Tim Shaw (born June 9, 1974, age 51) and Fuzz Townshend (born July 31, 1964, age 61) are the dynamic duo behind Car SOS, a beloved National Geographic show that restores classic cars for deserving owners. Fans often search for details about their net worth, salaries, married lives, and dating histories. This article dives deep into their personal and professional lives, offering fresh insights, updated 2025 information, and unique perspectives from industry insiders and fan interactions. Discover their biographies, careers, and the emotional impact of their work.
Tim Shaw: Age, Career, and Personal Life
Tim Shaw, now 51 years old, was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, and initially trained as a mechanical engineer before transitioning to broadcasting. His career began in radio with Kerrang! in 2004, but a controversial prank led to his dismissal. He later joined Fifth Gear in 2008 and landed the lead presenter role on Car SOS in 2013. Shaw’s energetic personality and knack for sourcing rare car parts make him a fan favorite. His net worth is estimated at $1-3 million, largely from his TV work and endorsements.
Married to Hayley Shaw since 1999, Tim faced a public scandal in 2005 when Hayley sold his prized Lotus Esprit Turbo for 50p on eBay after he jokingly flirted with model Jodie Marsh on air. The couple, parents to two daughters, reconciled and maintain a private life. There’s no recent evidence of dating outside his marriage. Shaw’s passion for cars stems from childhood, where he won engineering awards, including “Young Engineer of the World” in 1992 and 1994.
“Tim’s charisma is infectious, but it’s his genuine care for car owners that keeps Car SOS grounded,” says automotive journalist Sarah Bennett.
Fuzz Townshend: Age, Music, and Mechanical Mastery
Fuzz Townshend, aged 61, born John Richard Keith Townshend in Birmingham, is a multi-talented mechanic, drummer, and presenter. His nickname “Fuzz” came from his distinctive afro at age seven. Before Car SOS, Fuzz was a drummer for bands like Pop Will Eat Itself and General Public, touring with Nine Inch Nails. His net worth is estimated at $2-5 million, derived from TV, music, and his restoration business, SOS Workshop Ltd.
Married to Karen Townshend since 2020, Fuzz has four children: Honor and Oscar from his previous marriage to Cressida, and Atticus and Pixie with Karen. His dating history remains private, with no public records of relationships outside his marriages. Fuzz’s mechanical expertise shines on Car SOS, where he leads restorations with precision. He also founded Classic Friendly Ltd., a network for classic car owners, showcasing his industry influence.
“Fuzz’s ability to blend technical skill with storytelling makes every restoration a masterpiece,” notes car restorer James Patel.
Car SOS: Impact and Emotional Connection
Since its 2013 debut, Car SOS has completed over 100 restorations, airing on National Geographic and Channel 4. The show’s premise—restoring cars for owners facing financial or medical hardships—resonates deeply. Tim and Fuzz’s chemistry, likened to “Morecambe and Wise,” drives its success. Their salaries are not publicly disclosed, but industry estimates suggest TV presenters of their caliber earn £50,000-£100,000 per season, supplemented by sponsorships and appearances.
A 2025 fan survey conducted by Classic Car Weekly revealed that 78% of viewers watch for the emotional reveals, not just the cars. For example, in Season 13, Episode 1, the restoration of Katie’s Mazda MX-5, named Clarence, moved audiences due to its sentimental value tied to her late sister. This human element sets Car SOS apart from other automotive shows.
Net Worth and Salary Insights
Tim Shaw’s net worth ranges from $1-3 million, reflecting his diverse media career, including Street Genius and Experimental. Fuzz Townshend’s net worth of $2-5 million benefits from his music royalties and ownership of SOS Workshop Ltd. Their salaries from Car SOS likely vary by season, with additional income from car-related ventures. For context, top UK TV presenters earn up to £200,000 annually, but Tim and Fuzz’s niche focus suggests more modest figures.
Married Life and Dating History
Tim Shaw’s marriage to Hayley has endured despite the 2005 controversy. The couple’s privacy keeps their current dynamic out of the spotlight, but they remain together with their two daughters. Fuzz Townshend’s marriage to Karen, following his divorce from Cressida, highlights his commitment to family. His children, especially Honor, a criminology lecturer, occasionally appear on his social media (@FuzzTownshend). Neither host has a publicized dating history outside their marriages, focusing instead on family and careers.
Unique Insights: Behind the Scenes
Having attended a Car SOS filming event in 2024, I witnessed Tim and Fuzz’s genuine camaraderie. Off-camera, they shared stories of restorations that nearly failed due to rare part shortages, like a 1968 Jaguar E-Type project that required a global search for a gearbox. Their dedication to authenticity—ensuring every car is road-legal and safe—sets a high standard. Fuzz’s mechanical precision contrasts with Tim’s improvisational charm, creating a balanced dynamic that captivates viewers.
Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Tim Shaw Full Name | Timothy John Shaw |
| Tim Shaw Age | 51 (Born June 9, 1974) |
| Tim Shaw Birthplace | Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK |
| Tim Shaw Education | Mechanical Engineering, Professional Broadcasting (Oxford University) |
| Tim Shaw Career | Radio host, TV presenter (Car SOS, Fifth Gear, Street Genius) |
| Tim Shaw Net Worth | $1-3 million |
| Tim Shaw Salary | Estimated £50,000-£100,000 per season |
| Tim Shaw Married | Hayley Shaw (since 1999) |
| Tim Shaw Children | Two daughters |
| Fuzz Townshend Full Name | John Richard Keith Townshend |
| Fuzz Townshend Age | 61 (Born July 31, 1964) |
| Fuzz Townshend Birthplace | Birmingham, UK |
| Fuzz Townshend Education | Guildhall School of Music and Drama |
| Fuzz Townshend Career | Mechanic, drummer, TV presenter (Car SOS), motoring journalist |
| Fuzz Townshend Net Worth | $2-5 million |
| Fuzz Townshend Salary | Estimated £50,000-£100,000 per season |
| Fuzz Townshend Married | Karen Townshend (since 2020), previously Cressida |
| Fuzz Townshend Children | Honor, Oscar, Atticus, Pixie |
Why Car SOS Resonates in 2025
Car SOS’s 13th season, airing in 2025, continues to captivate with celebrity appearances like Sir David Jason and Gordon Ramsay. The show’s focus on human stories—restoring cars for owners like Adam, a Only Fools and Horses fan, or Tim, a Gordon Ramsay admirer—adds emotional depth. Its global reach, streaming on Disney+ and ABC iview, underscores its enduring appeal.
For more on Tim Shaw, visit his Wikipedia page or follow him on Instagram. Explore Fuzz Townshend’s journey on his Wikipedia page or Twitter (@FuzzTownshend). Watch Car SOS on National Geographic.
