Lotus reunited with original owner | Full Restoration | Classic Obsession | Episode 87

In this episode, as promised, Gary will finally return the restored Lotus Elite to its original owner old Tom for one final drive.
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[@seang7012]

Gary, while we don't know one another at all, from this video I do know that you are a great human being. Beyond wonderful for you to go back to the original owner and his wife and make them happy.

[@MikeMcAuliffe-g2f]

The resurrection of those happy memories may be the best theme. Your conversation with those two lovely owners was the story.

[@dellhell8842]

One of the most heartwarming videos on KZbin. You gave Tom the reward he deserves, and your content deserves more views and subs.

[@4NK8A]

I never thought at 59 I would shed a tear over two blokes and a car. Thank you.

[@Simon-ry1lw]

Two gentlemen meeting again

[@charangohabsburg1]

It literally could have been me writing your comment!

[@alanmcclelland5245]

I was darn close. Tom should have been at the 'meet' when most original was awarded.

[@wolfganghobelsberger6720]

Same happened to me as well. A very emotional episode, which makes you start to think about life.

[@Lord-Brett-Sinclair]

Must be your most emotional episode to date. Well done Gary, making dreams come true.

[@GaryCoppell-i3s]

Just super seeded my favorite episode!! Thats what the car community is about beyond kind taking it to see Tom the look on his face was priceless💙👌👍 On a separate issue on a previous episode u used a leather cleaner i think on the Porsche what was the name of it ? For the life of me scat viewing previous episodes i can’t seem to find it .

[@classic.obsession]

Hi Ga. I’m afraid it’s one of those mind blowingly amazing products that these manufacturers make obsolete and put a substandard product in their place. Like what they’ve done to ‘quality street’ sweets!! I’m down to my last dregs but it was called ‘perfection’. Best stuff I’ve ever used. Regards.

[@Trava56]

In Sweden we say: "Old love, never rusts". What a car, what a gentle renovation and how you did show so much love and respect towards the old gentleman who used to own it! Greetings and love from a Swede in France.

[@Vince_uk]

A delightful video and Tom is a true gentleman. Hats off to you Gary.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

I’ve just lost my father 4 weeks ago who was 90 and car mad all his life, this video really pulled at my heart strings. Thanks Gary 🙏

[@lukemallory7832]

My condolences Shane. 90 was a great age for your father - sounds like you were great pals and I reckon a lot of us here can relate. All the best to you during this hard old time.. but brighter times will come again.

[@simonelliott5956]

I lost my Dad a year ago, so I know how you must be feeling, he was a car nut too and is responsible for my love of cars. I’ve done a few shows this year, but used to go to them with my dad, it almost feels like a pilgrimage in his memory each time I go.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

@@lukemallory7832. Thank you for the kind words and happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

@@simonelliott5956. Peace and love to you and you’re family.

[@Shane-zx4ps]

@@simonelliott5956. Happy Christmas fella and good wishes to you and your family

[@Thereishope664]

When people say a car is just about getting from A to B should see the emotions on the faces of this lovely couple. Precious.

[@marts500]

Bless you Gary...that was a lovely thing you did.I can't think of anything that evokes memories past passions and brings people together at the same time more than our cars.Thank You.

[@johnjoseph911]

Gary both you and Tom are what I think of as the definition of a true Gentle Man

[@gmac7947]

Well done Gary ……..this made an old Scotsman cry 😢 …….One of the best things I’ve ever seen on You Tube ❤

[@JulianPhilipNicolls]

KZbin video of the year right here

[@MariosEngineeringCave]

Why this channel doesn't have a MILLION SUBSCRIBERS already??? Gary, You're great and BBC should come up on you for making a show!!!

[@classic.obsession]

Thankyou. I’ll never understand KZbin algorithms so I just keep doing what I enjoy! Regards.

[@Peter-tk6rm]

Your are a rare gentleman, Garry. It's clear that you care for Tom. Your connections through the love of rare classic cars is a joy to observe,especially in this mindless Celebrity driven Dystopia.

[@rogerpritchard]

Well done Gary. Nice one. My father used to say an old phrase when I did something well, which was " Another feather in your bow". You certainly earned that feather. I had a silver 79 Lotus 524 and a blue 79 928 manual. Couldn't afford them really but glad I did. Both different, both super cars. My regards to Tom and his wife.

[@stevepitts7998]

Thanks for saving Tom's Lotus When he opened the bonnet for Jan to see the engine bay, the years just melted away and for a few moments they were back to being 50 again.

[@jammy_rex3038]

That was beyond heartwarming ❤ The last ten minutes or so when Tom (and his wife) were reunited with his old car, and him getting to have a ride out in it again, were truly sweet, beautiful moments that bring a tear to the eye.

[@earthstick]

'I remember him lifting the bonnet up all the time', that must be the old Lotus style. Really nice that Tom and his wife are still alive to see it in top condition.

[@hefellump1]

Poor Tom has really gone down hill. What a lovely gentleman. Well done young Gary you have done a Stirling job .

[@BullyBoxer]

what a lovely old man , could speak to him all day , great content Gary , one of the best channels on KZbin .

[@indyzed9897]

Such a sweet couple. Older folks are such a joy. I hope I’m as active and kind as he is when I’m his age,

[@nerdalert4444]

When they were waving you goodbye. Got me!

[@f1kwa399]

You really made Tom’s day Gary, please take us back with you when you next visit him, that was a lovely video, thank you.

[@E92M3Guy]

We are just caretakers, passing vehicles from one generation to the next. The joy and excitement on his face said it all. Top job Gary. 👍👍👏👏

[@neilperry2224]

Im not crying. I just poked myself in the eyes. Both, at the same time. Beauty of a car now, Gary, you did an absolutely wonderful job, and the car sounds like half a V8.

[@tomm8588]

Dear Gary, What a kind and considerate gentleman you are, the world is a better place for your presence. Keep well, Tom

[@lukemallory7832]

I've watched this a few times now. If ever there was a video that deserved to go viral in the car - and wider - community, surely it's this one. Just brilliant.

[@classic.obsession]

Thanks Luke!

[@PeterCox-k1w]

Tom and Jan are an inspiring couple and you are very kind to give them a happy day all together😂

[@DavidLittle-sn4bb]

What a lovely old boy Tom is.

[@MrFanBax]

What a lovely gesture to take the car back to see Tom. Tom is such a gent. The original petrolhead!!

[@neilharrison7555]

I reckon Tom and his wife were over the moon, seeing what had become of his beloved Lotus. The memories that car held for them....! Thank you for showing them the car, looking "just like new"..

[@KellerEdward]

Gary can’t say how touched I was by this video. You are a special human being.

[@pauldann4616]

Great that you got back to him, keep the story going with the Porche. Well done keeping old Tom Happy 😊

[@drumtochtyglen]

Great of you Gary to take the car back to Tom and make his day. Thank You for that!

[@goodfest007]

What a gent ‘Old Tom’ is, they don’t make them like that anymore…great to bring this joyous experience for us to share - Merry Xmas to Tom and your self 🎄🎅

[@davidthegolfer]

Gary, it was meant to be that you met Tom. He needed to know his precious cars would be going to a good home. It was important to him that you looked after those precious Lotus memories. Well done. You are a good man. Merry Christmas and many happy miles in your cars. Kindest regards David, Cheshire

[@classic.obsession]

All the best David!

[@alexander2427]

When the world is full of selfish doom and gloom or self obsessed videos, it is refreshing to see Gary kept his word restored the Lotus and re united it with Tom who clearly cherished the car and seeing it back at his home again. Rather an emotional video to watch with all credit and humanity to Gary and Mr Tom

[@lgriestra]

Thank you for giving them such a nice day. You are a good man, Gary.

[@malcolmheskins3522]

Utter joy and emotion, this will never happen in a million years with an electric vehicle, Gary's joy at the car starting and Tom's joy at seeing the car again absolutely made my day, well done Gary that was an amazing video.

[@philipmoores5202]

Well done Gary, you made an elderly gentleman very happy in reliving his memories

[@paulyandle6081]

I'll wager you got just as much Joy from sharing your resurection of his Lotus as you gave Dr and Mrs Tom. Such lovely people. Will look forward to your reuniting him with his Porsche.

[@thepansthisthatandtheother7766]

Wow! Cried a lot. It makes me more determined for Hubby & I to restore our old Japanese Turbo car of 37 years and we don't have a garage to do this in.

[@senta2431]

Gary that was a great jester! I had tears in my eyes. You made Toms day ,well done. All the best Steve from Germany.

[@seanharvey3370]

That’s great to see Tom and how pleased you made his day Gary

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

From the serenity of working on a car in the garden to the gift of time and sharing with to Tom; Well done Gary. You are a master.

[@almathias6538]

Gary is the quintessential car guy, and quite the humanitarian as well. Well done sir…greetings from NY USA

[@carlito3859]

What a lovely man can genuinely see how happy he is to get out in his cars again hope you get the chance to take him out on a day trip

[@steelcityporsche]

What a fabulous heart warming episode Gary. The world needs more Tom & Jan big love to you all ❤❤ Wendy and I were holding back the tears towards the end.

[@herridge819]

I worked at a Surrey dealer Lotus from 74 until 87 and spent many hours working on Elites', lovely to watch this video

[@scottwebster9101]

Class act Gary, this is what car culture is all about, gets under our skin and we get very attached to them, imagine having a car for nearly 50 years, wow!

[@ronniewilson6597]

Bloody hell Gary, got a tear in my eye watching Tom. Memories coming back to him and Jan. 🥲👍🏻😀

[@nickargi]

My hat off to you Gary! Not only have you done an amazing job with the Lotus but you are true to your word and the fact that you took the time to head back to Tom to show him the car is truly an awesome gesture and it just shows what a true gentleman you are. Thank you for sharing 👍

[@TriumphRascal]

Wow, well done Gary, what a lovely thing to do. Good on you, you really made an old chap happy.

[@OB928]

What an awesome thing to do. You let him relive some of his memories in his prized possession.

[@ThomasHenrikUrbye]

WOW. Are these people for real? Makes you think. What kindness and appreciation! Should be shown on primetime, to everyone. A true testament to the importance of decency and gratefulness. A diamond among a million vids. Thank you. Made me happy. Gary is seldom.

[@classic.obsession]

Tom. That’s what’s life is all about. We have to look after and respect our old. Lovely people with lovely stories who made us what we are. Thanks for watching and your kind comments!

[@michaelpeacock6360]

Best thing I've seen all year...Gary is a wonderful human being and Tom is lovely old chap..

[@chriskennard5920]

Wow, what a fantastic episode. You really made Tom's day and of course his previous skill and dilgence allowed you to put your innate skills into this project. Brilliant stuff Gary - very very impressed all round!

[@JonTheComputerDoctor]

Had a bit of a difficult time over the last couple of months so seeing Mr & Mrs Tom plus of course Gary made my day today, thanks for the update on a truly stunning car and stunning previous owners.

[@spencerbrowning4126]

Absbolutely wonderful Gary, brought a tear to my eye. Can't wait for you to take the 928 GT to Tom very soon

[@johnmontague4245]

Outstanding Gary…what a wonderful, heartwarming video. Well done sir…a lovely thoughtful gesture .

[@CTFBOYS1993]

That was a heartwarming episode. It meant so much to him. You kept your promise which is the mark of a true man. Keep up the great work.

[@stephenelder2783]

Heartwarming that Top man Gary Tom chose well

[@nec4608]

Gary, I am crying as a kid… that is life.

[@jeffdavies688]

To see Tom react to seeing his old car again was priceless....lovely gesture......I cannot wait to see it when you visit him with the Porsche. One of my favourite episodes so far!

[@malfunction8165]

Well you wouldn't get that much love and joy from a fifty year old barn find Tesla. It's wonderful to see how happy Tom was with the restoration.

[@garymark5152]

Hello Gary from Australia, 60 year old Aussie here, I would like say what a heart warming video you have presented here. You showed utter respect, kindness, appreciation, courtesy and gratitude to Tom and his lovely wife. I have to say watching brought a tear to my eye. Thank you and I appreciate your video content. Cheers

[@Motormad2510]

That was very decent of you to show it to Tom and his wife. Top man ! Car looks great Gary.

[@BMan100]

Terrific to see his reaction, Wonder how the 928 GT visit will go down. Brightens the soul in a way knowing something their cherished for so long is being put back to use.

[@gregharvie3896]

Hi Gary, from Sydney, Australia, I've just retired at almost 70, like Tom a doctor as well. I know how Tom must feel seeing his beloved set of wheels again, give or take a year he must have been 49 or 50 when he bought it, then owned it for the best part of 50 years since it's a '77 model. I have owned one of my cars now also for near 43 years, and is a 1974 model car so was 50 years old this year, it's been my primary car for all those years, i used it as my "business" vehicle so I could back charge all of the costs to MR. taxman and as such it's been maintained flawlessly and still looks and drives like new as it has almost been a rolling restoration in a way. Like Tom, I will drive it until I can no longer drive, OR, until the powers that be stop you driving petrol powered cars. Sone cars are special, and you just know you will never get another one the way it was made or ordered, that's why I have looked after mine, I bought it as a young man as a almost 8 yr old car, it had 102,000 kilometres on it, now near 43 years later it has just hit 710,000 kilomrtres, yes near 450,000 miles, and if you are really careful and really love it , they can still look like new , I have used it on the daily commute, used it visiting people through the working day in all weathers, taken it on many happy holidays and so far I haven't scratched its lovely black paintwork. To people that know me it's almost like my trademark or calling card. I do noy own a modern car, my only & last new car I bought in 1980 and I still own that too, plus there are 4 classic cars. Some people ask don't you get bored driving the same vehicles for near 4 decades or more, and I tell them NO, whenever I use them I get the same happy little smile and kick out of driving them as I did the day I bought them, same as the smile Tom had when he saw his Lotus again. Wonderful episode Gary, really wonderful.

[@classic.obsession]

Thankyou for your lovely story!

[@denseljosephs9500]

Brought back memories of my late big brother he had an Elite sat on his driveway for years and he wasn't able to recommission it due to his health. Thanks for the uploads. Subbed .

[@martinclapton2724]

Hats off to you Gary . You made the old fella happy , happy memories fairly obviously, came flooding back for him, wonderful stuff.

[@Kawasakifreak1]

Thank you for this Gary - you made old Tom's day (& not for the first time).

[@jeffg1961]

Fair play to you Gary. Bought a tear to my eye seeing the old fella reunited with the Lotus.

[@josephwakefield6589]

Big respect to you,,,,all the way from America!!!!great person...

[@JohnClee-b8z]

Absolutely heartbreaking Gary. By far the very best video you have ever published. To see him wave goodbye, I’m a tough cookie but that made me cry. Well done for making an old gentleman very happy. Never sell that car.

[@johndavies1760]

Lovely to see Tom and Jan again, and what a great job you've done keeping your promise to take it back when it was back on the road.

[@ralphbillick1210]

You’re the best Gary. What you did for the couple on the first day and coming back to show them the car done was outstanding. Karma will come back to you in spades. It doesn’t take a lot to make someone’s day . Thank you Gary ❗️🇺🇸

[@richardgreene3460]

Every minute, every second, every frustration restoring the car was worth it just to see Tom's expression! It was indeed a magical day! Gary, you are a good man, reared I bet, in a good home?

[@sdry1688]

What a fantastic story - lovely couple - and a beautiful car - well done Gary

[@caterhamsuperlightr81]

Really well done on taking it back for Tom to see… it was clear to all it made his day, week… year probably! What a lovely chap he is. Nice one Gary 👏

[@RobertMoseley]

That was heartwarming Gary, splendid job mate!

[@classic.obsession]

Thanks Bob. All the very best for Christmas and the New Year.

[@malcolmclenton1663]

What a wonderful thing to watch. Made the "old fella" very happy. Great job!

[@salsolo2403]

brought a tear to my eye thanks gary x

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Gary, as well as being a great restorer of classic cars, you sir are a very kind man. Tom's face and voice as you took him on a drive and then let him fire up the beast was very moving. You deserve many, many more subscribers. Good luck to you Gary,

[@markw4263]

A wonderful video, Gary - I just celebrated a “milestone” birthday myself and we never really understand when we’re young what getting old will be like. If I could see something from my youth renewed like this, it would warm the cockles of my now old heart. Peace.

[@mikevanblommestein5726]

That is the most accessible cam belt that I’ve seen ! Great episode , thanks for caring , and sharing

[@neilwharton720]

How nice to take it back to show Tom and take him for a spin bet it made his day👍👍👍🎅🎅🎅

[@geoffhann4109]

What a wonderful experience for Tom and Jan, very thoughtful.

[@gravydavy4188]

Gary thank you for doing the work on the lotus, Tom thank you for keeping it so well over the years. ❤

[@martinboulden4388]

Two fabulous Gentlemen. What a lovely video, quite emotional. ❤

[@mlgboy1]

That was so lovely to see Tom's reaction to the car and I am sure gave him huge comfort to know that his former pride & joy is in such good hands.

[@k100resto_uk]

As an ex-owner of one of the last Esprit GT3's and still a BIG Lotus fan this is great!! The Elite is certainly under appreciated and far lower and wider as it would appear on a photo. A wonderful video! Thanks!

[@AG8V12]

Really nice to see Tom enjoy his trip in the restored Lotus. Hope he gets to see the Porsche 928 soon it would really make his day.

[@steveong4738]

Gary. You are such a great person and so kind to older people. Great video. Thanks

[@am19arch]

Good, great design brings out the best , Gary, Tom and Elite, a great combination, I had one of these in white in 87, it had huge presence .

[@FastAsFunk]

So heartwarming. Kudos Gary for taking it back to Tom and Jan. You're a good man.

[@russellaycock3703]

Nice to see Tom and his wife looking very good indeed considering their ages. If only we had a video glimpse of their holiday trips in the Lotus in the 70’s and 80’s - a remarkable couple! The Lotus, by the way, sounds like a Swiss watch.

[@scottstrails9369]

Another Top Video Gary with Tom Chuffed to bits on seeing (and lots of touching) his old car …Tom shares the name of the Liverpool Motor trader who got me on my way with the classics over 40 years ago running all over the City in and out of Garages from main dealers to back street clock and spray shops ,off to the block ,learning the job and all the characters involved from all walks of life .Great memories .

[@skidsolo8140]

Wonderful episode. Tom is exactly the same type of man as my deceased father in law Arthur who had a lifelong passion for cars & motorbikes. I remember him crying when he let his owned from new 1980 Golf GTI go due to not being able to drive anymore.