of British
automotive engineering
561
00:23:26,533 --> 00:23:31,333
could ever measure up
to the mighty Mark 1
Ford Escort Mexico.
562
00:23:31,333 --> 00:23:33,867
Things are starting to get
interesting because look at
563
00:23:33,867 --> 00:23:36,066
what's just pulled up
with a new paint job
564
00:23:36,066 --> 00:23:37,734
and spanking interior.
565
00:23:37,734 --> 00:23:40,066
[chuckles] Mate,
that's stunning.
566
00:23:40,066 --> 00:23:42,433
-You like it?
-Oh, so good,
I love the color.
567
00:23:42,433 --> 00:23:44,333
It's fantastic, isn't it?
It's called pageant blue.
568
00:23:44,333 --> 00:23:45,734
It's a proper Dolomite color.
569
00:23:45,734 --> 00:23:46,480
And now it's all tied in
with one color.
570
00:23:46,480 --> 00:23:48,100
And now it's all tied in
with one color.
571
00:23:48,100 --> 00:23:50,233
What a difference from
the patchwork quilt
572
00:23:50,233 --> 00:23:51,734
it was before. Remember green.
573
00:23:51,734 --> 00:23:53,266
-Yeah.
-Brown, beige.
574
00:23:53,266 --> 00:23:55,433
What a transformation.
It looks so good.
575
00:23:55,433 --> 00:23:57,734
-What you been up to?
-Uh, well, I've been busy.
576
00:23:57,734 --> 00:24:00,333
I had the gearbox apart,
serviced it, so that's good
to go.
577
00:24:00,333 --> 00:24:01,867
Do you remember
it wouldn't go into overdrive?
578
00:24:01,867 --> 00:24:03,100
Well, It was just
a little solenoid.
579
00:24:03,100 --> 00:24:05,166
So I've replaced that,
so that now works.
580
00:24:05,166 --> 00:24:07,066
I've had the carbs apart,
I've serviced them.
581
00:24:07,066 --> 00:24:09,266
And I hope you don't mind,
but I've spent about 300 quid
582
00:24:09,266 --> 00:24:11,066
on an E10 conversion kit
for 'em.
583
00:24:11,066 --> 00:24:13,734
I'm so pleased you've done
that because I tell you what
584
00:24:13,734 --> 00:24:15,734
that's a dilemma
facing all classic car owners
585
00:24:15,734 --> 00:24:16,480
at the moment.
586
00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:16,867
at the moment.
587
00:24:16,867 --> 00:24:18,533
I can now get those bits
of course now back in the car.
588
00:24:18,533 --> 00:24:20,734
And once I've done that,
I need to think about
589
00:24:20,734 --> 00:24:22,734
-that vinyl roof, don't I?
-Yeah.
590
00:24:22,734 --> 00:24:24,734
The only thing
that's letting the car down
591
00:24:24,734 --> 00:24:25,967
now are these
tatty old bumpers.
592
00:24:25,967 --> 00:24:27,533
Shall I take 'em away
and get 'em re-chromed?
593
00:24:27,533 --> 00:24:30,467
Yeah, that'd be great.
That would absolutely
finish it off nicely.
594
00:24:30,467 --> 00:24:32,867
It's starting to make sense
now what Chris said
595
00:24:32,867 --> 00:24:35,634
about these cars right at
the very beginning
when he reckoned
596
00:24:35,634 --> 00:24:38,634
this car is better
than an Escort Mexico.
597
00:24:38,634 --> 00:24:40,734
-I know it's a big shout.
-It is.
598
00:24:40,734 --> 00:24:43,100
But with it coming together
599
00:24:43,100 --> 00:24:46,480
and starting to look like
it's looking he might have
a point, you know.
600
00:24:46,480 --> 00:24:46,533
and starting to look like
it's looking he might have
a point, you know.
601
00:24:46,533 --> 00:24:49,100
Yeah, I thought
he was mad when he said
that to be honest.
602
00:24:49,100 --> 00:24:51,333
But, yeah, you're right,
it's coming together.
It looks the part.
603
00:24:51,333 --> 00:24:53,066
I know you've driven it,
you said it was great.
604
00:24:53,066 --> 00:24:55,734
I'm keen to get behind
the wheel and just see how
605
00:24:55,734 --> 00:24:57,433
it compares to a Mexico
on the road.
606
00:24:57,433 --> 00:25:01,533
Why don't we sort of try it?
Let's see if this car is
better than a Mexico.
607
00:25:01,533 --> 00:25:03,634
Love to, yeah.
But we can't do that
until it's finished.
608
00:25:03,634 --> 00:25:04,867
-No.
-Shall we get it off
the trailer?
609
00:25:04,867 --> 00:25:05,967
Yeah, let me get that strap.
610
00:25:08,467 --> 00:25:11,000
[Marc] Our little Dolomite
sprint looks amazing after
611
00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:12,233
that paint job.
612
00:25:12,233 --> 00:25:14,734
I just hope Mike's
new interior's gonna
match up with it.
613
00:25:21,100 --> 00:25:22,734
Oh, look at that.
614
00:25:22,734 --> 00:25:24,533
Look at that,
that is great, isn't it?
615
00:25:24,533 --> 00:25:26,867
I mean I know it's not
the original brown color
616
00:25:26,867 --> 00:25:28,967
but I've gotta say
having now seen it,
617
00:25:28,967 --> 00:25:31,266
I think Mike's made exactly
the right decision
618
00:25:31,266 --> 00:25:33,533
in changing these to black.
They look amazing.
619
00:25:33,533 --> 00:25:35,533
They're the one thing,
on the outside at least,
620
00:25:35,533 --> 00:25:38,867
stopping it from being
a proper Dolomite Sprint
is this.
621
00:25:38,867 --> 00:25:40,967
We should have, of course,
have this vinyl roof on here
622
00:25:40,967 --> 00:25:43,533
and I know from experience
that is a tricky job
623
00:25:43,533 --> 00:25:45,734
and you only get one shot
at getting it right.
624
00:25:45,734 --> 00:25:46,480
So I think I'm gonna have
a phone around
625
00:25:46,480 --> 00:25:47,533
So I think I'm gonna have
a phone around
626
00:25:47,533 --> 00:25:49,800
and try and find an expert
to come and give me a hand
with it.
627
00:25:51,734 --> 00:25:54,867
[Mike] I'm on my way
to the Midlands to see
my mate, Alan,
628
00:25:54,867 --> 00:25:57,333
who's a specialist
in electroplating.
629
00:25:57,333 --> 00:26:00,066
So he's got all the skills
to make our bumpers look
630
00:26:00,066 --> 00:26:01,233
as good as new.
631
00:26:01,233 --> 00:26:03,533
There he is Alan,
how are you, buds?
632
00:26:03,533 --> 00:26:05,266
-Oh, hi, Mike.
-Good to see you.
633
00:26:05,266 --> 00:26:06,433
Nice to see you again.
634
00:26:06,433 --> 00:26:09,867
Al, I sent down my bumpers
from my Dolomite Sprint so,
635
00:26:09,867 --> 00:26:11,433
uh, what did you think of 'em?
636
00:26:11,433 --> 00:26:13,967
They were actually
in quite a bad state.
637
00:26:13,967 --> 00:26:16,467
-Ah.
-And it's not, it's not
from the front
638
00:26:16,467 --> 00:26:16,480
that has been the problem,
these have rotted through.
639
00:26:16,480 --> 00:26:20,533
that has been the problem,
these have rotted through.
640
00:26:20,533 --> 00:26:22,266
-On the inside.
-On the inside,
641
00:26:22,266 --> 00:26:25,533
it's the rust on the inside
that's the problem.
642
00:26:25,533 --> 00:26:27,867
But we can salvage 'em
'cause we can work
643
00:26:27,867 --> 00:26:29,166
minor miracles.
644
00:26:29,166 --> 00:26:30,734
Oh, Alan, that's fantastic.
645
00:26:30,734 --> 00:26:33,433
[Mike] Now this isn't gonna be
a spit and polish fix.
646
00:26:33,433 --> 00:26:37,000
We're taking things right back
and electroplating them
647
00:26:37,000 --> 00:26:38,467
from scratch.
648
00:26:38,467 --> 00:26:42,066
This process uses electricity
to coat the damaged parts
649
00:26:42,066 --> 00:26:43,533
in layers of metal.
650
00:26:43,533 --> 00:26:45,634
This will not only make them
look like new,
651
00:26:45,634 --> 00:26:46,480
but stop corrosion
in the future.
652
00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:48,734
but stop corrosion
in the future.
653
00:26:48,734 --> 00:26:51,533
Alan's already prepped
the rear bumper center section
654
00:26:51,533 --> 00:26:54,333
by removing the old plating
and sanding off
655
00:26:54,333 --> 00:26:55,634
all the corrosion marks.
656
00:26:55,634 --> 00:26:58,634
So after a quick rummage in
the health and safety dress up
box,
657
00:26:58,634 --> 00:27:00,533
we're ready to get to work.
658
00:27:00,533 --> 00:27:04,066
If I remember rightly,
this is the electro clean,
isn't it?
659
00:27:04,066 --> 00:27:06,634
-It is, yeah.
-What's going on
inside here then?
660
00:27:06,634 --> 00:27:08,634
There's various chemicals
in here that are,
661
00:27:08,634 --> 00:27:11,533
are great cleaners.
The best one being cyanide.
662
00:27:11,533 --> 00:27:14,734
-Oh, right, lovely.
-So you get the pleasure of
throwing the switch.
663
00:27:14,734 --> 00:27:16,480
Oh look at this,
this is pretty dramatic.
664
00:27:16,480 --> 00:27:16,500
Oh look at this,
this is pretty dramatic.
665
00:27:16,867 --> 00:27:18,533
Ready.
666
00:27:18,533 --> 00:27:21,867
She's alive.
Alive, I'm telling you.
667
00:27:21,867 --> 00:27:24,533
[Mike] As the electricity
flows through the solution
668
00:27:24,533 --> 00:27:27,100
any oxidization that
has occurred since
669
00:27:27,100 --> 00:27:28,433
the bumper was polished
670
00:27:28,433 --> 00:27:31,333
is pulled away
and fizzes at the surface.
671
00:27:31,333 --> 00:27:34,166
And now it's clean
and we can start plating.
672
00:27:34,166 --> 00:27:36,634
But we can't jump straight
into the chrome
673
00:27:36,634 --> 00:27:38,867
as we need to build up
the layers of protection
674
00:27:38,867 --> 00:27:42,333
on the steel starting with
two base layers of copper.
675
00:27:42,333 --> 00:27:44,333
So this should be
a nice salmon pink color.
676
00:27:44,333 --> 00:27:45,233
Yeah.
677
00:27:49,166 --> 00:27:52,533
So there we go.
This one's finished.
678
00:27:52,533 --> 00:27:55,100
[Mike] From here,
it's polished to
a mirror shine
679
00:27:55,100 --> 00:27:58,967
because any defects will be
highlighted when we apply
the chrome.
680
00:27:58,967 --> 00:28:01,634
Next we add a layer
of nickel plating
681
00:28:01,634 --> 00:28:04,266
which gives it the protection
from the elements.
682
00:28:04,266 --> 00:28:07,867
Right, so that's,
that's nickel now, is it?
683
00:28:07,867 --> 00:28:08,867
That is, yeah.
684
00:28:08,867 --> 00:28:11,433
We're almost at
the very last stage.
685
00:28:11,433 --> 00:28:13,634
Now the only problem
with nickel is that
686
00:28:13,634 --> 00:28:15,634
it tarnishes like steel
or brass.
687
00:28:15,634 --> 00:28:16,480
So the chrome,
it'll just go in the chrome
688
00:28:16,480 --> 00:28:18,066
So the chrome,
it'll just go in the chrome
689
00:28:18,066 --> 00:28:20,867
for a couple of minutes
and that puts on a layer
690
00:28:20,867 --> 00:28:22,000
that doesn't tarnish.
691
00:28:22,000 --> 00:28:24,867
-Yeah.
-So once that's put on there,
692
00:28:24,867 --> 00:28:26,634
then you don't have to polish
your bumpers every week.
693
00:28:26,634 --> 00:28:28,433
-You just need to clean them.
-Perfect.
694
00:28:28,433 --> 00:28:30,867
A few minutes later,
it's time to get
695
00:28:30,867 --> 00:28:34,433
our nickel plated bumper out
and into the final step of
696
00:28:34,433 --> 00:28:35,533
the chroming process.
697
00:28:35,533 --> 00:28:38,066
And that's it now in
the chrome tank, yeah?
698
00:28:38,066 --> 00:28:40,734
-Let me put the power on.
And we'll be chroming.
-Oh, right, okay.
699
00:28:40,734 --> 00:28:43,734
It's like working
in some Dickensian workshop.
700
00:28:43,734 --> 00:28:45,967
If you're wondering why
this tank looks like
701
00:28:45,967 --> 00:28:46,480
a kid's ball pool,
702
00:28:46,480 --> 00:28:47,066
a kid's ball pool,
703
00:28:47,066 --> 00:28:49,533
well, those plastic balls
are called croffles
704
00:28:49,533 --> 00:28:52,467
and they're there to stop
the heat escaping
from the tank.
705
00:28:52,467 --> 00:28:54,266
Look at that, off it goes.
706
00:28:54,266 --> 00:28:57,533
The chrome layer
is not normally any thicker
707
00:28:57,533 --> 00:28:59,867
than two hundred thousandths
of an inch thick.
708
00:28:59,867 --> 00:29:02,100
-Wow.
-There is very little
on there at all.
709
00:29:05,000 --> 00:29:06,166
There we go.
710
00:29:08,066 --> 00:29:10,600
Right at the moment
it's very orange.
711
00:29:11,533 --> 00:29:14,233
But this is the bit of magic
isn't it, this bit?
712
00:29:14,233 --> 00:29:16,480
Yeah, we're soon gonna
rinse all that off.
713
00:29:16,480 --> 00:29:16,734
Yeah, we're soon gonna
rinse all that off.
714
00:29:18,233 --> 00:29:19,367
Goes in there.
715
00:29:19,634 --> 00:29:22,266
Turns one color
716
00:29:22,266 --> 00:29:24,266
and then it goes in here
and I love this bit.
717
00:29:24,634 --> 00:29:26,634
And as if by magic.
718
00:29:26,634 --> 00:29:32,166
[laughs] Oh, look at that,
that is absolutely fantastic.
719
00:29:32,166 --> 00:29:34,867
Wow. What a quality finish.
720
00:29:34,867 --> 00:29:37,867
Well, listen, you've just got
the rest of them to do now,
haven't you?
721
00:29:37,867 --> 00:29:40,533
Yeah. I think
we'll get 'em done
and get 'em off to you.
722
00:29:40,533 --> 00:29:42,533
Yeah, if you can ship 'em
back to the workshop,
723
00:29:42,533 --> 00:29:43,634
thank you so much.
724
00:29:43,634 --> 00:29:46,166
Thanks for giving us a
hand up on the plant today.
725
00:29:46,166 --> 00:29:46,480
I've loved every minute of it.
726
00:29:46,480 --> 00:29:47,600
I've loved every minute of it.
727
00:29:49,433 --> 00:29:51,734
[Marc] Whilst Mike's off
re-chroming our bumpers,
728
00:29:51,734 --> 00:29:53,867
I've called in Lee,
who's a vinyl roof
729
00:29:53,867 --> 00:29:56,800
fitting specialist with over
20 years' experience.
730
00:29:59,166 --> 00:30:01,734
So if there's anyone who can
make sure I don't end up
731
00:30:01,734 --> 00:30:04,433
in a sticky situation,
it's him.
732
00:30:04,433 --> 00:30:06,734
Right, well Lee, we've been
prepping this,
733
00:30:06,734 --> 00:30:08,967
cleaning the top
for quite a while now.
734
00:30:08,967 --> 00:30:12,467
-How's it looking on
your side?
-Looking pretty good.
735
00:30:12,467 --> 00:30:15,266
I guess it's a super
important part of
the process, this,
736
00:30:15,266 --> 00:30:18,000
'cause you've gotta get rid of
any specks of dust or dirt
737
00:30:18,000 --> 00:30:18,680
before we think about
putting a vinyl roof down.
738
00:30:18,680 --> 00:30:20,166
before we think about
putting a vinyl roof down.
739
00:30:20,166 --> 00:30:22,000
That's right, yeah.
You want the glue to stick
740
00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:24,266
-as well as possible.
-Yeah. All right.
741
00:30:24,266 --> 00:30:27,433
[Marc] The vinyl roof was
originally used back
in the 1920s
742
00:30:27,433 --> 00:30:30,634
to make hard tops look like
more desirable convertibles,
743
00:30:30,634 --> 00:30:32,266
from a distance of course.
744
00:30:32,266 --> 00:30:35,000
And even back when our car
was built in the '70s,
745
00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:37,367
it was still seen
as a desirable option.
746
00:30:38,333 --> 00:30:40,467
So with the roof cleaned
to a mirror finish,
747
00:30:40,467 --> 00:30:43,100
the next stage is to mark up
precisely where
748
00:30:43,100 --> 00:30:44,967
our new vinyl needs to sit.
749
00:30:44,967 --> 00:30:47,867
Oh, I see you're picking up
off the two inserts
750
00:30:47,867 --> 00:30:48,680
-for the mirror.
-That's it, yeah.
751
00:30:48,680 --> 00:30:49,433
-for the mirror.
-That's it, yeah.
752
00:30:49,433 --> 00:30:52,000
Because they would've been
set in that exact position
in the jig
753
00:30:52,000 --> 00:30:54,166
-in the factory, so we know
they're central.
-That's right.
754
00:30:54,166 --> 00:30:56,266
Yeah, okay, nice and then
we line the little notch up
755
00:30:56,266 --> 00:30:57,533
with the mark.
756
00:30:57,533 --> 00:30:58,734
And then same
at the other end.
757
00:30:58,734 --> 00:31:00,533
Yeah, so we need one
for the back.
758
00:31:00,533 --> 00:31:03,634
Right so you haven't got quite
as a, a definitive mark
759
00:31:03,634 --> 00:31:04,800
for the center line here.
760
00:31:04,800 --> 00:31:08,233
No, so we'll use the,
this vent cut out.
761
00:31:09,634 --> 00:31:11,433
And find the center of that.
762
00:31:11,433 --> 00:31:14,166
So we know the vent
is gonna be central
across the car.
763
00:31:14,166 --> 00:31:15,867
You've just gotta find
the center of the vent.
764
00:31:15,867 --> 00:31:17,467
-That's right, yeah.
-Okay.
765
00:31:17,467 --> 00:31:18,680
[Marc] With everything
marked up perfectly,
766
00:31:18,680 --> 00:31:19,533
[Marc] With everything
marked up perfectly,
767
00:31:19,533 --> 00:31:21,367
we can start applying
the glue.
768
00:31:21,367 --> 00:31:24,233
Lee's putting a thin layer on
the vinyl itself and then
769
00:31:24,233 --> 00:31:25,634
more on the roof of the car,
770
00:31:25,634 --> 00:31:28,533
so we get the very best
adhesion possible.
771
00:31:28,533 --> 00:31:30,734
Then because we're only
gonna get one go at this,
772
00:31:30,734 --> 00:31:33,233
I've roped in Dan again
for some more help.
773
00:31:34,634 --> 00:31:36,266
There you go, I've found
a friend.
774
00:31:36,266 --> 00:31:39,333
-You nearly done?
-Right, uh, nearly there.
775
00:31:42,266 --> 00:31:45,333
[Marc] Right, here we go,
one wrong move here and
776
00:31:45,333 --> 00:31:46,700
we're gonna be
in a world of pain.
777
00:31:48,533 --> 00:31:48,680
And then you see that
little white mark on top.
778
00:31:48,680 --> 00:31:50,533
And then you see that
little white mark on top.
779
00:31:50,533 --> 00:31:52,734
-[Dan] Yeah.
-We're gonna line that up
with this leading edge,
780
00:31:52,734 --> 00:31:54,634
this lip of the front
of the roof.
781
00:31:54,634 --> 00:31:57,333
So I think we need
to come forward a little bit.
782
00:32:01,266 --> 00:32:04,100
I mean, Lee, to me
that's looking really good,
are you happy?
783
00:32:04,100 --> 00:32:06,800
I am. We've got
no air bubbles,
we've got no...
784
00:32:06,800 --> 00:32:09,066
Yeah, that's the hard part
over with.
785
00:32:09,066 --> 00:32:10,900
Good, well done mate.
Nice one.
786
00:32:13,000 --> 00:32:14,734
[Marc] Next, we're adding
a layer of glue
787
00:32:14,734 --> 00:32:16,867
to the gutter rail sections
on both sides
788
00:32:16,867 --> 00:32:18,680
and sticking them down.
789
00:32:18,680 --> 00:32:18,967
and sticking them down.
790
00:32:18,967 --> 00:32:21,734
Before Lee gives them
a quick blast with
the heat gun
791
00:32:21,734 --> 00:32:23,634
so the fabric becomes
more malleable
792
00:32:23,634 --> 00:32:25,634
and it can get stuck nice
and tightly around
793
00:32:25,634 --> 00:32:26,800
all the fiddly bits.
794
00:32:28,533 --> 00:32:30,533
Then there's just
a few trims to make
795
00:32:30,533 --> 00:32:32,800
before we can crack on with
covering the seat pillars.
796
00:32:35,634 --> 00:32:37,800
I tell you what,
what a difference it's made.
797
00:32:37,800 --> 00:32:40,433
You know a few hours work,
I mean, what a transformation
798
00:32:40,433 --> 00:32:42,266
-to this car.
-I know, it's amazing.
799
00:32:42,266 --> 00:32:44,634
It really is. I've still got
a bit of work to do,
of course,
800
00:32:44,634 --> 00:32:47,100
I need to get that interior
in, but once that's in
801
00:32:47,100 --> 00:32:48,680
and I can't wait to show Mike
'cause he hasn't seen it
802
00:32:48,680 --> 00:32:49,066
and I can't wait to show Mike
'cause he hasn't seen it
803
00:32:49,066 --> 00:32:50,634
in this state,
he's gonna love it.
804
00:32:52,867 --> 00:32:55,734
[Marc] Our Dolomite Sprint
is almost ready
to put
805
00:32:55,734 --> 00:32:56,800
through its paces
806
00:32:56,800 --> 00:32:59,967
to find out if it could
in a way be deemed better
807
00:32:59,967 --> 00:33:02,867
than the iconic
Mark 1 Escort Mexico.
808
00:33:02,867 --> 00:33:05,367
But before that can happen,
I need Mike to arrive
809
00:33:05,367 --> 00:33:07,333
with our freshly
chromed bumpers.
810
00:33:09,367 --> 00:33:12,367
[laughs] Hello, mate,
how you doing?
811
00:33:12,367 --> 00:33:14,800
Oh, you're gonna love this.
812
00:33:14,800 --> 00:33:17,533
Look at those.
Aren't they just amazing?
813
00:33:17,533 --> 00:33:18,680
Chroming is a dying art,
but, when people do it,
814
00:33:18,680 --> 00:33:21,800
Chroming is a dying art,
but, when people do it,
815
00:33:21,800 --> 00:33:25,367
they do an amazing job,
don't they?
They look brand new.
816
00:33:25,367 --> 00:33:28,867
What do you reckon?
[laughs] Is that our car?
817
00:33:28,867 --> 00:33:30,634
Do you remember it
when it first came back?
818
00:33:30,634 --> 00:33:31,967
Do I remember it
when it came back,
819
00:33:31,967 --> 00:33:35,000
I just can't take it all in.
Look at this, a vinyl roof,
820
00:33:35,000 --> 00:33:38,100
when was the last time
you'd seen one of them.
Did you do that?
821
00:33:38,100 --> 00:33:40,000
Uh, I did do it.
I called in a bit of help,
822
00:33:40,000 --> 00:33:41,800
a guy called Lee came down
to help me out
823
00:33:41,800 --> 00:33:42,967
'cause it's a tricky job.
824
00:33:42,967 --> 00:33:45,367
It is a dying art in itself,
but how good does it look?
825
00:33:45,367 --> 00:33:47,367
I can't believe it's still
our car.
826
00:33:47,367 --> 00:33:48,680
Yes, and I do remember
what it looked like.
827
00:33:48,680 --> 00:33:49,367
Yes, and I do remember
what it looked like.
828
00:33:49,367 --> 00:33:52,867
We had a green bonnet,
a brown boot lid, beige doors,
829
00:33:52,867 --> 00:33:54,634
a bit of patch of blue
was there somewhere.
830
00:33:54,634 --> 00:33:56,100
That's right,
remember the interior?
831
00:33:56,100 --> 00:33:58,333
It was a cacophony
of different colors
and materials.
832
00:33:58,333 --> 00:34:00,333
But I sourced that interior.
833
00:34:00,333 --> 00:34:02,000
Tied it all together,
hasn't it?
834
00:34:02,000 --> 00:34:03,166
Yeah. It really has,
mate, yeah.
835
00:34:03,166 --> 00:34:04,533
He's done a cracking job
in there.
836
00:34:04,533 --> 00:34:06,367
It's great and with
these final bits on,
837
00:34:06,367 --> 00:34:07,734
I can't wait to get it
out on the road.
838
00:34:07,734 --> 00:34:09,634
Right, now, you remember
when I bought this car,
839
00:34:09,634 --> 00:34:13,100
the guy Chris said that
he felt this car
was well overlooked
840
00:34:13,100 --> 00:34:16,000
and it holds its own
up against the Mexico.
841
00:34:16,000 --> 00:34:17,166
-Yeah.
-And I said we should have
842
00:34:17,166 --> 00:34:18,680
some kind of sort of
challenge,
843
00:34:18,680 --> 00:34:18,967
some kind of sort of
challenge,
844
00:34:18,967 --> 00:34:23,333
uh, to see if this sort of
meets the benchmark
of the Mexico.
845
00:34:23,333 --> 00:34:25,266
Well, I've arranged that.
I've got one set up.
846
00:34:25,266 --> 00:34:26,967
Be interesting to see 'em
next to each other,
wouldn't it?
847
00:34:26,967 --> 00:34:28,467
What I want to find out is,
848
00:34:28,467 --> 00:34:30,266
why did people go for
the Mexico
849
00:34:30,266 --> 00:34:31,800
and why did people overlook
this car.
850
00:34:31,800 --> 00:34:32,867
They shouldn't have done.
851
00:34:32,867 --> 00:34:34,266
Yeah. All right, mate, well,
let's get it buttoned up
852
00:34:34,266 --> 00:34:36,500
-and get it on the road.
-Lovely, right,
I'll do the bumper.
853
00:34:38,367 --> 00:34:40,634
[Mike] We've taken one
of the most underrated
British cars ever built...
854
00:34:40,634 --> 00:34:45,734
Oh, yes! That's the magic of
a Triumph Dolomite Sprint.
855
00:34:45,734 --> 00:34:49,166
...and transformed it from
a messy patchwork quilt...
856
00:34:49,166 --> 00:34:51,266
You must be either on your way
from the scrapheap or
857
00:34:51,266 --> 00:34:53,467
on your way to the scrapheap.
Look at the state of that.
858
00:34:53,467 --> 00:34:55,800
...into an everyman classic.
859
00:34:55,800 --> 00:34:57,867
-Mate, that's stunning.
-You like it?
860
00:34:57,867 --> 00:34:59,533
Oh, so good,
I love the color.
861
00:34:59,533 --> 00:35:03,166
[Mike] ...that is now ready
to prove its worth against
the competition.
862
00:35:03,166 --> 00:35:06,734
We now have a fully
operational overdrive system
863
00:35:06,734 --> 00:35:07,880
and that's one thing
the Ford Escort Mark 1 Mexico
864
00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:09,467
and that's one thing
the Ford Escort Mark 1 Mexico
865
00:35:09,467 --> 00:35:11,000
never ever had.
866
00:35:11,000 --> 00:35:15,000
[Mike] But how much has
this remarkable renovation
set us back?
867
00:35:16,166 --> 00:35:20,900
I originally bought the car
from Chris at £6,250.
868
00:35:20,900 --> 00:35:23,900
The overdrive fix
set us back 104 quid,
869
00:35:23,900 --> 00:35:26,467
the new interior was 250,
870
00:35:26,467 --> 00:35:29,800
the E10 conversion kit was 288
871
00:35:29,800 --> 00:35:33,634
and that spanking
vinyl roof, 520.
872
00:35:35,367 --> 00:35:37,880
The re-chrome brightwork
was 600
873
00:35:37,880 --> 00:35:38,000
The re-chrome brightwork
was 600
874
00:35:38,000 --> 00:35:41,800
and finally the new paint job
cost £1,800.
875
00:35:41,800 --> 00:35:47,266
Giving us a grand total
of £9,812.
876
00:35:47,266 --> 00:35:50,734
But does this Sprint
now have the legs
to live up to its name?
877
00:35:50,734 --> 00:35:53,266
Well, there's only one way
to find out.
878
00:35:54,367 --> 00:35:57,166
-Wow. I mean, wow.
-It's all right, innit?
879
00:35:57,166 --> 00:35:58,533
It's fantastic.
880
00:35:58,533 --> 00:36:02,467
But this is no aimless cruise
through the countryside.
881
00:36:02,467 --> 00:36:05,734
The reason that I have
driven you all the way down
882
00:36:05,734 --> 00:36:07,634
to Wales is 'cause
I'm taking us
883
00:36:07,634 --> 00:36:07,880
to a special little circuit.
884
00:36:07,880 --> 00:36:09,100
to a special little circuit.
885
00:36:09,100 --> 00:36:10,734
Now I've arranged
for the day,
886
00:36:10,734 --> 00:36:12,533
not that we can race
each other
887
00:36:12,533 --> 00:36:15,367
but I thought me and you,
we can see the differences
888
00:36:15,367 --> 00:36:18,533
between this
and a little Escort Mexico.
889
00:36:18,533 --> 00:36:20,000
So we can get out on
the circuit
890
00:36:20,000 --> 00:36:23,734
and we can test these cars
and see which one we prefer.
891
00:36:23,734 --> 00:36:26,734
-Oh, mate,
you had me at circuit.
-[both laugh]
892
00:36:37,100 --> 00:36:37,880
Wow.
That looks great, don't it?
893
00:36:37,880 --> 00:36:39,467
Wow.
That looks great, don't it?
894
00:36:39,467 --> 00:36:41,467
That is fantastic,
look at that for a car.
895
00:36:41,467 --> 00:36:43,467
-Oh, it's lovely.
-I absolutely love those.
896
00:36:43,467 --> 00:36:45,266
What a great example
of it as well.
897
00:36:45,266 --> 00:36:46,734
-It's beautiful, isn't it?
-Yeah.
898
00:36:46,734 --> 00:36:48,634
But look at the difference
between the two.
899
00:36:48,634 --> 00:36:51,000
You know that has got
a split front bumper,
900
00:36:51,000 --> 00:36:53,467
two lights, this is
a solid bumper
with four lights.
901
00:36:53,467 --> 00:36:56,734
I feel like this looks like
a bit of a meaner front end.
902
00:36:56,734 --> 00:36:58,100
Do you know what I mean?
I mean, a bit more aggressive.
903
00:36:58,100 --> 00:37:01,367
Yeah, with
that egg crate grille.
It does look more purposeful.
904
00:37:01,367 --> 00:37:03,734
It looks like it wants to
go quicker, doesn't it?
905
00:37:03,734 --> 00:37:05,533
And look at this
down the side as well.
906
00:37:05,533 --> 00:37:07,880
Our Dolomite Sprint has
magnesium alloy wheels
907
00:37:07,880 --> 00:37:08,800
Our Dolomite Sprint has
magnesium alloy wheels
908
00:37:08,800 --> 00:37:12,100
where the Escort has
steel wheels with hub caps.
909
00:37:12,100 --> 00:37:13,734
Yeah, that's a good point.
It's another win
910
00:37:13,734 --> 00:37:15,266
for the Dolomite
in terms of sportiness,
911
00:37:15,266 --> 00:37:17,367
-you're right, yeah.
-You think about this car.
912
00:37:17,367 --> 00:37:20,000
it's not saying
I'm a family car.
913
00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:21,533
It's clearly not.
914
00:37:21,533 --> 00:37:24,900
It's only a two door.
Yes, they did a four door
version of the Ford Escort,
915
00:37:24,900 --> 00:37:27,000
but it wasn't in
the sporty version.
916
00:37:27,000 --> 00:37:28,734
Where the Dolomite out
the factory
917
00:37:28,734 --> 00:37:32,166
was a four door car,
therefore I'm a family car.
918
00:37:32,166 --> 00:37:34,367
Plus once you put
a vinyl roof on something,
919
00:37:34,367 --> 00:37:35,467
-it ages it.
-Yeah.
920
00:37:35,467 --> 00:37:37,367
It makes it a middle aged
person's car.
921
00:37:37,367 --> 00:37:37,880
And the theme followed on,
on the inside,
922
00:37:37,880 --> 00:37:39,634
And the theme followed on,
on the inside,
923
00:37:39,634 --> 00:37:41,467
it's got a wooden dashboard
where the Escort has got
924
00:37:41,467 --> 00:37:44,467
nice chrome buttons
and a deep dish
steering wheel.
925
00:37:44,467 --> 00:37:48,533
It's saying I'm younger.
This is saying I'm older.
926
00:37:48,533 --> 00:37:50,166
And that could be
the difference.
927
00:37:50,166 --> 00:37:52,867
Yeah, but, listen,
that is only half
the story, isn't it?
928
00:37:52,867 --> 00:37:54,367
'Cause those things
are all about appearance
929
00:37:54,367 --> 00:37:56,166
and that's only half
the tale of what makes
930
00:37:56,166 --> 00:37:57,367
a car good or not.
931
00:37:57,367 --> 00:37:59,467
The other thing is how
it drives and, look,
932
00:37:59,467 --> 00:38:00,800
we're at a race track, mate.
933
00:38:00,800 --> 00:38:03,266
Well, let's try it.
Your helmet has been
put in the car for you.
934
00:38:03,266 --> 00:38:05,734
Mine's been put in this,
see you out there.
935
00:38:06,800 --> 00:38:07,880
[Mike] Right, this is it,
time to see
936
00:38:07,880 --> 00:38:08,533
[Mike] Right, this is it,
time to see
937
00:38:08,533 --> 00:38:10,900
what these cars are all about.
938
00:38:10,900 --> 00:38:14,734
I'm in the Mexico and that's
about 190 kilos lighter
939
00:38:14,734 --> 00:38:16,166
than the Dolomite.
940
00:38:16,166 --> 00:38:19,000
But Elvis has got 42
more horsepower than me
941
00:38:19,000 --> 00:38:21,700
and that all important
overdrive gear.
942
00:38:23,533 --> 00:38:26,734
Oh, yes. Into that first bend.
943
00:38:26,734 --> 00:38:30,100
Oh. Go on, son,
get your slipper down.
944
00:38:32,367 --> 00:38:35,367
Oh, I've got you,
I've got you, I've got you,
I've got you.
945
00:38:35,367 --> 00:38:37,880
-Come on.
-[laughs]
946
00:38:37,880 --> 00:38:38,000
-Come on.
-[laughs]
947
00:38:38,000 --> 00:38:39,634
Here we go.
All right then,
948
00:38:39,634 --> 00:38:42,467
if we're gonna race,
let me put my foot right down.
949
00:38:42,467 --> 00:38:44,867
Yeah, there we go,
that's where it comes
into its own.
950
00:38:44,867 --> 00:38:48,266
Look at the speed of
that Sprint, that's amazing.
951
00:38:49,734 --> 00:38:51,100
This is fantastic, innit?
952
00:38:51,100 --> 00:38:53,100
Look at us, we look like
we're about to start
953
00:38:53,100 --> 00:38:56,166
a touring car race
in the 1970s, don't we,
me and you?
954
00:38:56,166 --> 00:39:01,367
But this Escort feels
so nimble and so light.
955
00:39:01,367 --> 00:39:03,367
But from the outside,
it looks light and nimble.
956
00:39:03,367 --> 00:39:04,634
What's that Dolomite like?
957
00:39:04,634 --> 00:39:07,634
This is really nice.
It's running so sweetly
honestly.
958
00:39:07,634 --> 00:39:07,880
And actually, now
I've just stuck my foot down,
959
00:39:07,880 --> 00:39:09,467
And actually, now
I've just stuck my foot down,
960
00:39:09,467 --> 00:39:11,000
it sounds great as well.
961
00:39:11,000 --> 00:39:12,367
Definitely got a bit
of poke 'cause I've got
962
00:39:12,367 --> 00:39:14,533
a bit more horsepower
than you.
963
00:39:14,533 --> 00:39:16,367
There's 127 horsepower
in this car.
964
00:39:16,367 --> 00:39:20,367
Well, I've only got 85
in this one, unfortunately.
965
00:39:20,367 --> 00:39:22,734
Even so, this might be
quicker in a straight line,
966
00:39:22,734 --> 00:39:24,867
but I think,
given the weight comparison
967
00:39:24,867 --> 00:39:26,266
you're probably a bit more
nimble and quick
968
00:39:26,266 --> 00:39:27,367
through the corners,
aren't you?
969
00:39:27,367 --> 00:39:29,800
[Mike] Yeah, I mean, this one
won't keep up with
970
00:39:29,800 --> 00:39:32,467
that I don't think
because 0 to 60 in this car
971
00:39:32,467 --> 00:39:34,533
is approaching 11 seconds.
972
00:39:34,533 --> 00:39:37,880
It's 10.7 seconds.
What does that get to 60 in?
973
00:39:37,880 --> 00:39:37,900
It's 10.7 seconds.
What does that get to 60 in?
974
00:39:37,900 --> 00:39:39,467
Yeah, this is 8.4
seconds, mate.
975
00:39:39,467 --> 00:39:41,266
Yeah, so you're gonna leave me
at the traffic light
976
00:39:41,266 --> 00:39:44,467
grand prix, you are away
and gone, aren't you?
977
00:39:44,467 --> 00:39:46,266
Yeah, yeah.
978
00:39:46,266 --> 00:39:49,166
The difference being that
when you push it into a bend,
979
00:39:49,166 --> 00:39:52,734
I can see you tip over a bit
more on the suspension
980
00:39:52,734 --> 00:39:54,800
and I've got, uh,
race suspension
981
00:39:54,800 --> 00:39:56,634
and race brakes
where you don't.
982
00:39:56,634 --> 00:39:58,800
Out of those corners
and along a straight
like this,
983
00:39:58,800 --> 00:40:00,734
if I stick my foot really
to the floor,
984
00:40:00,734 --> 00:40:02,000
you'll be left
in my rear view mirror.
985
00:40:02,000 --> 00:40:03,367
I've got a funny feeling
I will be.
986
00:40:03,367 --> 00:40:05,634
Do you, fancy going for it?
That's what we're here for,
innit?
987
00:40:05,634 --> 00:40:07,367
Go on then, fella,
away you go.
988
00:40:07,367 --> 00:40:07,880
I'm gonna see
if I can catch up with you.
989
00:40:07,880 --> 00:40:08,800
I'm gonna see
if I can catch up with you.
990
00:40:10,000 --> 00:40:12,634
-Whoo.
-Oh, yes.
991
00:40:14,266 --> 00:40:19,000
Look at the end of the day,
everyone in the classic car
world is,
992
00:40:19,000 --> 00:40:22,800
would be screaming to get in
the seat with me right now.
993
00:40:22,800 --> 00:40:25,800
They'd wanna be in this car.
And they may overlook
994
00:40:25,800 --> 00:40:27,000
that Dolomite Sprint,
995
00:40:27,000 --> 00:40:29,266
but actually in terms
of figures and what
996
00:40:29,266 --> 00:40:30,634
we're experiencing,
997
00:40:30,634 --> 00:40:33,900
the Dolomite should stand up
on its own, shouldn't it?
998
00:40:33,900 --> 00:40:36,634
It's very true, mate,
yeah, it's an unsung hero.
999
00:40:38,800 --> 00:40:41,266
Looks fantastic, you know,
that car.
1000
00:40:41,266 --> 00:40:45,266
Wow, we have turned out
a really, really lovely motor.
1001
00:40:45,266 --> 00:40:47,734
It looks amazing from behind.
1002
00:40:47,734 --> 00:40:50,000
Come on, look, this is where
I've got you again.
1003
00:40:50,000 --> 00:40:52,700
-Out the way.
Go on get out of the way.
-[laughs]
1004
00:40:55,800 --> 00:40:59,467
You know I get
why people loved,
uh, the Ford Escort
1005
00:40:59,467 --> 00:41:02,367
but I do believe after this
experience that me and you
1006
00:41:02,367 --> 00:41:05,000
have just had
with the Triumph
Dolomite Sprint,
1007
00:41:05,000 --> 00:41:07,634
that car deserves its place
in history
1008
00:41:07,634 --> 00:41:07,880
and I think it's time
for that car to shine through
1009
00:41:07,880 --> 00:41:11,266
and I think it's time
for that car to shine through
1010
00:41:11,266 --> 00:41:12,800
and I'm really pleased me
and you have had
1011
00:41:12,800 --> 00:41:15,367
this opportunity to shine
a light on it.
1012
00:41:15,367 --> 00:41:17,367
Absolutely, mate,
I couldn't be prouder of what
1013
00:41:17,367 --> 00:41:18,266
we've turned out here.
1014
00:41:19,467 --> 00:41:24,100
Oh, this is fantastic.
What two amazing cars.
1015
00:41:37,467 --> 00:41:37,880
I'll be honest with you,
when I bought
this Dolomite Sprint,
1016
00:41:37,880 --> 00:41:40,266
I'll be honest with you,
when I bought
this Dolomite Sprint,
1017
00:41:40,266 --> 00:41:43,266
I never thought it would
look as good as this.
1018
00:41:43,266 --> 00:41:45,266
It looks epic
and not only that,
1019
00:41:45,266 --> 00:41:47,800
we've proved that
it drives really well, too,
1020
00:41:47,800 --> 00:41:50,634
putting it head to head
against that Escort Mexico.
1021
00:41:50,634 --> 00:41:54,800
The spotlight I think has
now started to shift across
1022
00:41:54,800 --> 00:41:56,166
to the Dolomite sprints.
1023
00:41:56,166 --> 00:41:57,734
Now I advertised it
out there,
1024
00:41:57,734 --> 00:42:01,000
I think for a very
reasonable 13,750.
1025
00:42:01,000 --> 00:42:03,867
I've priced it to sell.
And Ibby here has
1026
00:42:03,867 --> 00:42:06,900
beaten a path to my door
and he's come
all the way from Leeds.
1027
00:42:06,900 --> 00:42:07,880
Let's see if he wants
to buy it.
1028
00:42:07,880 --> 00:42:08,533
Let's see if he wants
to buy it.
1029
00:42:08,533 --> 00:42:10,467
-So then, Ibby.
-Hiya.
1030
00:42:10,467 --> 00:42:12,000
Why a Triumph Dolomite Sprint?
1031
00:42:12,000 --> 00:42:14,000
Well, I had one when I was 17.
1032
00:42:14,000 --> 00:42:16,800
And then I had to sell it
to buy my first house, so...
1033
00:42:16,800 --> 00:42:18,900
Oh, mate! That must have hurt.
1034
00:42:18,900 --> 00:42:20,467
What a cool car to have
when you're 17.
1035
00:42:20,467 --> 00:42:22,166
Oh, it was wicked car, yeah.
1036
00:42:22,166 --> 00:42:24,000
So you like the jobs
that we've done to this?
1037
00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:25,533
-Oh, it's brilliant yeah.
-You like it?
1038
00:42:25,533 --> 00:42:28,867
Yeah, really like it,
color's, well,
color's spot on.
1039
00:42:28,867 --> 00:42:30,533
Lovely, well,
we've done a lot to it.
1040
00:42:30,533 --> 00:42:32,166
Drives lovely,
it looks amazing.
1041
00:42:32,166 --> 00:42:34,100
Well, listen,
we've advertised it out there,
1042
00:42:34,100 --> 00:42:35,900
I think at
a really reasonable price.
1043
00:42:35,900 --> 00:42:37,880
One, that I know
I'm gonna sell it immediately,
1044
00:42:37,880 --> 00:42:38,000
One, that I know
I'm gonna sell it immediately,
1045
00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:39,734
if not to you,
to somebody else.
1046
00:42:39,734 --> 00:42:42,533
I need 13,750 for it,
what do you say?
1047
00:42:42,533 --> 00:42:46,266
Well, as soon as
I saw it advertised,
I went for it, so, yeah.
1048
00:42:46,266 --> 00:42:47,734
-You got a deal?
-Yeah, you've got a deal.
1049
00:42:47,734 --> 00:42:50,800
Lovely, mate, you just
bought yourself an epic car.
Well done.
1050
00:42:50,800 --> 00:42:52,900
Cheers. Thank you.
1051
00:42:54,467 --> 00:42:58,166
This car had all
the attributes to be an icon.
1052
00:42:58,166 --> 00:43:00,900
But somehow,
it slipped through the net,
1053
00:43:00,900 --> 00:43:04,100
but for me and Elvis,
it has been a bit
of a triumph.
1054
00:43:04,100 --> 00:43:07,266
If you wanna see more cars
like this being turned around,
1055
00:43:07,266 --> 00:43:07,880
then join us again soon
on Wheeler Dealers. Ta-ta.