I suspect like most of the home makeover programs it is a triumph of initial selection (to find cars with interesting and obvious deficiencies) and selective editing.

This in no way diminishes the program although I find the happy chappie Mike Brewer tiresome at times. But it is clear they tend to fix only the evident faults, not complete a full restoration.

Even where the body is stripped for a full respray, the working mechanical parts seem to be refitted unrestored - in contrast to what a hobbyist may do in similar circumstances - replace all brakes, seals, hoses, boots + possibly overhaul carbs, suspension bushes, wheel bearings, etc etc

I seem to remember that Ed China did do a proper job: that may be why he left as the powers that be thought this was not very entertaining.

Fixing leaks, faulty fuel injectors etc is what we see week after week.

However, at the end of the programme the paintwork always has that "showroom new car look" despite never having had a re-spray (on camera).

I know there are lots of products out there that can improve paintwork but getting all the scratches and blemishes out seems a miracle.