Wheeler Dealers is Back – Classics Restored

Wheeler Dealers, TV’s favourite motoring show with a questionable business model (seriously, does Ant work for biscuits?) is returning to UK screens on Monday, March 2nd. With the new series, there’s a whole host of vehicular goodness to get excited about, as the boys buy, restore and celebrate some of motoring’s greats. 

For us, Wheeler Dealers is the perfect slice of car television. There is no forced drama, no silly deadlines, no ‘if we don’t sell this car we lose the shop’ nonsense. Instead, there is lots of interesting technical information, all of which is shown and explained in an interesting and entertaining way. If you want to learn about cars, this is the show. Top mechanic, Ant Anstead is a whizz on the spanners and there’s no job he can’t (and won’t) take on. From simple mechanical fixes, through to more in depth technical jobs including diagnosis, we get to see it all done on real world, honest cars. And in the age of horrid, forced reality television, the Wheeler Dealer’s approach is refreshing. 

We’ve watched some of the next season (the things we do for you) which airs on Discovery channel at 9pm on Monday 2nd March. We’ll warn you now, there are spoilers ahead, both figuratively and literally (looking at you, Merkur XR4Ti). But if you don’t mind knowing what’s coming up in the next season, read on!

Episode 1 – 2004 BMW M3 – TX: Monday 2nd March, 9pm

We say: The E46 M3 is a fast-appreciating classic, and a proper driver’s car. Get one now, in standard trim, and you’ll soon have a bona fide classic on your hands. 

They say: “The pinnacle of BMW is the naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder modern classic that is the E46 M3, the “ultimate” Ultimate Driving Machine. Mike finds one with the subframe already fixed and he challenges Ant to transform the transmission with new tech.”

Episode 2 – Volvo Amazon 122 – TX: Monday 9th March, 9pm

We say: The Volvo Amazon was a hugely important car. Not only did it help put Volvo on the motorsport map, it was also the first car to be offered with the now mandatory three-point seatbelt. Swedish safety first!

They say: “The Volvo Amazon 122 is a classic Swedish auto with true rally heritage. Mike travels to the Pacific Northwest, where he has tracked down a true “barn find.” Ant is tasked to make it road-worthy before the guys know the true scope of the work ahead.”

Episode 3 – Ford Bronco – TX: Monday 16th March, 9pm

We say: Isn’t this the car that was made famous because OJ Simpson used one in a nationally televised car chase down the L.A interstate? Oh, and it’s also an iconic symbol of American adventure. 

They say: “The fifth-generation Ford Bronco is an American icon. It’s a go-anywhere vehicle and the market is absolutely red hot. Mike gets his hands dirty preparing the Bronco for the biggest collector car auction in the world, Barrett Jackson.”

Episode 4– Fiat 124 Spider – TX: Monday 23rd March, 9pm

We say: There is nothing more testing than working on an old Italian, and that’s especially the case when it comes to the 124 Spider. Instead of suffering yourself, just watch Ant do all the work. It’s more relaxing. 

They say: “Mike finds a 1972 Fiat 124 Spider “survivor” car. It’s all-original, but the driving experience leaves a lot to be desired. Mike gets crafty on the interior while Ant fixes a leaky differential and replaces a carrier bearing and axle seals.”

Episode 5 – Toyota Celica ST – TX: Monday 30th March, 9pm

We say: There is a LOT of love in the Car & Classic office for early Celicas, so we were thrilled to see this one. And this is our favourite type of WD episode, one where the car undergoes a complete visual transformation. 

They say: “The 1973 Toyota Celica was the first generation of the iconic model. Mike finds a powerful solution for a rough-running engine. Meanwhile, Ant is in the workshop putting his fabrication skills to the test.”

Episode 6 – Mercedes Benz E55 AMG – TX: Monday 6th April, 9pm

We say: If you want raw, brute force to be unleashed upon your rear tyres, you can’t go far wrong with an AMG Mercedes. The W210 E55 AMG is heading into classic territory now, which makes this episode invaluable to anyone looking to buy one. 

They say: “The 2002 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG is the pinnacle of luxury and supercar performance. Can Mike find profit in a neglected example as Ant tackles a major service?”

Episode 6 – 1985 Merkur XR4Ti – TX: Monday 13th April, 9pm

We say: That’s a Sierra XR4i, right? Yes, it is. But Ford of America never sold it as that. Instead, it was the Merkur, a sub-brand of Ford. And there was no 2.8i Cologne V6. Instead, the Yanks got a 2.3 four-pot with a turbocharger.

They say: “Mike takes a trip down memory lane in a 1985 Merkur XR4Ti, known as a Ford Sierra to the rest of the world. Mike has found a rare competition shell model and Ant applies the European touches that the U.S. market never received.”

Episode 7 – Toyota Land Cruiser – TX: Monday 20th April, 9pm

We say: When Coronavirus has taken over the globe, leaving it as a desolate wasteland, there will only be one truly suitable vehicle for traversing the apocalypse, and it’s a Toyota Land Cruiser. Think of this episode as survival prep, not just entertainment. 

They say: “The Toyota Land Cruiser can go where very few vehicles can. Mike finds one in fairly good shape, but the original 4-speed transmission holds the car below highway speeds. Mike sources a JDM Toyota 5-speed for Ant to install.”

Episode 8 – Mike’s pride and joy – TX: Monday 27th April, 9pm

We say: This is a great episode, as it takes a more personal angle, what with the car featured being Mike’s very own Porsche 911 SC. It’s refreshing to see the boys showing their true automotive passions. 

They say: “The 1982 Porsche 911 SC. The SC stands for Super Carrera and is apt for this particular classic. The 911 story started way back in 1964, when the current owner was born — a local car dealer going by the name Mike Brewer.”