E15
15. Episode 15
Mark takes his creation to a kit car show to see how it compares to other models, and gets feedback from the experts as the car is entered for a car club track day.
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TV series
Is Born Series
Latest episode
S8 E10
About Is Born Series
Is Born Series is a TV series that premiered on Discovery Real Time on July 1, 1999. It has 8 seasons and 115 episodes so far. The latest episode, Season 8 Episode 10, aired on September 2, 2005.
The Is Born collection of Television series produced for the Discovery Channel in the UK, presented by Mark Evans. Each series follows Mark Evans through either the building or restoring of a vehicle
Last updated
Episodes
115 episodes · 8 seasons
A Car Is Born: AC Cobra Pilgrim Sumo 5.7 V8 Super Car
1999 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 27 years ago
Follow car enthusiast Mark Evans as he builds a Pilgrim Sumo 5.7 litre V8 Super-Car. Based on the Ford Sierra and and inspired by the AC Cobra from the 1960's this kit car is shown from the beginning - from finding the donor vehicle to getting the finalised car through the SVA test
Is Born Series A Car Is Born: AC Cobra Pilgrim Sumo 5.7 V8 Super Car release dates →- E14
14. Episode 14
Mark's creation undergoes the Single Vehicle Approval test and we travel to Bristol for the vehicle inspector's opinion on how the car measures up.
- E13
13. Episode 13
Mark fits the hood, headlights, bumpers and racing wheels, and visits specialist suppliers for the badges to put his individual stamp on the car.
- E12
12. Episode 12
It's all about basic aesthetics today as we learn how to finish off a GRP shell by masking and priming the car bodywork ready for finished topcoat.
- E11
11. Episode 11
Mark gets to grips with wiring his replica AC Cobra, installing a loom, connecting electric components and fixing that all-important car stereo.
- E10
10. Episode 10
Mark puts his personal stamp the interior of his replica AC Cobra, buying everything from carpeting and door lining trim to seat belts.
- E9
9. Episode 9
Mark chooses an authentic walnut dashboard from a vintage gauge company before sanding and polishing it, ready for testing.
- E8
8. Episode 8
Mark rivets the body parts onto the chassis, finding out about shut-lines, panel fit and GRP from engineer Robert Kemp.
- E7
7. Episode 7
Mark puts together the engine, gearbox, a new clutch and the exhaust, before testing to see if everything works!
- E6
6. Episode 6
A reconditioned engine is built up and bench-tested, and Mark checks out extras from retro-look air filters to race-tuned carburretors.
- E5
5. Episode 5
Mark installs axles, suspension hubs and brakes and engineer Dave Peters chips in with some tips as they succeed in creating a rolling chassis.
- E4
4. Episode 4
The rear axle is reconditioned with some components being sent away for powder-coating, and Mark gets a progress report on the engine.
- E3
3. Episode 3
Volunteers from the local college strip the second hand car of spare parts, and the engine and gearbox are sent to a specialist for reconditioning.
- E2
2. Episode 2
Mark goes shopping for tools and a second-hand car to provide spare parts, taking the Owners Club secretary along with him for advice.
- E1
1. Episode 1
Mark meets Ian Stent from Which Kit? at the National Kit and Performance Car Show, before visiting the factory where his kit is manufactured.
A Plane Is Born: Europa XS
2000 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 26 years ago
Follow Mark Evans as he builds a Europa XS two-seater aeroplane. Capable of flying from England to the South of France on a single tank of fuel, this kit plane is shown from the beginning - from the first look at the kit plane market through to the final test flight.
Is Born Series A Plane Is Born: Europa XS release dates →- E15
15. Up, Up & Away!
The final episode in the series sees the newly built plane go through the final checks it needs for its certificate of air-worthiness. Mark must see if it will pass and he can finally realise his dream to fly his very own aeroplane.
- E14
14. Any Colour You Like
A Red letter day as Mark prepares for his PPL Test at Aeros, and we recap his flying lessons from throughout the series; meanwhile, his aeroplane is transformed with a coat of paint and Mark applies the decals to make it unique. Finally it is the turn of Tony Palmer to show us his own pride and joy - his Avid Speedwing.
- E13
13. The Final Plush
The interior starts to get the red carpet treatment (well Blue actually) as Mark takes on the job of carpeting and upholstering his aeroplane with aircraft trimmer Matthew Leach. At Aeros, it's advanced flying as he gets to grips with steep banked turns and spinning while vintage aircraft feature in another look at PFA aircraft, this episode profiles Steve Leach's 1941 Taylor craft BC65.
- E12
12. Instru-Mental
It's the bit Mark has been dreading since he started - the wiring and instruments. To give him a better idea, he meets Robin Walsh who explains the differences between instruments and avionics and Ashu Mehta who helps him install the instrument panel. The instrument theme is continued at Aeros Flying School where Mark gets to fly just inches from the ground - in a simulator. In another look at the achievements of other home builders, it's the turn of Bob Harrison and his Europa.
- E11
11. Props Away
Part two of the engine installation and Mark takes on the fitting of the ducting, oil and water cooling, radiators, cowlings and finally the propeller. Safety is the theme in Mark's next visit to flying school as he takes us through the A-Check, vital before any flight, while this programme's homebuilder is Lincoln Summers with his motorbike-engined Avid Speedwing.
- E10
10. All Revved Up
It's a red-letter day down at the workshop as the brand new engine arrives with Europa's Andy Draper. Mark takes on the delicate task of fitting the engine to the fuselage as well as connecting fuel lines, the plenum chamber and exhaust manifold. In his flying lesson, he undertakes his first solo cross-country flight. In another feature on the world of home-built aircraft, we meet John Shanley and his futuristic Rutan Long-EZ.
- E9
9. No Longer Topless
The programme sees major progress on the plane with the rudder assembly completed and the fuselage top on and finally bonded. Back at Staverton, Mark masters the rudiments of radio communication. In another look at other kit-planes, we meet fellow Europa constructor Peter Kember who was the first ever to home-build a Europa Kit.
- E8
8. Like My Wheels?
Mark is back on familiar ground as he fits brakes, wheels and undercarriage to his aeroplane, Martin Dovey introduces us to his vintage kit plane, the Kit Fox, and it is the turn of navigation to further perplex Mark as he continues his flying lessons.
- E7
7. Get In Trim
This episode sees the building gathering pace as Mark installs the cockpit module and seats into the aeroplane as well as the trim tabs and actuator into the tail plane. In our regular look at the world of kit aircraft, we meet Steve Pike and Kevin Fagan who have just finished an Australian aircraft - The Jabiru. Back at Staverton Airport, it's a milestone in Mark's Flying progress - with his first solo flight.
- E6
6. Tell-Tail!
Work on the aeroplane moves to the tailplane and Mark gets to grips with an electronic spirit level. Back at the Flying School, he attempts circuits and touch and go landings. And in another profile of kit aircraft builders, it's the turn of Olle Berquist, an enthusiast from Sweden.
- E5
5. You Have Control!
Work on the plane continues with the Cockpit module and control yokes. Mark also receives a visit from Neville Eyre, his PFA inspector who checks to see that his work so far is air worthy. Over at Staverton Airport, it's pass the sick bag when he is introduced to "stalling". Finally, we are introduced to an American aircraft owned by Michael Wells where the propeller is at the back.
- E4
4. Wings
Filming in the workshop, work begins on the Europa's wings and Mark puts his composite skills to the test. In part 2, he continues his flight training as he learns about climbing and descending. Nigel Marshall and Rob Cooper talk about the Pietenpol Air-camper they built at work in their lunch-hours.
- E3
3. Building Begins
Mark learns that before he starts to build his aeroplane he must attend a workshop on composite building techniques. His crash course is instructed by expert Neville Eyre. In part 2, back at the workshop, he begins work on his kit plane, starting with the rudder. Some respite from plastics is provided at Gloucester airport where his flying training continues apace. In a regular feature, Dudley Pattison shows us the Isaac's Fury biplane he took fifteen years to build.
- E2
2. Test Flight
Mark travels to the Europa Factory in North Yorkshire where after seeing all the components that go into making a kit, he takes a test flight with Technical Director Andy Draper. In part 2, he starts his private pilot training at Staverton Airport in Gloucestershire with instructor Carl Bowen.
- E1
1. Research
Mark visits the Popular Flying Association Rally at Cranfield to see some of the 3000 or so home-built and vintage aircraft that have flown in for the weekend. He talks to Graham Newby, the chairman of the PFA and the editor of Flyer Magazine who takes him through the pitfalls of building his own plane
A Car Is Reborn: 1965 Jaguar Series 1 E-Type Roadster
2001 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 25 years ago
Follow car enthusiast Mark Evans as he re-builds a 1965 Jaguar Series 1.1 E-Type Roadster. This kit car is shown from the beginning, following every aspect of the restoration process, with help and advice from experts. Subjects such as metalwork restoration and leather upholstery are discussed.
Is Born Series A Car Is Reborn: 1965 Jaguar Series 1 E-Type Roadster release dates →- E15
15. Welcome Back
After six months solid work, the Jaguar E-Type Roadster is back where it belongs: on the road. Looking resplendent with its new carmine red paintwork, the car is driven around the test track. Mark, Ian Forrest and Norman Dewes, (who’s job it was to test drive the Jaguar E-Types) all drive the car. As a fitting tribute to all the hard work done to restore the car, it and Mark are invited to take part in the William Lyons Memorial Rally in Coventry with other Jaguar owners. 36 years after it left the factory, the Jaguar E-Type Roadster is back home.
- E14
14. Spit and Polish
With all of the bodywork now back on the car, it’s time to test the car before driving it. The engine is tuned and the suspension is set up. The car’s tracking is adjusted and then it’s a final polish of the paintwork before the car is back on the road. An Aston Martin Le Mans - once owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, but now proudly owned by Philip Haslam is featured. Ian Forrest picks his favourite car from all of those which he has driven during the series.
- E13
13. The Final Plush
With most of the bodywork now restored, attention turns to the car’s interior. The original seats have been reupholstered and put back into the car. New carpets and upholstery are fitted with the help of specialist Steve Frost. The roof frame, roof and the door fittings are also put back onto the car. Ian Proudfoot’s Jenson 541S is shown and Ian Forrest drives a Mark I Ford Capri around Knockhill.
- E12
12. Back on Her Wheels
The unmistakable bonnet of the Jaguar E-Type is fitted to the car along with the newly-chromed bumpers and the light clusters. The old wheels have been replaced with more sturdy 18” wheels. Roger Philips’ Triumph Stag MKII is shown and the MGB GTV8 of John Walpole is driven around the Knockhill circuit by Ian Forrest.
- E11
11. Getting it Together
The doors are hung on the car, a tricky job which needs care, not least of all to avoid damaging the new paintwork. The windscreen is tackled with the help of a specialist windscreen fitter. Paul Wilkinson’s Volkswagen Beetle is featured and Ian Forrest drives one of his favourite cars around Knockihill: a Lotus Cortina.
- E10
10. The Big Cat Roars Again
The restored engine and gearbox are ready to go back into the Jaguar. The oil filter, exhaust and fan are put onto the car and the big moment is almost here: the moment when the start button is pressed. Will the engine start? A Sunbeam Alpine belonging to Geoff Parr is featured and Ian Forrest drives a 1973 Lotus Elan around Knockhill.
- E9
9. Bits and Pieces
The fuel tank, piping and the boot lid are fitted to the Jaguar. The dashboard wiring is completed and work begins on the car’s electrics. Alistair Ross shows us the car he spent two years restoring, his MG L2. Ian Forrest drives the 1965 Hillman Singer Chamois around Knockhill.
- E8
8. Where Does This Bit Go?
With the paintwork finished, cut and polished, it’s time to start putting the car back together. Washer jets, a new brake servo, a rather complicated-looking wiring loom and the rear suspension are among the first bits to go back on the car. Jim Scott’s restored MKI Ford Cortina 1200 Deluxe is featured and Ian Forrest drives a Triumph TR3 around Knockhill’s racing circuit.
- E7
7. Any Colour You Like...
The Jaguar gets a new coat of paint - several coats of paint in fact. The seven-stage paint process sees the car transformed. Its original colour [white] is replaced by a new colour, classic E-Type carmine red at a cost of £7,000. Back at the garage, Mark cuts and polishes one wing of the car to reveal the gleaming new paintwork. Mick Clifton shows his MG V8 GT - a concourse winner and Ian Forrest drives a 1963 Austin Healey 300 around the Knockhill circuit.
- E6
6. Vroom Vroom
Attention is turned to the glorious engine that powered the E-Type. The engine needs to be stripped completely with parts removed and sent to be polished, so they look as good as they did when the car was new. The Jenson FIFA 1R belonging to Leonard Bolton is featured and at Knockhill, Ian Forrest drives a 1977 MK II Triumph Stag.
- E5
5. Swinging the Lead
Work has begun on the car’s body with new floor sections going onto the car. Mark turns his hand to spot welding and lead loading. After a ‘small accident’, he also learns a little about panel beating and heat shrinking. Ian Forrest drives the TVR Griffith owned by Steve Wallace around Knockhill and John Janes guides us around his Riley Winchester; the last car of its type in existence.
- E4
4. Blast
Stripped down to its shell, the car is sent to be blasted; a process whereby tiny plastic beads are fired at the car under great pressure to remove paint, underseal and any grime. This process reveals many problems that were not apparent when the car was first seen on the farm. Every panel on the car will need to be repaired or replaced. This is going to be a big restoration job. At Knockhill, Ian Forrest drive the Alpha 200GTV belonging to, Steve Barberi. John Jackson shows his Jaguar XK150.
- E3
3. Stripping Off
The Jaguar arrives at the garage and the laborious job of restoring the car begins. Bolt by bolt, the car is taken to pieces, the parts that can be re-used are kept and anything beyond repair is discarded. Racing Instructor Ian Forrest introduces new regular feature 'Classics on Test’ A Jaguar V12 owned by James Wilson is put to the test around the Knockhill circuit. David Rochford shows us his restored Ferrari 246GTS.
- E2
2. Jag Hag
The Jaguar factory in Coventry is home a private collection of classic Jaguars. Mark meets Tom Jones (no, not that one) the man who designed the E-Type chassis and a man who had a most enviable job. Norman Dewes, Jaguar’s chief development test engineer - the test driver. We see the car Mark will restore; found on a farm and left to rot, the 4.2 E-Type Roadster is in a sorry state. Paul Clerkin shows us his E-type Jaguar - fully restored to concourse condition, a job that took him 6 years to complete.
- E1
1. Mark Gets an Eye-Full
Mark visits the Classic Car Show at the Birmingham NEC where he meets like-minded car-obsessives. From wrecks in need of a complete restoration, to fully-restored Ferraris. Mark asks the visitors to the show which car he should restore
A Chopper Is Born: Rotorway Exec 162F
2002 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 24 years ago
Follow the fortunes of Mark Evans as he begins to build a fully functioning helicopter from a home kit and develops his flying skills by attaining a helicopter rating in Arizona.
Is Born Series A Chopper Is Born: Rotorway Exec 162F release dates →- E15
15. Episode 15
We follow Mark as he reveals the finished home-kit helicopter and takes it into the skies for its first glorious flight. Last in series.
- E14
14. Episode 14
Mark paints the bodywork of his helicopter and installs the upholstery, before taking to the sky in another chopper to complete a circuit.
- E13
13. Episode 13
Mark Evans takes to the skies in his chopper to practise the quick stop. Back on the ground he installs the rigging into his home-made kit helicopter.
- E12
12. Episode 12
The main rotor blades are fitted to Mark Evans's home-made helicopter. And in his helicopter-flying lesson he learns all about taxiing.
- E11
11. Episode 11
Mark turns his attention to the body panel and back seats, before learning about landing and set downs.
- E10
10. Episode 10
Mark learns how to climb and descend before installing the lights, navigation system and computer into his home-kit helicopter.
- E9
9. Episode 9
Mark turns his attention to the avionics and instrument panel, and learns about the most important instruments he needs to fly a helicopter.
- E8
8. Episode 8
Mark fits the exhaust, fuel system, fuel pumps and pressure regulator to his helicopter, and learns flying level and straight, to slip and to skid.
- E7
7. Episode 7
The exhaust and cooling systems are added to Mark Evan's helicopter, and he learns how to take off from hover position and from the ground.
- E6
6. Episode 6
Mark's helicopter is ready for the tail rotor drive and the clutch, and he learns how to deal with engine failure and autorotation.
- E5
5. Episode 5
Mark installs the engine in his home kit helicopter and learns how to counter 'dead man's curve' - a potentially fatal beginner's mistake.
- E4
4. Episode 4
Mark begins the manufacture of the main rotor shaft before getting to grips with training on the controls and throttle.
- E3
3. Episode 3
The airframe is complete and Mark turns his attention to the tail boom before beginning his helicopter flight training.
- E2
2. Episode 2
Mark Evans begins building the helicopter airframe and discovers the principles of helicopter flight.
- E1
1. Episode 1
Mark Evans begins building his home kit chopper before attempting his helicopter rating in Arizona.
A Bike Is Born: Harley, Triumph & Trike
2002 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 23 years ago
Series that follows the restoration of a 1942 Harley Davidson WLC, 1970 Triumph Bonneville T120R and a kit built Boom Trike. Also features interesting three wheelers such as the UK's first motorcycle and sidecar-hearse.
Is Born Series A Bike Is Born: Harley, Triumph & Trike release dates →- E15
15. Custom Trike: Part 5
The finishing touches are made to Mark Evan's VW lowrider Trike. He then takes it out for a ride and checks out people's reaction to this monster.
- E14
14. Custom Trike: Part 4
Mark Evan's latest motorbike challenge is taking shape, as he fits the lights and clocks to his VW lowrider Trike.
- E13
13. Custom Trike: Part 3
Air brush artist Steve Mohacsy shows Mark Evans how to jazz up the paintwork on his flash mammoth VW lowrider Trike.
- E12
12. Custom Trike: Part 2
Self-build guru Mark Evans continues building his VW lowrider Trike. Mark fits the engine, clutch and brake cables.
- E11
11. Custom Trike: Part 1
Mark Evans embarks on a new motor biking challenge - to build a VW lowrider Trike. He begins by demolishing a VW Beetle to obtain the parts he needs.
- E10
10. Triumph Bonneville: Part 5
The finishing touches are made to the 1970 Triumph Bonneville. Mark Evans can then enjoy the thrill of taking the bike out for its first spin.
- E9
9. Triumph Bonneville: Part 4
Mark Evans rebuilds the engine of the 1970 Triumph Bonneville and fits it to the frame, before attempting to re-cover the seat.
- E8
8. Triumph Bonneville: Part 3
Mark reveals the completely painted frame of the 1970 Triumph Bonneville and begins to build the forks, which proves to be less straightforward.
- E7
7. Triumph Bonneville: Part 2
Self-build guru Mark Evans continues to work on the Triumph Bonneville, as he dismantles the engine, strips the wheels and does a spot of welding.
- E6
6. Triumph Bonneville: Part 1
Mark Evans embarks on his next bike challenge - to restore a 1970 Triumph Bonneville. His first task is to strip the bike down to its frame.
- E5
5. Harley Davidson WLC: Part 5
It's nearly time for Mark Evans to test ride the restored Harley Davidson. But before the ride, the final chrome details are added to the bike.
- E4
4. Harley Davidson WLC: Part 4
The Harley Davidson restoration challenge continues. Mark Evans gets some help from expert sprayer Danny Boswell, as the bike gets a new colour.
- E3
3. Harley Davidson WLC: Part 3
The restoration of a 1942 Harley Davidson WLC continues, as Mark Evans fits the engine and gearbox. It's then time for him to assess the bodywork.
- E2
2. Harley Davidson WLC: Part 2
The engine of the 1942 Harley Davidson WLC is rebuilt and Mark Evans also gets to grips with fitting the carburettors to the engine.
- E1
1. Harley Davidson WLC: Part 1
Mark Evans is taking on the challenge of restoring a 1942 Harley Davidson WLC motorcycle. The first project is to strip down the bike.
A Racing Car Is Born: Westfield 1800 7-Type Circuit Racer
2003 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 23 years ago
A Racing Car is Born focuses on the world of the budget race-car. We follow presenter Mark Evans as he builds, tunes and races a 7-type circuit racer - his very own Westfield 1800, a Ford Zetec powered car with independant rear suspension.
Is Born Series A Racing Car Is Born: Westfield 1800 7-Type Circuit Racer release dates →- E15
15. Episode 15
Mark Evans decides to put his creation to the ultimate test - a circuit race in France. He first cleans the car in the hope it will increase his speed.
- E14
14. Episode 14
Mark Evans takes part in practice laps in France and qualifies for a circuit race, going behind the scenes to watch preparations for the event.
- E13
13. Episode 13
Mark Evans gains his first racing experience in the Westfield when he attends a track day at Donington Park, near Derby.
- E12
12. Episode 12
The hand-built Westfield is entered into a hillclimb competition at Gurston Down near Salisbury, Wiltshire.
- E11
11. Episode 11
With his vehicle now complete, Mark Evans takes the opportunity to try out his creation and takes part in a driving masterclass.
- E10
10. Episode 10
Mark Evans takes his newly completed Westfield sports car to the track for its biggest test.
- E9
9. Episode 9
Adding the finishing touches to his creation, Mark Evans prepares for the Single Vehicle Approval test.
- E8
8. Episode 8
Mark Evans begins fitting out the interior of his kit car, focusing on the door lining, lights and dashboard finish.
- E7
7. Episode 7
Work turns to the interior of the car, as Mark Evans chooses seats for the Westfield.
- E6
6. Episode 6
Mark Evans concentrates on the chassis of the Westfield sports car as he continues his self-build project.
- E5
5. Episode 5
In addition to building the dashboard, the instruments are installed with the assistance of Mike Topp from the 750 Motor Club.
- E4
4. Episode 4
Mark Evans installs the engine, propshaft, starter motor and gear lever of his Westfield sports car.
- E3
3. Episode 3
Work continues with the installation of the drive shafts, fuel tank and upper steering column.
- E2
2. Episode 2
A visit to the Westfield factory where the car kit is manufactured, before Mark Evan begins the first stages of construction.
- E1
1. Episode 1
Mark Evans embarks on a project to build a Westfield sports car to compete in racing events across the UK.
A 4x4 Is Born: 3.5L V8 Off-Roader
2004 · 15 episodes · Last episode: 22 years ago
Watch and enjoy as Mark Evans turns an old rust-bucket Range Rover rescued from the scrap-heap and transforms it into the ultimate boulder-crawling beauty! When complete, Mark reckons the vehicle will virtually be able to climb a vertical wall! The extreme 3.5 litre, V8 powered, R380 gearboxed off-roader, custom built from scratch by Mark, also boasts some serious off-road kit, including: an outrageous hi-lift suspension system; a hand-made, one-off roll-cage & a specially modified twin-tank fuel system.
Is Born Series A 4x4 Is Born: 3.5L V8 Off-Roader release dates →- E15
15. Episode 15
It has been a journey of blood, sweat and tears that has taken Mark, Les and Phil (the team) 2500 hours to complete over 5 months. Mark put the finishing touches to his unique 100" Land Rover, before bringing it outside into the Spring sunshine. It's bright outside but it doesn't dim Mark's enthusiasm for fitting some extra lights! Mark runs into a problem with his suspension while testing outside the workshop, but he gets its sorted in time for the big test. Off road, Mark has the time of his life at the helm of his latest creation.
- E14
14. Episode 14
The racing bucket seats are fitted, plus the last of the windows and door panels; plus Mark gets all scientific when he uses lasers and a computer to set up his suspension geometry. Mark learns more about driving off-road on side slopes and in deep water to prepare him for the big day ahead, when he gets to drive his own Land Rover off-road for the first time!
- E13
13. Episode 13
Not wanting his unique vehicle to be stolen under his nose, Mark invests in a state-of-the-art alarm system that will call his mobile of his Land Rover is touched ! He also makes his own tailgate, fits a powerful winch, side protection bars and snorkel. Oh. And forgets his Wedding Anniversary! Mark learns how to operate his new winch on an Off-road driving course.
- E12
12. Episode 12
Mark can see the light at the end of the tunnel and continues fitting the renovated body work. One of the few "newish" bits of bodywork is the truck cab - but it too needs a lot of Mark's attention. With the project nearing completion, Mark throws off his overalls, and finds how to drive Land Rovers off-road.
- E11
11. Episode 11
Mark's very special Land Rover is really starting to take shape, and he turns his attention to the brakes. Then it's on to the fuel system and there's a problem with the fuel tank filler. Mark fits his new racing exhaust with its ceramic coated headers and Y-pipe. Finally, Mark fits the ancillaries to the V8 engine. Can he get the monster to roar ?
- E10
10. Episode 10
Mark fits and assembles the bulkhead to the chassis. The wiring transforms from a jumble of multicoloured spaghetti to the vital veins of the beast's electrical system. Then it's back to school for Mark at the specialist paint shop.
- E9
9. Episode 9
Mark paints his rocker covers and sets the variable valve timing kit on his newly assembled engine. Mark fits his core plugs, before venturing to his bench to show how to correctly remove a broken stud. Attention is then turned to rebuilding the oil pump. The clutch and gearbox is fitted to the engine and then unites the newly fitted clutch and gearbox to the engine. Mark then takes the strain as he fits the rebuilt engine/gearbox combo into the rolling chassis.
- E8
8. Episode 8
Mark cleans his pistons, prepares and lubricates the crankshaft and engine block. Mark shows in detail how to rebuild the 3.5L Rover V8, including fitting an upgraded cam. Then it's on with the heads ! Keen to learn another trade, Mark turns his attention away from his greasy old garage to attend a course for car painters at a multi-million pound paint shop.
- E7
7. Episode 7
With the help of some "specialist" friends, Mark makes himself a unique roll cage out of the longest piece of tube he could fit in his van. He shows how to bend, assemble and fit it. Mark strips down and assesses the internals of his V8. Is it as really as good as he first thought?
- E6
6. Episode 6
The galvanized chassis arrives back at the workshop. When Mark has finished admiring it, he starts to fit the running gear ! First up: suspension. Mark continues playing with bushes, trailing arms, and panhard rods, before experimenting with springs and dampers.
- E5
5. Episode 5
It's Mark's favourite part of the project - rebuilding and upgrading the monster V8! Cleaned, stripped of its ancillaries and decapitated, Mark assesses its condition. Mark visits a gearbox specialist to rebuild an R380 gearbox and transfer box from scratch for his project vehicle. Meanwhile, the completed, blasted chassis is galvanised by the hot-dip process. It's a very dangerous procedure but the finished chassis looks magnificent.
- E4
4. Episode 4
Mark shows how to assess, renovate and upgrade the transmission. He rebuilds the axles from scratch, and shows in detail how to fit air-operated diff locks. Mark's attention turns to the front axle. He refurbishes the swivel joints and fits fused, 24-splie drive shafts and new cv joints
- E3
3. Episode 3
With so much metalwork to do, Mark calls in professional welder, Paul Harris to run a MIG-welding masterclass. There's also some TIG welding to be done to stitch up the seams on the new tub - it's a nightmare of a job !
- E2
2. Episode 2
Mark makes the brackets and plates necessary to fix the Land Rover bodywork to the strengthened chassis. Only one problem - the rear wheels don't fit under the wheel arches!! The rear tub is salvaged from an old 110 pick-up. Mark fires up his plasma cutter and finishes the customisation of the rear bodywork. But will it fit….
- E1
1. Episode 1
World-renowned engineering enthusiast Mark Evans dusts off his overalls to take on his first off-road project - the transformation of a 4-door, 1985 Range Rover into a unique 100" wheelbase Land Rover. It's a 21st Century tribute to 25 special vehicles that Land Rover built for the French and Swiss armies in the late seventies. First Mark cleans 30 years of crud off his donor vehicle and gives it a mechanical health check. In the workshop, Mark buys the body panels, and sets about modifying the chassis to support it all. There's a lot of metalwork to be done. He starts with some new outriggers and quickly gets into a spot of bother
An MG Is Born: 1973 MGB Roadster
2005 · 10 episodes · Last episode: 21 years ago
Mark Evans restores a 1973 MGB Roadster, stripping it down and then rebuilding it, while providing insight into the engineering, design and restoration of this classic sportscar.
Is Born Series An MG Is Born: 1973 MGB Roadster release dates →- E10
10. Episode 10
Mark is behind schedule, and with the MGB's lights and the boot, bonnet and badges still needing to be fitted, it's a frantic sprint for the finish.
- E9
9. Episode 9
Mark glass bead blasts the engine inlet manifold, but soon finds there's a problem with the MGB's exhaust. Can he find a solution?
- E8
8. Episode 8
After stripping down the MGB's seats, door panels and centre console, Mark takes the bare bones to the seat surgeons for re-covering in red leather.
- E7
7. Episode 7
Fitting the MGB's handbrake proves troublesome for Mark, while building the upgraded heater from scratch also causes some problems for the team.
- E6
6. Episode 6
The rear axle is fitted to the MGB's shell using springs, plus Mark turns his attention to the gearbox as the new overdrive is fitted.
- E5
5. Episode 5
Pete heads off to the engine workshop with the MGB's old engine, leaving Mark and the team to carry on building up the block, crank and pistons.
- E4
4. Episode 4
The body of the MGB arrives back from the bead blasters, and Mark visits a specialist engineering company who are refurbishing the over-drive unit.
- E3
3. Episode 3
The time comes for Mark to replace the MGB's three-part sill structure, strip and refurbish the rear axle and dismantle the differential.
- E2
2. Episode 2
Mark strips down the engine, starts work on the body-work and takes a trip to the Heritage factory where new MGB body shells are still being made.
- E1
1. Episode 1
Mark Evans embarks on a brand new project, transforming a 1974 chrome-bumpered MGB Roadster from an unloved rust-bucket into a pristine classic car.
Is Born Series FAQ
When is the next episode of Is Born Series?
A date for the next episode of Is Born Series hasn't been announced yet. Follow Is Born Series in the Streambay app and you'll be notified as soon as a new episode airs.
When did the latest episode of Is Born Series come out?
The most recent episode of Is Born Series, Season 8 Episode 10, aired on September 2, 2005.
How many seasons of Is Born Series are there?
Is Born Series has 8 seasons with 115 episodes in total.
When did Is Born Series first air?
Is Born Series first aired on Discovery Real Time on July 1, 1999.
How do I get notified when new episodes of Is Born Series are released?
Download the Streambay app, follow Is Born Series, and you'll get a push notification the moment each new episode is released.
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