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.

It's funny how a car show revolving around restoring cars for less fortunate people has less drama than its American counterparts.From the many 'restoration' TV shows out there, and yes I put that in quotes since the majority barely touch the technical aspect, Car SOS feels like a true car show without any dumb exaggeration. The chemistry between the host (Tim Shaw) and mechanic (Fuzz Townshend) feels natural and authentic and it's nice to see their passion about various types of cars which feels genuine as well.Although mostly focused on the story around the car's owner, the show does provide plenty of insight into what's involved in a full-on car restoration. The small sketches in between where the host goes out to gather parts and always persuades the shop owners in the most ridiculous ways adds a fine amount of humor as well without overdoing it.The best thing is the genuine response of the owner when the car is revealed which is often touching. And I guess that's what I like most about this show, it's that many of it is real and not over- dramatized with shaky camera's, cursing and other nonsense. It's down to earth and I like it.If you want a feelgood TV show about good deeds being done in the spirit of car restoration, then I'd certainly recommend it. It does not have the technical depth as -say- Wheeler Dealers, but only a few shows go into such a detail as this one does.

It's enough for a master restoration mechanic to work at a normal pace, surrounded just by competent helpers, turning work away when too busy, making excuses for delays. Difficult problems and crises arise of course from time to time but those are the conditions under which most make their living.But this TV series, like some Japanese reality show, adds fiendish challenges and trials amounting almost to torture with an ever-present camera to record the reaction. I have some knowledge of the work so find the problems and solutions fascinating. And the work is almost the sum total of the interest and significance of the programme, apart that is from the usually tragic personal story concerning each owner and their joy at seeing their pride - and joy - restored.The added challenges and trials includes not just near impossible deadlines but also an imposed near functionally-redundant presenter who has a deep but unrequited relationship with the camera and is in constant photo-bombing mode. It is he who pronounces not asks the expert on the list of tasks, it is he, at moments of others' stress steps forward to indignantly pronounce that it is time to "crack on" and, at the end, when the overjoyed owner is overwhelmed with gratitude, each time contrives a scene in which he takes the credit while the person who has done the work, modestly stands back. I look at the drawer of large shiny double open ended spanners going up to perhaps 1kg weight and wonder if Fuzz Townsend, master mechanic, will ever misuse one on his colleague and be enabled to get on with the work and receive due credit. But probably not, that is the marvel of the show which is not just about his skills as much as a testament to his extraordinary temperament. He's a real hero and I could never be such.

A real Honest Car Restoration Show Helping people in Need of a Hand, A well oiled Team of Tim Shaw a very Sharp witted Parts Shark who bends the truth to get a Discount, and love to offer fuzz help but magically disappears And Fuzz Townshend a hands on Mechanical god who gets little help from Tim and a lot of Help from Phil the hidden master, but Fuzz and Tim have a real chemistry and you feel but the show is really fun and educational,They also take us on a tour of the amazing Small Craftsmen all around UK still restoring parts for the likes of Austin Martin, Jaguar,Morgen Mini McLarenSo with all the Super Fake and Tacky Car Shows Car SOS is a breath of fresh air !Car SOS is really refreshing and entertaining car show Great Job Guys !!