Every season of Is Born Series ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Is Born Series!

Mark meets Ian Stent from Which Kit? at the National Kit and Performance Car Show, before visiting the factory where his kit is manufactured.

Episode 1

Mark goes shopping for tools and a second-hand car to provide spare parts, taking the Owners Club secretary along with him for advice.

Episode 2

Volunteers from the local college strip the second hand car of spare parts, and the engine and gearbox are sent to a specialist for reconditioning.

Episode 3

The rear axle is reconditioned with some components being sent away for powder-coating, and Mark gets a progress report on the engine.

Episode 4

Mark installs axles, suspension hubs and brakes and engineer Dave Peters chips in with some tips as they succeed in creating a rolling chassis.

Episode 5

A reconditioned engine is built up and bench-tested, and Mark checks out extras from retro-look air filters to race-tuned carburretors.

Episode 6

Mark puts together the engine, gearbox, a new clutch and the exhaust, before testing to see if everything works!

Episode 7

Mark rivets the body parts onto the chassis, finding out about shut-lines, panel fit and GRP from engineer Robert Kemp.

Episode 8

Mark chooses an authentic walnut dashboard from a vintage gauge company before sanding and polishing it, ready for testing.

Episode 9

Mark puts his personal stamp the interior of his replica AC Cobra, buying everything from carpeting and door lining trim to seat belts.

Episode 10

Mark gets to grips with wiring his replica AC Cobra, installing a loom, connecting electric components and fixing that all-important car stereo.

Episode 11

It's all about basic aesthetics today as we learn how to finish off a GRP shell by masking and priming the car bodywork ready for finished topcoat.

Episode 12

Mark fits the hood, headlights, bumpers and racing wheels, and visits specialist suppliers for the badges to put his individual stamp on the car.

Episode 13

Mark's creation undergoes the Single Vehicle Approval test and we travel to Bristol for the vehicle inspector's opinion on how the car measures up.

Episode 14

Mark takes his creation to a kit car show to see how it compares to other models, and gets feedback from the experts as the car is entered for a car club track day.

Episode 15

Mark visits the Popular Flying Association Rally at Cranfield to see some of the 3000 or so home-built and vintage aircraft that have flown in for the weekend. He talks to Graham Newby, the chairman of the PFA and the editor of Flyer Magazine who takes him through the pitfalls of building his own plane

Research

Mark travels to the Europa Factory in North Yorkshire where after seeing all the components that go into making a kit, he takes a test flight with Technical Director Andy Draper. In part 2, he starts his private pilot training at Staverton Airport in Gloucestershire with instructor Carl Bowen.

Test Flight

Mark learns that before he starts to build his aeroplane he must attend a workshop on composite building techniques. His crash course is instructed by expert Neville Eyre. In part 2, back at the workshop, he begins work on his kit plane, starting with the rudder. Some respite from plastics is provided at Gloucester airport where his flying training continues apace. In a regular feature, Dudley Pattison shows us the Isaac's Fury biplane he took fifteen years to build.

Building Begins

Filming in the workshop, work begins on the Europa's wings and Mark puts his composite skills to the test. In part 2, he continues his flight training as he learns about climbing and descending. Nigel Marshall and Rob Cooper talk about the Pietenpol Air-camper they built at work in their lunch-hours.

Wings

Work on the plane continues with the Cockpit module and control yokes. Mark also receives a visit from Neville Eyre, his PFA inspector who checks to see that his work so far is air worthy. Over at Staverton Airport, it's pass the sick bag when he is introduced to "stalling". Finally, we are introduced to an American aircraft owned by Michael Wells where the propeller is at the back.

You Have Control!

Work on the aeroplane moves to the tailplane and Mark gets to grips with an electronic spirit level. Back at the Flying School, he attempts circuits and touch and go landings. And in another profile of kit aircraft builders, it's the turn of Olle Berquist, an enthusiast from Sweden.

Tell-Tail!

This episode sees the building gathering pace as Mark installs the cockpit module and seats into the aeroplane as well as the trim tabs and actuator into the tail plane. In our regular look at the world of kit aircraft, we meet Steve Pike and Kevin Fagan who have just finished an Australian aircraft - The Jabiru. Back at Staverton Airport, it's a milestone in Mark's Flying progress - with his first solo flight.

Get In Trim

Mark is back on familiar ground as he fits brakes, wheels and undercarriage to his aeroplane, Martin Dovey introduces us to his vintage kit plane, the Kit Fox, and it is the turn of navigation to further perplex Mark as he continues his flying lessons.

Like My Wheels?

The programme sees major progress on the plane with the rudder assembly completed and the fuselage top on and finally bonded. Back at Staverton, Mark masters the rudiments of radio communication. In another look at other kit-planes, we meet fellow Europa constructor Peter Kember who was the first ever to home-build a Europa Kit.

No Longer Topless

It's a red-letter day down at the workshop as the brand new engine arrives with Europa's Andy Draper. Mark takes on the delicate task of fitting the engine to the fuselage as well as connecting fuel lines, the plenum chamber and exhaust manifold. In his flying lesson, he undertakes his first solo cross-country flight. In another feature on the world of home-built aircraft, we meet John Shanley and his futuristic Rutan Long-EZ.

All Revved Up

Part two of the engine installation and Mark takes on the fitting of the ducting, oil and water cooling, radiators, cowlings and finally the propeller. Safety is the theme in Mark's next visit to flying school as he takes us through the A-Check, vital before any flight, while this programme's homebuilder is Lincoln Summers with his motorbike-engined Avid Speedwing.

Props Away

It's the bit Mark has been dreading since he started - the wiring and instruments. To give him a better idea, he meets Robin Walsh who explains the differences between instruments and avionics and Ashu Mehta who helps him install the instrument panel. The instrument theme is continued at Aeros Flying School where Mark gets to fly just inches from the ground - in a simulator. In another look at the achievements of other home builders, it's the turn of Bob Harrison and his Europa.

Instru-Mental

The interior starts to get the red carpet treatment (well Blue actually) as Mark takes on the job of carpeting and upholstering his aeroplane with aircraft trimmer Matthew Leach. At Aeros, it's advanced flying as he gets to grips with steep banked turns and spinning while vintage aircraft feature in another look at PFA aircraft, this episode profiles Steve Leach's 1941 Taylor craft BC65.

The Final Plush

A Red letter day as Mark prepares for his PPL Test at Aeros, and we recap his flying lessons from throughout the series; meanwhile, his aeroplane is transformed with a coat of paint and Mark applies the decals to make it unique. Finally it is the turn of Tony Palmer to show us his own pride and joy - his Avid Speedwing.

Any Colour You Like

The final episode in the series sees the newly built plane go through the final checks it needs for its certificate of air-worthiness. Mark must see if it will pass and he can finally realise his dream to fly his very own aeroplane.

Up, Up & Away!

Mark visits the Classic Car Show at the Birmingham NEC where he meets like-minded car-obsessives. From wrecks in need of a complete restoration, to fully-restored Ferraris. Mark asks the visitors to the show which car he should restore

Mark Gets an Eye-Full

The Jaguar factory in Coventry is home a private collection of classic Jaguars. Mark meets Tom Jones (no, not that one) the man who designed the E-Type chassis and a man who had a most enviable job. Norman Dewes, Jaguar’s chief development test engineer - the test driver.

We see the car Mark will restore; found on a farm and left to rot, the 4.2 E-Type Roadster is in a sorry state.

Paul Clerkin shows us his E-type Jaguar - fully restored to concourse condition, a job that took him 6 years to complete.

Jag Hag

The Jaguar arrives at the garage and the laborious job of restoring the car begins. Bolt by bolt, the car is taken to pieces, the parts that can be re-used are kept and anything beyond repair is discarded.

Racing Instructor Ian Forrest introduces new regular feature 'Classics on Test’ A Jaguar V12 owned by James Wilson is put to the test around the Knockhill circuit.

David Rochford shows us his restored Ferrari 246GTS.

Stripping Off

Stripped down to its shell, the car is sent to be blasted; a process whereby tiny plastic beads are fired at the car under great pressure to remove paint, underseal and any grime. This process reveals many problems that were not apparent when the car was first seen on the farm. Every panel on the car will need to be repaired or replaced. This is going to be a big restoration job.

At Knockhill, Ian Forrest drive the Alpha 200GTV belonging to, Steve Barberi. John Jackson shows his Jaguar XK150.

Blast

Work has begun on the car’s body with new floor sections going onto the car. Mark turns his hand to spot welding and lead loading. After a ‘small accident’, he also learns a little about panel beating and heat shrinking. Ian Forrest drives the TVR Griffith owned by Steve Wallace around Knockhill and John Janes guides us around his Riley Winchester; the last car of its type in existence.

Swinging the Lead

Attention is turned to the glorious engine that powered the E-Type. The engine needs to be stripped completely with parts removed and sent to be polished, so they look as good as they did when the car was new.

The Jenson FIFA 1R belonging to Leonard Bolton is featured and at Knockhill, Ian Forrest drives a 1977 MK II Triumph Stag.

Vroom Vroom

The Jaguar gets a new coat of paint - several coats of paint in fact. The seven-stage paint process sees the car transformed. Its original colour [white] is replaced by a new colour, classic E-Type carmine red at a cost of £7,000. Back at the garage, Mark cuts and polishes one wing of the car to reveal the gleaming new paintwork.

Mick Clifton shows his MG V8 GT - a concourse winner and Ian Forrest drives a 1963 Austin Healey 300 around the Knockhill circuit.

Any Colour You Like...

With the paintwork finished, cut and polished, it’s time to start putting the car back together. Washer jets, a new brake servo, a rather complicated-looking wiring loom and the rear suspension are among the first bits to go back on the car.

Jim Scott’s restored MKI Ford Cortina 1200 Deluxe is featured and Ian Forrest drives a Triumph TR3 around Knockhill’s racing circuit.

Where Does This Bit Go?

The fuel tank, piping and the boot lid are fitted to the Jaguar. The dashboard wiring is completed and work begins on the car’s electrics. Alistair Ross shows us the car he spent two years restoring, his MG L2. Ian Forrest drives the 1965 Hillman Singer Chamois around Knockhill.

Bits and Pieces

The restored engine and gearbox are ready to go back into the Jaguar. The oil filter, exhaust and fan are put onto the car and the big moment is almost here: the moment when the start button is pressed. Will the engine start?

A Sunbeam Alpine belonging to Geoff Parr is featured and Ian Forrest drives a 1973 Lotus Elan around Knockhill.

The Big Cat Roars Again

The doors are hung on the car, a tricky job which needs care, not least of all to avoid damaging the new paintwork. The windscreen is tackled with the help of a specialist windscreen fitter. Paul Wilkinson’s Volkswagen Beetle is featured and Ian Forrest drives one of his favourite cars around Knockihill: a Lotus Cortina.

Getting it Together

The unmistakable bonnet of the Jaguar E-Type is fitted to the car along with the newly-chromed bumpers and the light clusters. The old wheels have been replaced with more sturdy 18” wheels.

Roger Philips’ Triumph Stag MKII is shown and the MGB GTV8 of John Walpole is driven around the Knockhill circuit by Ian Forrest.

Back on Her Wheels

With most of the bodywork now restored, attention turns to the car’s interior. The original seats have been reupholstered and put back into the car. New carpets and upholstery are fitted with the help of specialist Steve Frost. The roof frame, roof and the door fittings are also put back onto the car.

Ian Proudfoot’s Jenson 541S is shown and Ian Forrest drives a Mark I Ford Capri around Knockhill.

With all of the bodywork now back on the car, it’s time to test the car before driving it. The engine is tuned and the suspension is set up. The car’s tracking is adjusted and then it’s a final polish of the paintwork before the car is back on the road.

An Aston Martin Le Mans - once owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, but now proudly owned by Philip Haslam is featured. Ian Forrest picks his favourite car from all of those which he has driven during the series.

Spit and Polish

After six months solid work, the Jaguar E-Type Roadster is back where it belongs: on the road. Looking resplendent with its new carmine red paintwork, the car is driven around the test track. Mark, Ian Forrest and Norman Dewes, (who’s job it was to test drive the Jaguar E-Types) all drive the car. As a fitting tribute to all the hard work done to restore the car, it and Mark are invited to take part in the William Lyons Memorial Rally in Coventry with other Jaguar owners. 36 years after it left the factory, the Jaguar E-Type Roadster is back home.

Welcome Back

Mark Evans begins building his home kit chopper before attempting his helicopter rating in Arizona.

Mark Evans begins building the helicopter airframe and discovers the principles of helicopter flight.

The airframe is complete and Mark turns his attention to the tail boom before beginning his helicopter flight training.

Mark begins the manufacture of the main rotor shaft before getting to grips with training on the controls and throttle.

Mark installs the engine in his home kit helicopter and learns how to counter 'dead man's curve' - a potentially fatal beginner's mistake.

Mark's helicopter is ready for the tail rotor drive and the clutch, and he learns how to deal with engine failure and autorotation.

The exhaust and cooling systems are added to Mark Evan's helicopter, and he learns how to take off from hover position and from the ground.

Mark fits the exhaust, fuel system, fuel pumps and pressure regulator to his helicopter, and learns flying level and straight, to slip and to skid.

Mark turns his attention to the avionics and instrument panel, and learns about the most important instruments he needs to fly a helicopter.

Mark learns how to climb and descend before installing the lights, navigation system and computer into his home-kit helicopter.

Mark turns his attention to the body panel and back seats, before learning about landing and set downs.

The main rotor blades are fitted to Mark Evans's home-made helicopter. And in his helicopter-flying lesson he learns all about taxiing.

Mark Evans takes to the skies in his chopper to practise the quick stop. Back on the ground he installs the rigging into his home-made kit helicopter.

Mark paints the bodywork of his helicopter and installs the upholstery, before taking to the sky in another chopper to complete a circuit.

We follow Mark as he reveals the finished home-kit helicopter and takes it into the skies for its first glorious flight. Last in series.

Mark Evans is taking on the challenge of restoring a 1942 Harley Davidson WLC motorcycle. The first project is to strip down the bike.

Harley Davidson WLC: Part 1

The engine of the 1942 Harley Davidson WLC is rebuilt and Mark Evans also gets to grips with fitting the carburettors to the engine.

Harley Davidson WLC: Part 2

The restoration of a 1942 Harley Davidson WLC continues, as Mark Evans fits the engine and gearbox. It's then time for him to assess the bodywork.

Harley Davidson WLC: Part 3

The Harley Davidson restoration challenge continues. Mark Evans gets some help from expert sprayer Danny Boswell, as the bike gets a new colour.

Harley Davidson WLC: Part 4

It's nearly time for Mark Evans to test ride the restored Harley Davidson. But before the ride, the final chrome details are added to the bike.

Harley Davidson WLC: Part 5

Mark Evans embarks on his next bike challenge - to restore a 1970 Triumph Bonneville. His first task is to strip the bike down to its frame.

Triumph Bonneville: Part 1

Self-build guru Mark Evans continues to work on the Triumph Bonneville, as he dismantles the engine, strips the wheels and does a spot of welding.

Triumph Bonneville: Part 2

Mark reveals the completely painted frame of the 1970 Triumph Bonneville and begins to build the forks, which proves to be less straightforward.

Triumph Bonneville: Part 3

Mark Evans rebuilds the engine of the 1970 Triumph Bonneville and fits it to the frame, before attempting to re-cover the seat.

Triumph Bonneville: Part 4

The finishing touches are made to the 1970 Triumph Bonneville. Mark Evans can then enjoy the thrill of taking the bike out for its first spin.

Triumph Bonneville: Part 5

Mark Evans embarks on a new motor biking challenge - to build a VW lowrider Trike. He begins by demolishing a VW Beetle to obtain the parts he needs.

Custom Trike: Part 1

Self-build guru Mark Evans continues building his VW lowrider Trike. Mark fits the engine, clutch and brake cables.

Custom Trike: Part 2

Air brush artist Steve Mohacsy shows Mark Evans how to jazz up the paintwork on his flash mammoth VW lowrider Trike.

Custom Trike: Part 3

Mark Evan's latest motorbike challenge is taking shape, as he fits the lights and clocks to his VW lowrider Trike.

Custom Trike: Part 4

The finishing touches are made to Mark Evan's VW lowrider Trike. He then takes it out for a ride and checks out people's reaction to this monster.

Custom Trike: Part 5

Mark Evans embarks on a project to build a Westfield sports car to compete in racing events across the UK.

A visit to the Westfield factory where the car kit is manufactured, before Mark Evan begins the first stages of construction.

Work continues with the installation of the drive shafts, fuel tank and upper steering column.

Mark Evans installs the engine, propshaft, starter motor and gear lever of his Westfield sports car.

In addition to building the dashboard, the instruments are installed with the assistance of Mike Topp from the 750 Motor Club.

Mark Evans concentrates on the chassis of the Westfield sports car as he continues his self-build project.

Work turns to the interior of the car, as Mark Evans chooses seats for the Westfield.

Mark Evans begins fitting out the interior of his kit car, focusing on the door lining, lights and dashboard finish.

Adding the finishing touches to his creation, Mark Evans prepares for the Single Vehicle Approval test.

Mark Evans takes his newly completed Westfield sports car to the track for its biggest test.

With his vehicle now complete, Mark Evans takes the opportunity to try out his creation and takes part in a driving masterclass.

The hand-built Westfield is entered into a hillclimb competition at Gurston Down near Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Mark Evans gains his first racing experience in the Westfield when he attends a track day at Donington Park, near Derby.

Mark Evans takes part in practice laps in France and qualifies for a circuit race, going behind the scenes to watch preparations for the event.

Mark Evans decides to put his creation to the ultimate test - a circuit race in France. He first cleans the car in the hope it will increase his speed.

World-renowned engineering enthusiast Mark Evans dusts off his overalls to take on his first off-road project - the transformation of a 4-door, 1985 Range Rover into a unique 100" wheelbase Land Rover. It's a 21st Century tribute to 25 special vehicles that Land Rover built for the French and Swiss armies in the late seventies. First Mark cleans 30 years of crud off his donor vehicle and gives it a mechanical health check.

In the workshop, Mark buys the body panels, and sets about modifying the chassis to support it all. There's a lot of metalwork to be done. He starts with some new outriggers and quickly gets into a spot of bother

Mark makes the brackets and plates necessary to fix the Land Rover bodywork to the strengthened chassis. Only one problem - the rear wheels don't fit under the wheel arches!!

The rear tub is salvaged from an old 110 pick-up. Mark fires up his plasma cutter and finishes the customisation of the rear bodywork. But will it fit….

With so much metalwork to do, Mark calls in professional welder, Paul Harris to run a MIG-welding masterclass. There's also some TIG welding to be done to stitch up the seams on the new tub - it's a nightmare of a job !

Mark shows how to assess, renovate and upgrade the transmission. He rebuilds the axles from scratch, and shows in detail how to fit air-operated diff locks.

Mark's attention turns to the front axle. He refurbishes the swivel joints and fits fused, 24-splie drive shafts and new cv joints

It's Mark's favourite part of the project - rebuilding and upgrading the monster V8! Cleaned, stripped of its ancillaries and decapitated, Mark assesses its condition.

Mark visits a gearbox specialist to rebuild an R380 gearbox and transfer box from scratch for his project vehicle.

Meanwhile, the completed, blasted chassis is galvanised by the hot-dip process. It's a very dangerous procedure but the finished chassis looks magnificent.

The galvanized chassis arrives back at the workshop. When Mark has finished admiring it, he starts to fit the running gear ! First up: suspension.

Mark continues playing with bushes, trailing arms, and panhard rods, before experimenting with springs and dampers.

With the help of some "specialist" friends, Mark makes himself a unique roll cage out of the longest piece of tube he could fit in his van. He shows how to bend, assemble and fit it.

Mark strips down and assesses the internals of his V8. Is it as really as good as he first thought?

Mark cleans his pistons, prepares and lubricates the crankshaft and engine block. Mark shows in detail how to rebuild the 3.5L Rover V8, including fitting an upgraded cam. Then it's on with the heads !

Keen to learn another trade, Mark turns his attention away from his greasy old garage to attend a course for car painters at a multi-million pound paint shop.

Mark paints his rocker covers and sets the variable valve timing kit on his newly assembled engine. Mark fits his core plugs, before venturing to his bench to show how to correctly remove a broken stud. Attention is then turned to rebuilding the oil pump.

The clutch and gearbox is fitted to the engine and then unites the newly fitted clutch and gearbox to the engine. Mark then takes the strain as he fits the rebuilt engine/gearbox combo into the rolling chassis.

Mark fits and assembles the bulkhead to the chassis. The wiring transforms from a jumble of multicoloured spaghetti to the vital veins of the beast's electrical system.

Then it's back to school for Mark at the specialist paint shop.

The Is Born collection of Television series produced for the Discovery Channel in the UK, presented by Mark Evans.

Each series follows Mark Evans through either the building or restoring of a vehicle

The Best Seasons of Is Born Series

The Best Seasons of Is Born Series

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7

Season 8