Everything you didn't know about BBC Radio 1 Greg James ' love for cars

Everything you didn't know about BBC Radio 1 Greg James ' love for cars. Welcome to a very special Idol Chat interview on The Late Brake Show with BBC Radio 1 breakfast's Greg James. Greg and Jonny Smith have been friends for a while, but when Greg wanted to find and buy his dream car, Jonny offered to help. The car? A E34 M5 BMW, just like the car seen in Ronin. The ultimate '90s super saloon? Greg reckons so.
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Greg and Jonny spent the afternoon driving his BMW and talking about the Radio One DJ's secret obsession with cars throughout his life - often appreciating the mundane and normal cars during his childhood. Greg doesn't do interviewsRadio 1's Greg James - My Secret Love of Cars (and why I bought a '90s BMW M5) very often, so we want to say a huge thank you for agreeing to make this. Want Jonny and Greg to do more on TLBS? Let us know in the comments!
Thanks to Munich Legends munichlegends.co.uk/ for helping to source Greg's M5.
Smith & Sniff is the UK's #1 automotive podcast, where Jonny and ex Top Gear and Grand Tour script editor Richard Porter chat absolute rubbish for an hour, periodically mentioning car related topics. Listen now:
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Filmed by and edited by: Phil Vaughan Pritchard www.philvfilms.com/
Thumbnail 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
1:32 Secret car interest?
2:55 How they met
3:32 Reptile sex chat
3:52 Choosing his car
4:15 Mercedes SL R107
5:00 Nostalgic cars important
5:43 Driving the M5
6:00 BEST THING I'VE DRIVEN
7:28 Perfect DJ commuter car
8:38 M5 spec
9:18 BMW i3S EV
10:20 Reactions to the M5
12:02 Greg's first car
13:45 Greg's Dad's cars
14:45 Talking Renault!
15:30 Buying the M5
16:11 Mum's Nissan Sunny
18:55 More driving - ENGINE SOUND
19:31 Greg's old house
20:20 RC cars
21:10 'Happiest when driving'
22:58 Music in the car
26:50 RONIN
28:48 Question from Smith and Sniff
30:08 Greg's Primary School
30:22 Rally or Touring car driver
#gregjames #gregjamesinterview #thelatebrakeshow #4k

[@kieranwhite6647]

An M5, Partridge chat, and Ronin too! What an episode

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Greg is the real deal, and he cares about his audience. The passion for radio, for mental health and welfare, and for cars should make us all proud!

[@kieranwhite6647]

@TheLateBrakeShow I'm not a Radio 1 listener, but I became aware of Greg recently when pictures of him and his M5 came up on my Twitter, my respect for him went through the roof after that and having watched this episode he strikes me as a top bloke

[@andycorn2007]

Wow, my 2 favourite podcast people come together! Awesome!

[@peterbradburn9115]

Fantastic. Greg James always seems like just such a nice, well rounded bloke 👍

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

❤❤@@TheLateBrakeShow

[@thomaskirkland8391]

I listen to Greg most mornings and had no idea about the passion for cars. A humble down to earth guy, who's now even more relatable!

[@GoodJobLittleBuddy]

I was so surprised to see this, always been a fan of Greg James and even more so now

[@danielmarsland7519]

Same! Been listening to him for years, never knew he was into cars at all!

[@jimmymcgoo8641]

SIMP

[@L333ENG]

Agreed. Relatable, driving, music and wanting to be a BTCC driver. I could go for a pint with him.

[@zenouxbeauty]

Spot on Greg is so humble and selfless too. I have listened to him since when Fen cotton,Reggie Yates and Chris Moyles were still on radio 1 they used to Mock Greg James there was a time when Reggie Yates was mocking him on BBC three Big weekend but what I admire is the fact that Greg is so humble and he just does things in a selfless manner . Now Yates is history but Greg is the Head of BBC BIG WEEKEND now.

[@sambarker7930]

I’ve suddenly gained a lot more respect for Greg James

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

👌🏽

[@Prodriver33]

It was gone when he sat on the bonnet unfortunately….

[@sambarker7930]

@@Prodriver33 You don’t know how little respect I had for him beforehand!

[@markarnold8160]

Greg is one of those down to earth blokes who also happens to be well known and well liked. His three main hobbies, as it were, are also mine. I always wanted to be a DJ but never got past the mobile disco phase. I like this M5 version and thought they'd all perished.

[@InitialP_Photography]

Totally agree, he's not let fame get over his head and is still a human unlike the vast amount of "celebrities" we currently have who flash their cash about on social media and have done nothing to account to their fame.

[@lukemarr6042]

Came for the M5, stayed for the Partridge references. Lovely stuff.

[@shatnersbassoon1791]

One cup of beans, and I've put a sausage in and all 👍

[@jamessheehy4895]

Not my words carol the words of top gear magazine 😅

[@haslerdesigns]

@@shatnersbassoon1791 do you not have a spoon?

[@tommarino69]

Jurassic Park!

[@tommarino69]

​@@shatnersbassoon1791I see you're a cake man, be careful the Czech neck is a pain. 👍🏻

[@joshmerrick4716]

My respect for Greg has just gone up further than it already was. I love him on the radio and I’m a massive petrol head who’s also into retro German cars. My dad had an e34 528i when I was in my teens. My first car in 2006 was an e36 318is saloon which were quite rare. And I totally agree with you that bmw know how to make a 6 pot! The s54 in the e46 m3 is a masterpiece!

[@4ringgarage328]

they never made a 528i e34

[@joshmerrick4716]

@@4ringgarage328 it must have been a 525 then. I’m not as clued up on the older 5 series chassis numbers as I am 3 series

[@petesplaneta9340]

What a lovely video! A gentle, amusing chat with a beautiful car as a centrepiece. Exactly what I needed.

[@bdav9147pug1]

Totally agree I hope theyve got some more lined up, defo could watch some more over xmas !!!!

[@mrzazauk]

Hi Jonny, in my humble, this is one of your best videos. I am so happy Greg said what he did at the end. What you do and the way you deliver it is top notch. Every time you post a new video I can not wait to watch it. Thank you so much. 😊

[@MrORLY]

I had zero idea! Massive props Greg, especially for owning the best M car ever made. EDIT: I own an E34 540i, but a Renault Safrane BiTurbo is a bucketlist car!

[@Tommmcat1990]

Give Jonny, Sniff and Greg a show. That's the car show we need.

[@BkSMedia]

I have a really special connection to the E34. I had an E34 as my first car, and then I ended up buying a second one after being absolutely distraught that my first one got rear ended. I always wanted to own the M5 or a touring 540i 6 speed, and there's thankfully still time I can satisfy those dreams. Greg's M5 is gorgeous, and he also got the correct turbine covers. Love me some throwing stars!

[@Carambe]

I started a new job as a service engineer on the day the first Covid lockdown was announced (23rd March 2020). Due to a large amount of employees being furloughed and me being a new starter, I was covering many areas/regions across the North of the UK, driving several hours a day. Especially Greg but all of the Radio 1 day time presenters were a constant in my life from Monday-Friday for the best part of 2 and a half years through the majority of all the lockdowns. As like many others, I suffered through some hardships during the lockdowns and it was difficult day in, day out, listening to awful news on the radio about what covid was doing to the world and it got me quite down. Greg always had a knack of keeping my spirits up with his ridiculousness and always seemed positive despite what was going on. I never realised how much of a car nerd he was so to find that out makes me appreciate him all that more. Don’t know if you’ll ever see this Greg but you’re a top bloke and keep being you and can’t wait to see what whacky stuff you’ll be bringing to the radio tomorrow! Thanks for bringing Greg to the Late Brake Show Jonny, was a great watch 😁

[@williamholroyd1488]

What a lovely, warm, honest chat. We need to encourage more man chat like this, it's therapy.

[@tomfurie2996]

As an American I’ve never heard of Mr. James, but I can see why he is a popular radio host. Very bright, very genuine, and just the right amount of nerdy car guy.

[@Snakey120]

Greg is the only one left that i listen to on radio 1. Had no idea he was into his cars👌

[@SnakeyUk08]

"well thats killed it!" lol 🤣😂🤭

[@seamuscarroll2779]

E34 - best car BMW ever made. Gorgeous. They drive lovely, too.

[@dimuthujayawardana61]

I feel like I’ve seen myself reflected back at me in this video. So much has resonated. What a completely lovely thing to watch.

[@heskeylator]

Cars and Radio 1, part of my youth. I'll never forget driving around north Wales in the early 00s during the summer holidays with my mom and dad. Listening to the brilliant Mark & Lard on Radio 1 in the afternoon.

[@oliverstemp9132]

I really hope the BBC see this and do a proper car show with Greg James in it.

[@whosyourmate8292]

This was one of the greatest things i have seen on youtube! I've been an avid listener of Radio 1 since about 1990, the school commute, and Greg James is my favourite presenter thus far. Thanks Johnny 👌👍

[@michaelproctorr]

That car brings back some memories good to see it still in good nick my dad rebuilt that m5 in 2016 drove it to portugal it was a proper car good fun nice to see a good owner with his hands on it

[@schtum1]

Greg is a proper gent. I'm completely out of the target audience for radio 1 but tune in every morning. I thought this was a really well put together video. Nice work, especially the opening titles.

[@darrenrevill8664]

Really enjoyed that. Nice chat. Two nice guys. Even at 45 I still listen to radio 1 and even listened to Greg when he was on early breakfast.

[@stevesevs]

Wonderful interview. I also listen to Greg most mornings, what a lovely lad, interviewed by an equally lovely lad. Really pleased to hear Greg is also a car enthusiast. Thanks for putting this together Jonny!

[@asimo500]

Best episode so far. Greg is such a humble guy.

[@JamoSaye]

What a brilliant chat. I listen to Greg everyday and this resonates so much with me. My earliest memories are being in my Dad’s Vauxhall Carlton listening to Chris Moyles, Sara Cox, Scott Mills on Radio 1. I used get home from school out Scott Mills on off of Radio 1 and play driving video games for hours.

[@69bock69]

Use to listen to Greg when he done early mornings driving a truck. You could tell he was going to be a big name in radio. Always gave me a little shout out. He then moved to a more sensible time slot. And i think a year or two later sent a text and he remembered me and gave a shout out. Fair play , seems like a cool guy . Flash flash from gav the pie man 👍

[@4RingsRetro]

Cars just make everything better. Bromance much? Loved this. Dont listen to Radio 1, but I think Greg is a thoroughly nice chap. Love his taste in cars. Great dynamic with you both. You should help Greg ease into a career working on shows with you Johnny! Been watching you grow the channel since you started it, Greg would be a great addition!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you for this lovely comment

[@bdav9147pug1]

I thought exactly the same - Greg talking about cars surely is his future

[@neilgardner5437]

Brilliant episode, Jonny! What a top bloke Greg is. And…. What a fantastic taste in cars he has! Thank you for making videos like this, Jonny!

[@EP-bb1rm]

M5 and an i3S, oh Greg, I'm in love.

[@craigstranger123]

Really appreciated this one. He seems so normal and so down to earth.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Not been a Radio 1 listener for many a year! But have listened to Greg James if out and about in the car if there was nothing worth listening to. A great chat with Greg and what a beauty of a car be has in the M5.

[@SpectreDusk]

Always really liked Greg James, used to listen to him on the radio back when Chris Moyles was doing the breakfast show. You could always tell Greg was just a truly lovely person. Really enjoyed this interview, looking forward to seeing what you both get up to in the future!

[@arranshuker]

I listen to Greg most mornings as I drive my van to work. I had no idea he was a petrol head. I'm like him in many ways, I have a passion for Renaults, my first car was a Clio too. I've always wanted a ride on lawn mower. As a kid I would love looking through car magazines. Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it and I now feel like Greg James is even more of a national treasure, despite the unusual choice of attire at times. Ha ha!

[@2cvsmee]

What a brilliant video! So cool to hear of Greg's interests, and love the love-in of old Renaults! I hope you can do more videos together in future, this is Greg's calling!

[@arweldavies8438]

That was everything I thought it would be. What a down to earth guy Greg is and you can see why you two get on. Greg, if you read this, it's never to late to be a rally driver... Trust me. Great interview 👍🏻

[@ENLSN77]

So good i watched it twice, back to back.

[@user-km2vj9qr9u]

This is great. Down to earth bloke and after listening to Greg for years never knew his passion for cars and what a fantastic car to have.

[@eckd50]

Great video, could watch and listen to these two all day! Loving the reasoning and choice of car. I can't unsee the falling apart door card though!!

[@johnnysmith863]

You both do a great job. My mum also had a B-reg Sunny. Hers was a red coupe, so there. That's a lovely looking E34 M5, digging the cloth interior. In period I thought they looked really big and heavy but, as you say, now they're juuust right. Not heavy but handsomely chiselled, much like myself.

[@mickmcc2158]

I’ve been listening to Greg since his early days on very early morning radio. He kept me company in my long commute in a shitty Fiat Stilo. What a motor. Back when Beemers really were the best. Great episode, Jonny

[@welz2002]

A friends mum had one of these brand new when I was growing up. Loved everything about it, the understated looks, the noise it made and the throwing star alloys. I remember being dropped to the school disco with return of the Mac playing as we pulled up. Felt so cool 😂 I would love to own one at some point.

[@benllewelyn98]

Always liked greg, very often listen to him when im out in the work van. Radio 1 isnt really my kind of music but always enjoy his show gives a good bit of energy in the mornings

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Great morning positivity...

[@johndavey72]

Hi Jonny . I must tell you l've never heard or listened to Greg, but what a riot ! Possibly the best show you've presented ! The only doomer is some , in high places, may not appreciate or approve of Gregs candid comments .... this can happen when 2 buddies forget the're recording! I for one, absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed it . I do hope those wheels didn't get damaged by the "sleeping policeman" they were pretty fragile ! In the day Jonny, we called these "Q"cars (quick) . Thanks Jonny , and a huge thanks to Greg ....and l'm definitely going to "tune in " 💖

[@jimbob578]

This was great, massive fan of Greg, he's just the most likeable chap and I always listen to his show when I can. Didn't know he was into cars... what a pair of great guys. Only started watching The Late Brake Show around 6 months ago, but always been a fan of Jonny since Max Power days and glad the mag still gets a mention from time to time 😘

[@benhooper1956]

What a remarkably candid and thoughtful man Greg is. Although I am a "youth" I don't tune in to Radio 1 due to the music, however, I would listen to him all day. There is something refreshingly relatable about him and I can tell how humble he his. As far as I am concerned, it is not boasting if it is something you are genuinely passionate about, and I know that as a Renault Safrane enjoyer, he is a man of exceptional taste. Did you tell him about the Irmscher-tuned Renault Safrance BiTurbo? That would be worth a French collection caper Really touching Film Jonny, Greg is a wonderful chap and I am glad classic cars have really made a difference in his life, that's what they are about.

[@JordDoes]

My mum also had one of these when I was younger seeing the interior brings back memories and also realising the rear seat belts came from the inside and clipped in on the outer.

[@carlhowell6063]

Another brilliant watch Jonny! I've listened to Greg James for years now and these days he's all I really listen to on radio one. Always wondered what the connection was I'd felt but now this explains it, a fellow petrol head!

[@bristolbaron]

What a lovely bloke! I’m in the radio 2 stage of life now, so knew nothing of him beyond his name, but that was a great interview. Top stuff. 👍

[@tjshill82]

Always liked Greg on the radio. Now I like him even more. Thanks for the upload. Great content

[@johnbevan7157]

Another great show, just enjoy watching these as it’s just like chatting with your mates on cars and enjoying talking rubbish at times too. Keep up the great work 🙂

[@daveredhead710]

That was awesome, just a great chat on life, cars, hobbies and much more plus the end had me crying with laughter!

[@TyredFormat]

Love these idol chats. Great interview format, catching the guest slightly off guard whilst talking about something theyre very passionate about. Brilliant!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Glad you liked it. Thank you.

[@jonathangould1255]

I had a renault 25 gtx 2.2 petrol. Super comfy. My dad had the first gen facelift espace. It was red and grey two tone. One of the first in the UK. I remember driving from peterborough to Luton then on to Newquay for a summer holiday. We didn’t go much under 100mph all the way. Soo many people would come out of places when parked up to look at the espace. Safrane was a fav…I had a Laguna, some great cars mentioned….maybe a fuego turbo? Rare car now like the 25.

[@stephenyeates6794]

Great video. Feels like I’m listening to a couple of mates chatting about cars from the 90s

[@tonywestwood4635]

What an excellent video! Completely surprising insight in to Greg, lots of relevant topics, down to earth chat, inappropriate jokes and 90s obscure chat. Thanks both!!

[@antgibbons4454]

Great video. Funnily enough some of my fondest memories are of Greg’s Friday Night Dance Anthems shows from a few years ago, being driven home by my Dad after my driving lessons, full of optimism day dreaming about first cars. Those were the days.

[@joeaston1893]

I absolutely loved this episode! I’ve been a huge fan of Greg for years and I had no idea he was one of us.

[@peterthomas1079]

The Renault 25 gtx is the best car I've owned for reliability. Comfort. Economy. The armchair seats were sublime... I still miss that masterpiece

[@-DC-]

25 V6 Turbo blew my mind back in the early 90's, Loved that vehicle.

[@davidd5017]

What a fascinating chat with two fascinating people. I hope this isn't the last time we see you two together.

[@jonathanyarwoodgolf]

Brilliant! Top chap Greg 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 Thanks for all the great work Johnny 👍🏼

[@blairhenderson1476]

Genuinely one of my favourite videos I’ve watched in a long time

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Blair, thanks!

[@rsjamie9423]

Love this. Brilliant Video, Brilliant passion and Greg is awesome. One thing to change. Original period font dealer number plates 👌

[@shatnersbassoon1791]

The fact he mentions 'Ronin' makes him legit 👌👍👊

[@petercox4932]

Like two mates in a pub talking.life and cars. Loved it. Greg is a top bloke and great choice of car.

[@nikbartlett807]

What a pleasure to watch, absolutely wonderful.

[@99AmethystZJ]

That was a really great watch Jonny, thanks, ..very sweet m5, Greg should have kept the beautiful Merc though! Quite insightful thoughts with his enjoyment of 'just' driving. Some quality chuckling to be had and a blossoming bromance was evident😊 I did laugh about the espace as I've got a glorious early Fiat Ulysse (ev1) that I like to refer to as a kidnappers or indeed a murderer's bus with its sliding doors and space without realising it was actually a potential selling point😀 also just picked up on the Ronin headlight flashes in the beginning montage on my second watch! Great car chase.👍

[@RefitandSail]

Probably the best late-brake episode, certainly the first one I have watched start to finish. Well done guys.

[@mikefrost7516]

Loved this episode!!! Great stuff Jonny and nice to see Greg too!

[@bogy999]

Love this. I have been into cars since my dad took me to scrap yards. Got obsessed by race cars, touring cars and rally cars in the 90s. I'm now into modified cars. I just love spending time with people who are into the same thing. Many an idea has been passed onto me by someone else who has been into the same things. Good on you Gregg 😄

[@stevenbell1496]

Such a lovely interview!

[@jamiefriend3643]

That was an absolute pleasure chaps.2 of my favourite people chatting about cars. 😀

[@markbiggart1265]

Great video and one of my fav all time M cars. Nice one guys

[@paulmayhew8085]

Simply, 2 of my favourite people with a brilliant car

[@krupauk]

Loved the passion and enjoy the hard work that brought you to the M5

[@twoeggcups]

Excellent as usual.

[@robstaples6649]

Love this film. Two great speakers, one lovely old E34, and my home town. Cool.

[@rthomasbox]

I proudly wrote off a Renault Safrane. 3 months old. Same area Greg lived. I was driving my Fiat Tipo back in 1994. Snow and ice. Skied into the back of it at 10mph. First reaction was ‘not bad, bonnet is still in position. Then the Safrane moved forward and I realised that it was worse. He’s car folded up. Mine cracked number plate. They were awful cars. M5 is gorgeous. I’ve just bought an M3 same year. Love it.

[@farrance]

I’ve listened to him on R1 for years, always thought he was good fun. This vid made him seem so much more down to earth.

[@gregrutherford2834]

Absolutely fabulous Video. Well done Jonny. Enjoying the uncensored nature of the dialogue too. 10/10

[@vc4546]

I'm a groundsman, it feels funny to be the living out Greg James' alternate reality. It's a great job, very stress free, would highly recommend.

[@adammoonface]

I listen to Greg every day, driving to work in my E46. I've always liked him, but now I know he's a fellow BMW nerd, I love him! Lol

[@carchaps]

Now love Greg James even more! Great video as always Jonny

[@TSM13]

That was brilliant! Greg seems to be the type of guy who could just sit and talk about any old car related stuff, without it needing to be about the latest Ferrari etc. Fantastic work as always Jonny!

[@Challenger540i]

This is the most entertaining, watchable and honest car vid In ages. Bit of a car bromance here I think! A stunning M5 to boot!

[@louissanderson719]

I was not expecting Greg James on here! Love it

[@jay.atkinson]

You are brilliant Jonny, thanks to Mrs Car Pervert and the team also.

[@markparmenter124]

What a nice fella Greg James is! Absolute legend 👏

[@alechall7082]

I love this community so much.

[@turbomonkey93]

Mad listened to him for years and never knew, what a guy 👍

[@AirsoftV3]

Great video! Really enjoyed that. The time flew by

[@sharpey79]

What a pair of legends. Brilliant.

[@iainmackenzie3704]

That was such an uplifting video. Didn't really know or care about Greg. How wrong was I. He loves everything I do and all his stories ring true with me. Big love, and the M5 is gorgeous x

[@andypestjames2634]

What an episode this needs to be a yearly Greg cast

[@stomlinson32ify]

Have to agree, Johnny does a great job with these videos 👍

[@peterkitts8815]

Greg is such a lovely chap. Thoroughly enjoyed this episode.

[@tomrenton-rose6070]

Great video and chat Jonny, funny, car-y and more funny. Winner.

[@Medge2sc]

My dad has a safranne … bi turbo !!! We also had a 25txe and that computer voice is bang on!!! Those were the days . It had electric rear relining seats

[@caffinemc1]

Well that killed it 🤣 spat coffee out 🤣There has to be an Espace adventure now - Awesome Idol Chat