Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic

Ant intends to restore and sell a 1973 Lotus Elan in order to raise money for further renovations at the farmhouse. Unfortunately, he runs into significant engine problems that jeopardise the restoration and his funding plans, and could delay the farmhouse improvements.

Lotus Elan: A Labour Of Love is a standalone episode within a broader programme. The title signals a focus on a classic car, the Lotus Elan, and the personal commitment required to bring it back to life. As an episode, it presents a concise narrative centred on a single project, offering viewers a glimpse into the challenges and motivations that accompany such a restoration effort. The central figure, Ant, hopes that restoring a 1973 Lotus Elan and then selling it will generate enough cash to fund further work on his farmhouse. He sees the vintage sports car as both a passion project and a practical means of raising money for the ongoing renovations. By combining his love for classic motoring with the need for additional funds, Ant aims to turn a hobby into a financial boost for his property. However, Ant’s plans quickly run into a serious obstacle when the car’s engine proves to be far more problematic than anticipated. The major engine issues stall the restoration, threatening the timeline and the expected profit from the eventual sale. This mechanical setback forces Ant to confront the reality that the project may not deliver the financial relief he counted on for the farmhouse upgrades, highlighting the risk inherent in such endeavours.