DARREN FUZZ_TOWNSHEND JAMES JOANNA KATHERINE_JANSON_BOYD MAN_WITH_BEANIE MAN_WITH_WHITE_BEARD NARRATOR PRODUCER RECEPTIONIST REYNOLDS TIM_SHAW TOM



NARRATOR
This time on Car SOS, a tiny 4x4.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
The little Jimny wants to keep going forward. It's like a little donkey.
NARRATOR
With a big list of problems.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Engine, suspension, axles, brakes, paint, interior, you name it.
NARRATOR
Tim gets over-familiar.
DARREN
We're going to get naked. Let's get it done.
TIM SHAW
Let's go.
NARRATOR
While Fuzz has a disco for one.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I'm going to show you red and green.
NARRATOR
And the stage is set to deliver the ultimate surprise.
JOANNA
Oh, it's beautiful, it really is.


FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Berks.
TIM SHAW
What, the pair of us? I agree.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
No, no, no. That's where we are.
TIM SHAW
What?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Berkshire. The short version is Berks, isn't it?
TIM SHAW
Oh, right. I thought you were on about us for a minute there. Anyway, forget that, mate, because we're down here today to pick up a... Suzuki Jimny! Yes! Come clean, then, about what you know about the Jimny.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
They're small.
TIM SHAW
Right.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
They're four-wheel drive.
TIM SHAW
Right.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
And they're made by Suzuki.
TIM SHAW
Right. Dude, I'm gonna be honest with you as well. I'm pleased you've said that because this is the first car, I think, that actually has gone under the radar. I know nothing about them.
NARRATOR
Yes, they can be hard to spot, mostly because these pint-sized off-roaders are narrower and shorter than a Mini. Which, in the realm of 4x4s, makes them Davids in a world of Goliaths. But don't let their minute physique fool you into thinking they can't compete with the big boys, because under their cute exterior, they're built to be as capable as a mountain goat with a PhD in rock climbing. For starters, their body is mounted onto a separate ladder frame chassis, just like a Land Rover. They have a manually selectable four-wheel drive gearbox for when the going gets rough and rigid axle suspension that maintains better wheel contact with the ground on uneven surfaces. Perfect for a romp up a mountain. Less comfortable on a long motorway drive. The no-frills interior is far from luxurious and with four people on board, there's barely enough room in the back for a loaf of bread. And if you want a new one in the UK, you can now only buy them as commercial vehicles. A fact that means used ones now cost considerably more than they did new. So, they might not be right for everyone, but to their loyal fans, they're the equivalent of a Labrador in hiking boots. Man's best friend that can conquer all terrain.
TIM SHAW
Now, the car is owned by Joanna, and we're meeting her son, James, to steal it away today.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Come on, let's go and catch ourselves a little Jiminy.
TIM SHAW
Yeah.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Is he waving us? What?
TIM SHAW
That's James.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Is it?
TIM SHAW
Yeah, yeah. James. Are you James?
JAMES
I'm James, yeah.
TIM SHAW
Hi. How you doing? Nice to meet you. What's going on? What's with her?
JAMES
My mum's meant to be out today. She's actually inside in bed. She's not feeling too well.
TIM SHAW
What? Your mum's in?
JAMES
She is in, I'm afraid. She's at the back of the house.
TIM SHAW
What? She's in? So, where's the car? Where are we with?
JAMES
The car's at the front there. It's just the red one.
TIM SHAW
Right, can I make a suggestion here? You go up and push the car into the trailer and have a look at the car in the trailer.
JAMES
Oh, it's just to tell you, the gearbox doesn't work.
TIM SHAW
OK.
JAMES
So... It will roll, but... It rolls, so that's it.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I'm just going to push it in.
JAMES
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
OK, fine. Right, we'll go and have a chat. We'll find somewhere local to have a chat. We'll catch up with you later on.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
There you go. Go on. Good luck. Go on.
TIM SHAW
All right. Right. OK.
NARRATOR
So, while Tim and James head off to the local pub for a quiet chat, let's hope Fuzz has been hitting the gym.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Now, I know Suzuki Jimnys are small, but they're not that light. There's at least two motorbikes worth of weight in that car. And it's just me to get it in the trailer now. Brilliant.
NARRATOR
At least Joanna's bedroom faces in the opposite direction, so there's less chance of her spotting fuzz stealing her car away. He still needs to keep quiet to avoid arousing suspicion. Might be a little car, but it's certainly put on a few pounds in the past.
NARRATOR
Yes, and the Jimny's not the only one, is it? Luckily for Fuzz's back, the trailer has its own winch.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
The interior's all there. She's looked after this car, I can tell that. But it's not in its first flush of youth. All in all, this is a 22-year-old car. The underside... with that separate chassis, is quite strong. But I can't see fully underneath, and I don't want to spend too long around here.
TIM SHAW
So where did the Jimny come from?
JAMES
So my granddad bought it for me. So basically, he died six months after he was ill at the time.
TIM SHAW
How important is it to her?
JAMES
Well, I mean, she's driven ever since, so, you know, we're talking, like, 20-plus years.
TIM SHAW
So no other car since then?
JAMES
No. It means everything, I think. It's got so much sentimental value.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Now, what have we got under here? A little dual overhead cam, 16-valve engine. Lovely little thing sitting in there. The engine bay looks great, but I can see oil kind of starting to seep out of this, which kind of indicates to me age and perhaps high mileage. The gearbox we know has a problem from what James just said. And, well, anything else we find when we're underneath. The paint as well. It's like Harlequin red. Let's get it out of here.
TIM SHAW
So demonstrate to me the lengths you've gone to to fix this car up.
JAMES
Initially, I rang up local garages. Then I looked for automatic gearbox specialists, you know, from Cornwall to Scotland, essentially. They said they can't get the parts. They're not available. Then we had the idea, maybe write to Suzuki in Japan.
TIM SHAW
That's dedication. That's incredible.
What did they say?
JAMES
So they couldn't help at all. They said the parts are not available. And it's as good as that's it, really.
TIM SHAW
End of the road.
JAMES
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
So, the car's off the road. What happened next in your mum's life?
JAMES
So, then, my mum... I didn't realise at the time, but she's having some health issues. She was diagnosed with stage four womb cancer, basically.
TIM SHAW
What have they said with regards to that?
JAMES
They don't know how long it could be. It could be six months, it could be two, three years.
TIM SHAW
What has your mum done for a job, for a life?
JAMES
She was a nurse in the NHS for a good 25, 30 years.
TIM SHAW
Really?
JAMES
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
Where does your mum think the car's going?
JAMES
So I've told my mum I've managed to find someone to have a look at it in the gearbox.
TIM SHAW
OK. OK. Is there anything specific about the car that makes it your mum's? Has she done any modifications to it or anything?
JAMES
So she's got a little gecko on the side.
TIM SHAW
Has she?
JAMES
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
What's that about?
JAMES
I think it's more to do with, like, geckos go anywhere. So I think it's kind of like the Jimny as well. You know, it's known for its off-road capabilities.
TIM SHAW
What do you want to do with the car for your mum?
JAMES
I'd like her to take me on a trip like we used to.
TIM SHAW
And we're going to get this car turned around as quickly as we possibly can, so you can get out there and enjoy that trip. How does that sound?
JAMES
Sounds brilliant. Yeah, we can make that happen.
NARRATOR
Back with the gearbox, packing a mysterious fault, paintwork that looks like a clown's trousers, and who knows what other issues lurking underneath. It's not going to be easy.
TIM SHAW
The first time I've seen it...
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I know, I know. In several shades of red.
TIM SHAW
Come on, let's get it up.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
But look, I like it, you know. I'm not particularly familiar with Jimnys.
TIM SHAW
No. It feels like a big relief for us to admit that we know nothing about these cars, doesn't it? It's like a very honest starting point for us. Come on, let's get under it then. Two strides and we're at the back. There you go.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Right, well, look. It looks pretty jaded underneath here. Look at these springs. They're unmatched springs at the rear here. Probably going to be better if we replace all of them.
TIM SHAW
Look at this beautiful piece of engineering. You can see everything. You can see how it works and what it does. You can see the diff at the back, sending power to the back wheels. Diff at the front, sending power to the front wheels because it's four-wheel drive.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Tiny little miniature versions of everything. But I like it. It's chunky under here as well. But we're not without our old friend corrosion. But remember, this body is actually just sitting on the chassis. So, in fact, the body could come off. if we need to.
TIM SHAW
That's mad, isn't it? It's cars like Land Rovers and stuff you expect that of, not a little...
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
That's right, a Jimny. I know.
TIM SHAW
They're kind of like old-school engineering that is bulletproof and proven, and it feels like Suzuki had a point to prove when they made this car. We can do it, and we can do them better than you can.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Yeah, I think so.
TIM SHAW
Something I need to mention to you. Just pop out the front. I mean, just bring the car down. You don't need to be sitting down for this bit.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Right, OK, bring it down.
TIM SHAW
Right.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
That'll do you.
TIM SHAW
A couple of things. The emotional connection to this is super strong. Then one fateful day, the automatic gearbox whacked up. Searched nationwide, we can't help you. Wrote to Suzuki HQ in Japan. They got back and said... But this is the important bit for us, Bob. Mum and son used to go on road trips in this thing. He just wants to create some memories that he can keep forever.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Right, OK, so you want to turn around a car with a very bad gearbox problem, high mileage, and you want it to drive out of here and straight on the road, on a road trip. Do you know that's taking a big chance? Because if Joanna is very ill, this thing needs to be a safe little cocoon for her.
TIM SHAW
It's not what I want to do, Fuzz. That's not what I want to do. It's what we are doing.
END OF PART 1
PART 2
NARRATOR
Tim and Fuzz have taken on this 2002 Suzuki Jimny, a miniature off-roader with a mighty big list of problems.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
The gearbox, we know, is defective. That's your department, okay?
TIM SHAW
So, hang on, so you're saying the gearbox is mine, the bit that Suzuki can't even fix is mine?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
That's right.
TIM SHAW
What are you doing then?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
What am I doing? You name it, I've got the rest of it. Just get that done, because if that's not done, the rest of it is a massive kind of multicoloured paperweight at the moment.
NARRATOR
Yes, James dreams of taking a nostalgic road trip with his mum and her cherished Jimny, just like they used to. However, it all hinges on whether Tim can find a fix for the gearbox problem that even Suzuki couldn't help with. If he manages to pull off that miracle, then there's the paintwork to contend with. Years of exposure to the elements have left the Jimny looking like a patchwork quilt, so it will need a full respray in a modern UV-resistant paint to protect it. Finally, with Joanna in poor health, they'll need to find a way to modify the standard hard-wearing interior to transform it into a safe cocoon so that it's more comfortable when the moment comes to take that road trip. It's also gonna need a completely new suspension setup on all four corners. And with Joanna's health a constant consideration, the team dives straight into separating the body and chassis to fish out the gearbox because Tim needs to find a fix before any painting or modifications can begin. And considering James has already searched the length and breadth of the country and even tried Suzuki in Japan, the challenge is immense. And failure will spell the end of the road for this beloved little Jimny.



TIM SHAW
I so hope these guys can fix this, I'm telling you. I don't know where to go if we can't. Big trouble.
NARRATOR
So, with all other options on the planet exhausted, he's turned to the specialists at ZF, a company with over a century of experience in building and repairing some of the world's most complex automotive gearboxes.
TIM SHAW
Oh, look at that. I've got a Hi-Viz as well. Darren's the name of the guy I've got to find.
TIM SHAW
I'm hoping you are the man to change the future of this entire car.
DARREN
Right, okay.
TIM SHAW
And that's a Japanese gearbox from a Suzuki Jimny.
DARREN
Yeah, okay.
TIM SHAW
I need to get your eyes on it, man. We need to fix it. It's not an option. So where do we start with it, dude?
DARREN
First of all, we'll put it on the bracket.
TIM SHAW
Right.
DARREN
And we'll put it into the stand. Then we'll have a... start to strip it, shall we?
TIM SHAW
We're gonna get naked.
DARREN
We are.
TIM SHAW
Let's get it done.
DARREN
Yeah, let's go.
NARRATOR
I think health and safety might have something to say about that, Tim.
DARREN
Right, so, first job.
TIM SHAW
Yes.
DARREN
Torque converter off.
TIM SHAW
Off with the torque converter, which is the manual gearbox. That would be the clutch, wouldn't it?
DARREN
It would. So, what we'll do next, we'll turn the gearbox over.
TIM SHAW
OK.
DARREN
And then we'll take the sump off.
TIM SHAW
Right.
NARRATOR
These automatic gearboxes might be able to conquer all terrain, but they still need to be stripped down and serviced every 25,000 miles to ensure their longevity.
TIM SHAW
Look at that lot. I mean, what even are we looking at here?
DARREN
We're looking at the condition of the oil.
TIM SHAW
Right.
DARREN
As you can see, it's nice and black. It shouldn't be like that. It should be nice and red.
TIM SHAW
Really?
DARREN
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
OK, so already we've got a sign there's a problem.
NARRATOR
Gearbox oil is dyed red to help differentiate it from the black stuff that goes into the engine. But old oil alone wouldn't be enough to have taken Joanna's car off the road.
TIM SHAW
What's that there?
DARREN
That's a magnet. So, basically, that magnet there will pick any loose debris up.
TIM SHAW
There's none of that there?
DARREN
No. Yeah, so nothing's exploded in there, so that's a good sign.
TIM SHAW
OK. All right, so we can disregard that for the time being?
DARREN
Yes.
TIM SHAW
Right.
NARRATOR
So, while Tim and Darren leave no stone unturned in the hunt for the problem... Back at car SOS headquarters, it seems that Bono has turned up to help explain what's gone wrong with the Jimny's patchy paintwork.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I've been looking at Joanna's Jimny door here and looking at the paint fade on it. So why is it that red cars suffer more from sunlight damage than other coloured cars? Well, it's all down to light frequencies.
NARRATOR
To demonstrate, Fuzz is turning teacher. Sit up at the back.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
So what I'm going to do to demonstrate this is show the frequency of two colour lights. I'm going to show you red and green. So, here's the green one.
NARRATOR
For those of you who skipped physics, every colour we can see corresponds to a different frequency of light wave.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Now, if I replace the green light with a red one, Now, we have a different distance between those dots. We've got a different wave. The closer together those waves, the more energy that the light has.
NARRATOR
It's this difference in wave frequency that allows our eyes to tell colours apart. But it's also what destroys the paintwork on red cars.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
What happens is that the red gets reflected off, doesn't do any damage. When the green and other colours hit it, they go in and they cause damage and chaos at a molecular level, effectively bleaching the paint. It's a bit like going out in the sun unprotected. But if you use some sun cream with UV protection, then you're just reflecting all that damaging light away. And that's what modern paints, such as the red that we've got for the chimney in this tin, they have UV protection, so we're reflecting off all that harmful light.
END OF PART 2
PART 3
NARRATOR
Back with Tim. After stripping the gearbox down even further, it's still not giving up any answers.
TIM SHAW
Right, what's next, then?
NARRATOR
So, it's on to testing the final set of components that could be faulty. The five solenoid switches that control the flow of oil around it.
TIM SHAW
So they're valves then, they're just electric valves, frankly.
DARREN
Like a tap?
TIM SHAW
Yeah. So you give it power, it just says, all right, I'll let you go through.
DARREN
Exactly.
TIM SHAW
Yeah, OK.
DARREN
So as soon as you've done electronics at school, you don't want to do it.
TIM SHAW
Could do.
NARRATOR
To check each solenoid is operating correctly, Tim is using a multimeter to measure their electrical resistance.
TIM SHAW
What is the resistance of that? Where are the two at?
DARREN
Between 11 and 12 and a half.
TIM SHAW
OK.
DARREN
So positive on there?
TIM SHAW
Yeah.
DARREN
And then the earth actually on the body itself.
TIM SHAW
Yeah, OK. 11.4 ohms. So that one's OK.
DARREN
That's fine.
TIM SHAW
So it's like squeezing that electricity down a thin pipe and it's saying, yeah, it's narrow, it's pretty thin in here, but I can get through.
DARREN
Yeah, that's it.
TIM SHAW
Right, so that one's good, we think.
DARREN
That's good.
TIM SHAW
OK, right. First one down. 11.9 ohms. OK, number two, good.
DARREN
Good.
TIM SHAW
We need one not to work here.
DARREN
Oh, dear.
TIM SHAW
OK. So that's working.
DARREN
Two left. 11.7.
TIM SHAW
11.7, OK.
DARREN
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
11.7. The last one.
DARREN
The last one. Bingo.
TIM SHAW
What do you mean, bingo?
DARREN
Bingo. Resistance is all over the shot.
TIM SHAW
Right, so hang on a minute. What are you saying here?
DARREN
I would say that's faulty.
TIM SHAW
So, the whole reason that this car hasn't had all the road trips with James and his mum in it, hasn't travelled all over the place and brought many smiles and good times, all comes down to it's been off the road thanks to that. One little solenoid.
NARRATOR
So, while Darren waits for a replacement set of solenoids to arrive from Suzuki in Japan, the boys are grabbing their wellies.
TIM SHAW
Our first Jimny experience.
NARRATOR
to find out if these tiny off-roaders actually are the real deal, or merely family hatchbacks in disguise.
TIM SHAW
What do we think of them so far?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Well, it's a bit of a shopping cast, isn't it?
TIM SHAW
Yeah. So, capability-wise, out of ten, what would you give this one? As a guess.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I don't know. Five. You know, it'll get you down your country lane.
TIM SHAW
You reckon... Two.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Two?
TIM SHAW
Well, let's take it a few yards, and then, listen, one thing I'd like to say, though, if we get stuck here... Got a geezer with a winch back there.
NARRATOR
Yes, and there's a fairly good chance the boys will be needing it. Because to properly put the Jimny through its paces, they brought it to the punishing Whitecliffe 4x4 test track, located in a disused quarry. It features 12 suspension-shattering circuits, each one more challenging than the last. There's an almost metre-deep weeding pond.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I'm a bit deep, though. I'm a bit worried about it.
TIM SHAW
We are crazy.
NARRATOR
A 30-degree incline to make it up and then down. And to top it off, enough mud to keep all the pigs in Britain happy.
TIM SHAW
We're actually taking a Jimny off-road.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
It's pretty rocking, very deep in here. It's getting through.
TIM SHAW
No, it is. We're right up there.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Yeah, close the door. Come in.
TIM SHAW
It's very deep, actually. That's quite... What?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Well, let's see what it can do.
NARRATOR
But with 100 horsepower less than the least powerful Land Rover Defender, surely this little Jimny has met its match.
TIM SHAW
It's doing it.
NARRATOR
It's going to get stuck here now.
TIM SHAW
Oh, my word. What on earth, dude? This is just redefining my definition of capability.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
The little Jimny wants to keep going forward. It's like a little donkey.
TIM SHAW
Where are you going?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I wonder what's here.
TIM SHAW
No, this is not where we should be going in a Jimny. Look, let's not get too confident here right now.
NARRATOR
Yes, they say that everything that goes up must come down. But what they don't say is to try and do it in a car that's not much bigger than a Fiat 500.
TIM SHAW
So, you've got a big confidence boost at the moment, but it's still a small car. Two big blokes are in.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I can't even see what's over there.
TIM SHAW
It felt like the back end came up there, dude. It actually did, didn't it?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
It was very steep. That was super steep.
TIM SHAW
Short wheelbase, high car, wheels without much overhang front to back, meaning it's fairly... I mean, it all makes sense of what you want in a good four-wheel drive. If you have a long wheelbase, you can get stuck on the top of a mountain. It's just teetering. If you've got overhang front to back, you can hit something when you go up that mountain on the way up. In one sense, it's highlighting what a beautifully engineered car it is. But as that ramps up in terms of impressiveness, down goes our credibility for not knowing this.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I know! I've never given a Jimny a second glance.
TIM SHAW
No, me neither. If I had a choice of a four-wheel drive off-roader, I'd have one of these soon.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Yeah, I would. This is absolutely incredible. It's a revelation, no less.
END OF PART 3
PART 4
NARRATOR
Tim and Fuzz are getting to grips with restoring this much-loved two-decade-old Suzuki Jimny. It belongs to former nurse, 71-year-old Joanna, who spent 22 happy years behind the wheel. But after a problem with the automatic gearbox took her beloved car off the road, and she was sadly diagnosed with cancer, it hasn't moved from the driveway.
TIM SHAW
What do you want to do with the car? For your mum?
JAMES
I'd like her to have it on a trip, like we used to.
NARRATOR
And since they got their hands on it, the boys have been working tirelessly to make that dream a reality. Spare solenoids have arrived from Suzuki in Japan, putting the gearbox on a path to full functionality. But that's just one problem solved on a very long list, and time is running out. The faded body and door panels are off to be prepped for a respray. while the chassis goes to the blasters to be stripped back and powder-coated to help keep the rust at bay. And if that wasn't enough, the boys still need to find a way to modify Joanna's Jimny to transform it into the perfect road-trip companion.
TIM SHAW
Listen, Fuzz and I don't know anything about Jimny owners. It's the first car we've worked on where we don't have one of you guys has owned one or we've owned one or driven one.
NARRATOR
So they've gathered together some of the brightest minds they could find at short notice for help.
TIM SHAW
We just want to understand the owners so we can get Joanna's car right, because we don't get to meet her till the car's done. What do we know about Jimny owners? Tom?
TOM
I don't know any.
TIM SHAW
You don't know any?
TOM
No.
TIM SHAW
Shout out some Jimny owner words, guys. Come on, people have met Jimny owners before.
MAN WITH WHITE BEARD
Er... I don't know.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Got to get a grip of this car. Got to understand where we're going with it.
TIM SHAW
You what?
MAN WITH BEANIE
Like a little Jeep.
TIM SHAW
Oh, well, thanks for that. Brilliant. It's like a little Jeep.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Well, we know that.
TIM SHAW
We know what it is. Next thing we say, it's got four wheels.
NARRATOR
The boys clearly aren't going to get any answers from the Brain Trust, so Tim's off to visit someone who might have a few ideas.
TIM SHAW
We are going to meet a professor of psychology and discuss the psychology of buying cars, and in particular, what kind of people buy Suzuki Jimnys so we can get it for Joanna.
NARRATOR
Tim's come to Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge to meet Professor Katherine Janson Boyd, a leading consumer psychologist who's advised some of the world's biggest brands how the aesthetics of a product affect our buying decisions.
TIM SHAW
Is the relationship between a car and its owner important?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
Oh, of course it is. It's super important. The reality is people pick the cars they drive because they want it to reflect their personality. So it's like an extension of themselves.
TIM SHAW
I've got a few little mini cars in my pocket. Can I show you a few of these?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
Yeah, of course.
TIM SHAW
And just tell me what you think it communicates. First one. So regardless of the make, it's just a big pickup.
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
Well, it can tell you several things. I mean, to start off with, you can't miss the driver of this car. They want to be the one on the horizon looking down at other people. But equally, they could be practical cars. But then you have to look at the design further of the car. If they have kind of made the wheels a bit bigger, if they have perhaps put some extra spray paint on. It's all about showing that you are different, you're controlling the roads, you're a little bit superior, and probably a little bit insecure to have that need to drive that kind of car.
TIM SHAW
Really?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
Oh, yes. So you probably do want to overcompensate a little bit about the fact that you feel like you're lacking in personality, perhaps.
NARRATOR
Sorry, pick-up fans. Moving on swiftly, what we want to know is what does Joanna's Jimny say about her?
TIM SHAW
That is the car, so there are two Suzuki Jimnys.
NARRATOR
And how does that influence the build?
TIM SHAW
So, have a look at that. What can you tell me about a Suzuki Jimny owner?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
So I would say this is a car that's quite practical. It's not a brash car that's just screaming, oh, look at me. This is more like, I'm going to buy this car because I'm going to take it off-road and I'm going to have adventures. I'm going to have fun with this car.
TIM SHAW
So no Chelsea tractor owners, no hugely capable cars just sitting on roads and traffic jams, actually going to do something this vehicle is designed for?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
It might even be that the practicality indicates that the person who drives this has a quite practical job.
TIM SHAW
So, Joanna is a nurse and has been a lifelong nurse. Does that suit?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
Yeah, that is a very good match indeed.
TIM SHAW
Really?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
In terms of the seats on the inside, we want to put something more comfortable. How important is the look of the seat for the car?
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
I would say very important. If you have a car that looks like this, you would want to keep it the way it is. So in style with whatever it was originally. If you change it, it might change how the person views their own car. So it's important to keep it similar.
TIM SHAW
Right. Keep it a similar seat, just a bit more sponge in it, no sort of high wing back sports seats.
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
Oh, no. Oh, no.
TIM SHAW
Really? OK. This is getting a bit weirdly spooky. It's like I feel like I know Joanna now, and I've got a definite steer on how we need to keep the car, so we've got to keep it as Suzuki made it. Final question. Tell me about this person. Middle-aged, drives a bus, a double-decker bus, for fun.
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
It sounds like someone who potentially is quite eccentric.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I'm not sure, not entirely sure yet, but let's try another one. There you go.
KATHERINE JANSON BOYD
who wants to be seen and heard, who's quite different, maybe an unusual character, who possibly quite extravagant in how they dress.
REYNOLDS
Elevensies, Mr Townsend.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Oh, thank you, Reynolds.
END OF PART 4
PART 5
NARRATOR
With just 24 hours before they return Joanna's car to her, in between attending to the needs of his royal fuzziness, the team has actually managed to do some work. The Jimny doors have been prepped, and along with the rest of the body, are getting a coat of that all-important UV-resistant red paint. And look what's just returned from the blasters.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
The Jimny's chassis has been repaired where necessary and now it's been painted to protect it. It's going to last for decades now.
NARRATOR
And that's not the only restored bit of Jimny to have returned. The automatic gearbox has had a full makeover. It's been cleaned, fully serviced and, for good measure, has had its set of five solenoids replaced.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Now we can attach it onto the back of the engine.
NARRATOR
The first mass-produced automatic transmission, the Hydramatic, was developed by General Motors back in 1939.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I need to draw the gearbox in close enough so that I can then put these tiny little short bolts in through the drive plate and into the torque converter.
NARRATOR
But it wasn't until after the Second World War that the knowledge gained from fitting the system to American tanks led to widespread adoption by car manufacturers. And today, more than 99% of new cars sold in the US have an automatic transmission.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I can now tighten the bolts that attach the gearbox onto the engine. Then we have married the two together. We have a sub-assembly. I do say that as one gets older, one gets a little more cranky.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Okay, right. Now, it's time to pop the engine and gearbox into the chassis.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Right, we are nearly there.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Right, the seagull has landed.
NARRATOR
And with that, Joanna's pride and joy has turned a corner. But with the clock ticking, the pressure is on.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Right, so I'm just going to wiggle the axle into place.
NARRATOR
Then it's on with the new suspension set up.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
So the spring is home exactly where it wants to be. Now we have to fit our shock absorbers, which fit onto the bottom here. Now I'm hoping I can get enough height. The chassis has started lifting off the trolley. So what I need is some way of bridging this distance. We've got about three or four inches to go here. What I need is something to bring this down.
NARRATOR
If only there were a couple of large weights in the workshop that could be easily manoeuvred into position.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Guys, come on.
NARRATOR
Oh, hang on.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Do you have a good lunch? Yeah, yeah. That's good. Keep the weight on. Keep the weight on. You're doing very well. That's it. Push down. It's all coming together very beautifully now. This little Jimny is going to be great.
NARRATOR
With the suspension in place, the boys' exercise for the week complete, there's the new fuel tank and a few other final components to add before it's time for the big moment. Lowering that freshly painted chassis back down onto the body.
TOM
Come down and touch the wall.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Look at the body sitting on the chassis for the first time. It's looking brilliant.
NARRATOR
With that, the majority of the mechanical jobs are taken care of. But there's no time for tea and biscuits yet. Because for Joanna to take her little Jimny on a road trip, they need to make it far more comfortable for her. To do that, Fuzz is adding some all-important modifications. First up, a remote start heater.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
So it's got a burner in there, a bit like a domestic boiler in a way, but without the hot water capabilities. And then we get heat pumped out here via a fan through a hose that's going to go up into the saloon of the car. So the car can be lovely, warm and toasty before she sets out. All that without having to run up the engine and risk somebody jumping in the car and driving it away. And I think that this may be one of my favourite gadgets. Warm and toasty inside. A lovely nest. A lovely, warm cocoon.
NARRATOR
Next, in go a set of seats sourced from a later model Jimny. And while they don't look much different from the originals, they're going to offer significantly more comfort. There's also other subtle modifications being made elsewhere. A set of all-weather tyres, so Joanna doesn't need to worry about changing them if she decides to cruise on the motorway or summit a mountain. Next, the electrics can be hooked back up, but just like when Fuzz can't find his favorite hat, this little Jimny's blown a fuse. Fortunately, Tim's got a clever trick to get them out of a sticky situation.
TIM SHAW
Now you can test a fuse with your own mobile phone. Now you might not have come across these things yet, but it's a touch screen. It's for ringing people. It's not an old dialy thing. Now watch this. If you balance a bolt on it, on any icon like that, and then if you get the good fuse, if you hold one prong and touch the bolts, it'll open the application as they're called, right? So it'll press the button. But if you've got like the blown fuse, which is this one, it won't do anything because it can't conduct through the fuse, therefore pressing the button on the screen. Simple as that.
NARRATOR
And with power restored, it's time to add the all-important finishing touch.
TIM SHAW
It's gecko time. This is what makes this Joanna's car. Here we go. And breathe.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Hey, Timmy boy, come in here. Come and feel this.
TIM SHAW
Mate, I can feel the heat coming out of it already.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
It's nice, isn't it?
TIM SHAW
This is stunning. Hot box.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Yes. Lovely and toasty.
TIM SHAW
This is gorgeous, isn't it? Wow. Well done, you. What? Well done, you. So come on, the gearbox, get it said.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Oh, right. Yeah, yeah. Well done.
TIM SHAW
You can't bring yourself to, can you?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
No, I can't. This is a brilliant little car and I love these things now. Absolutely love them.
TIM SHAW
I have got one major problem.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
What's that?
TIM SHAW
We work in a freezing cold workshop and now you're sticking me in a lovely toasty warm car. Mate, we can't get out of this.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I know, I know. I just want to relax in here. I don't want to get out and do loads of work.
TIM SHAW
Makes me want to take all my clothes off.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
I'm out.
END OF PART 5
PART 6
NARRATOR
After a monumental 700 hours of hard work, the day has finally come to return Joanna's beloved Jimny to her.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Oh, look! Look at it!
TIM SHAW
I just, period, don't like red cars. Until this thing turned up!
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Yeah, it's fantastic. It's the right colour. It looks better than you. Come on, son, what's the plan?
TIM SHAW
This is Bailiff's Court in West Sussex, a beautiful place where mum and son, James and Joanna, come here every now and again. It's a special place. Come and have lunch, which is what they're doing today. They're going to walk past a presenter who is, unfortunately, out of work of television, so he's presenting pieces about local landmarks. We go inside, just happens to be the room they're sitting in. The crew are all there with kits all over the place. Doesn't feel like anything's being filmed. I'm going to walk in there, strike up a conversation, and here's the thing that's different. I'm actually going to car SOS Joanna there and then. I'm going to explain what's happening, bring her out here and show her the car. Low-key and understated and just appropriate, considering the situation that they're in.
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Fabulous. OK, cool. All right.
NARRATOR
So while Fuzz wraps the Jimny for the big moment around the back of the hotel, at the front, James and Joanna have just pulled into sight of Tim and the crew.
TIM SHAW
Yeah, you got them in shot haven't you? Oh, yeah. Oh, OK. OK.
NARRATOR
Who are busy pretending to film a scene about the history of the building.
TIM SHAW
So this is Bailiff's Court in the heart of West Sussex. Now, despite the way that it looks, it was actually built in 1927.
NARRATOR
Which is the perfect cover for capturing Joanna and James's arrival. There is a climping beach, which the kids can play on.
PRODUCER
Oh, two seconds. Just got footsteps. Just let the people in the background pass through. Thank you.
TIM SHAW
Yeah, yeah. So there's an indoor... Let me just check my lines. There's an indoor... 
JAMES
Hi.
RECEPTIONIST
Hi.
JAMES
Do you have a reservation for lunch?
FUZZ TOWNSHEND
Right, here's the plan. James and Joanna are now in the building. They're going to get led through to a little room where we are storing all our kit.
RECEPTIONIST
Think they've reserved this table for you at the moment [INAUDIBLE]
JOANNA
It's nice to be back here. 
JAMES
It is. I'm just gonna...
JOANNA
Where are you going? The loo?
JAMES
Yeah, I'll be back in a minute. 
NARRATOR
 So while Joanna thinks James has nipped off to spend a penny,
TIM SHAW
All right?
JAMES
I'm good, yeah. Cool.
TIM SHAW
Come on in, James.
NARRATOR
He's actually heading outside to meet a fuzzy. Which is the signal for Tim and the crew to head into the room where Joanna's waiting under the guise of taking a break between scenes.
TIM SHAW
Hi. Sorry about this. So these guys have got us here doing a promotion for this place.
JOANNA
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
You know, I used to do... Cars are very much my thing. So I used to do a show about cars. You into your cars?
JOANNA
Oh, I love my... Well, I did love my car.
TIM SHAW
What have you got?
JOANNA
My dad bought me a Suzuki Jimny.
TIM SHAW
What state's it in at the minute?
JOANNA
I don't know. He was sorting it out. He was taking it to a mechanic he said. This was weeks ago



NARRATOR
With everyone in position and Joanna still none the wiser, it's time for Tim to reveal all.
TIM SHAW
There's actually a bit more to this than meets the eye. And I'm not here presenting a promotional video at all. We're here for you, Joanna. All of this is here for you because your son wrote to us about your little red Jimny.
JOANNA
Yes. Oh.
TIM SHAW
Now, I know this is a lot to take on, but... ..we've restored the car for you.
JOANNA
You haven't?
TIM SHAW
Here we are.
JOANNA
Really?
TIM SHAW
Yes, we have. And we'd like to show you the car.
JOANNA
I really can't believe this.
TIM SHAW
OK. Now, you're going to see... Here we go.
JOANNA
Here he is.
TIM SHAW
Come here. You've got some explaining to do to your mum.
JAMES
I have.
JOANNA
You told me you were coming here for lunch.
JAMES
I know.
TIM SHAW
Would you like to see the car?
JOANNA
Yes, please.
TIM SHAW
Let's take it away.
JOANNA
Oh, it's beautiful. It really is. Oh, that's fantastic.
TIM SHAW
That's your car. That's the car your dad bought you.
JOANNA
Oh, that's wonderful.
TIM SHAW
Give your mum a cuddle, Jack. Come on, give her a cuddle.
JAMES
Love you.


JOANNA
Yeah, I know. I love you, too. And I love these guys.

TIM SHAW
How does it feel?
JOANNA
Just wonderful, really, and everything I could have wished for.
NARRATOR
The last time Joanna saw her beloved Jimny, it was parked on the driveway, edging ever closer to rack and ruin. But now it's emerged like a phoenix from the flames. Under the bonnet, the gearbox nobody could fix is now back to full health. The interior has been transformed into a cosy cocoon. There's a more comfortable set of seats and a separate heater to pre-warm the cabin before Joanna and James head off on an adventure. Outside, it's had a coat of modern UV-resistant red paint and now sits on a set of all-weather tyres that are more than capable of conquering whatever terrain Joanna throws their way.
TIM SHAW
Can you feel the heat?
JOANNA
I certainly can. It's really lovely and warm.
TIM SHAW
Why did you choose a Jimny?
JOANNA
Because I love 4x4s.
TIM SHAW
The interesting thing about this car is it was given to you by your dad, wasn't it?
JOANNA
Yes. I think he realised he was in his last few months of life and he wanted to do something give me something that I would remember him by. And hopefully up there now, he's looking down on us today.
TIM SHAW
What would he be saying?
JOANNA
Well, you've done a fantastic job.
TIM SHAW
How much of the memories of your life are with this car?
JOANNA
Oh, goodness. I would think possibly half of those memories.
TIM SHAW
Really?
JOANNA
Yes.
TIM SHAW
So this car has created so many memories for you.
JOANNA
It really has. And to be able to pass it on to James, basically. Yeah? So that he can drive it and hopefully his partner. Yeah?
TIM SHAW
So the car sort of spans three generations.
JOANNA
It will do, yes.
TIM SHAW
Isn't that an incredible thought?
JOANNA
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
Right. There is one thing left to do.
JOANNA
Yeah?
TIM SHAW
And it's something you're going to need to hit the roads, to hit the open roads. It's a key.
JOANNA
Yeah.
TIM SHAW
So it gives me great pleasure to say, Jo, you have been car SOS'd.
JOANNA
Oh, thank you very much.
TIM SHAW
So start this thing up, get James beside you, pack your bags, get on the open road.
JOANNA
Yeah.
JOANNA
James, this is fantastic. Really. Where do we plan to go in the car now?

JAMES
I think we should go on an adventure.
JOANNA
An adventure? Yes, that's a good idea.
JOANNA
Oh, and they managed to keep my lovely gecko on the side of the car. I'm really pleased about that. That's really important to me. Thank you, James, so much for doing this. I do love you and... I know you love me too.

###