Now Warren Allinson, of Halifax, thinks the 1947 Austin 8 is good enough to go back on the box – and he says he will contact TV executives to see if they want to use it.

He said: "My ambition is to get it back on the TV.

"We could do with Dr Finlay coming back on the screens. I bet he'd love it if he saw it."

Mr Allinson, 45, bought the car, which featured in the 90s TV series, from a garage in Penistone last December, after spending several months looking for a vintage model.

Since then he has worked night and day to make the car as good as new.

"When I first bought it it was a bit old and had a poor paint job but I knew it could be a beauty.

"I bought it because I wanted a vintage car. I didn't know it had been on TV but when I found that out it was a bit of a dream."

He also owns a Nissan Micra, but says he prefers his Austin.

He added: "When we started work we painted it, got carpet in the back and just made it look great.

"We get the shine by using olive oil.

"It is a good car to drive and brings a lot of attention."

But daughter Vicki, 20, was not so sure.

She said: "It's a bit bumpy when you're inside.

"I'd prefer a nice convertible."