► Richard Hammond’s Workshop: streaming on discovery +
► We rate our five favourite cars in the series
► And Hammond could work on your car, thanks to Sky VIP
In case you’ve not been keeping up with all things streaming, TV’s Richard Hammond has a new programme out. The snappily titled Richard Hammond’s Workshop chronicles Richard as he attempts to build a car restoration business from the ground up.
Richard told us: ‘I’ve now got my own machine, a workshop. In fact, the biggest build in series was the new workshop.
‘The show has achieved what I want it to be and I’m proud of it.’
So there it is from the horse’s mouth. He’s proud of the show and he thinks you should watch it.
You could win a day in Richard’s workshop – thanks to Sky VIP
One lucky car enthusiast and a guest will get to visit and have Richard and his crew work on their car – courtesy of the Sky VIP loyalty programme. Read on for more details or, if you’re a Sky customer who can’t wait to enter, download the My Sky app here.
This year, over a million people have enjoyed a VIP experience with Sky VIP. Whether you fancy rubbing shoulders with A-listers or meeting your sporting heroes, Sky VIP can make those experiences come to life. Head to the My Sky app to find out more.
Need a little more enticing? We’ve rounded up our five favourite cars from the series. If these don’t tempt you into watching it, you’re probably not a proper petrolhead.
Our five favourite cars from Richard Hammond’s Workshop
Bond Bug
Ah yes, the Bond Bug. A three-wheeled child of the Seventies with garish orange paint (although some were actually painted white and green) and a silly canopy instead of traditional doors.
This one was in fact the workshop’s first customer and came in for a few pernickety fixes.
Richard said: ‘I loved the story behind the three-wheeler. And it was our first customer. So it holds a special place in my heart.’
Jensen Interceptor Mk II
A Sixties icon complete with Italian styling courtesy of Carrozzeria Touring and American brawn from a Ford V8.
Richard said: ‘The Interceptor is my absolute favourite. But we haven’t even found the time to fix it because thankfully we have work coming in now.’
Lotus Esprit 350
A serious bit of kit. Compared with a regular Lotus Esprit, the 350 benefitted from a carbon fibre wing, magnesium OZ alloys, AP racing brakes, and Monroe dampers.
Richard sold it, along with 1969 Porsche 911, a 1959 Bentley S2 and five classic motorbikes, in order to raise funds.
Richard said: ‘It was really difficult. It pains me to think about (selling) it. I sold the ones that I thought would sell. It was horrible.’
Rover Mini
Who doesn’t love a Mini? Cam, apparently. Richard’s daughter’s boyfriend. He left this Mini in a hedge for four years before Richard decided to restore it at the new workshop.
Cam’s budget was tiny…but luckily Richard agreed to step in and help. The kicker? The more time Richard put into it himself, the cheaper the restoration was.
Ford Escort RS2000
Another car Richard bought with his own money. This time it was in for a quick turnaround and sold for a tidy profit.
The 1979 Rallye Sport model was a tidy looking thing with a few spots of rust. It was bought for £25,000 with the eye to sell for £40,000. Even with the famous face attached, it only attracted £36,630 at Classic Car Auctions’ 25 September sale.
Synopsis of episodes five and six
Episode 5
In an attempt to win work, Richard and the team decide to enter one of their cars into the UK’s most prestigious classic car show contest, the Concours of Elegance.
Episode 6
Richard’s new state-of-the-art workshop is finally open but nearly a quarter of a million out of pocket, the business has got to start paying for itself.
How to watch Richard Hammond’s Workshop – and enter the prize draw
Ever watched Richard on TV and thought, ‘he’s the man to help out with my pride and joy’? Well now’s your chance.
One fortunate winner will be picked to spend the day with Richard in his workshop, working on their own car. Transport for your car, overnight accommodation, and all travel and expenses are included.
Sky Q customers can get 12 months of discovery+ free as a gift from Sky VIP. To activate, simply say “get discovery+” into your voice remote and follow the on-screen instructions. No voice remote? Head to the Upgrade tile in Apps on your Q box. To find out more and to enter for your chance to win a day with Hammond, head to the My Sky app.