James May explores the intricacies and engineering marvels of various objects by putting them back together again from a pile of hundreds of their component parts. Not only must he make sure every piece is put back together in order and explain the purpose of every single nut and bolt, he also has to hope that the reassembled machine will actually work at the end of the process.

Armed only with his toolbox and an endless supply of tea, James experiences the highs and lows only possible when attempting to piece history back together again, piece by piece.

Across the two series James reassembles everything from a 1957 Bakelite dial telephone, to a 1960s Kenwood Chef Food Mixer, to a 1970s Honda mini trail Monkey Bike.