Lot 313: 1990 The Discovery Channels 'Chop Shop' Street Racer

The Chop Shop series is a hybrid of garage-based docu'-soap opera with proven characters and a transformational build show (much like American Chopper). While Bernie deals with the practicalities, Leepu's creative flights of fancy threaten both Bernie's sanity and the financial viability of the Chop Shop. Each programme is structured around a radical transformation of an unlikely old car into a one-off supercar, but now Bernie and Leepu have to cope with paying customers. There will be other projects going on in the Chop Shop; for example some of Bernie's high end clients will be bringing in their Ferraris for servicing etc which will provide both good visual contrast and useful narrative devices (in terms of delays, complications, etc to the main transformation). Each transformation is motivated by the customer's deadline - they need the car in time for a rally, a show, a wedding, etc - these events also provide the setting for a big set piece revelation as the customers see their 'new' car for the first time. Bernie and Leepu will be working with two other mechanics - both specialist welders and body work experts. There's going to be an apprentice and a (vocal female) office manager who's trying to balance the books of the new commercial venture. Keen to emulate a piece of classic British culture, Leepu decided that he will attempt to build the ultimate boy racer. Based on a Ford Fiesta, this car boasts a two litre Zetec engine chopped and decanted from a Ford Mondeo with added air filters, together with a stiffened anti-roll bar. The rear of the car is based around body parts from the Mondeo and faired into the original Fiesta body with Leepu's own custom panels, the sound system is supplied by Vibe Audio and boasts an impressive 6500 decibels while competition seats in place of the standard units hold the occupants in place with specialist Luke race harnesses. All this is kept on the 'black stuff' with low profile tyres and 'rippin' chrome rims. When one is 'cruisin', when the music's 'pumpin' and 'yo' car needs to be 'phat to the max', flick the switch and 'neon' up the street!