1
00:00:00,867 --> 00:00:02,000
[Mike] This time...
2
00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:03,734
-[laughs] Wow.
-Look at that.
3
00:00:03,734 --> 00:00:05,266
[Mike] Yes, look at that.
4
00:00:05,266 --> 00:00:07,367
...we're taking on
the high-class cousin
5
00:00:07,367 --> 00:00:10,500
of one of
the most unloved cars
Britain ever built...
6
00:00:10,500 --> 00:00:12,867
-Right then, Elvis,
step into the office...
-Ah.
7
00:00:12,867 --> 00:00:14,266
...of the Vanden Plas.
8
00:00:14,266 --> 00:00:17,000
...to see if we can
change people's opinion
9
00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:19,600
and prove
they've got it all wrong.
10
00:00:19,600 --> 00:00:22,367
So you start to fall in love
with that little car, then?
11
00:00:22,367 --> 00:00:24,367
[laughs] Well,
love's a strong word.
12
00:00:24,367 --> 00:00:27,600
So can Elvis be this motor's
Prince Charming?
13
00:00:27,600 --> 00:00:30,000
[Elvis] This is gonna be like
trying to wake
Sleeping Beauty, isn't it?
14
00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:30,467
[Elvis] This is gonna be like
trying to wake
Sleeping Beauty, isn't it?
15
00:00:30,467 --> 00:00:32,600
Apart from the beauty bit.
Here we go.
16
00:00:32,600 --> 00:00:35,100
[Mike] Get it wrong,
and we'll be
the laughing stock
17
00:00:35,100 --> 00:00:37,000
of the automotive world.
18
00:00:37,000 --> 00:00:39,867
Either we haven't got a spark
in each of the four cylinders
19
00:00:39,867 --> 00:00:41,467
or that spark's
not strong enough.
20
00:00:41,467 --> 00:00:44,000
That does not look right.
21
00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:45,634
[Mike] But get it right,
22
00:00:45,634 --> 00:00:48,600
and this car could get
the second life it deserves.
23
00:00:48,600 --> 00:00:51,100
-What do you think of ours?
-Aged like a fine wine.
24
00:00:51,100 --> 00:00:53,700
Excuse me,
excuse me, excuse me.
25
00:00:53,700 --> 00:00:57,100
I love you. Thank you
so much for saying that.
26
00:00:57,967 --> 00:01:00,000
It's like holding onto
a wild beast.
27
00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:00,367
It's like holding onto
a wild beast.
28
00:01:00,367 --> 00:01:02,367
I'm Mike Brewer,
and I've been buying
29
00:01:02,367 --> 00:01:04,467
and selling cars
for nearly 40 years.
30
00:01:04,467 --> 00:01:08,467
It's rattly, smelly,
and it's blooming brilliant.
31
00:01:08,467 --> 00:01:12,333
Now I've set up shop
in Britain's motoring
heritage heartland...
32
00:01:14,533 --> 00:01:16,600
Oh, yes!
33
00:01:16,600 --> 00:01:20,166
...along with
ex-Formula 1 mechanic,
Marc "Elvis" Priestley.
34
00:01:20,166 --> 00:01:22,634
So that engine management
light never put you off, then?
35
00:01:22,634 --> 00:01:24,166
Together, we get to buy...
36
00:01:24,166 --> 00:01:25,867
-Think you're the right man
for it.
-Top man?
37
00:01:25,867 --> 00:01:27,734
-...and fix up...
-Look at the state of it.
38
00:01:27,734 --> 00:01:29,467
It's got
the Spirit of Ecstasy
and everything.
39
00:01:29,467 --> 00:01:30,000
...the most iconic
and exciting cars
on the market.
40
00:01:30,000 --> 00:01:32,867
...the most iconic
and exciting cars
on the market.
41
00:01:32,867 --> 00:01:35,867
-This is gonna be epic.
-Bolt a supercharger to it,
42
00:01:35,867 --> 00:01:38,367
and you end up with a car
that does this.
43
00:01:38,367 --> 00:01:40,634
With Elvis'
engineering skill...
44
00:01:40,634 --> 00:01:42,867
And there it is,
the offending article.
45
00:01:42,867 --> 00:01:44,600
...and my
car dealing clout...
46
00:01:44,600 --> 00:01:46,066
He's gonna be
over the moon, innit?
47
00:01:46,066 --> 00:01:47,467
Elvis better get
the posh tools ready.
48
00:01:47,467 --> 00:01:50,500
...we should be able
to make ourselves
a tidy profit.
49
00:01:50,500 --> 00:01:53,433
Because this is my job,
and I blooming love it.
50
00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:58,100
[theme music playing]
51
00:02:05,867 --> 00:02:07,600
So, right turn, Clyde.
52
00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:09,266
Right turn, Clyde.
53
00:02:09,266 --> 00:02:11,867
Straight over
at the roundabout.
54
00:02:11,867 --> 00:02:13,533
Go on, then, mate,
put me out of my misery.
55
00:02:13,533 --> 00:02:16,000
What are we going to see
this time? Why am I here?
56
00:02:16,000 --> 00:02:18,266
You won't be in misery,
let's put it that way,
57
00:02:18,266 --> 00:02:20,266
but we're going to see
an iconic car.
58
00:02:20,266 --> 00:02:23,367
-[laughs] Really?
-Yep, from the 1970s.
59
00:02:23,367 --> 00:02:25,367
-Okay.
-Yeah, it's British.
60
00:02:25,367 --> 00:02:30,000
-Yeah.
-And it's probably the most
unloved car of all time.
61
00:02:30,000 --> 00:02:30,266
-Yeah.
-And it's probably the most
unloved car of all time.
62
00:02:31,467 --> 00:02:33,734
-What? An Allegro?
Is it an Allegro?
-[laughs]
63
00:02:33,734 --> 00:02:35,734
-Is it?
-Sort of.
64
00:02:35,734 --> 00:02:38,266
It's an Allegro
that's been at
a plastic surgeon.
65
00:02:38,266 --> 00:02:41,734
-It's the Vanden Plas 1500.
-What do we want
with an Allegro?
66
00:02:41,734 --> 00:02:44,867
Well, actually,
they got really bad rap,
67
00:02:44,867 --> 00:02:47,100
-the Allegro.
-Yes, for a good reason.
68
00:02:47,100 --> 00:02:48,634
They called it an all aggro.
69
00:02:48,634 --> 00:02:52,634
This one's been dressed up
with the Vanden Plas stuff,
it's got the big grille.
70
00:02:52,634 --> 00:02:55,734
It's got the walnut dashboard
and a leather interior,
71
00:02:55,734 --> 00:02:58,467
-so it should be all right.
-Yeah. I mean,
look, you're right.
72
00:02:58,467 --> 00:03:00,000
But you can put lipstick
on a pig,
it doesn't make it beautiful.
73
00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:01,700
But you can put lipstick
on a pig,
it doesn't make it beautiful.
74
00:03:01,700 --> 00:03:04,734
[laughter] I've seen
beautiful pigs. I have.
75
00:03:04,734 --> 00:03:07,967
Hear me out, all right.
Because it's an Allegro,
76
00:03:07,967 --> 00:03:10,100
there's a strange
movement afoot,
77
00:03:10,100 --> 00:03:13,634
which is people
now appreciating
these unloved classics,
78
00:03:13,634 --> 00:03:16,367
and they're having gatherings,
they're actually
having meetings...
79
00:03:16,367 --> 00:03:18,000
-Yeah.
-...and getting together.
80
00:03:18,000 --> 00:03:20,000
And I reckon
we can tap into that market,
81
00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:22,166
plus, I don't think
it's that bad a car.
82
00:03:22,166 --> 00:03:23,967
I think they're actually
quite a good car,
83
00:03:23,967 --> 00:03:26,533
-and I want to honor that
and celebrate that.
-Yeah.
84
00:03:26,533 --> 00:03:29,000
[Elvis] I mean,
tell me they're giving it
for not a lot of money.
85
00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:30,000
The couple selling it,
they're called Peter and Gwen.
86
00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:31,734
The couple selling it,
they're called Peter and Gwen.
87
00:03:31,734 --> 00:03:33,867
Peter's unfortunately
not well...
88
00:03:33,867 --> 00:03:36,000
-Oh, dear.
-...so it's
an unfinished project.
89
00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:40,734
But, I know that
he's really done
some good work to the car,
90
00:03:40,734 --> 00:03:42,467
that's what his wife tells me.
91
00:03:42,467 --> 00:03:44,600
And hopefully, if it's good,
92
00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:46,600
they're only asking
1500 quid for it,
93
00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:49,166
we should be able to
wrestle it away and save it.
94
00:03:49,166 --> 00:03:52,367
Okay. Well, listen,
you know me, mate.
I'm all about saving cars.
95
00:03:52,367 --> 00:03:56,066
-So, let's hope it's better
than I suspect it is.
-It will be.
96
00:03:56,066 --> 00:03:58,066
Released in 1973,
97
00:03:58,066 --> 00:04:00,000
the standard Austin Allegro
was born
at possibly the worst period
98
00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:01,500
the standard Austin Allegro
was born
at possibly the worst period
99
00:04:01,500 --> 00:04:03,734
in British car manufacturing.
100
00:04:03,734 --> 00:04:06,166
It suffered from terrible
build quality,
101
00:04:06,166 --> 00:04:09,266
a questionable gearbox
and dumpy styling,
102
00:04:09,266 --> 00:04:13,734
which is why it was
often touted as one of
the worst cars ever built.
103
00:04:13,734 --> 00:04:16,000
However,
its top-of-the-range cousin,
104
00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:18,467
which was primped
and preened by coach builders,
105
00:04:18,467 --> 00:04:21,266
Vanden Plas
was the spec to have.
106
00:04:21,266 --> 00:04:24,600
Inside and out,
it was given
a luxurious makeover
107
00:04:24,600 --> 00:04:26,700
that included
wall-to-wall carpet,
108
00:04:26,700 --> 00:04:29,700
a big chrome grille,
and picnic tables
in the back,
109
00:04:29,700 --> 00:04:30,000
transforming it
from an everyday run-around
110
00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:32,166
transforming it
from an everyday run-around
111
00:04:32,166 --> 00:04:35,100
into something for the more
discerning motorist.
112
00:04:35,100 --> 00:04:38,634
So I'm on a mission to prove
that the world is wrong,
113
00:04:38,634 --> 00:04:40,700
and that this version
of the Allegro
114
00:04:40,700 --> 00:04:44,900
doesn't deserve
the poor reputation
it's had up until now.
115
00:04:46,266 --> 00:04:49,967
We've travelled to the suburbs
of Epsom for a look
at this motor.
116
00:04:49,967 --> 00:04:52,367
And what Elvis
hasn't quite worked out yet
117
00:04:52,367 --> 00:04:56,000
is that
I've not brought him along
for his conversational skills.
118
00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:58,266
-You must be Gwen.
-I am indeed.
119
00:04:58,266 --> 00:05:00,000
Gwen, how are you?
My name's Mike.
120
00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:00,266
Gwen, how are you?
My name's Mike.
121
00:05:00,266 --> 00:05:02,266
-Hello, Mike.
Nice to meet you.
-Lovely to meet you.
122
00:05:02,266 --> 00:05:03,700
-And you. Hello.
-Hello, I'm Elvis.
123
00:05:03,700 --> 00:05:06,367
So, how long has the car
been here?
124
00:05:06,367 --> 00:05:07,467
About seven years.
125
00:05:07,467 --> 00:05:08,734
-[Mike] Has it?
-[Gwen] Yeah.
126
00:05:08,734 --> 00:05:10,600
-[Elvis] What, just sat like
that with a cover over it?
-Yeah.
127
00:05:10,600 --> 00:05:15,166
So why now?
What's the decision to, uh,
to sell the car now?
128
00:05:15,166 --> 00:05:17,500
Well, unfortunately,
Peter has got dementia,
129
00:05:17,500 --> 00:05:20,166
and he doesn't even know
the car's there,
130
00:05:20,166 --> 00:05:23,100
let alone
to do any work on it.
131
00:05:23,100 --> 00:05:25,166
-So, um...
-What a shame.
132
00:05:25,166 --> 00:05:27,634
I guess you just love to see
somebody finish the job
133
00:05:27,634 --> 00:05:29,867
-that he started
all that time ago.
-Yes. Yeah.
134
00:05:29,867 --> 00:05:30,000
Well, that's what we do.
We try to, you know,
135
00:05:30,000 --> 00:05:32,266
Well, that's what we do.
We try to, you know,
136
00:05:32,266 --> 00:05:35,500
restore and recover cars
back to how they used to be.
137
00:05:35,500 --> 00:05:37,367
So hopefully,
we can do that with this.
138
00:05:37,367 --> 00:05:40,367
Right. Here we go then, Gwen.
Let's have a look.
139
00:05:40,367 --> 00:05:42,100
And that's fantastic.
140
00:05:42,100 --> 00:05:45,066
So he sort of
started a paint job
but didn't finish it.
141
00:05:46,367 --> 00:05:49,266
All marked up, ready to go.
Let's get rid of this.
142
00:05:50,166 --> 00:05:51,467
Look at that.
143
00:05:52,266 --> 00:05:53,700
[Elvis] Oh, it's got
no wheels.
144
00:05:53,700 --> 00:05:55,500
Oh, it's got no brakes
on the front, either.
145
00:05:55,500 --> 00:05:57,166
[Mike]
No, none on this side either.
146
00:05:57,166 --> 00:05:59,734
We can't really have
a proper look at it
unless we can get it outside.
147
00:05:59,734 --> 00:06:00,000
I mean, I've got the tools
in the car.
If the bits are in here,
148
00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:02,967
I mean, I've got the tools
in the car.
If the bits are in here,
149
00:06:02,967 --> 00:06:05,000
if you want to look around
and find them,
150
00:06:05,000 --> 00:06:06,700
I'd start putting it
together quickly,
and we can roll it out.
151
00:06:06,700 --> 00:06:08,700
-Would that be all right
with you, Gwen?
-Yes.
152
00:06:08,700 --> 00:06:10,467
-Would you leave us with it
for a little while?
-Yeah.
153
00:06:10,467 --> 00:06:13,600
We'll get it built up,
push it out,
then we'll give you a shout.
154
00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:16,000
-That'd be fine. Okay.
-Yeah? We'll see you in a bit.
155
00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:17,700
-Thanks, Gwen.
-Yeah, see you later.
156
00:06:17,700 --> 00:06:20,266
-What have we got over there?
-Well, definitely need a hub
157
00:06:20,266 --> 00:06:22,500
because I've got nothing
to bolt the wheel to.
158
00:06:22,500 --> 00:06:24,867
-Well, I found a hub
down here.
-Have you?
159
00:06:24,867 --> 00:06:27,266
So I've got a wheel and a hub.
160
00:06:27,266 --> 00:06:30,000
[Mike] Look at that. I knew
I brought him for a reason.
161
00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:30,166
[Mike] Look at that. I knew
I brought him for a reason.
162
00:06:30,166 --> 00:06:32,600
We're not gonna be able
to get it out
on the road today
163
00:06:32,600 --> 00:06:34,734
because it's been
sat here for so long,
164
00:06:34,734 --> 00:06:37,467
but at least we can get it
out of this garage.
165
00:06:39,100 --> 00:06:42,867
-Are you actually pushing?
-[Mike] Yeah, of course
I'm pushing.
166
00:06:42,867 --> 00:06:44,867
-Nice.
-I'll tell you what, mate,
it's not bad.
167
00:06:44,867 --> 00:06:46,700
Not bad at all, is it?
Once it's out.
168
00:06:46,700 --> 00:06:48,367
-Look at this engine bay.
-Look under here.
169
00:06:48,367 --> 00:06:50,166
-[laughs] Wow.
-Look at that.
170
00:06:50,166 --> 00:06:52,600
Yes, look at that.
That is good.
171
00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:54,600
[Elvis]
He's done some really
good work to this, hasn't he?
172
00:06:54,600 --> 00:06:56,600
I mean, chrome on top.
Is that standard?
173
00:06:56,600 --> 00:06:58,700
[Mike] That's standard
for a Vanden Plas
I do believe, yeah,
174
00:06:58,700 --> 00:07:00,000
because it's all about
the Vanden Plas, so...
175
00:07:00,000 --> 00:07:00,533
because it's all about
the Vanden Plas, so...
176
00:07:00,533 --> 00:07:02,867
In fact,
they never called this car
an Allegro at all.
177
00:07:02,867 --> 00:07:04,600
They called it
the Vanden Plas 1500.
178
00:07:04,600 --> 00:07:07,634
But it's almost
a desperate attempt
to detach itself from a car
179
00:07:07,634 --> 00:07:09,266
-that no one liked...
-Exactly that.
180
00:07:09,266 --> 00:07:10,533
...back in the day.
181
00:07:10,533 --> 00:07:13,066
And in condition like this,
I mean,
look at the inner wings,
182
00:07:13,066 --> 00:07:15,000
there's not a blemish
on the inner wings.
183
00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:17,734
-They look like they're new.
-So, we don't know
if it runs yet, of course.
184
00:07:17,734 --> 00:07:19,867
There is a bit of gamble
in that side of things.
185
00:07:19,867 --> 00:07:21,533
There is one thing
I've noticed,
186
00:07:21,533 --> 00:07:23,367
it's sagging over on one side,
187
00:07:23,367 --> 00:07:25,533
-but it's obviously fixable.
-That's fantastic.
188
00:07:25,533 --> 00:07:26,467
I absolutely love it.
189
00:07:26,467 --> 00:07:28,634
-Should we have
a look inside?
-Yeah.
190
00:07:28,634 --> 00:07:30,000
-Right then, Elvis,
step into the office...
-Ah.
191
00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:31,000
-Right then, Elvis,
step into the office...
-Ah.
192
00:07:31,000 --> 00:07:32,000
...of the Vanden Plas.
193
00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:33,433
Look at that.
194
00:07:34,467 --> 00:07:37,000
It's... It's like the day
it was born.
195
00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:39,467
-Look at that headliner.
-[Elvis] Mate,
that is immaculate.
196
00:07:39,467 --> 00:07:41,166
I don't think I've ever seen
one that good.
197
00:07:41,166 --> 00:07:43,700
That is fantastic.
Leather interior.
198
00:07:43,700 --> 00:07:45,867
Isn't that nice?
Automatic gearbox.
199
00:07:45,867 --> 00:07:48,166
-Look, wooden dashboard.
-What year is it?
200
00:07:48,166 --> 00:07:50,367
Uh, 1976, this car.
201
00:07:50,367 --> 00:07:51,367
Same year as me.
202
00:07:51,367 --> 00:07:52,700
-Is it, really?
-Yeah.
203
00:07:52,700 --> 00:07:54,734
That's a reason to buy it.
I'm already falling in love
with it.
204
00:07:54,734 --> 00:07:56,266
Doing better than I am, innit?
205
00:07:56,266 --> 00:07:58,734
Let's have a look at that
paint work down the rear.
206
00:07:58,734 --> 00:08:00,000
Mate, I suppose the only
real work that I can see
is down the rear.
207
00:08:00,000 --> 00:08:02,166
Mate, I suppose the only
real work that I can see
is down the rear.
208
00:08:02,166 --> 00:08:06,000
-I mean, I think the engine
will jog into life.
-Yeah. I mean, suspension.
209
00:08:06,000 --> 00:08:08,266
The suspension,
we'll have to
address that but,
210
00:08:08,266 --> 00:08:10,100
this is where
the real problems are.
211
00:08:10,100 --> 00:08:12,266
I'm sort of reluctant
to paint the whole car
212
00:08:12,266 --> 00:08:15,100
cos the front end,
it's almost immaculate,
it's original.
213
00:08:15,100 --> 00:08:17,266
I like to leave that.
But when you think about
214
00:08:17,266 --> 00:08:20,000
only painting half a car,
particularly
a car of this age,
215
00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:23,000
trying to match
the paint color
is difficult, isn't it?
216
00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:24,734
Well, you've been busy,
haven't you?
217
00:08:24,734 --> 00:08:26,600
-We have.
-Looks fantastic, doesn't it?
218
00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:29,500
Your husband done some
remarkable work to this car.
219
00:08:29,500 --> 00:08:30,000
The engine bay
is almost immaculate.
220
00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:31,700
The engine bay
is almost immaculate.
221
00:08:31,700 --> 00:08:33,000
-Yeah.
-It looks really, really nice.
222
00:08:33,000 --> 00:08:35,700
It comes down to price
and how much money
you want for it,
223
00:08:35,700 --> 00:08:39,266
-and we'll see if we could
put a deal together.
-I think 1,500 would be...
224
00:08:39,266 --> 00:08:41,600
No arguments from us.
We have a deal with you.
225
00:08:41,600 --> 00:08:43,500
-Thank you very much, Gwen.
-Thank you very much.
226
00:08:43,500 --> 00:08:45,066
Lovely. So there you go.
227
00:08:45,066 --> 00:08:47,000
Just brought
a Vanden Plas 1500
228
00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:48,700
-for 1,500.
-[laughter]
229
00:08:48,700 --> 00:08:50,634
Don't call it an Allegro.
230
00:08:55,533 --> 00:08:57,634
Come on, mate. Cheer up.
231
00:08:57,634 --> 00:09:00,000
We got a Vanden Plas,
an enhanced Allegro,
232
00:09:00,000 --> 00:09:00,634
We got a Vanden Plas,
an enhanced Allegro,
233
00:09:00,634 --> 00:09:03,100
slung out on the back
of our discovery.
234
00:09:03,100 --> 00:09:05,100
Aye? And we only gave
1500 quid for it.
235
00:09:05,100 --> 00:09:07,867
-I think that's
a bit of a bargain.
-Yeah, I mean...
236
00:09:07,867 --> 00:09:10,166
It's not that enhanced, is it?
It doesn't work.
237
00:09:10,166 --> 00:09:12,467
And there's
a few little things
we need to do
238
00:09:12,467 --> 00:09:14,867
to get it looking
like a Vanden Plas.
239
00:09:14,867 --> 00:09:16,700
We need to sort out
that paintwork.
240
00:09:16,700 --> 00:09:20,600
We need to do,
the listing over to one side,
241
00:09:20,600 --> 00:09:22,700
-we need to sort out
that suspension.
-Yeah.
242
00:09:22,700 --> 00:09:25,867
And obviously,
we've got to get it
running as well.
243
00:09:25,867 --> 00:09:28,533
Yeah. What I don't yet get
is what people see
in these things.
244
00:09:28,533 --> 00:09:30,000
What is it about
a Vanden Plas that...
245
00:09:30,000 --> 00:09:30,867
What is it about
a Vanden Plas that...
246
00:09:30,867 --> 00:09:32,266
Where do people
see beauty in it?
247
00:09:32,266 --> 00:09:34,266
Because at the moment,
I can't see it.
248
00:09:34,266 --> 00:09:36,467
Well, let me
put it this way. Right?
249
00:09:36,467 --> 00:09:38,166
When Vincent van Gogh,
250
00:09:38,166 --> 00:09:40,500
when he was alive,
he sold one painting.
251
00:09:40,500 --> 00:09:43,266
Yeah. Now he's dead,
everyone wants one, right?
252
00:09:43,266 --> 00:09:47,000
So sometimes you just have
to wait for the rest of
the world to catch up.
253
00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:49,000
And I think people
are now catching up
254
00:09:49,000 --> 00:09:51,166
with the Vanden Plas and
they're gonna celebrate it.
255
00:09:51,166 --> 00:09:52,467
I see.
So it was ahead of its time?
256
00:09:52,467 --> 00:09:53,600
-Yes.
-Yeah, okay.
257
00:09:53,600 --> 00:09:55,600
All right. We're
halfway there because,
258
00:09:55,600 --> 00:09:58,000
-like Vincent van Gogh,
this one's dead.
-[laughs]
259
00:10:10,600 --> 00:10:13,700
So the story of the Allegro
and the Vanden Plas
260
00:10:13,700 --> 00:10:16,367
may well have emerged
out of the mayhem
261
00:10:16,367 --> 00:10:19,600
of early 1970s
British car design.
262
00:10:19,600 --> 00:10:23,634
But almost 50 years later,
could they be
seen differently?
263
00:10:23,634 --> 00:10:26,867
I'm still yet to be convinced,
because so far all we've got
264
00:10:26,867 --> 00:10:30,000
is an unattractive,
1500 quid paperweight.
265
00:10:30,000 --> 00:10:30,367
is an unattractive,
1500 quid paperweight.
266
00:10:30,367 --> 00:10:33,100
As this car's engine
has sat dormant for so long,
267
00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:34,734
I can't just fire it up.
268
00:10:34,734 --> 00:10:39,000
That would risk
doing some real damage
to the internal components.
269
00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:43,467
So I need to run through
a few steps
to breathe it back to life.
270
00:10:43,467 --> 00:10:46,600
First thing I'm going to do
is soak the balls with
a penetrating oil
271
00:10:46,600 --> 00:10:49,100
in the hope
it will turn freely
when I need it to.
272
00:10:49,100 --> 00:10:51,367
I'm going to leave it
to soak for 24 hours
273
00:10:51,367 --> 00:10:56,734
in the hope that I can
bring this dormant
1.5 liter engine back to life.
274
00:10:58,166 --> 00:11:00,000
We've bought
a Vanden Plas 1500,
275
00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:01,166
We've bought
a Vanden Plas 1500,
276
00:11:01,166 --> 00:11:03,467
a very special edition
of one of the most
277
00:11:03,467 --> 00:11:07,367
unloved cars of all time,
the Austin Allegro,
278
00:11:07,367 --> 00:11:10,266
to see if we can
convince the world
that this ugly duckling
279
00:11:10,266 --> 00:11:12,867
has matured
into a beautiful swan.
280
00:11:12,867 --> 00:11:15,100
At least that's what
Mike keeps telling me.
281
00:11:15,100 --> 00:11:17,066
But there's no way
this bird will fly
282
00:11:17,066 --> 00:11:19,433
if I can't get the engine
up and running.
283
00:11:21,734 --> 00:11:23,700
So the penetrating fluid
has been working
its magic overnight
284
00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:25,634
inside the balls
of the engine,
285
00:11:25,634 --> 00:11:28,734
but I'm also going to drain
all of this horrible fuel
286
00:11:28,734 --> 00:11:31,533
that's been sat in this tank
for many, many years,
287
00:11:31,533 --> 00:11:33,100
and replace it
with fresh stuff
288
00:11:33,100 --> 00:11:35,066
and run that
right through the system.
289
00:11:36,734 --> 00:11:39,467
You might not think of petrol
as having a shelf life,
290
00:11:39,467 --> 00:11:41,634
but it actually
only lasts about six months
291
00:11:41,634 --> 00:11:44,066
before it starts
to degrade in quality.
292
00:11:46,100 --> 00:11:47,700
With fresh fuel in the tank,
293
00:11:47,700 --> 00:11:50,100
I disconnected the fuel line
ahead of the filter
294
00:11:50,100 --> 00:11:50,120
which I'm going to clean out
in a moment.
295
00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:51,900
which I'm going to clean out
in a moment.
296
00:11:51,900 --> 00:11:54,734
I'm going to use
this suction pump
to draw that fresh fuel
297
00:11:54,734 --> 00:11:57,000
through the lines
that run underneath the car,
298
00:11:57,000 --> 00:11:59,800
because in all honesty,
that's where most
of the sediment,
299
00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:02,100
and dirt and rubbish
is most likely to collect,
300
00:12:02,100 --> 00:12:05,233
before I even think about
trying to turn
this engine over.
301
00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:09,000
I'm also throwing the car
up onto the ramp
302
00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:11,467
so I can drain
the old oil out of it.
303
00:12:11,467 --> 00:12:14,233
We have no idea
when that was last changed.
304
00:12:16,166 --> 00:12:18,467
And, as the automatic
gearbox on this car
305
00:12:18,467 --> 00:12:20,120
shares oil with the engine,
306
00:12:20,120 --> 00:12:20,367
shares oil with the engine,
307
00:12:20,367 --> 00:12:22,734
it's even more important
to make sure that it's running
308
00:12:22,734 --> 00:12:25,166
with clean fluids
when we try to turn it over.
309
00:12:27,367 --> 00:12:29,600
The last few jobs
are fitting a fuel filter
310
00:12:29,600 --> 00:12:32,367
to catch any debris
that may get pulled
through the tank,
311
00:12:32,367 --> 00:12:35,634
cranking the engine by hand
to make sure it isn't seized,
312
00:12:35,634 --> 00:12:37,266
adding some fresh oil,
313
00:12:37,266 --> 00:12:39,533
and fitting
some new spark plugs.
314
00:12:39,533 --> 00:12:42,166
That's prepared the engine
as best I can.
315
00:12:42,166 --> 00:12:43,634
But will it turn over?
316
00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:48,100
Well, this car's been asleep
for many, many years,
317
00:12:48,100 --> 00:12:50,120
but this could be the moment
we wake it up.
318
00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:50,467
but this could be the moment
we wake it up.
319
00:12:50,467 --> 00:12:53,100
It's like trying to wake
Sleeping Beauty, isn't it?
320
00:12:53,100 --> 00:12:55,166
Apart from the beauty bit.
321
00:12:55,166 --> 00:12:57,333
-Here we go.
-[engine starting]
322
00:12:59,266 --> 00:13:00,900
Come on.
323
00:13:00,900 --> 00:13:02,266
Come on.
324
00:13:03,734 --> 00:13:06,867
-[engine sputtering]
-[laughs]
325
00:13:06,867 --> 00:13:08,867
-[engine shuts off]
-[laughs]
326
00:13:08,867 --> 00:13:11,800
Okay. Well, we breathed it
into life, almost,
327
00:13:11,800 --> 00:13:13,734
but that wasn't good enough.
I'm going to try it
one more time.
328
00:13:13,734 --> 00:13:15,433
[engine starting]
329
00:13:17,900 --> 00:13:20,120
No. Okay, that's gonna need
a bit of investigation.
330
00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:20,634
No. Okay, that's gonna need
a bit of investigation.
331
00:13:24,900 --> 00:13:26,900
Well, we've clearly got
some kind of spark
332
00:13:26,900 --> 00:13:28,900
because
it almost burst into life.
333
00:13:28,900 --> 00:13:31,634
Either we haven't got a spark
in each of the four cylinders,
334
00:13:31,634 --> 00:13:33,800
or that spark's
not strong enough.
335
00:13:33,800 --> 00:13:35,100
All four leads are on,
336
00:13:35,100 --> 00:13:37,734
and I've definitely
got fuel flowing
'cause the filter is full.
337
00:13:37,734 --> 00:13:40,734
This car has been upgraded
to have electronic ignition,
338
00:13:40,734 --> 00:13:43,600
perhaps something Peter did
when he was working on it.
339
00:13:43,600 --> 00:13:46,100
All right, we're good.
It's actually much better
340
00:13:46,100 --> 00:13:49,367
than the old point system,
much more reliable, but...
341
00:13:49,367 --> 00:13:50,120
your little magnetic rotor
inside the distributor cap,
342
00:13:50,120 --> 00:13:52,700
your little magnetic rotor
inside the distributor cap,
343
00:13:52,700 --> 00:13:56,000
if I can get it out...
Oh! Here we go.
344
00:13:56,000 --> 00:13:58,100
Yeah, look at that.
That does not look right.
345
00:13:58,100 --> 00:14:00,533
It's got damage on the top.
That's really unusual,
346
00:14:00,533 --> 00:14:02,266
I don't think I have
seen that before but,
347
00:14:02,266 --> 00:14:05,367
the top surface of that
should be completely round,
348
00:14:05,367 --> 00:14:07,266
and it's not.
It's got a chunk missing.
349
00:14:07,266 --> 00:14:09,533
This has four magnets,
and as it rotates,
350
00:14:09,533 --> 00:14:13,166
each of those magnets
makes contact
and transfers the current
351
00:14:13,166 --> 00:14:16,900
through the cap and
along the leads, creating
the spark that we need.
352
00:14:16,900 --> 00:14:19,867
And whilst this is
probably getting three
very good sparks,
353
00:14:19,867 --> 00:14:20,120
I would bet my house
on the fact
that the fourth one
354
00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:22,367
I would bet my house
on the fact
that the fourth one
355
00:14:22,367 --> 00:14:24,867
is either not working
or is barely working.
356
00:14:24,867 --> 00:14:27,266
And that is almost
certainly our problem.
357
00:14:27,266 --> 00:14:29,533
Mike will have to
find me a new one of those,
358
00:14:29,533 --> 00:14:32,700
which is frustrating 'cause
I can't start the engine
without it.
359
00:14:32,700 --> 00:14:34,266
Whilst I'm waiting
for that to turn up,
360
00:14:34,266 --> 00:14:38,166
it will give me a chance
to have a good look around
the rest of the car.
361
00:14:38,166 --> 00:14:42,100
There will almost certainly
be plenty of other areas
that need my attention.
362
00:14:42,100 --> 00:14:45,700
This is still fundamentally
an Allegro after all.
363
00:14:45,700 --> 00:14:47,700
And having been around
all four corners,
364
00:14:47,700 --> 00:14:50,120
there's definitely
an issue on this one.
365
00:14:50,120 --> 00:14:50,367
there's definitely
an issue on this one.
366
00:14:50,367 --> 00:14:51,900
There's some play
in this wheel.
367
00:14:51,900 --> 00:14:53,900
At first, I thought
it was the wheel bearing,
368
00:14:53,900 --> 00:14:55,900
but on further investigation,
369
00:14:55,900 --> 00:14:59,867
I can actually feel that
the play is all in
this top ball joint here.
370
00:14:59,867 --> 00:15:02,367
Now, the nice thing
about cars from this era
371
00:15:02,367 --> 00:15:04,600
is that components like that
were serviceable.
372
00:15:04,600 --> 00:15:05,800
So, unlike a modern car,
373
00:15:05,800 --> 00:15:08,367
you don't have to
throw it away
and replace it with a new one.
374
00:15:08,367 --> 00:15:10,533
What I hope is that
that wear and tear
375
00:15:10,533 --> 00:15:13,000
is not too bad.
It doesn't feel too bad.
376
00:15:13,000 --> 00:15:14,900
There are shims
inside the ball joint,
377
00:15:14,900 --> 00:15:17,266
and what I hope is that there
are still enough shims left
378
00:15:17,266 --> 00:15:19,000
to give them
the adjustment that I need
379
00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:20,120
to get it back
to being perfect.
380
00:15:20,120 --> 00:15:21,100
to get it back
to being perfect.
381
00:15:21,100 --> 00:15:23,800
As the joint wears over time,
it develops play
382
00:15:23,800 --> 00:15:27,100
which can result in problems
with the car steering
and suspension.
383
00:15:27,100 --> 00:15:30,166
[tool whirs]
384
00:15:30,166 --> 00:15:33,900
By removing
a couple of the shims,
effectively metal spaces,
385
00:15:33,900 --> 00:15:36,634
it should tighten
everything back up.
386
00:15:36,634 --> 00:15:41,467
Okay. So this here
is the ball joint in question,
and it's quite loose.
387
00:15:41,467 --> 00:15:43,533
If I pop the dust cover off,
388
00:15:43,900 --> 00:15:45,634
get rid of that,
389
00:15:45,634 --> 00:15:47,800
you can see how it works.
390
00:15:47,800 --> 00:15:50,120
And actually, there you go,
I can feel
a whole lot of movement.
391
00:15:50,120 --> 00:15:51,000
And actually, there you go,
I can feel
a whole lot of movement.
392
00:15:51,000 --> 00:15:53,367
You can even hear it.
393
00:15:53,367 --> 00:15:58,367
That's this ball that's moving
up and down inside this cup,
and it shouldn't do that.
394
00:15:58,367 --> 00:16:00,900
The cup is screwed down
onto the hub,
395
00:16:00,900 --> 00:16:03,900
and underneath that cup
is a series of shims.
396
00:16:03,900 --> 00:16:05,467
And this is the nice part.
397
00:16:05,467 --> 00:16:07,734
Cos at the moment,
that cup's being spaced up,
398
00:16:07,734 --> 00:16:11,100
and that sound you can hear
is the ball moving in a gap
399
00:16:11,100 --> 00:16:13,600
that shouldn't be there.
So if I take the cup off,
400
00:16:13,600 --> 00:16:16,367
remove a shim or two,
we'll measure that accurately,
401
00:16:16,367 --> 00:16:18,900
it'll pull it down
even tighter over the ball,
402
00:16:18,900 --> 00:16:20,120
and we should get nice,
stiff movement
with absolutely no play.
403
00:16:20,120 --> 00:16:22,533
and we should get nice,
stiff movement
with absolutely no play.
404
00:16:24,533 --> 00:16:28,467
Firstly, I'm folding back
the tabs on the locking washer
with a chisel,
405
00:16:28,467 --> 00:16:32,533
before loosening it off
with a spanner so I can get to
whatever shims are left.
406
00:16:34,867 --> 00:16:36,600
All right, there we go.
407
00:16:36,600 --> 00:16:39,166
The good news is
we've got plenty
of shims in there.
408
00:16:39,166 --> 00:16:41,634
They're all different
thicknesses as well,
409
00:16:41,634 --> 00:16:43,166
which is useful
because it allows us
410
00:16:43,166 --> 00:16:45,367
to get that accurate
adjustment that we need.
411
00:16:45,367 --> 00:16:47,900
In this case,
what I'm going to do
412
00:16:47,900 --> 00:16:50,120
is take out two
of the really thin ones,
413
00:16:50,120 --> 00:16:50,634
is take out two
of the really thin ones,
414
00:16:50,634 --> 00:16:53,166
pop it back together
and hope we've got it close.
415
00:16:54,166 --> 00:16:56,467
There's a bit of
trial and error with this,
416
00:16:56,467 --> 00:16:59,700
but luckily,
it's a relatively easy job.
417
00:16:59,700 --> 00:17:02,867
All I need is a bit
of lubrication and then
some elbow grease
418
00:17:02,867 --> 00:17:06,467
to tighten it back up
and check the results.
419
00:17:06,467 --> 00:17:09,634
So, I've checked what
the correct torque setting is
in the manual.
420
00:17:09,634 --> 00:17:12,900
It's really important
doing this job because
what you're doing is
421
00:17:12,900 --> 00:17:16,166
you're clamping that cup down
over the shims
that we've put in.
422
00:17:16,166 --> 00:17:18,000
Particularly, as you're going
back and forward here,
423
00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:20,120
checking, undoing again,
checking again,
424
00:17:20,120 --> 00:17:20,166
checking, undoing again,
checking again,
425
00:17:20,166 --> 00:17:23,000
that we always torque it up
to exactly the same tightness.
426
00:17:23,000 --> 00:17:25,634
Do it too loose, of course
you don't clamp
the shims down,
427
00:17:25,634 --> 00:17:28,533
if you do it too much,
you risk overstretching
the thread,
428
00:17:28,533 --> 00:17:31,166
and that will again
change the adjustment
you've made.
429
00:17:40,166 --> 00:17:42,967
Yeah. Okay.
So it's definitely too tight,
430
00:17:42,967 --> 00:17:45,166
which shows you how fine
the measurements are
431
00:17:45,166 --> 00:17:48,467
because I only took out
two very thin shims.
432
00:17:49,166 --> 00:17:51,367
I'm pretty sure
with that. Yeah.
433
00:17:51,367 --> 00:17:53,066
I'm gonna have to
put one of them back in.
434
00:18:05,500 --> 00:18:06,734
All right.
435
00:18:08,266 --> 00:18:09,634
Oh, yeah.
436
00:18:10,166 --> 00:18:12,000
Oh, that's loads better.
437
00:18:12,000 --> 00:18:14,734
Perfect. Nice and consistent
all the way around.
438
00:18:14,734 --> 00:18:18,367
It's not too loose,
but it's also
not too tight. I'm happy.
439
00:18:18,367 --> 00:18:21,734
I'm then going to grease
it up, put it all back
together and zip it up.
440
00:18:32,734 --> 00:18:34,266
Yeah. Perfect.
441
00:18:34,734 --> 00:18:36,500
That is that sorted.
442
00:18:36,500 --> 00:18:38,266
So the only thing really now
I'm waiting for
443
00:18:38,266 --> 00:18:41,266
is that magnetic rotor
for the inside
of the distributor cap,
444
00:18:41,266 --> 00:18:43,700
I hope Mike brings
that back soon.
And then...
445
00:18:43,700 --> 00:18:45,800
fingers crossed,
we can get the engine started.
446
00:18:47,266 --> 00:18:50,100
[Mike]
Don't you worry, buddy boy.
I'm a moment away,
447
00:18:50,100 --> 00:18:53,867
and I've come bearing gifts
from the parts supplier.
448
00:18:53,867 --> 00:18:56,634
[chuckles] There she is,
our little beauty.
449
00:18:56,634 --> 00:18:59,367
The car's not bad, either.
How are you, buddy?
450
00:18:59,367 --> 00:19:01,360
Very good. I brought you back
the world's heaviest part.
451
00:19:01,360 --> 00:19:01,734
Very good. I brought you back
the world's heaviest part.
452
00:19:01,734 --> 00:19:03,367
-Where is it?
-There.
453
00:19:03,367 --> 00:19:05,166
[both laugh]
454
00:19:05,166 --> 00:19:07,600
Well mate,
that might not be
the world's heaviest part,
455
00:19:07,600 --> 00:19:09,967
but it's an absolutely
crucial part to this job.
456
00:19:09,967 --> 00:19:12,967
I'm pretty sure
this is the one thing
standing between me
457
00:19:12,967 --> 00:19:15,634
firing this engine up
for the first time in years.
458
00:19:15,634 --> 00:19:18,734
I can't wait to hear it go.
What else you been up to?
459
00:19:18,734 --> 00:19:21,600
Well, whilst I've been working
through the engine problems,
460
00:19:21,600 --> 00:19:25,066
I've also... I've done all the
shimming of the ball joints
on the suspensions.
461
00:19:25,066 --> 00:19:27,600
-There's no more play in that,
so that's all good news.
-Lovely.
462
00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:31,360
There's a couple of things
inside that are on the list
but I haven't yet got to.
463
00:19:31,360 --> 00:19:31,367
There's a couple of things
inside that are on the list
but I haven't yet got to.
464
00:19:31,367 --> 00:19:34,066
Is there anything
I can help with?
I'm standing around
465
00:19:34,066 --> 00:19:36,266
-doing nothing at the moment.
-Absolutely. Yeah.
466
00:19:36,266 --> 00:19:38,734
Look around the corner,
you'll see the dashboard's
467
00:19:38,734 --> 00:19:41,166
got a bit of delamination,
few bits coming off it.
468
00:19:41,166 --> 00:19:43,066
Yeah, I noticed that
when we bought the car.
469
00:19:43,066 --> 00:19:44,467
-Yeah.
-Dashboards.
470
00:19:44,467 --> 00:19:47,166
-My wheelhouse,
that's what I do, dashboards.
-Yeah.
471
00:19:47,166 --> 00:19:50,166
-Take the dash out, give it
to me, I'll get it fixed.
-Love that.
472
00:19:50,166 --> 00:19:53,600
-What are we gonna do
about that paintwork?
-That is the next challenge,
473
00:19:53,600 --> 00:19:55,500
I feel like
it's a reasonably big one.
474
00:19:55,500 --> 00:19:57,266
I don't want to
paint the whole car,
475
00:19:57,266 --> 00:20:00,000
and so we try and find
like a paint blending process
476
00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:01,360
to match the old paint
with some new paint.
477
00:20:01,360 --> 00:20:02,100
to match the old paint
with some new paint.
478
00:20:02,100 --> 00:20:03,734
Yeah, I think that's the idea.
479
00:20:03,734 --> 00:20:06,967
I just hope someone can do
a really nice match, you know.
480
00:20:06,967 --> 00:20:09,100
-All right. That it?
-That is it, mate. Yeah.
481
00:20:09,100 --> 00:20:11,166
So, um... Yeah,
I think we're ready to go.
482
00:20:11,166 --> 00:20:12,266
Do you want to get on the key?
483
00:20:12,266 --> 00:20:13,500
-Should we go for it?
-Yeah, let's give it a go.
484
00:20:13,500 --> 00:20:15,367
-Do you feel confident?
-This could be a moment.
485
00:20:15,367 --> 00:20:17,700
I'm 99% sure
that's the one thing missing.
486
00:20:17,700 --> 00:20:20,166
So now that we got it,
it should burst into life.
487
00:20:20,166 --> 00:20:21,734
-Right. Ready?
-Yeah, I'll get the throttle.
488
00:20:21,734 --> 00:20:23,266
-Fingers?
-Go on, then.
489
00:20:23,266 --> 00:20:25,166
-[engine cranking]
-Come on!
490
00:20:28,500 --> 00:20:31,360
[Elvis] We're trying to
breathe life back into
a 1976 Vanden Plas 1500
491
00:20:31,360 --> 00:20:33,867
[Elvis] We're trying to
breathe life back into
a 1976 Vanden Plas 1500
492
00:20:33,867 --> 00:20:36,367
that hasn't run
for the best part of a decade.
493
00:20:37,266 --> 00:20:39,000
Not until now.
494
00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:41,367
-[engine starts]
-Yes. [laughs]
495
00:20:41,367 --> 00:20:43,600
-Look at that. She runs.
-Yeah.
496
00:20:43,600 --> 00:20:45,700
-Oh, man, that's amazing.
It sounds so good.
-It sounds good.
497
00:20:45,700 --> 00:20:48,166
-It sounds strong, doesn't it?
-It does. Sounds lovely.
498
00:20:48,166 --> 00:20:50,500
-Right. Let me turn it off.
-Yeah, go on then.
499
00:20:50,500 --> 00:20:51,467
[engine shuts down]
500
00:20:51,467 --> 00:20:53,367
-Oh, man... I'm so happy.
-Are we all done?
501
00:20:53,367 --> 00:20:55,967
That's a huge chunk
of the
re-commissioning process.
502
00:20:55,967 --> 00:20:58,467
I'm done with
that thing working.
and I'm so happy with that.
503
00:20:58,467 --> 00:21:00,734
You start to fall in love
with that little car, then?
504
00:21:00,734 --> 00:21:01,360
Well, love's
a strong word, but,
505
00:21:01,360 --> 00:21:02,867
Well, love's
a strong word, but,
506
00:21:02,867 --> 00:21:04,734
I mean, look,
now that that's working,
507
00:21:04,734 --> 00:21:06,867
a part of me is starting to
like the Allegro.
508
00:21:06,867 --> 00:21:09,967
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Allegro?
You can't call this Allegro.
509
00:21:09,967 --> 00:21:11,500
-It's a Vanden Plas.
-[laughs]
510
00:21:11,500 --> 00:21:13,800
Is it a Vanden Plas
or a Vanden Plas?
511
00:21:14,533 --> 00:21:16,367
It could be Plas or Plas.
512
00:21:16,367 --> 00:21:18,533
-Just don't call it
an Allegro.
-[laughs]
513
00:21:20,533 --> 00:21:22,467
Regardless of
how you pronounce it,
514
00:21:22,467 --> 00:21:24,967
ours isn't going to be
gaining any new admirers
515
00:21:24,967 --> 00:21:26,734
until I can fix its paintwork.
516
00:21:26,734 --> 00:21:30,333
But before I do that,
there's something else
that needs my attention.
517
00:21:31,700 --> 00:21:34,367
Now, when Mike and I
first went to see this car,
518
00:21:34,367 --> 00:21:36,367
I could tell
that it was sitting low.
519
00:21:36,367 --> 00:21:40,367
And it's got a slightly
unusual suspension system
called hydro-gas.
520
00:21:40,367 --> 00:21:45,533
Hydro-gas suspension
was originally developed by
British Leyland in the 1970s.
521
00:21:45,533 --> 00:21:49,867
It uses a suspension fluid
that cushions the car
as it travels along the road.
522
00:21:49,867 --> 00:21:53,000
It's not uncommon for
that fluid
to gradually seep away,
523
00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:55,734
especially when a car's
been sat for a long time.
524
00:21:55,734 --> 00:21:58,166
But the good news is
I can top the system up
525
00:21:58,166 --> 00:22:00,734
and get the car
back to that
correct ride height.
526
00:22:01,734 --> 00:22:03,467
I've got the workshop
manual out,
527
00:22:03,467 --> 00:22:05,600
and it gives us
a very specific dimension
528
00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:10,500
between the axle
and the bottom of the
wing here, the wheel arch.
529
00:22:10,500 --> 00:22:14,066
That dimension should be
373 millimeters,
530
00:22:14,066 --> 00:22:19,166
but on ours, well,
we're down at 308 millimeters.
531
00:22:19,166 --> 00:22:23,867
Luckily, raising it back up
65 mm
isn't a very taxing job,
532
00:22:23,867 --> 00:22:26,066
but explaining
how the system works is.
533
00:22:26,066 --> 00:22:28,467
So I've put together
a little demonstration.
534
00:22:30,367 --> 00:22:31,360
Now, I know it may well look
like there's been a kid's
party going on here,
535
00:22:31,360 --> 00:22:34,100
Now, I know it may well look
like there's been a kid's
party going on here,
536
00:22:34,100 --> 00:22:36,367
but bear with me,
because I've knocked up this.
537
00:22:36,367 --> 00:22:39,867
An oversimplified model
representing
the hydro-gas units
538
00:22:39,867 --> 00:22:41,867
on each of the four corners
of our car.
539
00:22:41,867 --> 00:22:45,166
Now this one's made up
of two plastic bottles
and a toilet plunger,
540
00:22:45,166 --> 00:22:48,734
with the toilet plunger
representing
the suspension leg or strut
541
00:22:48,734 --> 00:22:50,367
on each of those four corners.
542
00:22:50,367 --> 00:22:53,166
As the car travels over
the road, moving over
the lumps and bumps,
543
00:22:53,166 --> 00:22:56,166
that movement is transmitted
through this strut
544
00:22:56,166 --> 00:22:58,367
as it moves up and down.
Now, above that,
545
00:22:58,367 --> 00:23:01,360
we've got this green cylinder,
in our case a green balloon.
546
00:23:01,360 --> 00:23:01,367
we've got this green cylinder,
in our case a green balloon.
547
00:23:01,367 --> 00:23:03,500
Here it's filled with water,
but on the car,
548
00:23:03,500 --> 00:23:06,500
it's filled with
a suspension fluid
that's made up of water,
549
00:23:06,500 --> 00:23:09,533
a rust inhibitor,
and an anti-freeze
solution as well.
550
00:23:09,533 --> 00:23:12,734
At the top of
the green cylinder
are some tiny little holes,
551
00:23:12,734 --> 00:23:16,000
and as that movement
is transmitted
through the suspension leg
552
00:23:16,000 --> 00:23:18,266
and it moves up and down,
that fluid passes
553
00:23:18,266 --> 00:23:20,600
through the tiny holes
from the green cylinder
554
00:23:20,600 --> 00:23:22,700
into the bottom
of the red cylinder.
555
00:23:22,700 --> 00:23:25,867
Now because the holes
are so small,
they act as a restrictor
556
00:23:25,867 --> 00:23:28,266
in the same way
that a traditional
damper works,
557
00:23:28,266 --> 00:23:30,967
giving us that smooth
and cushioned ride
558
00:23:30,967 --> 00:23:31,360
as the car travels
down the road.
559
00:23:31,360 --> 00:23:33,266
as the car travels
down the road.
560
00:23:33,266 --> 00:23:35,066
Now in the case of our car,
561
00:23:35,066 --> 00:23:37,867
this green cylinder has lost
some of its fluid over time,
562
00:23:37,867 --> 00:23:39,600
and we now need to refill it,
563
00:23:39,600 --> 00:23:42,367
because refilling that system
has this effect.
564
00:23:42,367 --> 00:23:45,600
It extends that
suspension leg,
pushing it down,
565
00:23:45,600 --> 00:23:48,600
making the overall length
of the hydro-gas unit
even longer,
566
00:23:48,600 --> 00:23:51,367
and it's that that resets
the car's ride height
567
00:23:51,367 --> 00:23:53,100
back to where it should be.
568
00:23:53,100 --> 00:23:55,967
At least that's how
it should work in theory.
569
00:23:55,967 --> 00:23:58,800
Time to see
if it's just as smooth
in real life.
570
00:24:00,867 --> 00:24:01,360
Now in order to get the car
back to its
correct ride height,
571
00:24:01,360 --> 00:24:03,367
Now in order to get the car
back to its
correct ride height,
572
00:24:03,367 --> 00:24:04,634
I'm going to use one of these.
573
00:24:04,634 --> 00:24:08,066
It's a very
old-school looking,
hand-operated hydraulic pump,
574
00:24:08,066 --> 00:24:10,533
but it's going to allow me
to refill the system.
575
00:24:11,734 --> 00:24:14,266
The Vaden Plas
has two hydro-gas systems
576
00:24:14,266 --> 00:24:17,166
that control the ride height,
one on either side of the car.
577
00:24:17,166 --> 00:24:19,734
So first off, I'm connecting
to the driver's side,
578
00:24:19,734 --> 00:24:21,867
and hopefully,
pumping it back up
579
00:24:21,867 --> 00:24:24,734
to that all important
373 millimeters.
580
00:24:27,266 --> 00:24:29,166
Yeah, I'll take that.
581
00:24:29,166 --> 00:24:30,867
That is absolutely perfect.
582
00:24:30,867 --> 00:24:31,360
Back where it should
have always been.
583
00:24:31,360 --> 00:24:32,867
Back where it should
have always been.
584
00:24:32,867 --> 00:24:35,467
I just need to
check the other side,
and then,
585
00:24:35,467 --> 00:24:37,500
then I can get onto
this monumental challenge
586
00:24:37,500 --> 00:24:40,533
of getting the car
back to being
the right color again.
587
00:24:46,066 --> 00:24:50,000
[Mike] I'm on the way
to get the veneer
on our dashboard salted,
588
00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:52,634
but it's not
in the traditional way.
589
00:24:56,266 --> 00:24:58,867
It's great news that Elvis
has got our Vanden Plas
590
00:24:58,867 --> 00:25:01,360
running again as it should be,
which I'm very excited about.
591
00:25:01,360 --> 00:25:03,367
running again as it should be,
which I'm very excited about.
592
00:25:03,367 --> 00:25:05,867
The one thing that
lets our car down, really,
593
00:25:05,867 --> 00:25:09,166
is the dashboard inside
because the interior
is so nice.
594
00:25:09,166 --> 00:25:11,700
But the dashboard
being walnut burl veneer,
595
00:25:11,700 --> 00:25:15,867
well, it's cracked,
it's faded, it's peeling off.
596
00:25:15,867 --> 00:25:19,100
So I was looking around
if there is
a different process,
597
00:25:19,100 --> 00:25:22,367
something that's maybe
a little bit cheaper,
a little bit quicker,
598
00:25:22,367 --> 00:25:24,367
and possibly
a little bit more durable.
599
00:25:24,367 --> 00:25:27,266
And there is,
it's called hydro dipping.
600
00:25:27,266 --> 00:25:30,467
So, I've sent our
dashboard ahead
to some friends of mine,
601
00:25:30,467 --> 00:25:31,360
and they reckon
they can not only make it
look like a veneer dashboard,
602
00:25:31,360 --> 00:25:33,867
and they reckon
they can not only make it
look like a veneer dashboard,
603
00:25:33,867 --> 00:25:37,467
but it will be better
than what was
on the car originally.
604
00:25:37,467 --> 00:25:40,700
Hydro dipping is a process
where you lower an object
605
00:25:40,700 --> 00:25:43,066
onto a thin plastic
graphic sheet
606
00:25:43,066 --> 00:25:46,266
that's been made pliable
by a warm bath of water.
607
00:25:46,266 --> 00:25:49,266
You can then choose
pretty much
any design you can imagine.
608
00:25:49,266 --> 00:25:51,500
But because this is
a Vanden Plas no less,
609
00:25:51,500 --> 00:25:53,867
the trick today
is going to be finding a match
610
00:25:53,867 --> 00:25:56,000
for our original
dashboard's color.
611
00:25:56,000 --> 00:25:58,600
-Lyle, how are you, bud?
-Good. How are you doing?
612
00:25:58,600 --> 00:26:00,367
-Yeah. Good. Nice to see you.
-And you.
613
00:26:00,367 --> 00:26:01,360
Um, did you get the parts
I sent you down?
614
00:26:01,360 --> 00:26:02,500
Um, did you get the parts
I sent you down?
615
00:26:02,500 --> 00:26:04,367
-Yeah, I did.
-How far we got with them?
616
00:26:04,367 --> 00:26:06,867
Well, the main part
of the dash
is prepped, ready to go
617
00:26:06,867 --> 00:26:10,266
and we need to decide
on a color which
we need your help with.
618
00:26:10,266 --> 00:26:13,734
So we've got the glove box
still to kind of
move forward with,
619
00:26:13,734 --> 00:26:16,266
but I'm going to
get you some colors,
620
00:26:16,266 --> 00:26:18,367
so you can have a look.
621
00:26:18,367 --> 00:26:22,266
-Okay.
-And then,
the glove box itself...
622
00:26:23,266 --> 00:26:26,600
-Right.
-...is here.
623
00:26:26,600 --> 00:26:29,734
-So, I've got to match that?
-Yeah.
624
00:26:29,734 --> 00:26:31,360
-But that's way too gold,
isn't it?
-Yeah.
625
00:26:31,360 --> 00:26:32,500
-But that's way too gold,
isn't it?
-Yeah.
626
00:26:32,500 --> 00:26:35,734
But that's close, isn't it?
And that's a walnutty look.
627
00:26:35,734 --> 00:26:39,066
Yeah but his is our favorite.
This is the one we would
recommend you choose,
628
00:26:39,066 --> 00:26:41,467
but we just want your opinion
on that before we,
629
00:26:41,467 --> 00:26:44,367
you know, obviously, go ahead
and do what we think is right.
630
00:26:44,367 --> 00:26:47,266
I agree. I think that...
I think that will look lovely
631
00:26:47,266 --> 00:26:49,166
going all the way
across the dashboard.
632
00:26:49,166 --> 00:26:51,734
That will look fantastic,
yeah. So, yes,
633
00:26:51,734 --> 00:26:53,967
-I choose that.
-Excellent.
634
00:26:53,967 --> 00:26:56,700
[Mike]
To get the glove box prepped
for its fancy new covering,
635
00:26:56,700 --> 00:27:01,266
Lyle starts by sanding off
the original lacquer
and veneer.
636
00:27:01,266 --> 00:27:01,360
All good?
637
00:27:01,360 --> 00:27:03,166
All good?
638
00:27:03,166 --> 00:27:05,367
Yeah, I think
we're good to go.
639
00:27:05,367 --> 00:27:07,600
[Mike] Next, we're handing
this bit of the glove box
640
00:27:07,600 --> 00:27:10,867
over to one of the painters
so it can be primed,
641
00:27:10,867 --> 00:27:13,533
whilst we crack on
with the center section
of the dash
642
00:27:13,533 --> 00:27:15,734
that's already been
through the process.
643
00:27:15,734 --> 00:27:19,533
And now it's ready
to have the hydro dip
transfer applied to it.
644
00:27:21,000 --> 00:27:22,900
Ah! Right now...
645
00:27:22,900 --> 00:27:26,367
That is a real surprise.
Orange.
646
00:27:26,367 --> 00:27:31,634
-Why so orange?
-We need to
allow for the ink in the film,
647
00:27:31,634 --> 00:27:34,367
and once it's applied,
you will end up,
648
00:27:34,367 --> 00:27:37,867
basically, with a finish
that looks more like that.
649
00:27:37,867 --> 00:27:40,867
So the base you put down
is that thick orange...
650
00:27:40,867 --> 00:27:43,600
-Yeah.
-...and then over the top
of that the transfer,
651
00:27:43,600 --> 00:27:45,467
-uh, which is this?
-Yeah.
652
00:27:45,467 --> 00:27:48,100
-And then the orange
comes through that.
-Yeah.
653
00:27:48,100 --> 00:27:50,600
-That little sample piece
there, if you overlay that...
-Yeah.
654
00:27:50,600 --> 00:27:51,367
-That little sample piece
there, if you overlay that...
-Yeah.
655
00:27:51,367 --> 00:27:54,467
...it'll give you a bit
of a close, like, indication
656
00:27:54,467 --> 00:27:57,266
-of how it's gonna look.
-Oh, yeah, look at that.
657
00:27:57,266 --> 00:27:58,467
-Still very orange.
-Yeah.
658
00:27:58,467 --> 00:28:00,100
You're gonna
have to convince me
659
00:28:00,100 --> 00:28:02,100
that this is the right shade
of orange.
660
00:28:02,100 --> 00:28:04,867
Right. Let the magic begin.
661
00:28:05,734 --> 00:28:08,000
First, Lyle cuts
the film to size,
662
00:28:08,000 --> 00:28:10,333
and then we're ready
to take the dash for a dip.
663
00:28:11,266 --> 00:28:13,900
-What do I do?
-Just drop it down slowly,
664
00:28:13,900 --> 00:28:15,634
till it touches down.
665
00:28:15,634 --> 00:28:18,000
[Mike] Now the film
is floating
on the warm water,
666
00:28:18,000 --> 00:28:19,734
it slowly starts to melt,
667
00:28:19,734 --> 00:28:20,600
becoming a flexible film
on the surface.
668
00:28:20,600 --> 00:28:22,700
becoming a flexible film
on the surface.
669
00:28:22,700 --> 00:28:24,467
Okay, Mike, if you can get
ready to grab me the dash,
670
00:28:24,467 --> 00:28:26,533
I need to get my mask on
and get ready to activate.
671
00:28:26,533 --> 00:28:29,867
No worries.
Yeah, I'm standing by.
672
00:28:29,867 --> 00:28:33,100
Next, Lyle sprays the film
with a catalyst solution
673
00:28:33,100 --> 00:28:35,333
which turns the ink
into liquid.
674
00:28:36,533 --> 00:28:39,166
Then it's time
for the big moment.
675
00:28:41,367 --> 00:28:43,333
[laughs]
676
00:28:44,533 --> 00:28:47,467
Get in. [laughs]
677
00:28:47,467 --> 00:28:49,467
Look at that. It is magic.
678
00:28:49,467 --> 00:28:50,600
It is literally magic
right in front of your eyes.
679
00:28:50,600 --> 00:28:52,900
It is literally magic
right in front of your eyes.
680
00:28:52,900 --> 00:28:56,634
That is fantastic.
Isn't that cool?
You pleased with that?
681
00:28:56,634 --> 00:28:59,367
You can't say anything.
Lyle, are you happy with that?
682
00:28:59,367 --> 00:29:01,266
Yeah, mate, it's awesome.
That's about as good
683
00:29:01,266 --> 00:29:03,266
-as it's gonna get.
-You've done an amazing job
684
00:29:03,266 --> 00:29:05,266
and that's before it's even
lacquered and varnished
685
00:29:05,266 --> 00:29:07,367
and put together
with the rest of the bits.
686
00:29:07,367 --> 00:29:11,166
Mate, I can't wait for you
to get it finished, lacquered
up, back to the workshop.
687
00:29:11,166 --> 00:29:13,367
Elvis is going to love this!
688
00:29:13,367 --> 00:29:15,533
[Elvis] Whilst Mike's out
taking care of the dash,
689
00:29:15,533 --> 00:29:17,734
I finished sorting out
the suspension.
690
00:29:17,734 --> 00:29:20,600
So it's time to turn
my attention to
the big one, the paintwork.
691
00:29:20,600 --> 00:29:21,634
So it's time to turn
my attention to
the big one, the paintwork.
692
00:29:21,634 --> 00:29:25,367
Now, because the paint
on the front end of our car's
in really good condition,
693
00:29:25,367 --> 00:29:27,900
it doesn't make any sense
to paint the whole car.
694
00:29:27,900 --> 00:29:30,266
But I do need to know
exactly what color it is
695
00:29:30,266 --> 00:29:32,467
so I can apply that
to the rear end.
696
00:29:32,467 --> 00:29:34,166
Now, it's a tried
and tested method
697
00:29:34,166 --> 00:29:36,000
but I have seen it go
horribly wrong,
698
00:29:36,000 --> 00:29:40,100
and so I've enlisted the help
of Nick here from a local
paint matching company.
699
00:29:40,100 --> 00:29:42,467
You might be thinking,
why aren't we looking up
700
00:29:42,467 --> 00:29:45,734
the original paint code
from the 1970s and using that.
701
00:29:45,734 --> 00:29:47,266
Well, for two reasons.
702
00:29:47,266 --> 00:29:50,600
Firstly, 50 years of
weathering will have
faded the original color.
703
00:29:50,600 --> 00:29:51,734
Firstly, 50 years of
weathering will have
faded the original color.
704
00:29:51,734 --> 00:29:54,867
And secondly,
because it looks like
our car's being touched up
705
00:29:54,867 --> 00:29:56,867
a number of times
over the years.
706
00:29:56,867 --> 00:29:59,266
So, we need to match
the existing paint work
707
00:29:59,266 --> 00:30:02,266
to make sure any new paint
blends in seamlessly.
708
00:30:02,266 --> 00:30:04,266
Right, Nick...
What are you saying then?
709
00:30:04,266 --> 00:30:07,000
-You had
a little look around it.
-Well, it is an Allegro,
710
00:30:07,000 --> 00:30:09,100
it was never my cup of tea,
but, uh...
711
00:30:09,100 --> 00:30:12,000
You can't call it
an Allegro, mate.
It's a Vanden Plas.
712
00:30:12,000 --> 00:30:13,900
But I know what you're saying.
[laughs]
713
00:30:13,900 --> 00:30:15,734
In terms of
matching the paint then,
714
00:30:15,734 --> 00:30:19,800
so how do we get the exact
color from the front end
to then be applied here?
715
00:30:19,800 --> 00:30:20,600
What we'd usually do now,
716
00:30:20,600 --> 00:30:21,367
What we'd usually do now,
717
00:30:21,367 --> 00:30:23,533
we'd clean off a panel
and then we'd scan it,
718
00:30:23,533 --> 00:30:27,000
and then that will give us
a reference point
to start with.
719
00:30:27,000 --> 00:30:30,000
[Elvis] Nick's brought along
a fancy bit
of kit called a spectrometer
720
00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:33,000
which can analyze the paint
and provide us with a match.
721
00:30:33,000 --> 00:30:36,166
But to get a good reading,
I first need to
polish off a section
722
00:30:36,166 --> 00:30:39,266
with a little
cutting compound.
723
00:30:39,266 --> 00:30:42,734
-Is that all right there?
-Yeah, it's good, but just do
the top of that wing.
724
00:30:42,734 --> 00:30:45,066
I think that looks a bit...
725
00:30:46,700 --> 00:30:49,634
I don't know if the wing
looks a bit different
to the bonnet.
726
00:30:49,634 --> 00:30:50,600
-Do you reckon?
-Well, yeah.
727
00:30:50,600 --> 00:30:52,166
-Do you reckon?
-Well, yeah.
728
00:30:52,166 --> 00:30:54,634
-Can you not see it?
-[laughs]
729
00:30:54,634 --> 00:30:56,634
No, that's where
your expert eye comes in.
730
00:30:56,634 --> 00:30:58,533
It looks all right,
it looks the same.
731
00:30:58,533 --> 00:31:00,367
It actually comes up
as a lovely color, doesn't it?
732
00:31:00,367 --> 00:31:02,800
-That's nice...
-There is
a tiny difference, isn't it?
733
00:31:02,800 --> 00:31:06,100
Yeah, yeah.
The bonnet's slightly lighter
than the wing.
734
00:31:06,100 --> 00:31:08,867
So therefore, if we scan
the top of the wing...
735
00:31:08,867 --> 00:31:10,467
-Yeah.
-...we should be...
736
00:31:10,467 --> 00:31:13,533
that'll be the same batch
of paint that
was used for the side.
737
00:31:13,533 --> 00:31:16,467
So you're more likely,
more keen to scan the wing
738
00:31:16,467 --> 00:31:18,867
because that's on the same
side profile of the car,
739
00:31:18,867 --> 00:31:20,600
and that's going to help
distract people's view,
740
00:31:20,600 --> 00:31:21,166
and that's going to help
distract people's view,
741
00:31:21,166 --> 00:31:25,000
-and less likely to see
any differences.
-Yeah, definitely.
742
00:31:25,000 --> 00:31:29,467
[Elvis] Nick's scanning
the car with
a spectrometer five times.
743
00:31:29,467 --> 00:31:32,800
It analyses the wavelength
of the light reflected
by the paint work
744
00:31:32,800 --> 00:31:35,066
and then creates
an average of the results.
745
00:31:36,533 --> 00:31:39,900
This should give us a match
that's around
90 percent accurate.
746
00:31:39,900 --> 00:31:41,600
We're waiting
for the green tick.
747
00:31:41,600 --> 00:31:43,634
Big green tick, means
it's got a good image?
748
00:31:43,634 --> 00:31:46,900
-Yeah, it's means the scan's
been a success.
-Good. All right.
749
00:31:46,900 --> 00:31:50,000
So I take this
back to the shop
and hand it to Kelly,
750
00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:50,600
our color technician,
and she'll
sort it out for you.
751
00:31:50,600 --> 00:31:53,233
our color technician,
and she'll
sort it out for you.
752
00:32:00,467 --> 00:32:02,367
[Elvis] Because I can't
take the car to the shop
753
00:32:02,367 --> 00:32:05,367
to compare it to the
color chip the spectrometer's
gonna select,
754
00:32:05,367 --> 00:32:08,634
I've taken off a small panel
that I can easily take
along with me.
755
00:32:09,900 --> 00:32:12,533
-Hello. Are you Kelly?
-Hello. Yes, I am.
Are you Elvis?
756
00:32:12,533 --> 00:32:14,467
-I am indeed.
-Hello, I've been
expecting you.
757
00:32:14,467 --> 00:32:17,367
-Good. Did Nick give you
the spectrometer?
-Yes, um...
758
00:32:17,367 --> 00:32:20,100
So I've got the results
from the spectrometer
this morning.
759
00:32:20,100 --> 00:32:20,600
Should we have a look
at the panel here?
760
00:32:20,600 --> 00:32:21,467
Should we have a look
at the panel here?
761
00:32:21,467 --> 00:32:23,367
-Yeah, he asked me
to bring a piece along.
-Brilliant.
762
00:32:23,367 --> 00:32:25,100
So, that's what
the scanner's produced?
763
00:32:25,100 --> 00:32:26,900
This is what the scanner's
produced this morning.
764
00:32:26,900 --> 00:32:28,900
-That looks good to me.
-It's pretty good.
765
00:32:28,900 --> 00:32:30,166
That's amazing.
766
00:32:30,166 --> 00:32:33,100
If you're happy with that,
we can take
the formulation today.
767
00:32:33,100 --> 00:32:36,467
-I can go ahead and mix it.
-Excellent. Perfect, okay.
768
00:32:36,467 --> 00:32:39,266
To mix the perfect paint,
Kelly needs to blend together
769
00:32:39,266 --> 00:32:42,266
just the right quantity
of various colors.
770
00:32:42,266 --> 00:32:45,100
Luckily for us, the computer's
giving us a recipe to follow,
771
00:32:45,100 --> 00:32:48,800
so we know we're going to
end up with exactly
what's on the color chip.
772
00:32:48,800 --> 00:32:50,600
-Right. So this is
moment of truth, isn't it?
-This is, yes.
773
00:32:50,600 --> 00:32:51,266
-Right. So this is
moment of truth, isn't it?
-This is, yes.
774
00:32:51,266 --> 00:32:53,467
So let's give it a mix
and see how looks.
775
00:32:53,467 --> 00:32:55,634
Go on then.
Okay, let's have a look.
776
00:32:55,634 --> 00:32:57,266
Yeah, look at that.
That's a lovely color.
777
00:32:57,266 --> 00:32:59,333
-It is.
-Let me grab the piece.
778
00:33:00,266 --> 00:33:02,900
Hold that together...
I mean, it's not bad, is it?
779
00:33:02,900 --> 00:33:05,533
I mean, I guess it'll dry
a tiny bit different to that?
780
00:33:05,533 --> 00:33:07,533
Yeah, probably about
two shades darker,
781
00:33:07,533 --> 00:33:10,734
-so I think it's going
to be good.
-Yeah, that sounds perfect.
782
00:33:10,734 --> 00:33:13,100
If it's going to be
a bit darker, that will be
an absolute exact match.
783
00:33:13,100 --> 00:33:15,433
Mm. Yeah, are you
happy with that one?
784
00:33:16,166 --> 00:33:18,333
I'll tell you what.
I think I am.
785
00:33:21,000 --> 00:33:24,266
[Elvis]
Our little Vanden Plas 1500
is almost complete.
786
00:33:24,266 --> 00:33:26,634
And don't tell Mike,
but you know what?
787
00:33:26,634 --> 00:33:30,266
I think I might just be
starting to develop
a little soft spot for it.
788
00:33:30,266 --> 00:33:33,734
I've got some really exciting
but also nerve-wracking
news this morning
789
00:33:33,734 --> 00:33:36,100
because the Vanden Plas
has been delivered,
790
00:33:36,100 --> 00:33:38,967
freshly painted,
back to my workshop.
791
00:33:38,967 --> 00:33:42,066
I'm just hoping that
that color that I chose
for the rear end
792
00:33:42,066 --> 00:33:45,367
perfectly matches the color
that was already
on the front end.
793
00:33:50,266 --> 00:33:51,867
[chuckling] There it is.
794
00:33:51,867 --> 00:33:53,867
-Hey. Morning, mate.
-How are you doing?
795
00:33:53,867 --> 00:33:56,266
Look at this.
That looks incredible,
doesn't it?
796
00:33:56,266 --> 00:33:58,367
-Looks good, doesn't it?
-You can't even tell
797
00:33:58,367 --> 00:34:00,867
where the old paint finishes
and the new paint starts.
798
00:34:00,867 --> 00:34:03,266
Whoever scanned in
that color match was a genius.
799
00:34:03,266 --> 00:34:05,367
The paint job
is exceptional as well.
800
00:34:05,367 --> 00:34:07,367
That's incredible, isn't it?
801
00:34:07,367 --> 00:34:10,066
-Hello, hello.
-Hello, hello. You ready?
802
00:34:10,066 --> 00:34:12,100
-Yeah, go on.
-Ta-da!
803
00:34:12,100 --> 00:34:14,066
-You look at that.
-Did you buy a new one?
804
00:34:14,066 --> 00:34:17,000
Well, if I did buy a new one,
it would be very expensive,
805
00:34:17,000 --> 00:34:18,840
like, between 500 to 700 quid,
but this is our old dashboard.
806
00:34:18,840 --> 00:34:20,734
like, between 500 to 700 quid,
but this is our old dashboard.
807
00:34:20,734 --> 00:34:23,066
-No, it isn't.
-It is. It's not even wood.
808
00:34:23,066 --> 00:34:25,000
-What do you mean?
-It's wood underneath,
809
00:34:25,000 --> 00:34:26,967
but this has been
hydro dipped.
810
00:34:26,967 --> 00:34:28,734
This is actually a graphic,
811
00:34:28,734 --> 00:34:30,967
a transfer that's been put on
then lacquered,
812
00:34:30,967 --> 00:34:33,100
and it will outlast
the veneer in the car.
813
00:34:33,100 --> 00:34:35,867
-It's going to be
in the car forever.
-That is incredible.
814
00:34:35,867 --> 00:34:38,100
-350 quid.
-Oh, mate, nice work.
815
00:34:38,100 --> 00:34:40,734
Honestly, that looks so good
and so does that.
816
00:34:40,734 --> 00:34:43,266
It may not be the most
attractive car in the world,
817
00:34:43,266 --> 00:34:46,367
but I tell you what,
it's a lot less ugly
with these bits on it.
818
00:34:46,367 --> 00:34:48,533
It's funny people still think
this car's ugly.
819
00:34:48,533 --> 00:34:48,840
I think it's beautiful.
So much so,
820
00:34:48,840 --> 00:34:50,533
I think it's beautiful.
So much so,
821
00:34:50,533 --> 00:34:52,867
I'm going to line up
somewhere really beautiful
822
00:34:52,867 --> 00:34:55,734
to drive it at the end
once you get
all this stuff fitted.
823
00:34:55,734 --> 00:34:57,367
Nice work.
824
00:34:57,367 --> 00:35:01,500
This has been one of the most
marmite renovations
in Wheeler Dealers' history.
825
00:35:01,500 --> 00:35:04,367
You can put lipstick on a pig,
it doesn't make it beautiful.
826
00:35:04,367 --> 00:35:08,266
-[laughter]
-I've seen beautiful pigs.
I have.
827
00:35:08,266 --> 00:35:11,500
We took one of the most
unloved cars on the planet...
828
00:35:11,500 --> 00:35:15,367
It's a bit like trying to wake
Sleeping Beauty, isn't it?
Apart from the beauty bit.
829
00:35:15,367 --> 00:35:17,867
[Mike] ...and sprinkled it
with Elvis magic...
830
00:35:17,867 --> 00:35:18,840
All right.
831
00:35:18,840 --> 00:35:19,233
All right.
832
00:35:20,367 --> 00:35:22,266
Oh, that's loads better.
833
00:35:22,266 --> 00:35:24,634
[Mike] ...transforming it
from an ugly duckling...
834
00:35:24,634 --> 00:35:27,367
Don't call it
an Allegro, mate.
It's a Vanden Plas.
835
00:35:27,367 --> 00:35:28,634
But I know what you're saying.
836
00:35:28,634 --> 00:35:30,734
[Mike]
...into a beautiful swan.
837
00:35:32,867 --> 00:35:34,867
But beauty comes at a price.
838
00:35:34,867 --> 00:35:38,166
So how much did this makeover
set us back?
839
00:35:38,166 --> 00:35:42,367
We originally bought the car
from Gwen for 1,500 pounds.
840
00:35:42,367 --> 00:35:46,500
Recommissioning the engine
set us back 128.
841
00:35:46,500 --> 00:35:48,840
And new hydro dipped
dashboard was 350,
842
00:35:48,840 --> 00:35:49,533
And new hydro dipped
dashboard was 350,
843
00:35:49,533 --> 00:35:52,500
and the paintwork, 582 quid.
844
00:35:52,500 --> 00:35:55,166
Finally, we've also
stuck in a new battery
845
00:35:55,166 --> 00:35:59,000
and put on a new set of tires
for 251 pounds,
846
00:35:59,000 --> 00:36:04,100
which gives us a grand total
of 2,811 pounds.
847
00:36:09,467 --> 00:36:11,867
But the big question remains.
848
00:36:11,867 --> 00:36:14,867
Can we convince people
to give this unloved motor
849
00:36:14,867 --> 00:36:18,840
a second look, 50 years on,
from when
it was first launched?
850
00:36:18,840 --> 00:36:18,900
a second look, 50 years on,
from when
it was first launched?
851
00:36:20,100 --> 00:36:22,967
Mate, this is
absolutely fantastic.
852
00:36:22,967 --> 00:36:27,266
How good is this?
I can't believe
we've come such a long way
853
00:36:27,266 --> 00:36:31,967
from where this car
first started, but the way
it drives is fantastic.
854
00:36:31,967 --> 00:36:33,367
It's the first time
you've driven it.
855
00:36:33,367 --> 00:36:35,367
It's the first time,
and it's smooth, it's quiet.
856
00:36:35,367 --> 00:36:37,600
-It feels
kind of regal in here.
-[laughs]
857
00:36:37,600 --> 00:36:40,066
I kind of like it.
Gearbox is lovely.
858
00:36:40,066 --> 00:36:42,467
Automatic,
so I can just cruse along.
859
00:36:42,467 --> 00:36:45,266
-We've nailed it, haven't we?
-Well, we have, to be honest.
860
00:36:45,266 --> 00:36:47,634
It is nice to see what was
a half-finished project
861
00:36:47,634 --> 00:36:48,840
turn into a proper Allegro
and now back
on the road again.
862
00:36:48,840 --> 00:36:50,467
turn into a proper Allegro
and now back
on the road again.
863
00:36:50,467 --> 00:36:53,500
You've said it again.
It's not an Allegro,
it's a Vanden Plas.
864
00:36:53,500 --> 00:36:56,734
You can't say Allegro,
you'll upset a whole
community of people.
865
00:36:56,734 --> 00:37:00,166
This is what Austin
intended the car to be,
866
00:37:00,166 --> 00:37:01,734
the Vanden Plas.
867
00:37:02,600 --> 00:37:05,367
And to show off
our Vanden Plas at its best,
868
00:37:05,367 --> 00:37:09,100
I've brought us
to one of the most
beautiful villages in England
869
00:37:09,100 --> 00:37:12,600
to demonstrate
that this unloved car
actually fits in
870
00:37:12,600 --> 00:37:14,867
to this stunning setting
rather well.
871
00:37:14,867 --> 00:37:18,066
Look at that. Let's see,
little knowing nod
from somebody there.
872
00:37:18,066 --> 00:37:18,840
They appreciate
the Vanden Plas.
873
00:37:18,840 --> 00:37:21,100
They appreciate
the Vanden Plas.
874
00:37:22,166 --> 00:37:24,000
Look at this.
How pretty is it?
875
00:37:24,000 --> 00:37:27,100
There, another little nod
from somebody.
876
00:37:27,100 --> 00:37:30,266
Look at this place. Yeah,
this is where
this car should be.
877
00:37:30,266 --> 00:37:32,867
This is the picturesque town
of Bourton-on-the-Water.
878
00:37:32,867 --> 00:37:35,266
-A little river
running through it.
-It's gorgeous.
879
00:37:35,266 --> 00:37:37,634
[Mike] Ducks on the pond.
Look at that.
Isn't it lovely?
880
00:37:37,634 --> 00:37:40,634
This car sits perfectly here.
What you don't know,
881
00:37:40,634 --> 00:37:43,600
because I like to keep
these little things
a secret from you,
882
00:37:43,600 --> 00:37:46,634
is that I've arranged
for us to drive to the museum
883
00:37:46,634 --> 00:37:48,600
-here in
Bourton-on-the-Water...
-Yeah.
884
00:37:48,600 --> 00:37:48,840
...where I've arranged
for other unloved cars like
this Vanden Plas to turn up,
885
00:37:48,840 --> 00:37:52,367
...where I've arranged
for other unloved cars like
this Vanden Plas to turn up,
886
00:37:52,367 --> 00:37:54,533
and because
you put this in amongst them,
887
00:37:54,533 --> 00:37:56,467
and it's gonna shine.
888
00:37:56,467 --> 00:37:59,600
I just want to get
the car sold.
I want somebody to enjoy it,
889
00:37:59,600 --> 00:38:01,734
somebody to drive it around
and show it off,
890
00:38:01,734 --> 00:38:05,600
and maybe people
will fall in love
with this unloved classic.
891
00:38:05,600 --> 00:38:07,867
Right, so here we are.
This is the center
892
00:38:07,867 --> 00:38:10,100
-of Bourton-on-the-Water.
-Yeah, look.
893
00:38:10,100 --> 00:38:13,266
-Look at all those old cars.
-Yep. All those unloved cars.
894
00:38:13,266 --> 00:38:15,467
-How good is that?
-[laughter]
895
00:38:20,600 --> 00:38:23,500
[Mike] We brought together
some of the
strangest looking...
896
00:38:23,500 --> 00:38:27,634
The previous owner's children,
they called it
the Vomit Comet.
897
00:38:27,634 --> 00:38:29,100
...most unfamiliar...
898
00:38:29,100 --> 00:38:32,533
The Avantime was designed
for a niche
that didn't really exist.
899
00:38:32,533 --> 00:38:35,533
...and quirkiest
unloved cars on the planet
900
00:38:35,533 --> 00:38:39,800
to find out what
their owner's see in them
that nobody else does.
901
00:38:39,800 --> 00:38:43,634
Look at this.
That is the Fiat Multipla.
902
00:38:43,634 --> 00:38:46,000
The Ferrari Formula 1 team
used to use these
as crew buses...
903
00:38:46,000 --> 00:38:47,080
Oh, get out.
904
00:38:47,080 --> 00:38:47,266
Oh, get out.
905
00:38:47,266 --> 00:38:49,800
-They were the laughing stock
of the F1 paddock.
-I'm sure.
906
00:38:49,800 --> 00:38:52,467
-Uh, Mick, don't want to
be rude to your car...
-Yes.
907
00:38:52,467 --> 00:38:55,734
But back in the day,
it was a laughing stock.
But today, I don't why,
908
00:38:55,734 --> 00:38:58,100
in amongst
his company as well,
it's pretty cool.
909
00:38:58,100 --> 00:39:00,734
-People love them
or they hate them.
-Yeah.
910
00:39:00,734 --> 00:39:03,166
But then, I drove up
on the motorway yesterday,
911
00:39:03,166 --> 00:39:05,000
and there was
people tooting me
912
00:39:05,000 --> 00:39:07,166
and giving me the thumbs up
sign through the window
913
00:39:07,166 --> 00:39:08,367
saying what
a great car it was.
914
00:39:08,367 --> 00:39:10,700
-Are you sure a thumb?
-It was definitely a thumb.
915
00:39:10,700 --> 00:39:15,000
Flipside of the coin is also
I've taken it to a
Cars and Coffee one morning,
916
00:39:15,000 --> 00:39:17,080
a guy walked up
and said,
"Please take it away.
917
00:39:17,080 --> 00:39:17,266
a guy walked up
and said,
"Please take it away.
918
00:39:17,266 --> 00:39:19,734
-It's making my eyes bleed."
-[laughter]
919
00:39:19,734 --> 00:39:22,000
So I absolutely
understand the flipside.
920
00:39:22,000 --> 00:39:24,166
-What do you think of it?
-I think it's a great car.
921
00:39:24,166 --> 00:39:25,867
It's a car that's
been designed.
922
00:39:25,867 --> 00:39:27,800
There's not a single
piece of this car
923
00:39:27,800 --> 00:39:29,533
that's not had
the designers pen.
924
00:39:29,533 --> 00:39:31,867
I'm upset my children
won't come out in it now.
925
00:39:31,867 --> 00:39:33,800
When they were this big,
they'd come out,
926
00:39:33,800 --> 00:39:36,433
but now they won't be seen,
they won't be seen into it.
927
00:39:37,900 --> 00:39:39,800
-Is this yours?
What's your name?
-Yeah.
928
00:39:39,800 --> 00:39:41,700
-It's James.
-Nice to meet you.
929
00:39:41,700 --> 00:39:42,800
Nice to meet you.
How you doing?
930
00:39:42,800 --> 00:39:45,634
This is Elvis.
Now, that is a cool car.
931
00:39:45,634 --> 00:39:47,080
Yeah, it's a Japanese import,
Nissan Cube.
932
00:39:47,080 --> 00:39:48,867
Yeah, it's a Japanese import,
Nissan Cube.
933
00:39:48,867 --> 00:39:51,867
So, what's that like?
When you're driving
that car down the road,
934
00:39:51,867 --> 00:39:55,467
because it's unfamiliar
and it's kind of
quirky to look at,
935
00:39:55,467 --> 00:39:58,000
what kind of reaction
do you get
when you're driving it?
936
00:39:58,000 --> 00:40:01,266
Believe it or not,
I get hundreds of people
937
00:40:01,266 --> 00:40:04,367
taking videos and photos
as I drive past,
you wouldn't believe it.
938
00:40:04,367 --> 00:40:06,634
Do you?
What made you buy it
in the first place?
939
00:40:06,634 --> 00:40:08,800
-The wife told me not to.
-[laughter]
940
00:40:10,000 --> 00:40:12,266
Now, I actually
really like these.
941
00:40:12,266 --> 00:40:15,266
-Good.
-This is a Renault Avantime
or Avantime depending on
942
00:40:15,266 --> 00:40:16,700
-where you are...
-I'd say Avantime.
943
00:40:16,700 --> 00:40:17,080
...where you are in the world.
944
00:40:17,080 --> 00:40:18,367
...where you are in the world.
945
00:40:18,367 --> 00:40:20,734
Um, I think it's a great,
great looking car.
946
00:40:20,734 --> 00:40:23,000
Renault had the Espace,
947
00:40:23,000 --> 00:40:25,266
the most practical car
you could ever own,
948
00:40:25,266 --> 00:40:28,000
and they decided,
what can we do?
How can we flip it?
949
00:40:28,000 --> 00:40:32,734
We're going to turn it into
a two-door SUV coupe thing,
that nobody wanted.
950
00:40:32,734 --> 00:40:36,000
It does fit
into the line-up perfectly
because it's slightly unusual.
951
00:40:36,000 --> 00:40:38,734
This is a home from home
for me,
I've had four Multiplas,
952
00:40:38,734 --> 00:40:41,000
and we've got a Cube
at home as well, so...
953
00:40:41,000 --> 00:40:43,000
-This is like
your garage here.
-It is.
954
00:40:43,000 --> 00:40:44,800
It is very much like my drive.
955
00:40:44,800 --> 00:40:47,080
But what did this bunch
of unloved classic car lovers
think to our Vanden Plas?
956
00:40:47,080 --> 00:40:49,467
But what did this bunch
of unloved classic car lovers
think to our Vanden Plas?
957
00:40:49,467 --> 00:40:53,700
Has it matured
like a fine wine,
or is this bottle corked?
958
00:40:53,700 --> 00:40:56,266
What do you think
of our Vanden Plas over there?
959
00:40:56,266 --> 00:40:58,367
It's the ultimate
unloved lemon, isn't it?
960
00:40:58,367 --> 00:41:00,467
An Allegro
and a Vanden Plas...
961
00:41:00,467 --> 00:41:04,367
on top of that. So, yeah,
I think it's great.
I'd love one.
962
00:41:04,367 --> 00:41:06,166
-She's a beauty.
-No, be honest.
963
00:41:06,166 --> 00:41:09,166
Honestly, I'm not sure
everyone would
have always said that,
964
00:41:09,166 --> 00:41:11,800
but, yeah,
aged like a fine wine.
965
00:41:11,800 --> 00:41:13,734
Excuse me, excuse me,
excuse me.
966
00:41:13,734 --> 00:41:15,634
-[laughter]
-Don't feel awkward.
967
00:41:17,166 --> 00:41:18,900
I love you.
968
00:41:18,900 --> 00:41:21,100
Thank you so much
for saying that.
969
00:41:21,100 --> 00:41:23,700
Well, that sounds
like a resounding success.
970
00:41:23,700 --> 00:41:27,266
And there's one man
we hope loves it
more than all the rest,
971
00:41:27,266 --> 00:41:29,467
that's potential buyer, Paul.
972
00:41:29,467 --> 00:41:30,900
-You must be Paul.
-I am indeed.
973
00:41:30,900 --> 00:41:32,533
-Paul, nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you both.
974
00:41:32,533 --> 00:41:35,800
Paul, I suppose
the big question
for us, too, um...
975
00:41:35,800 --> 00:41:38,500
-Why a Vanden Plas?
-Got to have the best,
haven't we?
976
00:41:38,500 --> 00:41:40,166
There's so few left now.
977
00:41:40,166 --> 00:41:42,367
We're down, like,
to tens of them now, so...
978
00:41:42,367 --> 00:41:44,600
to be able to obtain
one of these today
in this day and age,
979
00:41:44,600 --> 00:41:46,700
with a solid shell
by the looks of it as well,
980
00:41:46,700 --> 00:41:47,080
-is very rare.
-Well, my question is,
981
00:41:47,080 --> 00:41:48,467
-is very rare.
-Well, my question is,
982
00:41:48,467 --> 00:41:50,634
did you always love it
when it was an Allegro,
983
00:41:50,634 --> 00:41:53,367
or is it since they put those
Vanden Plas tweaks in there?
984
00:41:53,367 --> 00:41:56,533
Not so much just an Allegro,
I had some uncles
and my dad had one,
985
00:41:56,533 --> 00:41:59,266
and the humble base models
didn't really interest me,
986
00:41:59,266 --> 00:42:01,266
when this come along,
it really caught my eye.
987
00:42:01,266 --> 00:42:03,367
Well, I think
we found the guy,
haven't we?
988
00:42:03,367 --> 00:42:05,266
-It was destined.
-I think you have, yeah.
989
00:42:05,266 --> 00:42:09,100
I have never known a man
so excited and enthusiastic
about a Vanden Plas.
990
00:42:09,100 --> 00:42:11,000
-Thank you. We love it.
-You're welcome.
991
00:42:11,000 --> 00:42:13,000
You like what we've done
with this car?
992
00:42:13,000 --> 00:42:15,900
-Very much so, yes.
-So if you want this car,
993
00:42:15,900 --> 00:42:17,080
it is going to cost you.
994
00:42:17,080 --> 00:42:17,467
it is going to cost you.
995
00:42:17,467 --> 00:42:18,700
Okay. I thought
that was coming, yeah.
996
00:42:18,700 --> 00:42:20,734
-Yes? Okay. Well, good.
-Yeah.
997
00:42:20,734 --> 00:42:24,000
Um, but me and Elvis,
we've been thinking...
998
00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:27,367
we'd rather put this car
out on the road to be enjoyed,
999
00:42:27,367 --> 00:42:29,900
and we're not thinking
about the profit on this one.
1000
00:42:29,900 --> 00:42:31,800
This is an unloved
British classic.
1001
00:42:31,800 --> 00:42:34,800
And I think if it's
in the hands
of an enthusiast like you,
1002
00:42:34,800 --> 00:42:38,000
you will show it off
in its best light,
take it to car shows,
1003
00:42:38,000 --> 00:42:40,900
-get people interested
in the Vanden Plas.
-Absolutely, yeah.
1004
00:42:40,900 --> 00:42:44,734
I hope you're sitting down
because we'll do something
special with you.
1005
00:42:44,734 --> 00:42:47,080
I think he deserves it.
Don't you?
He's so enthusiastic.
1006
00:42:47,080 --> 00:42:47,500
I think he deserves it.
Don't you?
He's so enthusiastic.
1007
00:42:47,500 --> 00:42:49,800
If you want the car,
you can have it for 3,000.
1008
00:42:49,800 --> 00:42:51,700
I'm not even gonna
quibble with that.
1009
00:42:51,700 --> 00:42:52,700
I'm not gonna
quibble with that.
1010
00:42:52,700 --> 00:42:54,367
-You got yourself a car.
-Thank you very much.
1011
00:42:54,367 --> 00:42:56,266
-Cheers, thank you.
-Well done, mate.
1012
00:42:56,266 --> 00:42:58,266
Thank you.
1013
00:42:58,266 --> 00:43:01,634
Well, I think it's fair to say
that Gwen and
her husband, Peter,
1014
00:43:01,634 --> 00:43:05,367
would be really proud of what
we've managed to pull off
with that Vanden Plas
1015
00:43:05,367 --> 00:43:07,533
because think about it,
when we found it,
1016
00:43:07,533 --> 00:43:09,266
it was an unfinished project
1017
00:43:09,266 --> 00:43:11,533
that we actually
pushed out of the garage
1018
00:43:11,533 --> 00:43:15,266
and scrapped around to try
and find the parts for it.
But now look at it.
1019
00:43:15,266 --> 00:43:17,080
And if you want to see
more cars like this
1020
00:43:17,080 --> 00:43:17,634
And if you want to see
more cars like this
1021
00:43:17,634 --> 00:43:19,634
being turned around
by me and Elvis,
1022
00:43:19,634 --> 00:43:22,734
then join us again soon
on Wheeler Dealers. Tala.