User Reviews

Car shows are a staple in the cable world here in America. Even so there are few that really seem to be compelling. Going by the template of Top Gear, the most successful and long-running car show, indicates the hosts and their entertainment value is every bit as important as the cars. I wouldn't argue that point. The audience may be interested in cars but we all know the topic can be presented in very lackluster ways. I give Top Gear the highest marks for attempting to get just that right balance between the entertainment factor and the cars "petrol heads" lust for. Still, the world of cars is often so big that one feels there's something missing. That means there is still room for other brilliant car shows and as as avid car nut I have had a hard time finding that in the US.

That said I've stumbled upon the UK's car show called "Car S.O.S.". This is a very engaging show based on the premise of a person who has experienced a traumatic life-changing event having a garaged, and much beloved, un-restored classic vehicle. That certainly gives this show a real-world worth mission. To lighten the proceedings we have two very personable, and quirky, hosts. We have Fuzz Townsend and Tim Shaw. Fuzz is the mechanical genius and Tim is, well, P.T. Barnum, the raconteur showman. A pattern emerges which is Fuzz being pragmatic and woeful about some pretty grim pieces of automotive history he thinks may be beyond restoration and Tim's "never say can't" trickery. One might think this is simple and ripe for getting old fast. In fact it never does. Even as you suspect many of Tim's "get it for free" shenanigans aren't actual it's still fun watching him scheme. Truth is these two make a classic pair up there with the trio of the grandaddy of car shows, Top Gear.

The best thing besides the supreme entertainment is that the cars really get a good showcasing as each episode centers on just one classic ride. For U.S. watchers it is truly valuable since many of the cars restored are amazing ones we never, or very rarely, ever saw on our shores. Being able to see how a car that is close to being unsalvageable comes back to life is a great ride in itself. These guys pull off amazing restorations and if we're to believe they actually happen in the tight time frames mentioned it is an amazing bit of craft. The joy these two project is then mirrored in the face of the owner who has all but given up their one-time dream of getting their beloved car back in action. So, it really doesn't matter if some liberties are taken in the favor of entertainment to make this show. It feels honest in it's purpose and wonderful in it's showcasing of some really fantastic cars. If you sense I like this just as much as Top Gear you are absolutely correct. I've simply not found any other car shows as compelling and fun to watch as these two. I'm having a blast watching every episode I can possibly find. I highly recommend this show to car nuts, especially because of the nature of gifting a down-trodden person their dream of their own car being restored gloriously.