
Rust Valley Restorers is a leisure hobbies series airing on UK television.
High Octane is a programme presented in an episodic format. It follows a series of automotive projects, each centred on a different enthusiast and a unique vehicle. The show’s structure allows the host to tackle distinct builds within a single episode, giving viewers a clear view of the work involved. In the first segment, Mike takes on a 1957 GMC truck, re‑engineering it so it can run on alcohol. The conversion is commissioned by a teenage girl who has a keen fascination with trucks, and Mike’s task is to adapt the old chassis and engine to accommodate the alternative fuel while keeping the vehicle’s classic character intact. The second half of the episode shifts focus to Avery, who is asked to complete a Unimog for an owner known for being particularly demanding. Avery’s approach involves fine‑tuning the suspension, finalising the drivetrain, and ensuring every component meets the owner’s exacting standards, ultimately delivering a finished vehicle ready for use. Together, the two projects illustrate the programme’s blend of technical skill and personalised service. Mike’s alcohol‑fuel conversion and Avery’s meticulous Unimog finish both showcase how the team tailors their work to satisfy the specific needs of a truck‑obsessed teenager and a hard‑to‑please client.
Both garages are feeling the heat as Mike prepares to part with a Willys Jeep, offering it to the renowned custom‑car specialist James West. The impending sale has placed the two workshops under considerable strain, each eager for the deal to swing in their favour and boost their reputation. To settle the price, they have agreed that the winner of an upcoming drag race will unambiguously and clearly dictate the final amount payable. Consequently, the high‑speed intense showdown will directly determine how much James West ends up paying for the Jeep, turning the race into the decisive factor in the transaction.
Mike's caught in a delicate balancing act as he oversees the refurbishment of a 1969 Road Runner convertible without being on site. From a distance, he coordinates the work, making decisions and monitoring progress while still never getting his hands directly on the car. At the same time, he's running his rock‑scaling business remotely, handling client calls, organising climbs and managing the daily day‑to‑day operations from his home office. The episode follows his attempts to synchronise these two demanding pursuits, showing how he navigates the logistical hurdles of a classic car restoration alongside the responsibilities of his specialised climbing enterprise.