Goblin Works Modshop: The Return of Automotive Alchemy

The roar of engines, the gleam of polished chrome, and the unmistakable scent of petrol and possibility are back! Fans of automotive wizardry rejoice, as the beloved team from Goblin Works Garage returns to our screens with an exhilarating new venture: Goblin Works Modshop. Launched exclusively on Discovery+, this brand-new series sees the dynamic trio—Jimmy DeVille, Ant Partridge, and Helen Stanley—reunite in the workshop. But this isn't just another custom car show; Modshop takes a heartwarming new direction, focusing on stunning visual and performance modifications for a very special group: deserving car owners.

For years, Goblin Works Garage captivated audiences with ambitious builds destined for sale, pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. Now, with Modshop, the focus shifts dramatically. Instead of crafting vehicles for a prospective buyer, the team channels their unparalleled skills into transforming cherished rides for individuals who truly merit a slice of Goblin magic. This fresh approach, deeply influenced by the global situation, allows Jimmy, Ant, and Helen to do something genuinely "nice for people," offering a helping hand and a significant boost to their automotive pride and joy.

A New Angle: Giving Back to the Community

The genesis of Goblin Works Modshop lies in a desire to connect with and assist the very community that has supported them. As Jimmy DeVille explains, "It is a completely new show as we’ve attacked it at a completely different angle. That’s been massively brought on by the current situation in the world and it was nice to do something within that to reflect what’s going on. Helping some people out and doing nice things for people is quite cool!" This sentiment is echoed by Ant Partridge, who highlights the challenging yet rewarding nature of their new mission: "Essentially what we are doing is helping out fans and giving them a leg up with a free £10,000 worth of bolt-on custom mods for their pride and joy."

Helen Stanley, known for her passion for making customisation accessible, believes this show will be a powerful catalyst for wider involvement in the scene. "From my point of view... this show is so different, to me it is probably more encouraging to get people involved in the custom scene," she states. Unlike their previous builds where budgets could "sky rocket," Modshop demonstrates that significant transformations are achievable without breaking the bank. It’s about opening up the world of customisation, proving that even with a modest budget, enthusiasts can embark on their own modification journeys. This accessible approach is a key differentiator, inviting more people to dive into the exciting realm of car customisation.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Reveal Day

Modifying a car for a client, especially one who is a fan, introduces a unique kind of pressure. Unlike building a car to sell, where the primary goal is market appeal, Modshop’s builds are deeply personal. The team is transforming someone's beloved vehicle, often imbued with sentimental value. This adds an intense layer of anticipation, particularly on reveal day. "Niall I can tell you there was nothing scarier than the reveal day! I can tell you!!" Jimmy exclaims, recalling the sleepless nights and anxious pacing that preceded each handover. The team's deep investment in each project means they can only see the imperfections, making the owner's reaction the ultimate validation.

Ant corroborates this sentiment, describing the reveal as a moment where you "prepare for the worst and then just hope for the best." The sheer uncertainty of how an owner will react to such a personal transformation creates an palpable tension. Helen adds that there were moments where she and Jimmy were "literally holding our breath until we got a reaction!" Yet, it's these moments of vulnerability and anticipation that lead to some of the show's most touching scenes. Witnessing an owner's genuine surprise and joy, often culminating in "tears of joy," makes all the hard work and anxiety worthwhile. It's these profound emotional reveals that truly set Modshop apart, transforming it from a mere car show into a journey of heartfelt connection.

A Kaleidoscope of Cars: The Diverse Modshop Line-up

One of the most exciting aspects of Goblin Works Modshop is the sheer variety of vehicles that pass through their garage doors. The series features arguably the most diverse car selection ever tackled by the team, showcasing their ability to infuse Goblin style into everything from classic hatchbacks to robust off-roaders and even luxury SUVs. Each car presents its own unique challenges and opportunities for transformation.

The Golden Era: Mk1 Ford Fiesta

The Mk1 Ford Fiesta, resplendent in gold, was a particular highlight and the first build the team undertook together for the show. Helen, a self-proclaimed Ford enthusiast whose first car was a Mk3 Fiesta, was naturally thrilled. "It was my favourite car of the whole series," she enthuses. The team immediately recognised the Fiesta's potential, despite Ant's initial reservations about the gold colour. This car, affectionately named "Goldie" by its owner Sam, held significant sentimental value, having been owned by his father. The transformation included making it "faster," a task Helen clearly relished. Despite Ant's initial doubts about the blue accents being "too modern," the final result convinced even him that "this works," showcasing the team's collaborative vision and ability to push boundaries.

The Unlikely Candidate: Mercedes GL

Perhaps the most surprising and challenging build for Jimmy was the Mercedes GL. "Honestly to do anything to a GL is killer hard, its big and I kinda have an issue with them, I mean why do they exist in the first place," he admits. Modifying such a large, luxurious vehicle presented a real "head scratcher." However, the owner, Ash, proved to be "such a lovely guy," inspiring the team to create a truly unique transformation. They selected a bold colour that Jimmy "would never have picked in a million years," turning the GL into a "big bold statement for a big bold guy." Ash's reaction was one of pure disbelief; it took him a full 30 seconds to recognise his own car at the dealership, a moment that made the show "something special" for Jimmy, filled with "lots of air hugs."

The Iconic Off-Roader: Land Rover Defender

For Jimmy, a Land Rover enthusiast, working on a Defender was undoubtedly a treat. While he might not have chosen the exact modifications for his own vehicle, the build was perfectly tailored to Sasha, the owner, incorporating "a lot of her personality into that build." The result was so impactful that it "made her cry! We made every body cry with that one!" Ant recounts. Helen highlights the practicality of the build, noting it wasn't just about aesthetics but making the Defender "way more usable for her and her needs." This build perfectly exemplified the show's balance of "form and function," delivering a stunning yet highly practical vehicle.

The Hot Hatch Challenge: VW Golf GTi Mk5

The Mk5 Golf GTi presented a different kind of challenge. Already a "brilliant car to start with" straight out of the box, improving upon it without "chucking a lot of money at it" required ingenuity. Jimmy admits, "Lets just say we did some things on that car that challenged us! ...It was shall we saying interesting what we did to it. Would I do it again? No!" This episode promises to be fascinating, showcasing the team's ability to innovate under constraints. It also highlighted the immense pressure of working during the pandemic, with "lead times on parts" pushing them "to the limit," sometimes with critical components arriving just a week before a reveal.

Helen's Dream Machine: Mazda MX-5 Mk1

Finally, Helen got to work on one of her all-time favourite cars: the Mazda MX-5. Her enthusiasm is palpable: "Yes! Ha ha! It really was great to do that car." The Mk1 MX-5 they worked on was exceptionally clean, a rarity for Helen, who often tackles "rot box" projects. This meant they could focus the budget on performance and aesthetics rather than extensive bodywork. They "doubled the power" and made it a "real head turner," fulfilling the owner's desires. This build beautifully illustrates that "classic cars can be affordable and that they can be good contenders for mods and customization, without breaking the bank." The complete transformation of this MX-5 serves as a powerful testament to accessible customisation.

Nostalgia Meets Innovation: The Rise of 80s Everyday Classics

The series also taps into the burgeoning trend of modifying 1980s everyday cars. For many, these vehicles evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia, reminding them of family drives and childhood memories. As Jimmy fondly recalls, "I can remember radiators overheating and my Mum despairing over her black Metro! It was disastrous really!" This blend of sentimentality with 21st-century modifications creates a unique aesthetic. There are "still two schools of thought," Jimmy observes: those who cherish old cars for their "niggles and quirks" and those who desire a "re-blue printed version." Goblin Works Modshop masterfully navigates this divide, proving that even a humble family car from decades past can be transformed into a modern, performance-driven custom vehicle, while retaining its inherent charm.

Ant humorously notes that "You never remember the normal drives do you… remember that time you drove somewhere and you just arrived? Nope!" It's the breakdowns, the quirks, and the unexpected adventures that forge lasting memories with old cars. Helen, despite her appreciation for the unique characteristics of classic cars, still admits, "I still get in my cars and hope that they will make it though. I have that with all my cars!" This relatable experience underscores the blend of passion and pragmatism that defines classic car ownership and modification.

Behind the Build: Navigating Pandemic Hurdles

The production of Goblin Works Modshop was not without its significant challenges, particularly given the global circumstances. The team undertook an astounding feat: building eight cars in just three months. "Utter insanity!" Jimmy declares. This relentless schedule was compounded by the impact of the pandemic on supply chains. "We also had to deal with lead times on parts as we built it when the pandemic really hit so lead times really pushed us to the limit on that car," Jimmy explains, referring to the Golf GTi build where a crucial part arrived just a week before the reveal.

Ant highlights the stark difference between real-world client builds and TV production. In a normal scenario, delays can be communicated and managed. However, with a film crew, fixed deadlines, and no "grace period," the pressure is immense. "If it's not going to work you need to make a split decision, what's Plan B?!" Ant elaborates. This constant need for quick thinking and adaptation, coupled with the overarching stress of the pandemic challenges, made the Modshop builds a true test of the team's resilience and ingenuity. Their ability to deliver stunning results under such intense pressure is a testament to their dedication and expertise.

Comparative Table: Garage vs. Modshop

To better understand the evolution of the Goblin Works brand, here's a quick comparison between the previous iteration, Goblin Works Garage, and the exciting new Goblin Works Modshop:

Frequently Asked Questions about Goblin Works Modshop

When and where can I watch Goblin Works Modshop?

Goblin Works Modshop is available to stream each week from 4th March, exclusively on Discovery+.

What kind of modifications do they typically do?

The team performs a wide range of visual and performance modifications, focusing on bolt-on custom mods. This can include engine upgrades, suspension improvements, custom paint jobs, interior refreshes, and unique aesthetic enhancements tailored to the owner's personality and the car's potential.

Do the owners pay for the modifications?

No, the show provides a "free £10,000 worth of bolt-on custom mods" to the deserving owners, making it a truly generous and impactful transformation for them.

How long does it take to modify a car on the show?

While the show compresses the timeline, the team revealed they built an astonishing eight cars in just three months, indicating extremely tight deadlines and intense work schedules for each build.

Are the cars really transformed that much?

Absolutely. As evidenced by owners like Ash, who took 30 seconds to recognise his own Mercedes GL, the transformations are often so profound that the cars are unrecognisable to their owners, fulfilling and often exceeding their wildest dreams.

The Heart of Customisation: Modshop's Enduring Appeal

Goblin Works Modshop is more than just a car show; it's a testament to the power of automotive passion and the joy of giving back. By focusing on deserving owners and demonstrating that significant customisation is within reach for many, Jimmy, Ant, and Helen have created a series that is both entertaining and genuinely inspiring. From the emotional reveals to the ingenious solutions for challenging builds, Modshop offers a compelling glimpse into the world of car modification, proving that with creativity and expertise, any vehicle can be transformed into a true reflection of its owner's dreams. Tune in to Discovery+ to witness these incredible transformations and get inspired to start your own custom project.

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