Richard Hammond's Workshop

Richard Hammond is a very likeable chap, and obviously has a genuine love of classic cars. Following his story as he sets up his own classic car renovation business is both enjoyable and educational. However, my one, major bug bear with the show is, "Ooh, he's got to spend over 100K on a new whatever, he might go bankrupt." just doesn't sit well. His current worth is estimated at 45 million UK pounds, so he probably makes 100K in interest every year, if not more. So to see him fretting over spending the odd 10 grand here and there is just false drama, and for me, distracts from a genuinely interesting show. Yes, it is important to understand the cost of these things, and is part of the process so should be included in the show. But in every episode so far (3 as I write this) one of the main themes has been about the financial side of the business, and how much this or that costs. Oh I need to put another 15K of my own money in etc. I'd rather they concentrated on the cars and restoration process, while still commenting on the financial investment he is making as an aside.

I do love this show but I equally struggle with it. Most so called reality shows like this one are hugely contrived. From American Chopper to Clarkson's Farm; there's only so many entertaining challenges that can possibly come along. So they get, well, encouraged. The problem I have with RHW though is they are beyond obvious. Like how multi-millionaire Hammond (£45,000,000 by latest estimates) with numerous business interests and successful investments has no idea whatsoever on how to run a small business! Yeah - right.

Anyway, all said, it is good, clean and largely harmless fun and I'm going back now to the latest episode. :)

I would have expected more about the actual car restoration side of the business and less about multimillionaires driving around and worrying about having to invest 100,000 pounds into their startup, all while earning who knows how much from the TV show about said business.

Meanwhile, the format of the show itself is too reality TV-y for my taste. Too much screen time consists of people testifying into the camera and repeating at nauseam what's currently going on. I also don't get a great deal of joy out of watching Richard Hammond being emasculated at home as a recurring theme.

This could have been filmed the same way Clarkson's Farm was. Still obviously dramatized, and yet more... natural. The concept had every right to be just as interesting and entertaining.

Somehow, Richard Hammond's solo projects always end up a bit off, and the least enjoyable to watch out of the Top Gear Three.

Great idea, great projects, all let down by filming it like it's "The Office", but unfortunately an unfunny version.

Obviously these programs are heavily scripted or at least contrived, that's how TV works, but this would have been far more enjoyable if it was natural. I can believe it if Clarkson's farm faces financial doom, but this show just looks like a tax write off, I just don't care that a multimillionaire can't make a profit fixing chipped paint on another multimillionaires Lambo.

Just show us fixing the cars up and anything fun that may come from it, or get another writer.

This whole endeavour was a TV show idea and not a garage. I hope the team of mechanics know they're on their own when the show ends.

With being saturated with dross and terrible ideas, this series isn't that. Always liked Richard Hamond and the Top Gear/ Grand Tour series. This isn't that either, this is something more interesting to watch and shows the creak and groans of real life reality of a small business owner. Really interesting too watch, and I am not really into older cars. But it's still interesting to watch History being reborn.