Edd China's life of cars // The Late Brake Show Idol Chat

This is the Late Brake Show Idol Chat, where Jonny Smith brings his brown chairs for a special interview. This episode features famously tall TV mechanic Edd China, who talks openly to Jonny and Grand Tour script editor Richard Porter about his life of cars before, during and after Wheeler Dealers.
Thank you for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
This interview was recorded live at The Late Brake Show Live on Tour on September 11th 2021.
Edd now has his own KZbin channel - Workshop Diaries - where you can find weekly videos of the orange gloved mechanic massaging vehicles back to health.
/ eddchina
www.eddchina.com/
Jonny and Richard 'Sniff Petrol' Porter record a weekly podcast called Smith and Sniff, which airs every Monday. Loosely based around car chat, Smith and Sniff often deviates into idiotic directionless banter, yet is reasonably respected amongst its listeners. Have we sold it to you? Listen via the YT channel or Podcast outlets:
/ smithandsniff
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...
shows.acast.com/smithandsniff
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Filmed and edited by: Matty Graham @ Pixel Click pixel-click.com
Thumbnail design by: Matt Tarrant www.matttarantdesign.com
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Jonny Smith
Creative content maker, car presenter & car pervert for hire since '98
Website: www.carpervert.com
Instagram: / jonnycarpervert
Twitter: / carpervert
CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
#eddchina #wheelerdealers #carpervert #thelatebrakeshow

[@bartoni79]

What’s great about that interview is that you let Edd talk. That’s what people want to hear! Maybe an hour with Edd could be arranged. Great work. The best channel I’m subscribed to. Great production values and quality content

[@1one3_Racing]

When it comes to Ed, I think the secret is getting him to STOP talking.

[@Magnitio1]

Was this interview after Ed had consumed 5 coffees and a couple of Red Bull’s?

[@hermand]

Couldn't agree more - feel like i could have watched this for Hours!

[@hermand]

Couldn't agree more - feel like i could have watched this for Hours!

[@Zxr750Nick]

The full interview was 72 mins long. Meant I got home late! The Late Saturday Night Sherbert Show

[@paulcronin551]

I think it shows a lot about Edd’s character that he has had numerous chances to slander Mike but has remained perfectly pc where as Mike literally spit flames about him since they have parted. Edd is a gentleman. The class is built in.

[@Leathersladekitchen]

This is undeniably the best channel on KZbin at the moment, the variety, quality of content and guests is leagues ahead of anything else out there. Jonny, you should be very very proud of what you have achieved in a short space of time. Mr Porter, of course, a legend, I’ve been following Sniff since the beginnings, and Ed China, so nice to see someone who actually does what they say they’re doing, if you’re welding a part on we see the whole thing, not someone touching a torch against something and then a jump cut to the finished article (naming no names). Top entertainment as always.

[@ZeeBri]

Stuff Made Here - best KZbin channel

[@TonysTechAndCars]

19:19 for the question we all want to know the answer to.

[@rubenvalentim3687]

Thank you 😅

[@samrobinson566]

Love the fact that you just let Edd talk Jonny - he's a fascinating guy, full of stories, and it's great that you let him have the time to do that 👍🏻

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you Sam, Edd had so much to say, I think we might have to revisit him one day soon.

[@samrobinson566]

@@TheLateBrakeShow that would be great! Once I'm recovered, I hope to see you and Mr Porter at one of your future shows, OTSOT 😊👍🏻

[@tonybennett1306]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Great talk. Lovely relaxed meandering chat without all the prententious nonsence of a scripted tv show. Cracking job . Edd China should definitely make his amphibious car a fish bowl so there is some role reversal going on where the fish stare in at him.

[@Ibiza210]

Once again Johnny has smashed it out the park. Fantastic interview. He has the greatest quality every interviewer aspires for: the ability to listen to his guest and know WHEN to ask questions.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you v much.

[@davidfoster1762]

Totally agree. In short he should give lessons to the UK’s worst interviewer , Mr John Humphries.

[@helmotchops]

Imagine him and Colin Furze together

[@simonsquires9780]

Ed and Mike will still be the best tv car fixers ever! period.

[@MrSteveBertone]

I love the genuine honesty in all your “Idol chats” you allow the guests to speak openly and honestly. I think Edd is such a nice person, I admit I lost my love for wheeler dealers after Edd left but that wasn’t for any petty reasons, I always enjoyed the fact that Edd explains everything, I don’t care if I have to watch 15 minutes of someone changing suspension, if it’s someone like Edd as you come away from it with a sense of enlightenment. I have been following workshop diaries since it began, it’s fantastic because it explains so much. Much like the late brake show, Jonny makes honest and engaging content, which you enjoy end to end, regardless of content, though I admit my favorite part is “barn finds” Thanks again Jonny for the great content

[@rtorbs]

A good friend of mine's brother is the producer for the show and by all accounts Ed is the Diva. Mike is chill as. But i do agree that he brings a level of something that isnt easily quantifiable

[@jeffsymons7084]

@@rtorbs I would absolutely believe that. His whole story that he left because they wanted to cut back on the repairs and technical explanations doesn't even add up. The episodes I have watched with Ant have just as much major repairs and in depth explanations as when Edd was on the show. They even gave Ant his own series where he built an entire car from scratch. Edd chose to leave because he didn't get his own way and his unhinged fans have been harassing Mike about it for years when it was literally nothing to do with him.

[@Jxsey]

Ant does a pretty good job of explaining things, i was pleasantly surprised

[@colinevans39]

​@@rtorbswell I'm a empath and Mike is the bully and not the main talent and calling edd a diva is rich seeing that he did most of the real technical and real mechanics 🤔

[@rtorbs]

@@colinevans39 Hey up we've found Eds mum......

[@SmallBlogV8]

He must be the easiest person to do a long-form interview with ever. Just ask one leading question and stand back for the next 10 minutes! What a guy.

[@1one3_Racing]

He could be a politician. He says a lot but doesn't actually answer the question.

[@SmallBlogV8]

@@1one3_Racing Good thing he's wayyyy more interesting to listen to than a politician.

[@alexmanojlovic768]

@@1one3_Racing Edd or Johnny? Edd did answer the questions. Perhaps you. Weren't listening. Or thinking....

[@mattrobson5213]

You can see the (sunburnt) back of my head in the crowd shots - that was a cracking day out, nice one Jonny & team!

[@jel5034]

Some years back myself and a friend went to the (new) Nurburgring with Ed, we were the 'half time entertainment' at an F1 truck GP. It ranks as one of the best vehicle weekends i've been involved in. I was in a 700cc race-tuned 14' Monbar speedboat that sat on a Robin Reliant chasis (built by Andy Saunders) and as i roared down the start/finish at 77mph i was overtaken by a skip, powered by a 1300 MG Metro engine! Ed defines the words Petrol-head, he epitomises the creative madness, a place where most fear to tread. This channel is the dogs danglies.

[@nicsmith9120]

Andy in s oxfordshire by any chance?

[@jel5034]

@@nicsmith9120 South West of England (Andy Saunders Kustoms) way back but he may've moved.

[@nicsmith9120]

@@jel5034 ok, there is a speedboat reliant in s oxon too.

[@jel5034]

@@nicsmith9120 oh i see. The speedboat i drove is in South London so there's 2!!

[@rjnation5042]

What a great guy Edd is, just give him the microphone & leave him to it, thanks Jonny you always get amazing people to chat with, Rj in Oz

[@terminal-velocity111]

Excellent interview by the Late Brake Show. Not afraid of asking the questions we wanted to hear. Top effort.

[@farny5557]

what a guy i love edd china he is proper english mad scientist, just goes to show who kept that show on the road !!!!

[@davidhenderson861]

Met Edd once for an XCP One photoshoot with our DeLorean - absolute gentleman and a complete professional, a delight throughout. Loved the interview.

[@madsdekker305]

Just lovely, Ed is such a hero and legend!

[@paddymuppy]

"Legend" is a term that is overused these day's, rendering it meaningless.

[@AleksandrHalas]

watching this interview after a three part interview with MIKE BREWER December 12, 2022

[@austingreen6042]

The two best motoring shows on KZbin collided right here, Thankyou Johnny ! :D

[@parrotraiser6541]

Edd is so right about his show being better than conventional TV.

[@Zerofightervi]

Ed is awesome, such a lovely normal down to earth kind of guy. He's one of those people who I could never imagine gets upset with anyone or anything.

[@gordoncampbell100]

Absolutely love Edd .Such a humble , talented, charming guy .

[@Wall1885]

If only you knew. 😉

[@hwmechworkshop9639]

Definitely kindred spirits, allowing each other to talk and follow the thought processes, with a light sprinkling of madness!

[@henryhol8538]

I first saw Edd as a Q building a Bond Car on an early Top Gear! We missed seeing him on Telly of late; thank goodness we now have his YT channel!

[@Wall1885]

Not sure if true but apparently edds wife is his manager and is a right pain in the arse, hence the lack of tv appearance. He obviously has the skill and knowledge to be a serious tv personality, strange.

[@paulnash4425]

thanks for reminding me about 'run to the sun', that brings back memories. Ed on the early wheeler dealers episodes was great and I really wish they'd stuck to that formula

[@DMS-se9bc]

For guys from Edd’s Channel 19:25 ,thank me later :)

[@oggie1967]

Brilliant episode Jonny! Edd China, what a top bloke! I was hooked in the first 2minutes! More please!👍😊👏👏👏

[@joemacleod-iredale2888]

Ed’s really reminding me of a British Adam Savage (from Mythbusters).

[@MianCowell]

Good call!

[@bowserusc]

Those two guys are the primary people I watch in the maker genre, funny!

[@nicko6710]

Both Edd and Johnny produce high end content. Better than free to air stuff. Thanks

[@stormstaticisme7868]

National treasure, legend, lovely bloke 👏

[@Wall1885]

Calm down old chap. National treasure??

[@jonathanlegge1666]

Wow, that half hour flew by! Excellent stuff. Great to see Edd being able to be so frank and open about things.

[@rustybearden1800]

I've watched Edd from the beginning and this is most I've ever heard from him - a fascinating and rather everyday kinda person that happens to be an out of the box automotive guy - wonderful stuff Jonny, just wonderful!

[@mikadavies660]

This is the first time that I have heard Ed outside of W.D. An eye opener! Creative people like that are amazing.... I would be so proud to raise a son that was that interesting and that creative. Top guy! Brilliant interview.

[@gt197]

Great interview Johnny. Could listen to Edd talk all night. Kudos for letting him talk uninterrupted..

[@automotivetales]

I could listen to Edd all day long! What a fab bloke and his workshop diaries channel is truly epic! Keep doing you Edd - we love it!

[@killerdove123]

I was t actually thinking of requesting an Edd China interview. This is beyond awesome!

[@macman6107]

I love watching Edd be it WD or not. But my favourite was just after WD and he went to help people who were stuck with their car projects. I'd love to see more of that.

[@Renlondonhome]

Wish he carried on that series.

[@stephenvalente3296]

@@Renlondonhome Indeed, but I have to say that Ant and Marc bring a different dimension in their approach the cars Mike chucks their way. Marc seems a lot more active outside the workshop than the others were, so in some sense the format has evolved in giving more time back to the mechanics again. Still wish they'd cut back on the time given to the car buying and the "testing" section at the end to give us more time on the work done to the cars. After watching the more recent interview with Mike Brewer, time for them to bury the hatchet and move forward to produce the 20th anniversary mega build with all 3 mechanics. I could see why Ed would be ticked off with Mike for seemingly not standing up to Discovery in terms of the format changes that took place whilst in the USA, but that's several years on now amazingly. It would be nice to see the skills of the 3 key mechanics used for an offshoot series a bit like Overhaulin, West Coast Customs, etc. making so more radical cars UK style. Without the involvement of Mike it may well be more likely that we'd get to see them all share a screen by removing that Wheeler Dealers head from the project. Then again, would a TV network commit to spending some cash doing this, and wouldn't want some reality TV "celebrities" coming on wanting their cars blinged up for an ego trip!

[@johnny-jdb]

Totally agree with Edd's comments about mainstream TV. Wheeler Dealers is like a parody of it's former self with awfully scripted segments dreamed up by those who will never understand why the original format worked so well. There is car content on KZbin that puts the mainstream media to shame, the reason why I and many others barely watch it. Keep up the great work Jonny & Edd 👏🏻

[@TruckerGaz]

Loved this video. Spot on with the need for more apprenticeships.... Trouble is youth of today are more interested in seeking validation from strangers on social media

[@West4ea]

Hurrah been waiting for this. Was at the live show but had to leave before this. Remember meeting Ed at silverstone. Really nice guy

[@chrisduran3007]

Great vid as always. Every day Edd looks more and more likely to build a time machine out of a Delorean

[@kobrien4121]

Hopefully he'll be hanging a clock in his bathroom soon.

[@thefrenchruraldream8069]

Absolutely love Edd China for me he was the only reason I watched Wheeler Dealers. Jonny is absolute legend I never liked him that much on tv but with his own channel he’s just himself. Normal car mad down to earth guy who I could watch for hours. He’s got a real likability about him and his banter with Rich on Smith and Sniff is downright stomach hurting funny at times 😂😂😂👍🏻

[@MyRetroWatches]

Love your channel and these chair interview videos are just ace! Thanks Jonny and your team .

[@TheMisterB2u]

Love all these 'Idol Chat' programmes! Almost like radio in the fact you seem to get the real person shining through.Many a time I just relax and just listen to the audio, without looking at the screen.Look forward to more in the future.

[@Zxr750Nick]

I went to the event and heard it first hand, but still got lots out of hearing Edd again.... Jonny asking short but open questions and letting Edd speak... Really relaxed day for the watchers but I'm sure Jonny was on edge throughout.. but never seemed that way. Great day and great interview.

[@neildaniel8232]

1: Deduct some of Richard's pay, he did sod all in that 🤣 2: You really need to get Edd sat down doing a full, proper Idol Chat in his workshop some time in the future. Really get the feeling you only managed to scratch the surface of his stories and ideas in 35 minutes.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

We really did only scratch the surface...

[@mrcolmun]

@@TheLateBrakeShow is that a Scratch and Sniff response!?

[@henryhol8538]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Please, please, please do Harry Metcalfe next!

[@TimInertiatic]

Rich did start to lift his mic up a few times but Ed barely stops to breathe 😁 Brilliant stuff guys. Thanks for this

[@neilbissett1240]

Wow what an episode reminded me of my school days working with wood and metal and apprenticeships fantastic Jonny and the team we need more just saying thanks looking forward to the next video 😎👏👏❤️

[@graemeadamson7272]

Should be a hell of a lot longer than time given to Ed . He is such a joy to listen to and incredibly knowledgeable .

[@markellis796]

Great stuff! Edd made a good point about "mainstream TV" and how it really does not know how to deal with the rise of good quality KZbin stuff, I for one watch more on KZbin than anything else.

[@xjs36]

Awesome, What a nice genuine guy. It’s great to have Edd back

[@jimwintersgill9099]

Terrific. Thanks for sharing this with those of us who couldn’t make it to the show. 👍

[@twcmaker]

Brilliant Idol chat with Edd. Great to see him just nattering on. Top bloke.. and you Johnny 👍 and Mr Porter 😉

[@JohnnieBravo1]

I am so glad Edd made the reference to this talk from his Workshop Diaries channel, or I might never have discovered it. Awesome interview, especially where you let Edd make remarks about Wheeler Dealer and Mike. I think I glean from your comments a desire similar to mine, that Edd and Mike eventually do something together again. Their chemistry is undeniable. Kudo's from across the pond, and awesome channel sir. I am now subscribing.

[@noelhuggett8745]

What a genuinely nice guy and blimey hasn't he done a lot, more than I realised. Another top notch interview, brilliantly done Jonny, you will really need to dig deep into your little black book for the next show!!

[@andyp2547]

Loved this interview, Love Edd China, late brake show needs to be on TV 👍👍, keep it up Johnny

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

Three of my favorite car people, brilliant. Thanks Jonny & co.

[@williamclark6466]

Great, silly, fun! Thanks Edd, Jonny, & Richard.

[@micheltebraake7915]

The “Idol chats” is a fantastic series Jonny. Learned a lot about the background of Edd China.

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

Looking forward to Part 2 of this. Great chat between you all.

[@MrLundefaret]

This is just incredibly good, what a good match!

[@karvanznlife9227]

My God Richard absolutely rocked ! Was he taking valium ?😂

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Ha!!

[@KarlMcClelland]

Brilliant !!! Two of my current favourite channels merge. Do more of this sort of thing...

[@cjp6527]

Brilliant, loved every minute, well done Jonny and Co. Top drawer yet again...🎩

[@fredericrike5974]

Jonny, the Tall Man is most definitely a one of, unlikely to occur again. There is something both so special and so warmly human about him- not succeeding at a project is possible- failing isn't, not really- Edd has always found a great take away. So glad you brought this to us- Edd would never think we would be so interested, on his own show- I think he is "not correct" about that! Stay Awesome! FR

[@adamknopp6631]

Ed’s needs to build a counter tash. Like a countache, but a counter with a moustache 😬

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Most entertaining and enlightening too, plus amusing on all fronts. Thank you all.

[@SnoodyMcFlude]

Could happily listen to Edd talk for ages, interesting bloke

[@andrewdollery3807]

Fantastic to hear Edd talk so openly. Great questions Johnny

[@snbala]

Met Ed at automechnika in Birmingham, great guy and he really is like a giant. He agreed straight away to take a picture with me.

[@rabk5702]

Brilliant to hear Edd talk on how he started his career great interview and setting he is a very interesting guy :-)

[@jameshounslow7013]

Would love to see the project Binky/Bad obsession motorsport chaps on the chairs one day

[@Mpayne1472]

Rich is a mate of mine

[@owzdevil]

Thanks for this all, ironically the first ever issue of max power I bought with my pocket money was the one with Edd's driving bed.

[@williamdubyaog1334]

Love it ! Thanks for having Edd on ! 👏🏻😎

[@phillippayne8170]

Just brilliant…………👍🇦🇺 Thank you Jonny Smith .

[@alexgray6082]

Love these idol chats.

[@recruitmentwebsites]

Cool to see Ed online

[@Thecarbore78]

What an excellent interview, hope Jonny got Edd to have a look at his bug and get it running properly. Rich porter couldn’t get a word in.

[@chrisbuck7923]

Love the Idol Chats!

[@stevefinch8519]

Good interview Johnny, thought the Mike brewer subject was well approached. Great stories at these events.

[@chrisdell4186]

Brilliant interview! Love Wheeler Dealers (with and without Edd) and could just listen to Edd talk for hours. Great job!

[@kevinlyon9501]

Your certainly producing some cracking shows Jonny. Such an interesting chat with Ed, always loved the mad vehicles he creates.

[@JD-eo7dr]

How can you not love a driving couch or bed id take either of these over most supercars. Be banging more than gears in that bed

[@J0nny61]

Two of my favourite people, Jonny and Edd.

[@Renlondonhome]

Poor old Rich

[@richard63]

The Late Brake Show with Jonny and Edd and Richard. Brilliant formula. Make it happen .

[@sdg198127]

Please interview Edd China again. I absolutely love his honesty, but most of all, how he doesn't speak ill on others

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Fantastic Interview Johnny, Ed is a great bloke and a true gent.

[@paulshort1027]

Ed never disappoints. Great interview.

[@davestatham812]

I say, what a cracking show, bloody marvelous, Love Edd china, great interview Jonny top stuff, 👍🏻❤

[@888johnmac]

i really hope this interview is part one of many .. Edd is a fascinating person & Jonny is a very good interviewer

[@jon-ie4li]

Edd is like a Duracell bunny ,nobody else can get a word in,

[@scotty197878]

Value for money there from Edd. Got to be the easiest interview ever, he gave a lot back 👍

[@gavinmillington1094]

Enjoyed that chat, thanks Gents.

[@shakejones]

EDD CHINA - top bloke! great interview - thanks for sharing!

[@DJWerkz]

Thanks Jonny, this was super interesting

[@jimhaines8370]

Nice to hear from Ed when it’s just a chat with questions

[@anthonygrodecki7968]

Thank you great loved it Edd so relaxed best interview I have seen…

[@scofair1968]

Amazing!!! Thanks guys

[@robinsentance3266]

I have to admit I did fall asleep in the field (next to the original yellow Honda Civic). But I was massively hungover that day, and I tried hair the dog with two bottles of wine. But a well needed coma came during the idol chat. However thank you for making me feel at home and for your soothing melodic voices to give me 20 minutes of peace from headache/nausea hell. Thanks for uploading this Johnny, I really felt I missed a big part of the show that day

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Your comment wins Robin. Thank you for your honesty, and for coming along to the live show.

[@BRED510]

Brilliant episode. Eds such an interesting guy.

[@DEZ1172]

Great watch , keep up the good work Jonny 👌

[@paulmurden7621]

Great interview once again Jonny.