Are you a fan of classic cars? Do you find yourself dreaming about those iconic vehicles from the past, reminiscing about the golden age of automobile design? Well, get ready to be wowed by the new series, Dream Car Fixers, premiering on Yesterday on Tuesday 5th March at 8pm. This exciting show follows the journey of life-long friends Sheldon Nichols and Peter Harriott as they search, find, and restore classic cars to their clients’ specifications.
Sheldon Nichols, a car dealer and mechanic with over 40 years of experience, is the man behind the wheel in Dream Car Fixers. When asked about the appeal of the show, he explained, “The show is what we do for a living, really. So someone might say ‘Shel, I’m looking for a 1950s VW Beetle,’ and that’s what I’d go out and get for them. It’s very exciting, it’s informative. It has just enough detail so someone who’s not into cars won’t get lost. The show’s got a lot of warmth in it which I think makes it more relatable.” Nichols’s enthusiasm for the show is evident when he adds, “For me, doing the show is a combination of meeting people and getting my hands dirty fixing cars. It’s everything I love doing! If someone had said to me, ‘what’s your dream job?’ – it’s this.”
Although this may be Sheldon Nichols’s first time in the spotlight, it’s not his first experience with television. He previously worked on another car show called Strippers: Cars for Cash and has even dabbled in acting. “I auditioned for Grange Hill when I was 13. I got a part in a film with Petula Clark when I was 16. I’ve been in some music videos and commercials, and I love the theatre, but cars are my first love. All my life I’ve worked around cars,” he shared.
Joining Sheldon on this classic car adventure is Peter Harriott, a bodywork expert with a passion for making these vintage vehicles look as good as they did when they first rolled off the assembly line. When asked about his role in Dream Car Fixers, Harriott expressed, “Yeah, it’s Sheldon and myself, we’re two friends doing what we both enjoy doing! It’s nice when you enjoy doing something and they pay you to do it! But it’s more passion than money, and hopefully you can see that in the programme.” With over 40 years of experience in the trade, Harriott brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the team. “Everything that can be done to a motor vehicle, I’ve probably done it,” he added.
The chemistry between Sheldon and Peter is undeniable, stemming from a long-standing friendship that dates back to their teenage years. “We’ve had the same upbringings and we always crossed paths. I really enjoy working with him. We have a lot of banter. He can take the pi*s out of me, and I can take the pi*s out of him! We can agree to disagree, but we do that and then just move on to the next chapter,” Harriott shared.
One of the fascinating aspects of Dream Car Fixers is the variety of cars that Sheldon and Peter work on. From classic MGB Roadsters to iconic VW Beetles, they are ready to take on any challenge. When asked about the clients’ dream cars, Sheldon expressed, “No, it’s not a surprise to me. A lot of people go back to their old memories, so you naturally get your MGs, your Beetles, etc. It’s the cars that bring so many people together from so many walks of life. They break down so many different divides. They make you smile and you’re automatically on a similar level with other people.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Dream Car Fixers is the reaction they get from their clients. Peter Harriott gushed, “Yeah, I love some of the reaction the customers. They’re all ‘wow!’ when they see it and say things like ‘I can’t believe it looks so good.’ They are all genuine people, you know. That’s what’s great about it, everyone on the show has all got something in common; we all love cars and I love that my skills and my ability help people get the car that they love.”
With Dream Car Fixers, Sheldon Nichols and Peter Harriott are not only reviving classic cars, but also putting smiles on the faces of their clients. So, mark your calendars for Tuesday 5th March at 8pm on Yesterday and get ready to embark on a journey through the world of classic cars with these two talented and passionate individuals. You won’t want to miss it!
And as for their dream cars? Sheldon already has his, saying, “I’ve got my dream car! I’ve got an Escort Mk1 RS200. Had it for 18 years, but that’s nothing. Most people in the car club I’m in have had it for 30 years. And the stories… I remember I brought my daughter from the hospital in this car, that sort of thing. Amazing.” As for Peter, his dream car is a 1966 Wood and Picket Mini Cooper S. It’s clear that their love for classic cars extends beyond the show and into their personal lives.
