In 1939, Practical Mechanics responded to the start of the Second World War by showing its readers how to build their own air raid shelter.

The design had similarities with the Anderson Shelter, a build-at-home structure made from corrugated steel, to protect from flying bomb debris; that saved many lives during the Blitz. To get some inspiration, Ivan and Jenny make a poignant trip to see a real life Anderson Shelter at a nearby War Museum.

The team decide to reinvent the Anderson Shelter as a hi-tech garden shed, with solar panels and grow lights.

Engineers Jenny and Ellis are paired together to work on the second reinvention project – a pedal-powered washing machine.

It's a design that could have a real purpose in the modern world, as more than 60% of the world's population don't have access to an electric washing machine; could pedal-power offer a solution?

The pair decide to make a washing and drying machine, made from scrap parts sourced from a local reclamation yard.

Dr Shini and her team are tasked with reinventing a build-at-home car from the 1930s and a burglar alarm blueprint from the 1950s. In 1936, Practical Mechanics provided its readers with plans of how to build their own three-wheeled car for just £20, the equivalent of £1800 in today's money. The team decide to reinvent this design using recycled parts and a reclaimed recumbent trike. Aeroplane designer Ivan comes up with a novel idea for the steering, an aircraft-style yoke. YouTube inventor Ruth is tasked with welding together the chassis; while carpentry wizard Jacob is building a plywood body to give the car a vintage look. Their do-it-yourself car promises to look impressive, but how well will it perform when it's taken for a test drive on the airstrip? Ruth and model maker Carl are also busy working on their burglar alarm reinvention, which involves some very clever micro-electronics and more than a few surprises!