“TWO mates messing about with cars again.” That’s how Paul Cowland describes the new series of Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars, which starts next Wednesday.
“People liked what we did with the first series, so we’ve kept it much the same, just with a bit more money to spend,” laughs the automotive guru.
The popular television programme is now heading into its second series and Paul and antiques expert Drew Pritchard took time out from filming to chat to us.
Drew says: “We’ve known each other for a long time, way before we started the first series. I’ve always loved cars and asked Paul’s opinion whenever I’ve thought about buying a classic.
“That’s how the idea for the show came about – it’s just the two of us searching for and buying cars, as well as arguing a bit along the way. It’s how we are in real-life.”
Paul nods along and points out that the pair share the same passion for cars of all ages and types: “We’ve been very strict about keeping a cross-section of cars in the new show, different types, styles and prices.
“It would have been easy to focus on more expensive models, but variety is the appeal of classic cars. It was important to us to show you don’t need to spend a fortune on this hobby.”
The point of Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars is turning a profit from selling the cars on, but Paul is adamant it’s also about demonstrating that everyone can indulge in an old car for fun.
He says: “Some cars don’t need much work and can be turned around in a week, which are the ones you need to make a business out of classic cars. Those are the ones we’ve bought with our heads, but we often get caught up in the emotion of classics and have to spend a lot more than we expected.”
One example of this is a rare Jensen Interceptor that Drew and Paul were very excited about buying.
Drew explains: “We spent £25,000 to buy the Jensen because it had a fabulous history and was an ex-press car. When we got it into the workshop, it turned out to need a lot more work than we expected, so it will take longer to restore.
“It’s going to need a year to bring up to the high standards we expect, which means it won’t be in this series as it we can’t finish it in time.”
The quality of work is vital to both presenters and they insist none of their cars are given quick fixes for the sake of television.
Paul says: “We have three amazing guys in the workshop who are used to working to the highest level of perfection. We’re really proud our cars come out of the garage as good as they possibly can be. I try to help out in the workshop, but really all I do is make the tea.”
For the new series, Paul and Drew reckon the Rover P6 is a great example of a classic car that anyone can take on, improve and enjoy.
At the other end of the scale, the pair smile like naughty schoolboys when they talk about the Lancia Delta Integrale they painted as a tribute to the cars that competed in the World Rally Championship.
“Yeah, that one was down to pure emotion,” giggles Paul – and with that they’re off to mess about with more cars.
• Salvage Hunters: Classic Cars premieres on Wednesday, January 16, at 9pm exclusively on Quest.
