Skip advert
Advertisement

‘Car SOS is a real-world show about real-world cars’

Mike Rutherford praises the efforts of Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend, the co-presenters of television series Car SOS

Opinion - Car SOS

The 100 million men, I call them. That’s because the duo – Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend, who co-present television series Car SOS – have roughly that many viewers across the globe.

Sadly, this is the era when many slick, pretty, ‘celebrity’ presenters front programmes about all manner of specialist subjects they know nothing about. So it’s refreshing to see a pair of proper, rough-around-the-edges, not-so-pretty car blokes (both with strong engineering backgrounds) hosting and getting their hands dirty on a real-world show about real-world cars, people and emotions.

As for the unapproachable celeb status they should’ve stooped to by now, they just don’t have the time for that rubbish. This was demonstrated at the start of The British Motor Show last August when they stood in the main lobby from early morning to shake the hands of thousands of showgoers who walked through the entrance doors.

Advertisement - Article continues below

For years I’ve known and occasionally worked with Fuzz and Tim – and been a hapless victim of the wicked sense of humour they ruthlessly deliver. But at the same time, I’ve also witnessed the softer, loyal, deep-thinking side of the pair.

For example, when Fuzz tried to explain to me why Car SOS is such a hit with audiences across the continents, he insisted: “It’s because really, it has nothing to do with cars. It’s all about people.” 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Tim chips in with similar sentiments and reckons that in a typical episode (they’ve done 102 so far), “it’s a rollercoaster of a show reflecting emotions we all go through in life: something sad, funny, entertaining or joyous.” He adds that classic cars have a “bright future”, largely thanks to huge advances in products such as biofuels.

But Fuzz is more philosophical. “In a way, it’s the end of one chapter for the internal combustion engine, but the opening of new chapters for different fuels,” he said. “I drive a 93-year-old model as my second car; I go to the tip or the shop in it. We go on days out in it. I could have, say, a new SUV.  But it would have a long way to go before it’s as green as my 1929 Austin.” Tim adds: “I’ve been told there are some EVs that take up to 35 years to become carbon-neutral in terms of emissions from the manufacturing process. But if you’re driving a classic car, it paid its dues long ago.”

The passion, knowledge and commitment these guys have for their subject matter is unquestionable. As is their enthusiasm for things automotive, with classics being their first love, but hydrogen, solar, pure-EVs and hybrid cars also being respected (and, when necessary, slated). But the fact that they’ve already converted one petrol-powered classic into a pure-EV says it all. To budding mechanics, Tim’s tip is: “Fail fast, learn quick. Get it wrong! That’s how you learn.” Fuzz adds: “Just do it. Get on with it. There’s no shame if your car later breaks down, because at least you’ve given it a go. So have another try.”

You can meet the boys on the Nat Geo/Car SOS stand at The British Motor Show, 18-21 August. And remember to take a selfie with one of the most famous car duos on TV.

Click here for more from Mike...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024