Car S.O.S.

Tim and Fuzz set about restoring one of the earliest Japanese sports coupes that achieved worldwide success in the 1970s. During the project they realise the model has become so scarce that locating genuine spare parts is virtually impossible, making the restoration a major challenge.

The show called Toyota Celica is presented as a programme in the form of an episode. It centres on a specific automotive project and follows the hosts as they tackle a classic vehicle. The format is straightforward, offering a focused look at a single car without extending into a broader series narrative. In this installment, the two presenters, Tim and Fuzz, set about rebuilding one of the earliest Japanese sports coupes that managed to break into the worldwide market. Their aim is to return the model to its original condition, celebrating its pioneering role in bringing Japanese performance cars to an international audience. As the restoration progresses, they come to the realisation that the automobile has become exceptionally scarce. The rarity is such that locating replacement components proves to be a near‑impossible task, with few, if any, suitable parts available on the market. This scarcity adds a layer of difficulty to their project. The difficulty in sourcing authentic spares underscores how the model has slipped into obscurity despite its early success. Tim and Fuzz’s experience highlights the challenges faced by enthusiasts attempting to preserve such historic machines, where the lack of parts can halt even the most determined restoration efforts.