The Fastest Growing Car Rebuilders in the UK Right Now (And What They’re Fixing)
Adam Mir
Author
4 min read
21 July 2025
The Fastest Growing Car Rebuilders in the UK Right Now (And What They’re Fixing)
The UK’s car rebuilding scene is shifting gears fast — and we’re here for it.
With write-off volumes rising, insurance totals increasing, and online audiences obsessed with transformation content, rebuilding imperfect vehicles is no longer a niche hobby — it’s a full-blown industry. And at the centre of it all? A new wave of creators and businesses who are turning damaged cars into showpieces (and profit).
In this post, we highlight some of the fastest-growing car rebuilders in the UK, what they’re fixing, and what this means for you — whether you’re a seller, a buyer, or a future restorer yourself.
⸻
Why Car Rebuilders Are Booming
A few years ago, a Category S or MOT-failed car would’ve quietly made its way to an auction yard or the scrap heap. Today, it could be:
• Rebuilt on YouTube for millions of views
• Bought and repaired by a dealer for resale
• Flipped by someone in their driveway for side income
Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are showcasing rebuilders’ skill and storytelling — and Second Gears is building the platform that connects this ecosystem.
⸻
Meet the UK’s Most Active Rebuilders Right Now
🔧 Salvage Rebuilds UK
• What they fix: Everything from Fords to Ferraris
• Where to find them: YouTube (100k+ subscribers)
• Why they matter: Their approach is professional and educational, breaking down the repair process clearly for a growing fanbase. They often reveal how much profit they make on each job — attracting both viewers and buyers.
🔧 Joe James
• What he fixes: Crashed daily drivers, hot hatches, and rebuild-worthy BMWs
• Where to find him: YouTube & Second Gears 👋
• Why he matters: Joe’s energy, transparency, and hands-on walkthroughs have earned him a loyal audience. We’re proud to say Joe’s working with Second Gears directly to bring you real cars, real rebuilds, and real returns.
🔧 Matt Armstrong
• What he fixes: High-performance and luxury wrecks
• Where to find him: YouTube (millions of views per rebuild)
• Why he matters: Matt’s known for tackling serious repair challenges — think supercars with major front-end damage. His builds show just how far a damaged vehicle can go in the right hands.
🔧 Chris Slix
• What he fixes: Drift builds, track projects, JDM icons
• Where to find him: YouTube & social media
• Why he matters: Chris combines car knowledge with entertainment, and his rebuilds often involve mods and performance upgrades. He inspires a younger generation to consider buying imperfect cars for affordable project builds.
⸻
What Types of Cars Are Being Rebuilt Most?
We analysed recent trends and Second Gears data — here’s what’s hot right now:
Vehicle Type Why It’s Popular
Hot Hatches (Fiesta ST, Polo GTI) Low cost, easy fixes, quick resale
German Sedans (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4) Strong post-repair value
EVs & Hybrids (Nissan Leaf, Prius) Battery faults = big discounts
Write-Offs with Cosmetic Damage Fast to fix, high ROI
MOT-Failed Cars Often overlooked gems needing small fixes
⸻
Why Second Gears Is the Platform for Rebuilders
We built Second Gears because we saw this market exploding — and no central hub to serve it.
With Second Gears, you can:
✅ Buy cars with issues directly from private sellers
✅ Sell repaired cars to enthusiasts and resellers
✅ Access fresh leads before they hit auction
✅ Connect with rebuilders, YouTubers, and parts suppliers
✅ Avoid auction fees and middlemen altogether
Whether you’re a full-time mechanic or a weekend warrior, Second Gears gives you the tools to grow your rebuild business — or just enjoy your next project car.
⸻
Rebuilders Wanted. Stock Delivered.
If you’re a rebuilder, restorer, dealer or DIY mechanic — Second Gears is your new home.
We’re growing a UK-first community of people who believe:
“Damaged doesn’t mean done.”
⸻
🔧 Want to get involved?
Whether you’re selling a car with issues or looking to rebuild your next project, Second Gears is the platform for you:
• 📩 Join the Rebuilder Network – Free account, instant access to project cars
• 🚗 Browse Fresh Leads – Before they hit public auction
• 📸 Share Your Rebuild Story – Get featured on our blog and socials
• 🛻 Sell Your Car with Issues – Crash damage, engine problems, or MOT-failed? List it now — free and fast
👉 Sign up at secondgears.co.uk
The UK’s car rebuilding scene is shifting gears fast — and we’re here for it.
With write-off volumes rising, insurance totals increasing, and online audiences obsessed with transformation content, rebuilding imperfect vehicles is no longer a niche hobby — it’s a full-blown industry. And at the centre of it all? A new wave of creators and businesses who are turning damaged cars into showpieces (and profit).
In this post, we highlight some of the fastest-growing car rebuilders in the UK, what they’re fixing, and what this means for you — whether you’re a seller, a buyer, or a future restorer yourself.
⸻
Why Car Rebuilders Are Booming
A few years ago, a Category S or MOT-failed car would’ve quietly made its way to an auction yard or the scrap heap. Today, it could be:
• Rebuilt on YouTube for millions of views
• Bought and repaired by a dealer for resale
• Flipped by someone in their driveway for side income
Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are showcasing rebuilders’ skill and storytelling — and Second Gears is building the platform that connects this ecosystem.
⸻
Meet the UK’s Most Active Rebuilders Right Now
🔧 Salvage Rebuilds UK
• What they fix: Everything from Fords to Ferraris
• Where to find them: YouTube (100k+ subscribers)
• Why they matter: Their approach is professional and educational, breaking down the repair process clearly for a growing fanbase. They often reveal how much profit they make on each job — attracting both viewers and buyers.
🔧 Joe James
• What he fixes: Crashed daily drivers, hot hatches, and rebuild-worthy BMWs
• Where to find him: YouTube & Second Gears 👋
• Why he matters: Joe’s energy, transparency, and hands-on walkthroughs have earned him a loyal audience. We’re proud to say Joe’s working with Second Gears directly to bring you real cars, real rebuilds, and real returns.
🔧 Matt Armstrong
• What he fixes: High-performance and luxury wrecks
• Where to find him: YouTube (millions of views per rebuild)
• Why he matters: Matt’s known for tackling serious repair challenges — think supercars with major front-end damage. His builds show just how far a damaged vehicle can go in the right hands.
🔧 Chris Slix
• What he fixes: Drift builds, track projects, JDM icons
• Where to find him: YouTube & social media
• Why he matters: Chris combines car knowledge with entertainment, and his rebuilds often involve mods and performance upgrades. He inspires a younger generation to consider buying imperfect cars for affordable project builds.
⸻
What Types of Cars Are Being Rebuilt Most?
We analysed recent trends and Second Gears data — here’s what’s hot right now:
Vehicle Type Why It’s Popular
Hot Hatches (Fiesta ST, Polo GTI) Low cost, easy fixes, quick resale
German Sedans (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4) Strong post-repair value
EVs & Hybrids (Nissan Leaf, Prius) Battery faults = big discounts
Write-Offs with Cosmetic Damage Fast to fix, high ROI
MOT-Failed Cars Often overlooked gems needing small fixes
⸻
Why Second Gears Is the Platform for Rebuilders
We built Second Gears because we saw this market exploding — and no central hub to serve it.
With Second Gears, you can:
✅ Buy cars with issues directly from private sellers
✅ Sell repaired cars to enthusiasts and resellers
✅ Access fresh leads before they hit auction
✅ Connect with rebuilders, YouTubers, and parts suppliers
✅ Avoid auction fees and middlemen altogether
Whether you’re a full-time mechanic or a weekend warrior, Second Gears gives you the tools to grow your rebuild business — or just enjoy your next project car.
⸻
Rebuilders Wanted. Stock Delivered.
If you’re a rebuilder, restorer, dealer or DIY mechanic — Second Gears is your new home.
We’re growing a UK-first community of people who believe:
“Damaged doesn’t mean done.”
⸻
🔧 Want to get involved?
Whether you’re selling a car with issues or looking to rebuild your next project, Second Gears is the platform for you:
• 📩 Join the Rebuilder Network – Free account, instant access to project cars
• 🚗 Browse Fresh Leads – Before they hit public auction
• 📸 Share Your Rebuild Story – Get featured on our blog and socials
• 🛻 Sell Your Car with Issues – Crash damage, engine problems, or MOT-failed? List it now — free and fast
👉 Sign up at secondgears.co.uk
