Mike Brewer big interview part 1 - the Wheeler Dealer's Life In Cars

Mike Brewer big interview part 1 - the Wheeler Dealer's Life In Cars. Known for being the frontman of TV show Wheeler Dealers since it began almost 20 years ago, Mike had already been the presenter of Driven, Deals on Wheels and numerous other shows. Following on from the Car Cave private garage tour of Mike's workshop, this is the Idol Chat interview, where Jonny Smith brings his terrible brown chairs to ask personal questions to a prominent face in the automotive community.
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Don't forget to watch part 2 here: • Mike Brewer big interv...
Edd China interview: • Edd China's life of ca...
Ant Anstead interview: • The Ant Anstead interv...
Jonny records a weekly podcast called Smith and Sniff, which airs every Monday. Loosely based around car chat, Smith and Sniff (Sniff being his podcast partner Richard 'Sniff Petrol' Porter) 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:
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Filmed 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
0:28 Disappointed Mike
2:00 The lock-up
2:18 Chair build
3:38 CHAT BEGINS
4:40 Mike's Dad
6:00 Falling in love with cars.
6:48 Mike's first deals
8:55 A strange business
10:00 Days off?
11:00 I like people
12:44 I read insatiably
13:55 What are you doing now?
14:23 Bought a wrecked 15-bed manor house!
16:00 Life before WD
17:03 Job on Top Gear
19:55 Clarkson arguments
21:40 WD goes to USA
24:40 American car culture
27:40 Trolling
#mikebrewer #wheelerdealers #thelatebrakeshow

[@daveangelew]

Mikes reaction to the seats is priceless 😂

[@raymondchadwick3577]

@Kual Svinus exactly

[@henryriley6333]

Fake, Mike's reaction to the seats is fake 😂

[@daveangelew]

@@henryriley6333 It was funny, unlike you

[@stan110782]

Love how honest Mike was in this, reminded me of my dad, he bet me £50 that I couldn't take the engine out of a Riley Elf on my own. I was 12 years old, I'm 40 now. My mam laughed like a hyena when I got back from our council garage, to say it's out the shell is hanging from the rafters. He thought I was going to lift the engine. I lifted the shell.

[@boson80]

My car tv dad is Mark Evans. With the series a car is born and a car is reborn. great series!

[@craigknowles8141]

Loved watching it too👍

[@hazzalandy]

I had the pleasure of doing a couple of days of filming with him a couple of years ago, he's genuinely as nice in real life as you'd expect

[@davefloyd9443]

Wasnt he a t.v. exec who got fed up with that career and made his own show about the stuff he truly enjoyed?

[@iangascoigne8231]

@@davefloyd9443 He’s a vet and has done TV vet programmes and was the chief veterinary adviser to the RSPCA.

[@Peugeot306]

Thx for bringing back that program! Great show.

[@brucewayne2773]

We all need to admire and give big thanks to Mike and Wheeler Dealer, the original mate who led the way to all other car shows that has followed his lead.

[@begachka]

If he and Edd could patch things up then it would be perfect.

[@brucewayne2773]

@@begachka It would be nice to see Edd and Mike back together🙏. Although I do love Edd's show on KZbin together with his mate Paul

[@BlueHopi144]

even in France , there are shows that came out from that original idea made in the UK ;

[@brucewayne2773]

@@fomora12 F... off if you are not one of them

[@brucewayne2773]

@@BlueHopi144 yes, there were many shows that used the similar idea even in the UK also. They are actually very good shows also.

[@marcelhannover3]

This interview series is solid gold, this is where KZbin allows for so much more time and depth that regular TV never could. 👍

[@71MWhite]

Agreed 100%

[@1mic3]

I had the great pleasure of meeting Mike Brewer when I sold my car to wheeler dealers, he is one of the nicest,genuine and generous people I have ever met. An all round nice guy and he doesn’t deserve the flack he gets.

[@AllTorque]

Same as I said yesterday. Mike will always be a polarising figure BUT he's an absolute legend of the car game and deserves a little respect, even from those people who may mistakenly feel as though they have an axe to grind. Top content as always from two legends of the industry.

[@ant2312]

nope

[@BlueHopi144]

only polarized distorted Egos ( with no sense or intelligence ) might still hold an axe ....while ignoring their own mental issues .

[@AllTorque]

@@ant2312 nope to what? lol

[@neilo3476]

I'm the same. I struggle to believe a word this person says. I know someone like him that has to mention money in every conversation, not always true...narcissist springs to mind

[@chrisdell4186]

Another fantastic interview! Huge respect for Mike, Edd, Ant, and the whole Wheeler Dealers team. Have really enjoyed listening to each of them talk.

[@neilmacdonald2207]

This is great interview and much needed. I found Mike explaining about the move to US as slightly dismissive of his fans concerns though. The appeal of WD was that it always felt ‘local’ to us Brits. It was always great to see Mike visit little cottage industry with an old boy beavering away at some grinder. I’ve used several of the workshops from WD during my car Resto’s. That was the crux of most peoples moaning. That and also American production of the program, no one wanted to hear massive guitar solos between scenes

[@timwest4891]

Mike and Jonny, two of the most genuine guys in the motoring world. A real treat to spend time with them.

[@markfarr2514]

What a lovely interview, I’m in OZ now and still watch WHEELER DEALER repeats, it’s my little bit of home and wonderful memories. ❤️😊

[@martinda7446]

Mikes house renovation, '' I have all these ideas for it'' - LISTED - Thank god! Imagine what Mikes ''great' ideas for a beautiful building would be.

[@nohedes]

I thought exactly the same

[@jpinternational]

Mike is always a great guest and a he's been involved in everything we know about car TV for over 20 years. National status is deserved.

[@Rich.Aardvark]

This guy's a legend. "Hold out your 'and". I was star stuck just driving past Mike's dealership in Sheffield.

[@bugseysdog]

Loved this interview. Two men who have a passion for cars and people. And I admire Edd, Ant and Elvis too. All part of a rich history and we have been lucky to see it on our screens.

[@OlkjU287]

Well done Mike, we got to see your vulnerable side, heart felt, brilliant!

[@4NK8A]

Great chat guys, really enjoyed it. Thank you Especially to Mike for all the years of entertainment. Cheers

[@pauliboo2]

Shit, I think I watched part 2 before this one thinking part 1 was the walk around yesterday! Damn it!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Ha!

[@ecoplanetrewards3061]

First time watching the channel....part one and two of Mike Brewer is great listening. 20 years is a large part of our lives.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Welcome aboard TLBS!

[@cp4512]

Mike got a lot of grief when Ed China left WD, I don’t think he deserved any of it. I think he’s a genuine car bloke.

[@ant2312]

he desrved some of it, remember that video of Mike meeting people and really slagging Edd off

[@brilliantroads]

Honestly my favourite interview Jonny has done so far, such a nice combination of chaps!

[@kenallen3254]

Met The Brewer a few times and he is exactly that, always up for a chat and a bit of banter. Top bloke

[@paulfrost4678]

Well done Mike , what a lovely honest interview. You’re an absolute gent and deserve all the plaudits and credit for your hard work .

[@MrRicharse]

Really sad that people get hurt over TV programmes. I've met Mike at a local car meet . He went around everyone . Loved meeting him.

[@LoftechUK]

My wife states she was visited a lot by Mike trading gold and jewellery and the car business is a hidden gem. She says Hi Mike

[@divad23]

Great interview! Mike has always been a straight-shooter and has been a part of my car history for a long time, so good to hear the stories

[@markbennett6367]

I've always liked and admired the work he has done, (yes, I know..others have and are working with him and deserve the credit also), but he has changed they way we look at our hobby and passion, for which he deserves respect.. My old red SAAB 90 (still going strong having been through two restoration s now) was used in his early Deals On Wheels programme, when we were all younger, slimmer and no signs of greying..

[@TheMichalrusnak]

Congratulations on all of the success Mike! Reading, cars and working hards - thats a good message to spread!

[@davidorama6690]

Love this interview. Thank you.

[@Psstnbooly]

Great interview with a great guy. Loved his tv concepts and the simple model of restoring those classic cars that those watching this would love to have. Well earned success and how he avoided buying more of the legends he saved from the scrapper is beyond me. 👏🏼

[@johnemerson5383]

Brilliant show. I've watched Wheeler Dealers since the beginning. I didn't really know much about Mike Brewer but he comes across as both knowledgeable and humble.

[@johnmcreynolds5299]

Brilliantly done!!! Loved it …..👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@andrewstamps2806]

Thanks both of you such an interesting interview 👍 cheers😊

[@DjNikGnashers]

Mike often comes to my work place, a large classic car parts supplier. He seems ok, but has never so much as looked at us 'normal' staff let alone said hello.

[@micheltebraake7915]

Always interesting to hear the story behind the person, learned a lot again.

[@mancsblue]

Love this interview with Mike looking forward to the next part

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Part 2 available right away Jason. Hope you enjoy it.

[@71MWhite]

Great stuff Jonny. Very enjoyable and relaxing interview, thanks!

[@raspberrywatkins]

Mr Smith this interview was brilliant… a real Christmas special.. thank you

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

I was as shocked as Mike that you got those chairs in there ,

[@justinlinnane8043]

I have great memories of working with Mike , James and Jason on the first series of Driven . A great trio with a great team behind them . Driven was certainly groundbreaking car programming for the time and Mike is right . Top Gear stole the whole format lock , stock and barrel from us !!

[@gavin5221]

Love the sarcasm🙄🤣🤣🤣

[@justinlinnane8043]

@@gavin5221 No sarcasm at all . Genuinley great memories of a great show to work on

[@benbowie3042]

I loved working on it too. Some of the funniest moments of my life, and most with Mike in the thick of things.

[@justinlinnane8043]

@@benbowie3042 Hi Ben ! Yep. Good times

[@SpikeXtreme]

Love Mike he's a guy with a big heart and he made the original Wheeler Dealers a success, and he has a showroom 10 miles from me! .

[@Tbo1235]

Really interesting discussion. Well done both 👍🏽🙂

[@OneFatStatue]

'old out yer 'aaaaand!

[@RickTheSpud]

Been looking forward to this, just settling in with a beer to watch both parts, he seems like a nice bloke, and one of the few people Jonny has interviewed that I've never crossed paths with... 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@sme8499]

Keep the great content coming! Great interview.

[@nohedes]

Great video, but is it just me that can't un-see the Vauxhall Insignia rear lights on that Toyota GR86??

[@waynebelton5445]

Enjoyed that chat. So much so that part 2 got watched straight after

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Glad you liked it Wayne 🍻

[@trenttrevorrow5648]

Jonny Smith is the automotive Michael Parkinson - 'Carkinson'

[@gavin5221]

Totally agree mate.

[@george-1961]

OMG!! I used to collect the hot rod magazines from age 11 to 16 in the 70’s. Mike’s dads cars must of been in the magazine’s 😮

[@colingoode3702]

Similar here. I collected Hot Car & Motoring News magazines in the 70's. I still have the HC magazines in my loft somewhere. Big fan of WD in all it's forms.

[@lucasvr46]

This type of content is perfect for a podcast..

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Maybe, and we will consider putting them on an audio format in 2023.

[@scottdabinett6125]

@@TheLateBrakeShow I have been thinking this as well, would be great in podcast format so I can listen in the car!

[@robertstirzaker767]

Mike Brewer “this is your life” Johnny Smith aka “Eamon Andrews. Awesome interview as always. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@olih.]

Loved Deals on wheels. Remember it well. Met Mike at Goodwood horse races once, after the racing, he was having a pee in the bush. 😂😂😂😂 great bloke. Had a good chat after he’d finished and got a photo 😂😂😂😂

[@thecountsaintgermaine7937]

I hope you didn't 'Hold yer hand out fella!'

[@douglassloan6831]

Mike is a great example of finding your passion in life and then turning it into your job. That way you never feel like you're forced to go into an office. It's the way successful folks have been doing it for hundreds of years. Love what you do and you never work a day in your life.

[@arniewheeler4673]

great video, as an electrician i love the the grade 1 and grade 2 listed re-furbishments... shout if you need help Mike

[@davidtimmins390]

Great Interview ,Mike your a legend keep on giving great TV & ignore the numpties who give you bad comments

[@CarCrazy24]

Great interview. Still not 100% on board with him but this helps a lot. Time has a way of putting quibbles into perspective, hopefully he and Ed work things out one day.

[@BlueHopi144]

nobody asks u to be on board with him to begin with .....its your stand to " take sides " but does it help u to live from your passions as Mike does ? + ED is far from being back - thats what resentment does to many people .

[@JonathanEzor]

You can tell how much Mike loves people by how he remembered the name of every person from whom he bought a car in the cathedral.

[@robertlloyd7493]

Enjoyed this 👍

[@Volvofm10]

Met Mike in a restaurant at while at the Wrc GB a few years back, got up from his meal for a photo and a quick chat to us as we left. Couldn't have been more friendly to us. 4 scruffy rally fans looking for a photo. Genuine nice guy.

[@STOKIEGROTT]

Nothing better than Saturdays watching wheeler dealers re-runs on discovery turbo and Mark Evans shows inbetween!

[@j14phe]

Mike your very honest partnerships come and go will allways watch your shows for your humour and knowledge Edd is the same great together and capable apart from your friend in Glasgow. John

[@craigbeamer9611]

Great bloke, great show.

[@ronanmc2112]

So Mike could’ve been Jason Dawe! Mike knew that knob would get shot of him the first chance he got for his mate May. Very shrewd Mike. Love all the shows Mike and Jonny!

[@henryhol8538]

Mike is one of the most hard working Car presenters! I have seen (and filmed) him at the British Motor Show, and NEC classic car shows. He must be on Duracell battries!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Duratec batteries I reckon...

[@fdrhotdog]

British TV series that become popular in the US can get too big of a budget and become celebrity oriented. Absolutely Fabulous is a good example of this. Here in the US, I discovered Wheeler Dealers on KZbin and I was hooked.

[@stevenleitch8681]

Best chat yet Jonny great stuff when it’s -6 outside takes your mind of the 🥶

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Steven. Hope you enjoy the back catalogue over Christmas.

[@andypalin3287]

From someone who's an expert on the subject, take my advice Mike and SLOW DOWN! 😂🤘🎸😎

[@davidcollins4699]

Speaking of Driven, does anyone know whether it can be found online and watched?

[@leokearns1221]

Only Mike would have a British Icon (Defender with LK Irish Limerick Reg) purchased from Ireland Haha.... Great chat lads. Mike I have scones just made if your passing as Jonny missed out last visit :) Regard Leo

[@DrCrunkMusic]

Man after my own heart, top dude !

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for watching.

[@MeTube3]

I've watched all the Wheeler Dealers episodes, I am happy to watch repeats of the Ed ones, not bothered about seeing any of the USA ones again. I noticed a lot of US viewers didn't like the USA version either - they already have enough USA shows and WD UK showed them something different. Very happy with the new Elvis ones. I also watch the French ones on RMC which uses French presenters in a French workshop - not dubbed Brewer episodes.

[@BibtheBoulder]

Not a keen fan of Mike Brewer's, but full respect to him for his work ethic.

[@djw8133]

I don't know the details of the fall out between him and Ed but it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't a classic case of working class lad versus upper middle class kid who wanted to be a purist, as opposed to someone who perhaps realised we're getting minted here, what's your problem!?

[@wilf18]

@@djw8133 exactly. In a nutshell yes.

[@BibtheBoulder]

@@djw8133 Well first off I never mentioned a single thing about "Ed", so your presumption is WRONG. The reason I am not keen on MB is because he reminds me of a modern day Arthur Daley.

[@ant2312]

@@wilf18 yep, you must work for Mike

[@ant2312]

@@BibtheBoulder yep, Mike did a lot wrong, remember the video of him meeting fans running his mouth off about Edd

[@Hvitserk67]

A great interview and Mr. Brewer seems like a likeable person when he is allowed to tell his story. I saw Wheeler Dealers from the beginning and it was an amazing show. Completely down to earth, technically and in terms of marketing/sales, the comments were of a kind so that even amateurs could follow along. However, the transition to the USA was a disappointment and I speak in this context from a Norwegian/Danish perspective. The filming was better, but gone were meticulous close-up details and the simple charm. More streamlined and efficient, but not necessarily better TV. I loved Ed China in Wheeler Dealers. Ever since he worked on a Porsche 924 lying dusty on the ground, but always with good comments and in an English that was comprehensible to us foreigners. In the US he seemed uncomfortable with the new format and he also got less time in front of the camera. However, the sequences with Mr. Brewer were better and we got more useful information from him. I guess it was about focus and market. Wheeler Dealers had become big and with this the program/series necessarily changed.

[@cmb1972]

Excellent interview with the Boss Brewer, great to get his unbridled angle on the issues and hope the negative trolling he gets ceases, his idea to have a get together and do a charity car rebuild has to happen, make it happen!

[@raydeacon]

I once met Mike Brewer, it might of been an episode of Driven, we spent the day at a small family house somewhere in Cambridgeshire. I drove a brand new Kia Sedona there on behalf of Kia, MIke's job was to advise the family which was the best buy they had 2 more cars, both secondhand, but similar price bracket, I cant remember what they were. He came across as a really genuine guy.

[@riottownrecords]

I love Mike. He turned his passion into his life. What more can you ask for?

[@TobesEtc]

Mike, you may not be a "veteran" but you are a classic! 😉

[@marks3678]

Two of the best car blokes out there.

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Yep, it’s in our DNA or used to be. I remember rebuilding my first engine with my Dad and him giving me the torque he used to rebuild his first engine.

[@fuelledup2861]

Love these idol chats and so glad you chatted with Mike Brewer. Would love to sit down over a drink with Uncle Mike…Mike Brewer if you fancy that just let me know. I know you are a busy chap but if you name the place I will be there and buy the drinks

[@avidpix]

Only just stumbled across this, and it’s brilliant, been a fan of Mike Brewers TV since ‘Deals on Wheels’ I’ve now started following and catching up on your back catalogue, excellent channel 🏅

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Welcome aboard TLBS!

[@davepakey71]

I always remember Mike travelling up to Scotland to buy a car in the middle night of a guy on the services

[@ianbriden7907]

I would say having Ed,Ant and Elvis on board in a future show/s would be genius,who knows where it could lead.They are all three modest with their talent,and no big egos I would think,but don't do it unless all three are on board!

[@BlueHopi144]

if u listen carefully , u will understand that Ed is not ready to let go of his resentments yet ....

[@iangascoigne8231]

Ant Anstead modest? You must be joking.

[@mcjjordan]

Does mike have an autobiography book ? If not when as im sure it would be easy to fill with many stories

[@corollabox]

Fantastic chat! Loved it every second. What Toyota model is this one of John Smith? Has the same V8 from Lexus RC-F?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

GR86. Watch the full episode review of that car on the channel.

[@corollabox]

@@TheLateBrakeShow ok, thanks! I think this GR86 wasn't on sale here in Portugal

[@reneleeuwenkamp3456]

great recpect for his work, may be late reation sorry but Mike is very good greetings for the Netherlands

[@badninja1971]

Whatever your opinions, KZbin has allowed these crossovers. Nice to see these people being themselves. 👍

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

This is why Jonny joined YT and began the channel - that way he could be in charge of his own content decisions.

[@iloveesr]

Would love to go fora beer with Mike and just listen to him talk about cars

[@AleksandrHalas]

I thought another car was bringing these chairs, but everything is much simpler it was my favorite car show in the past because it has not been shown in our country for a long time, unfortunately it is not available on streaming platforms for Ukraine

[@gaz5663]

The one thing I can’t help wondering is if all his previous shows were so hugely popular why were they all so short lived?🤔

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

The fickle world of TV, which Jonny can relate to. Sometimes the decisions production companies and channels make is baffling (and wrong).

[@addj7093]

“How you asking for again? How much? Hold out your hand you got yourself a deal!”

[@gpracer270]

Mike is a LEGEND here in MERICA!!!!!

[@melvy211]

Deals on Wheels is what got me in to cars!

[@frankhall401]

Mike's acting hasn't got any better over 20 or more series of Wheeler Dealers! I still don't understand the hate for him. He always seems good fun and genuine.

[@3wheeler1000]

Well, he's come across really well. My mind is changed. 'Old art yer aaaaaand!

[@rushja]

One of the only people on TV that I'll watch regardless of the show

[@eamo106]

Texas, Part one comment ..agree, Wheeler dealers and Top Gear were the best car shows, not much American content, bit then they started !

[@CGDeluxe]

I really like Mike , I’ve been following him on the Tv for a long time. I’m saving pennies to do my Grandfathers MGBGT.

[@LeeRestoration1275]

deals on Wheels , always remember the guy with the E Type jag who didnt secure the bonnet , went driving along and then braked and the bonnet flew up and hit the floor at the front 🤣🤣 Top Gear nicked quite a few ideas from DRIVEN - like driving around in a super market , i remember Mike do that in a smart car !!

[@alasdairtrimmer4302]

2 watches!! Love it