Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic

Ant uncovers a rare gem hidden away in a garage at a country cottage near Ware -- a souped-up 1980 Triumph Dolomite Sprint. Celebrated for its sporty handling, Ant knows it's a special find. Problem is it doesn't start and has a rust problem so it's a gamble. Ant needs it to turn a good profit so the funds can help kick off the farmhouse renovations. With help from Ant's brother Tim, work is about to start on the roof, and it's turning into a much bigger job than expected. Has Ant bitten off more than he can chew?

Ant's found an iconic 1977 VW Campervan for sale that's been abandoned mid-restoration, but he's confident he can revive it. After spending childhood family holidays in a yellow camper, Ant has a soft spot for this one. On the outside, it doesn't look too bad, but inside it's an empty shell requiring a total refit, and the suspension needs an overhaul. At the farmhouse, the roof repair has turned into a much bigger job than planned, and Ant discovers the windows are only held up with chicken wire, which means a total rebuild. Ant's gunning for this VW to bring in some cash.

Ant's gotten wind of a private collector who's selling a 1993 Jaguar XJS Convertible. But the owner is not just getting rid of one Jag, he's got another that's languishing beneath an overgrown bramble bush. The first Jag has clocked up a staggering 169,000 miles, but Ant's convinced there's life in the old Jag yet, and he reckons he could harvest some parts from the second car. But Ant discovers the brakes are gone, and the gearstick is floppy. Are the Jags just double trouble? Meanwhile costs are going through the roof, on the farmhouse roof repairs.

Ant’s found a forgotten 1973 Lotus Elan that's crying out to be rescued. But when Ant brings the Lotus back to his barn garage, where he works with partner and fellow mechanic Darren, Darren's not impressed. The car won't start and with Lotuses having such a high maintenance reputation, this restoration could easily go off track. Taking this on is a huge gamble. Meanwhile, at the farmhouse, renovations grind to a halt after the council receive complaints about the recent building work. Could storm clouds be gathering over Ant's double restoration projects?

Ant uncovers an extremely rare 1980 Alfasud that's been locked away in someone’s garage for 35 years. It's a car that's been trapped in time. Most Alfasuds are riddled with rust, but Ant's blown away by the condition of this rare specimen. However, a vehicle that's not moved an inch in over three decades needs to be treated like an archaeological find and gently reawakening the engine from its lengthy slumber proves problematic. Meanwhile, the farmhouse is revealing its own historic problems as Ant strips off the modern concrete render to reveal crumbling oak timbers and wattle and daub.

Ant takes a trip down memory lane when he finds a 1977 MG Midget 1500, that's almost identical to the first ever car he restored as a teenager whom he named "Bridget The Midget." But the margins are tight in Midgets, so Ant needs to make sure he doesn't let nostalgia cloud his judgement. To keep costs down Ant pulls in his whole family to help on this back to basics project, but a major rust problem could cause the car to collapse, if not repaired correctly. Meanwhile on the farm, it's demolition time as Ant and his brother Michael tear down the old porch.

Ant’s sidekick and engineering expert Darren goes rogue when he heads to a car show and buys a 1964 Ford Thunderbird for them to restore. Although the T-Bird runs mechanically, it needs a facelift to return it to its 1960s glory including a new vinyl roof. But Ant’s not a fan of this gigantic Jetbird. He’s worried about how much the American parts will cost to source, but Darren’s got a penny- pinching plan. Meanwhile, Ant’s dad Nigel and brother Micheal need to source bricks for the farmhouse and strike a deal with Ant’s Wheeler Dealer mate, Mike Brewer.

Ant's final car is a rare 1978 Land Rover Series 3, a dream find for a Landie fanatic like Ant. But it's another risky project as the bulkhead is riddled with rust. With a new porch to pay for, will this last roll of the dice pay off?