Ep 7. Air-Cooled Engines

For the Love of Cars is a British television show where classic cars are restored and given new life. The show is hosted by car enthusiast and presenter, Ant Anstead, and designer and car collector, Philip Glenister. In season 2 episode 7, titled "Air-Cooled Engines," the duo tackles the task of restoring two iconic cars with air-cooled engines.

Air-cooled engines were popular in cars in the mid-20th century because they required fewer components than water-cooled engines. They were commonly found in Volkswagen Beetles, Porsche 911s, and some Citroens. The engines were cooled by air, rather than a liquid coolant, and were known for their simplicity, reliability, and unique sound.

The first car that Ant and Philip work on in this episode is a 1967 Volkswagen Beetle. The car was originally owned by a young mechanic who purchased it as his first vehicle. The car is in a sad state after sitting for years, with rusted body panels, an engine that doesn't run, and outdated wiring. The duo takes on the challenge of bringing the Beetle back to life, replacing the rusted body panels, rebuilding the engine, and replacing the wiring. The team also modifies the car, installing a custom sound system, and restoring the iconic VW emblem to the hood. The finished Beetle is a stunning example of a classic car with air-cooled engines.

The second car that the team takes on is a 1973 Porsche 911 Targa. The car is in relatively good condition, but it has been sitting for years and needs some TLC. The Targa was made popular in the 1970s and was known for its removable roof panel. The team first addresses the engine, removing it from the car, and sending it out for a complete rebuild. Philip and Ant take the opportunity while the engine is out to restore the Targa's iconic roll hoop. They also replace the rubber seals around the Targa top and complete some much-needed bodywork. The team finishes the Targa with a new coat of paint and a custom interior.

Throughout the episode, Ant and Philip explain the intricacies of air-cooled engines, how they work, and why they were widely used. They also provide insight into the restoration process, from finding the right parts to the skill required to rebuild the engines.

The restoration challenge is not a simple task, but Ant and Philip's passion for classic cars shines throughout the episode. They expertly restore two unique cars with air-cooled engines and leave the owners with renewed feelings of nostalgia and admiration for their beloved vehicles.

Overall, "Air-Cooled Engines" is an intriguing and educational episode that classic car enthusiasts will find engaging. The attention to detail in the restoration process, combined with the hosts' enthusiasm and knowledge, make for an entertaining and informative episode.