From EVO to farming to Harry's Garage and car collecting - the Harry Metcalfe interview

From EVO to farming to Harry's Garage and car collecting - the Harry Metcalfe interview. Harry Metcalfe was a farmer before Jeremy Clarkson, and has been collecting cars since before the internet. He established EVO magazine whilst managing a farm, and has become a youtuber in middle age. Jonny managed to sit him down in the battered Idol Chat brown leather chairs for a frank chat about his life and career against an automotive backdrop.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
Thank you to Harry for letting us bring the chairs along to the barn. His (car and farm) channels can be found here:
/ @harrysgarage
/ @harrysfarmvids
For a detailed blog on how shoots like this went, join Patron and read Jonny's updates: / thelatebrakeshow
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SUBSCRIBE for a broad-church of automotive appreciation spanning EV, classic, modified and future tech.
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Filmed by Bryn Musselwhite / brynmusselwhite
Edited by: Matty Graham @ Pixel Click pixel-click.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
2:45 Horses and motorbikes
4:20 Harry's Dad's cars
6:00 Dad's fashion
7:20 Education
8:25 Loved farming
9:45 Early mobile phones
11:35 Brabham Fiat 500
12:50 Saab 900 Turbos & moustaches
13:40 Secret Beetle tuning
15:35 How do I get into farming?
16:40 Property deals
17:20 Maserati Ghibli Cup
18:02 E30 M3
18:25 Magazines and Maseratis
19:10 EVO was born
20:45 Hillclimbing Lotus Elan
21:14 Naming EVO
22:00 Ordering £45,000 of computers
25:45 Becoming a KZbinr
26:43 Worst cars
27:49 Pre-internet car buying
28:51 Crashing
31:04 Living with a Zonda
33:10 Why I sold the Zonda
34:04 Sub £1000 car choice
36:10 Buying American muscle
37:18 Subscribe and watch part 2
#harrysgarage #thelatebrakeshow #idolchat

[@richcarr9147]

The two best KZbin stars in one place, please put on a car event together!

[@jonathancollard3710]

Certainly the two with the easiest and most informative manner…

[@Comakino]

Agreed!

[@WilliamStevens007]

Absolutely.

[@eclecticcyclist]

Johnny, your audio levels have always been a little on the low side but this episode is exceptional as the youtube adverts become almost deafening when my volume is set for your audio levels.

[@romanholidaycandybat]

Agreed audio needs normalising!

[@simonyapp]

Agreee, came on here to say with all my speakers and PC set to full its still too quiet, always normalize the audio to around -2dB.

[@excossack]

Not just me then :-(

[@funkyuk1]

The transition between Harry’s quiet dulcet tones and you tube’s obnoxious adverts is a bit painful 😬👍🏼

[@eoghanfla6343]

I was wondering was this just me as I was watching on a projector and surround sound unit. There must be a 20% difference between the ads and the film audio. Also seemed to be a lot of adds compared to normal?

[@clownworld-honk410]

The two most charismatic car journalists together in one place. Can't ask for more than that! Need a volume button on my phone that goes to 11, though.

[@michaelroberts7549]

Couldn’t agree more; if only these two had their own TV program!

[@graysono]

I thought it was my Chrome cast that volume was so low! Loved the chat between the two of them. Total class!

[@zimbarbaluba]

The last few lbs videos have been a bit quiet actually

[@MarkAldrich74]

Same on my TV. Volume is low, but on YT app on my phone it's fine. Weird!

[@mikeclifton7778]

Charismatic but without massive egos, fantastic.

[@JohnAdams-kc8wx]

This is quite simply the best motoring interview I have ever seen. Two proper motoring journalists right here.

[@MrOvershoot]

It was good but I don't think it tops the 2 parter with Chris Harris, I still go back and watch those every so often.

[@anydaynow01]

@@MrOvershoot Agreed that one was pure gold, it would be nice if he did some with Henry Catchpole from Carfection and Randy Prost from Havertys / Motortrend, talk about a personality!

[@willr69420]

*I'm a huge Harry Metcalfe fan, and was tickled to hear the important parts of his biography.*

[@simes205]

Check out Chris Harris’s interview with Harry too.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thouroughly enjoyed that - what a lovely chap Harry seems to be, always wondered about his background pre-EVO so this was fascinating to me - really looking forward to the next episode....thanks both, great entertainment you bring us, so much better than the stuff on TV.....

[@TheNecroFrog]

Always nice to see you popping up commenting on other channels, wonder if there’s a possibility of an idle chat here!

[@jeremyrigden9200]

Your channel and both Harrys ( garage/farm) are my first go-to,.

[@Mpayne1472]

Collecting cars with Harris goes into a lot more detail on the EVO story

[@brattonbiker6482]

High praise indeed from TMF. Harry, Jonny and Andy - all brilliant youtubers 👏

[@markbriggs5531]

I totally agree. Thoroughly I enjoyed this too. Harry has such a warm personality and is so enthusiastic. A pleasure to watch.

[@harpersneil]

As a teenager, I bought every single EVO episode from issue 2 onwards. When I migrated overseas, it cost me a fortune to maintain my habit, but it was a slice a home that kept me sane. I'm so grateful for what Harry built. Thanks 'Arry.

[@marka4664]

The perfect combination of my two favourite you tubers. Brilliant chat and you both need to collaborate on future projects.

[@danielbrown2618]

Fantastic videos, Harry is such a likeable bloke isn’t he, so laid back and no nonsense in his opinions. Great chat Jonny!

[@damientaylor1]

I'd heard Harry's back story via a Chris Harris interview on the Collecting Cars podcast but squeezed even more information out of him, so I learned something new. Nice oneJonny, looking forward to Part 2.

[@adamgilesconcoursdelegance9302]

Great to go a bit deeper in to Harry’s past..full of substance and quirky interesting topics..unlike most of the mega KZbinrs that are just superficial car people

[@stevecotterill7981]

Harry is such a lovely, humble guy. What a back story. Thanks Jonny for the great questions. 👍🇬🇧

[@petegowland6201]

Just like the Chris Harris video, I could have watched another hour of this. Those early days of Evo have left a big imprint on me, and pretty much everyone there has basically become a personal hero. Thanks again.

[@Juniaro]

Despite not pitching "Harry's All Night Garage" as per Smith & Sniff podcast this was a wonderful chat. Getting some more of the true journalists from that era in the chairs would be epic.

[@93455Driver]

He has chatted to a few like Harris, like you say would be great hear more, Meaden, Sutcliffe, Frankel, etc. Tbh, I would like to hear some interviews with the photographers and camera folks, that tech has evolved so fast but they have done some leery stuff over the years to get great pictures and videos.

[@pommycalva]

Fascinating to hear Harry’s life story .Thanks so much Johnny,and Harry of course!

[@jimclements3190]

Amazing genuine guys the pair of you, an absolute pleasure to see and hear you both, this video has filled in a lot of blank spaces in Harry's history thank you Jonny.👍

[@Hopgop1]

I would happily watch a 3 hour version of this, feel like you’ve barely scratched the surface. Hoping you can get some more time with Harry in the future

[@ChrisFEJackson]

Can't think of a more deserving interviewee & interviewer. Enjoyed that immensely thank you!

[@Akira42]

What a Father's day treat. My two favourite car people just chatting cars, and I get to listen in. Thanks so much both of you.

[@rampanttwattery4844]

Absolutely enthralling. This episode was everything I hoped it would be. What a thoroughly decent chap. Well done Jonny 👌

[@MJTiffPlumbing]

Brilliant…. Love listening to Harry talking over his life behind Evo/Cars/farming etc….. nice one Jonny🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Trickydicky99]

Probably the best two car tubers currently, both very real, down to Earth and properly enthusiastic. Thanks for the content, a great start to Fathers day 😀

[@grayfool]

Jonny does it again. That was a great half hour. Thanks so much guys. Evo was such a wonderful magazine, it changed the way I looked at cars. Harry has been a "friend" ever since.

[@duncanajpv8]

evo under Harry, was the perfect magazine for car enthusiasts, I loved it so much. This was a real treat, Harry and Jonny, the best at what they do, and so likable with it.

[@acalthu]

Brilliant segment. Harry never talks about this stuff on his channel, very refreshing to watch him talk about his life.

[@BigRichyC]

Having watched other things on great leaders as Harry, the best quality is that ability to just accept the bad times as all part of the journey. Great chat fella.

[@barfmeister8509]

Can’t beat two of KZbin’s finest, chatting cars or whatever sat in comfy armchairs. Yet another thoroughly enjoyable half hour or so. Thanks guys 😍👍

[@notroublesjustbubbles2307]

LOVE IT! I watch Jonny's and Harry's videos every week and now I have both you guys in one!! 👏🏻

[@adamclark7536]

Weirdly, I have never followed Harry's Garage but I love his farming channel. Nice to see the chairs again and for such a good chat too.

[@_chipchip]

Mate go have a watch. One of the best car reviewers out there.

[@robinfoster7597]

Harry Metcalfe and yourself, Jonny - what a treat! It's to your credit gentleman that i have watched your BEFORE the F1 qualyfing highlights - that's high praise indeed! Thanks for a great show.

[@richardcarter1000]

Harry's a legend. Early EVO was a golden era. I subscribed from the start, went to events, met Harry and built my own collection. Watch every one of Harry's Garage. Cancelled my EVO subs now, as not into all the hybrid , EV stuff. I'll stay in the golden days with my own cars. Great interview.

[@swiper1818]

Excellent discussion and to see the two of you together!

[@IngramCars]

My favourite youtube channel, including Harry's Farm! Remember when Harry started in 2014, every broadcast is enjoyable. Excellent interview!

[@plunder1956]

That was such a joy to watch and listen too. I love watching you both and would love to chat - especially bikes - with Harry. So this is the next best thing.

[@bobanpfc96]

Harry is such a gentleman! Truly a joy to listen to his story.

[@grahamwillox]

Loved this, Harry’s channels are among the best of British IMO.

[@julianadams2206]

Brilliant Video Jonny It felt like 5 minutes of chat instead of 37. Loved the final question. Thank goodness there is a part 2.

[@Cloverleaf7642]

Delightful conversation. Thanks, boys.

[@whitemoor66]

Two absolute legends in the same video. Awesome! Can't wait for the next installment.

[@gadjules7334]

Loved this video, 2 of my favourite car people, I could have watched a 3 hour extended version. Also watched the garage tour beforehand. Great work Mr S, you and Mr M are the dream team of car viewing

[@skandiflik]

what a brilliant fathers Day present. the two best content creators on the same show :)

[@maverick4177]

Love both Harry’s farm and garage, interesting, simple, honest and without any BS, much like the TLBS all great channels 👏🏻👏🏻

[@davidbarnsley8486]

Between you and Harry could this get any better And now we know how Harry got there What a journey 👍👍👍

[@ginggur17]

Fantastic interview. Loved it. 👍👍👍👍👍👍🤜🤛🇬🇧 Thankyou both.

[@justsomeguy1141]

Love how encouraging Harry is to Johny at the end "don't worry, you'll get this garage". I wish I had a older wiser father/mentor figure like Harry in my life.

[@jaspal666]

I just saw this interview. Harry is a fountain of knowledge. I’ve been a fan since Evo hit the bookstores in the US. He’s the guy who will chat with you over a few pints and only let on he has some sports cars when asked. Very good work!

[@fonnievanzijl7446]

Wow, the best. Thank you guys!!

[@julianowens4071]

My favourite interview yet,fascinating to listen to Harry,so interesting and inspiring

[@chrisbagginsmay2474]

The content we’ve all been waiting for from 2 of the best, doing what they do best. Great stuff

[@ewanstewart8011]

Fantastically interesting guy Mr Metcalfe, both of his channels are a must watch for me and comes across as really laid back, he also seems to spend money to add value to what ever he’s doing 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@michaeleaston547]

Great interview. Thank you,

[@christianwheeler5418]

Two of the best on KZbin could have listened all day. Keep it up.

[@Joolz1982]

This was brilliant good to hear more about Harry’s ventures.

[@nickmorgs]

Loved every second of that. Thank you both.

[@jon4539]

The two kings of KZbin, fantastic stuff Johnny thank you so much 37 minutes of joy

[@davebarron5939]

Is there a better guy around? Thoroughly enjoy Harry, his feet fully on the ground and honesty. Great bit, Thanks.

[@rodsantos9325]

That was excellent Jonny! Love your work. I recently subscribed to Harry's Garage because of the Alfa Romeo and Lancia content he has. 👍

[@steveburgess299]

Really great video as always, thanks both. The two best KZbinrs together. Always interesting and entertaining..cheers Steve..

[@kramnam4716]

Brilliant! Lovely to see that photo too with Harris catchpole etc fascinating. Bloody well done Harry M ! Great interview J

[@recruitmentwebsites]

The two best car reviewers in one episode, what a father's day treat. Thank you.

[@scottcabot5039]

Harry & Jonny the absolute pinnacle of automotive viewing, from EVO magazine reading to Jonny at Max Power Magazine I’ve followed your journeys so cool to see you having a chat together. Really great to see that more personable side of Harry 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Scott, cheers for the comment.

[@patricksheringham5965]

Great stuff, glad there's going to be a part 2 because that could easily have been 2 or 3 times longer.

[@WilliamStevens007]

It left me wanting much much more.

[@chunkymonkey3594]

Great stuff Jonny. I watch all Harry's videos and I should watch more of your channel, you're a genuine car nerd.

[@robertfourt7096]

Great to see the two of you together- I just wanted to hear more!

[@andyjones8448]

Great interview. You and Harry are my favourite motoring KZbin channels.

[@NotesFromAfar]

Fantastic! My two favourite car KZbinrs, lovely start to Fathers Day :)

[@colinnuttall9579]

Good video Johnny, I felt as if I learned so much about Harry that he just never talks about on Harry’s Garrage. He comes across as such a lovely bloke, always softly spoken, doesn’t have ‘eye’ disease like so many people and an interesting person. Harry is obviously well healed to have such a lifestyle but he’s not arrogant or self important. Thank you for this one, I enjoyed it very much. Australia

[@rovingenglishman]

Loved hearing about Evo. That magazine was a big deal to us petrol heads when it came out, I considered it a luxury item. Interesting hearing about Harry’s fashion and country life background. My takeaway is positivity, following your passions, being open to opportunity, hard work and making lemonade when there’s lemons will get you what you want in life. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏼

[@fishbert17]

I had been hoping for a Smith and Sniff interview with Harry, OTSOT, but this was a very enjoyable and interesting interview. Looking forward to part two

[@billbligh4547]

Bravo… about bloody time Jonny! It did not disappoint… could’ve been a bit longer tho. Look forward to the walk around.

[@shirleyboy8859]

Could listen to Harry for hours... (I even plugged in an extra speaker) Great interview Jonny..... There has to be a Part 2..... :-))) xxx

[@camhick1]

Love these sort of interviews. Love Harry's Garage and Farm.

[@marks7471]

Love Harry. Love Jonny. This was ace. Thank you.

[@alasdairwilson4806]

Fantastic.Best yet.Can't wait for part 2.

[@rogerwatt3154]

As a magazine art director and professional car photographer back in the '70s and '80s, I found this totally fascinating and could relate to so much of what you guys said. Great video!

[@WilliamStevens007]

Brilliant, Loved watching and listening but needed to be much much longer though. Well done Jonny. Awesome.

[@paulanderson7059]

What a brilliant interview Johnny knocked the ball out of the park with this one Harry Metcalf what an interesting guy see hard work can pay off keep up the good work Johnny 👍

[@seanhammon6639]

Harry is so incredibly likeable. I always feel so grateful listening to Harry that I feel like I should be offering him a nice of tea. Several cups of tea really.

[@Kissmyapex]

Great watch! Strangely I’ve been deliberating for the last week or so about accepting a buyers job for a high performance German car manufacturer, I’m taking it!!

[@bossadave]

Great interview, Harry is the genuine car guy.

[@ATomRileyA]

Really enjoyed this, great to hear how everything started with EVO and Harrys life.

[@DanielDrives]

An outstanding interview, Jonny. Harry is a motoring legend, so it's wonderful to see him on TLBS.

[@Rjhs001]

Two of my favourite KZbinrs talking (very quietly) to each other...wonderful.

[@robjerome1]

Sunday Times Drive section!!!! I remember looking through that every week. Lovely memories! Great episode!

[@tonyosullivan2382]

About bloody time, gonna enjoy this on the big screen now before everyone wakes up. 🤙

[@javelsaudades6537]

What a treat! Thanks. Namaste!!!!

[@montanaheaventush]

Fantastic Interview - really fascinating

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Harry Metcalfe is a legend, thanks Jonny!

[@scalewarmachines]

You answered a few questions I had on Harry’s past and the Zonda. Love his channel and Harry’s farm. I like his bike stuff too and I’m no biker, but I love it when it gives it the welly across his fields in an old Dakar classic.

[@Billywoo12]

Big fan of both channels. Great chat.

[@timwilks666]

My two favourite KZbinrs in one place. Been putting off watching this one, like when you delay opening a Christmas present in case it's not quite as good as you hoped. Needn't have worried. And now I have the Garage Tour video to watch too. Just need a Jonny's Farm now...

[@silentracer911]

FINALLY!!!! I’ve been waiting YEARS for this one!!!

[@JR90.]

Great way to start a Sunday morning. Love the idol chat videos.

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

Superb Jonny , Harry is such a great Man and well respected certainly by myself . Great video 👍👍

[@graemeadamson7272]

Always love listening to Harry and his plethora of wonderful stories. Far too quiet , had to wack my phone volume up to full and STILL had to hold it close to my ear !!!!!

[@The63Jazz]

Brilliant both, two great channels collide in car stuff magnificence

[@frankoreilly2854]

Amazing interview ,great back ground information.

[@Jonathan-dy7gq]

Very well done Johnny! What a charming pair...

[@iainmarsh8036]

That felt like it was only 5 minutes, apart from quiet audio absolutely brilliant. Thank you

[@richardsedorski1206]

Marvelous interview brilliant stuff just love Harry’s you tube channels and yours of course.👍👍👍