Alain de Cadenet made his reputation building and driving his own sports prototypes, becoming one of the most respected and accomplished racers of classic vintage cars. This RENAISSANCE MANcelebrates car craftsmanship in Discovery World HD’s new four-part series, premiering Monday, July 23 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT. de Cadenet visits different locations to learn and share the story of certain cars and motorbikes. Some items are classic pieces of moving history while others are brand-new examples of cutting-edge technology, and all of them share handmade craftsmanship. Highlights from RENAISSANCE MAN include:
RENAISSANCE MAN – “The Classic Car”
Monday, July 23 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
Alain de Cadenet navigates the unlucky history of the iconic Lancia Ferrari D50, beginning with the restoration of the original car at the engineering workshop of Jim Stokes. The classic car then heads to the racing track at the Goodwood Revival Meeting, the world’s biggest festival of classic motor racing.
RENAISSANCE MAN – “British Bike”
Monday, July 30 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
Alain de Cadenet explores three of the most important 20th century British motorcycles, historic and contemporary classics Brough, Norton, and Triumph. The Brough Superior was considered the “Rolls Royce” of motorcycles, and during the 1920s and 30s it was the “must have” bike; the Norton bike dominated road racing and trailing before and after the Second World World; and the Triumph was reborn after the manufacture went bankrupt in the 1980s.
RENAISSANCE MAN – “The Engine The Won The War”
Monday, August 6 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
Alain De Cadenet looks back at the incredible Rolls Royce Merlin aircraft engine, which powered most of the key war planes including the Hurricane, Spitfire, Mustang, Lancaster and Mosquito.
RENAISSANCE MAN – “Mini Riders Again”
Monday, August 13 at 10 p.m. ET/11 p.m. PT
Alain de Cadenet takes a look back at the Mini’s heritage from its introduction back in 1959 as a “people’s car” to its iconic fashion symbol status, all while becoming a giant slayer on the race tracks and rally courses of the world. With three Monte Carlo Rally wins and a starring role in the movie The Italian Job the Mini became a legend with over five-million cars made before ceasing production.
