Car S.O.S.

Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw travel to Berkshire with the aim of secretly restoring a Daimler SP250 ‘Dart’ for its devoted owner. Their plan is to surprise the owner by unveiling the classic sports car once the restoration is complete.

Start the Dart is a television programme presented in an episode format. The show follows a hands‑on approach to classic‑car restoration, with each instalment centred on a specific vehicle and the people who cherish it. Its premise is to combine mechanical expertise with a touch of surprise for the owners involved. In this particular episode, presenters Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw travel to Berkshire with a clear mission. Their goal is to catch the devoted owner of a Daimler SP250 – affectionately known as the “Dart” – off‑guard. By keeping their plans under wraps, they hope to deliver an unexpected delight when the restoration work is revealed. The focus of the restoration is the Dart itself, a classic sports car that holds sentimental value for its owner. Townshend and Shaw set about refurbishing the vehicle in secret, applying their knowledge of vintage mechanics while preserving the car’s original character. The episode showcases the step‑by‑step process of bringing a historic automobile back to its former glory without the owner’s prior knowledge. When the work is finally completed, the loving owner is presented with the fully restored Daimler SP250, a moment that ties together the programme’s blend of technical skill and heartfelt surprise. The episode encapsulates the series’ aim to celebrate automotive heritage while rewarding the passion of dedicated car enthusiasts.