TV show homes in on cars, jokers in Mid West

The executive producer behind a new TV show — set to bring the characters of the Mid West and their cars to small screens in Europe — has learned invaluable lessons about letting his beard grow out and the beer economy while on the road.

Nathan Gibbs is originally from Perth and has worked on national shows such as Big Brother, Beauty and the Geek and Wipe Out Australia.

He said the “pubs, stations, red dirt and rocks” of the Mid West had captured his heart while filming and producing Outback Car Hunters in the past year.

“I found it completely intoxicating,” he said.

He likened the character and natural beauty of places such as Big Bell, Meekatharra and Paynes Find to “film sets” — a real compliment coming from a man who has dedicated his life to the art of cinema.

The show was commissioned by the Discovery Channel in the UK and Ireland, but Mr Gibbs said a national Australian broadcaster had also bid for the rights. He expected the show to hit Aussie TV screens later in the year.

The show is based in WA and sees a team of car hunters travel all over the State. But, according to Mr Gibbs, the Mid West weather conditions were perfect for keeping cars in good nick, making them a real hero of the show.

“You find cars out there that have completely disappeared from European roads,” he said.

Throughout the series, the crew will find well-preserved Kombis, Mini Mokes and even a 70s-era Japanese sedan with custom-installed bull bars.

His team is still on the hunt, with their eyes sets on more cars from the Gascoyne.

The show won’t just be about dusty engines, chipped paint and stressed leather car seats.

Mr Gibbs said it would also dive into the history of the vehicle and its connection to where it was found.

“I think people are going to love it. There’s a real humour to the characters,” he said.

One of the Mid Westerners who offloaded an old car to the Outback Car Hunters’ crew was Meekatharra Shire president Harvey Nichols.

He thinks the show will be received well in the UK, hoping it would “fire the young ones to come visit once all this COVID-19 stuff is over”.