Top Gear's Chris Harris life of cars part 1 // The Jonny Smith Late Brake Show 

Two of the best, with great conversation. I’ve been following Chris for years and always thought that he would be great on mainstream TV so I was pleased to hear he was on TG. Given his talent and experience, I found it heartbreaking to hear about the abuse he received. Genuinely shocked and saddened. Of course no one should have abuse thrown at them like that but he was, and is, the main reason why so many watch Top Gear and his knowledge, skill, experience and talent is clear to see. Jonny - yet another brilliant episode. They have always been good but the latest ones have been some of the most interesting shows I’ve watched on any screen. Thank you. Chris - should you ever read this, thank you so much for continuing to do what you are so good at. You are one of the best in the industry and long may it continue.

The two people I’d most like to see in a car series together. Brilliant.

Chris always gets painted as the ‘boring’ one when he’s paired with others. He’s quite the opposite! He’s winning at life.... his car collection is a perfect example of a true Petrolhead. I have way more respect for people that just enjoy ‘normal’ stuff without the need for attention. Enjoyed every minute of this Jonny 😎👍

Chris is at his best when he's being geeky. Jonny, Chris & Harry Metcalfe would be a great team for the telly.

What a total eye opener interview, I think it's dreadful that Chris Harris has suffered so much abuse from viewers of Top Gear and had to endure the awful Chris Evans !! Just for the record Mr. Harris gives Top Gear the technical automotive element necessary and he combines a brilliant sense of humour !!

It's been said multiple times but these two really are the pinnacle of automotive journalism in my opinion. You can sense the passion and professionalism from both yet they both have the sense of 'mate down the pub' realism that makes them such a joy to watch. I hope to see many more collaborations as i could honestly watch this all day.

After all the Chris Harris "content" out there, videos, podcasts etc. I actually thought there wasn't much more to know about the guy, but it was really interesting to hear him talk a bit more about his personal experiences and outlook. Good on him for talking openly about the mental pressures of being in the public eye.

Chris Harris and Harry Metcalfe are two people I could listen too until I die.. Both from Evo Mag and have a great history and background from where the 'normal' bloke hails from. Excellent vid again Jonny - looking forward to part 2.

I don't usually comment on videos, but feel compelled to do so on this. Well done, great honest and frank interview. Mental health is such a struggle for so many, especially in current times. It's great to realise that no matter who you are, you can talk about it. Chris, your openness will inspire others to open up, which can only be a positive thing. Thank you. And,... keep up the great work you two!

"don't take the piss out of caravans" the main difference between old top gear and new.

I hope Chris hasn’t broken his back carrying the rest of the Top Gear crew

Despite all the hate he has mentioned he gets, I reckon there’s as many of us who really appreciate what Chris Harris has done for TG. Loved this podcast, thanks for setting this one up Jonny!

Everyone should go on Instagram and send Chris some positive DM's. People take the time to slag people off but never to send some positivity. It went completely un-noticed to me the amount of abuse he might be getting and think it's bang out of order. Loved this interview. Good chat.

Chris Harris is one of the best things to ever happen to TG, and he is obviously in his element. Hope to see you there for many years to come!

“Hello. I’m NOT Schmee”. Thank the Lord for that.

I've always liked Chris Harris and now I like him even more knowing his struggle.

Honestly, one of the best interview pieces I've watched in YEARS. Better mental health awareness than almost anything I've seen. Also big fan of everyone loving 205's.

Chris saved Top Gear IMO. I've followed him sinse the RU-vid days, you do still have original loyal fans. The other two are good entertainers, but I don't care about their opinion on car's like I do Chris's. Keep up the good work and ignore the internet trolls.

I really liked Chris Harris and Matt LeBlanc together, I thought they had chemistry that worked. The best episode was the bigfoot one in the US with the ridiculous sized truck.

This is why Chris Harris is my absolute favorite car person/presenter.Glad he's on top gear as to me he's the best they've ever had.

Jonny this was epic - and particularly epic to see Chris showing that we’re all human when shit hits the fan. Thank you for bringing this to us!!

Chris is guarded about his life outside cars. I had the pleasure of being his Paddock Marshal at a charity track day and spent a few minutes chatting to him while we queued for coffee. Two parents, we could have talked about our kids or any other subject, but we spent the whole time talking about... 911s.

Two bosses!

It worth watching the entire conversation, but if your time is limited here you go: 1. 0:00 Introduction 2. 0:50 Chris’s approach on sharing his private life for the general public 3. 2:24 Being private was not always the case, at the age of 28 he bought a Lamborghini Gallardo just to make some noise 4. 2:55 Sheds, & a casual Lancer EVO VI under a cover in his shed 5. 3:40 His Ferrari 512 Testarossa, it’s story, how interesting it is, value, etc... 6. 4:40 His Peugeot 205 Rallye as a spare car, and a second Rallye to use, donor cars 7. 5:15 His other cars, and projects 8. 5:38 Car ownership, content of his sheds, his collection philosophy 9. 6:38 His Citroen AX GT 10. 6:53 Having no real modern supercar in his ownership, his Porsche 991.2 GT3 Touring 11. 7:36 His second Peugeot 205 Rallye showcase 12. 9:15 The story behind his 205 Rallye, and how his Ducati has almost got stolen in France 13. 11:15 Top Gear crew relationships, Matt LeBlanc being a good friend 14. 12:09 Chris Harris on Cars 15. 12:32 The Top Gear audition backstory 16. 14:38 Back to RU-vid 17. 14:52 The Top Gear experience, the negatives and the positives 18. 17:50 The Chris Evans thing 19. 18:33 Car show presenter’s approach and philosophy, dealing with Top Gear as a challenge 20. 21:23 His BMW M2, specs, value, ”non gangster clear glass option”, the future of collectible cars 21. 23:05 His education, his early life before car journalism, passion of cars, his heros 22. 24:51 Having a column at Autocar .co .uk the first time, car magazine era 23. 25:53 RU-vid, The Drive experience, ownership of your own work 24. 27:12 His BMW E34 M5 Touring 25. 28:50 Jonny Smith’s Mercedes W123 four color station wagon 26. 29:38 A present from Jonny 27. 30:36 The timeless design of the Peugeot 205 28. 31:18 Coming up in part 2 If it would get buried deep down in the comment section you can find and bookmark each section on my website too.

These are the best 2 motoring journalists we have I believe. Chris Harris has a passion for cars that isn't matched by many, and one of the few would be Johnny. They're brilliant to watch, and listen to. Brilliant video guys, well done

I just think Chris Harris is such an amazing and talented person. His knowledge about cars and the passion for it is second to none, just wow , what a splendid man

I doubt that Chris Harris would ever read this, I loved every video you did on RU-vid on Drive and on your own channel and the and the articles you wrote back in the day. I personally didn't mind that you left and went to Top Gear, I genuinely would love if you started up he RU-vid thing again if ever Top Gear goes south, but I hope that doesn't happen. To Jonny Smith, keep it up love all the content so far!

So sad to hear about negativity towards Chris Harris. Seems like such a knowledgable, genuine bloke. I've watched him since the early days and read lots of his articles. Its fantastic that you've done this Johnny, keep up the great work!

Two people talking honestly and openly. Awesome.

Jonny, well done for letting Chris Harris just talk - good interviewing. Thanks.

I was initially sad about the end of Chris Harris On Cars, knowing his in depth reviews for hardcore enthusiasts would be severely curbed. But I didn't know how desperately TG would need him. Chris Evans trying to be Clarkson was debilitating, Sabine's wooden personality made work emails look exciting, and no one wants to hear what some journalist they've never heard of has to say about anything. Matt was fun to watch but his departure was inevitable. It was Harris's skill & knowledge that saved TG, his opinions were valued and his well spoken articulated language made him perfect for the role.

Simply brilliant interview. Respect to Mr Harris - a proper car nut whose articles I have read through the Autocar and Evo years before his arrival on RU-vid. Loved the Harris/Carey time on RU-vid (and wish it was back to be honest). Not the biggest TG fan but when Chris is given the chance to do something on his own, it's world class (that Stirling Moss tribute gave me goosebumps). Looking forward to Part 2. PS Have to say, so far everything you've done on the Late Brake Show has been brilliant.

I can't believe how some people can be so nasty when someone so passionate about their subject is giving it all. Chris Harris is absolutely superb. He's down to earth, knows his subject inside out and can actually drive. The man is a legend. Does anyone else think Johnny Smith and Chris Harris should start their own car show?

Hope you see this Chris, but my mates and I absolutely love you, your reviews are profoundly entertaining. You're every bit as good as Clarkson, and a hell of a better driver!

Gents, I’ve just watched and really enjoyed this…Thankyou Mr Chris Harris for being so open. I genuinely feel embarrassed for the human race after hearing that you said you received abuse by the general public when actually you are one of the best motoring journalists around. I’d love to read your autobiography. Keep doing what you do and I dare say petrolheads support you…don’t ever listen to the trolls. All the best Sir.

The one we have all been waiting for.

Chris comes across as a genuinely interesting and passionate petrolhead - he loves the car for what it is. I really, really enjoyed this and I can't wait for part 2. Excellent stuff!

Absolutely brilliant interview. Loved everything about it. The setting, the questions. The obvious camaraderie between the pair of you.

As a car journalist, having Chris Harris on your show is a great scoop. Having Chris Harris say he does the interview because of you and reveal stuff in a personal interview - and then several times through part 1 and part 2 give cred to Jonny Smith and his work as a car journalist, is amazing. It is such a generous thing for Harris to do and so good for Smith and everyone else in the industry to hear.

Both Chris and Matt saved top gear. You made it your own, and in many ways made it a better show. You didn't replace the previous presenters, nor tried to copy them, you led the show in a new and fresh direction. Bravo!

Thank you Chris for being so open and shining a light on mental health issues, it’s good to talk.

I could sit and listen to you and Chris talk about cars all day, really looking forward to the second part. He's such a genuine down to earth guy.

If it's any consolation Chris, I and many others have held you in the highest regard as a car journo cos you can actually fucking drive!!! TG now is awesome and it's fresh and that's fun to watch my kids love watching it with me and since they're not so into cars like I am, it gives me a chance to share what being a petrol head is all about, so thank you for that.

We love you Chris, true journalistic rigor and always a great insight. Don't let the haters get you.

I’ve been following your work Chris for a long time and had no idea how tumultuous it has been for you. Thanks for everything you do - you truly are one of the greats. Wishing you the best.

It's amazing to see Chris talk openly about how much the first series and subsequent abuse has affected him. What a trooper for sticking it out. He is the most watchable presenter on that show and gives it credibility.

The format for this channel is absolutely top notch. Interesting interviews, car culture that doesn't always get coverage and all done in a way that is engaging to all (unlike some of the super americanised channels) 👍

I’ve been a big Chris Harris fan for many many years, through his various iterations. I am saddened that parts of our society have been so hurtful. I was brought up to be respectful and if you don’t have something nice to say , keep quiet. Keep up the great work Jonny. Respect to you both.

Jonny and Chris talking cars! Life is great. Take care Chris chin up mate.

Chris has been making entertaining videos about cars long before going to Top Gear where he continues to do that. Why would Top Gear even consider choosing anybody else who doesn't have such experience and such a huge following world wide? And let's not forget Neil's amazing video making skills. Chris and Neil have always made a phenomenal team. Chris, we have always loved your videos. Keep up the good work. PS: The haters have always been more vocal than the rest. And if they don't like the content, they're free to make their own content for us to judge.

Chris is THE car man of a generation because he isn’t shouting about himself, yet you see his personality coming through his passion. I’ve bought cars off his recommendation (cars he’s owned, not just reviewed) and he absolutely holds Top Gear together. Wonderful to hear him talk about his experience. I have so much time, love and respect for this man. Thank you 🥰🙏

Guys this video was amazing. The two of you are such genuine, credible characters, and your depth of car knowledge is unsurpassed. Paddy and Freddie are good with Chris on Top Gear, but I think a show with you and Chris would just be thoroughly more enjoyable, interesting, and entertaining. Can't wait for part 2 of this!

I’m a bald man who is 5’7” tall with a love of classic Alfa Romeos. Chris’ review of the 105 series Alfaholics car was the pinnacle of watching myself drive a car. I mean, Chris was actually driving it but he transported me behind the wheel of that car and I grinned from ear to ear. please let him know I value his work and he has had a profound effect on me. I’ll never get to drive that car, I can’t afford it. But Mr Harris got me as close as I can. Thanks mate.

I never usually add a comment, but just felt that I had to say how much I enjoy everything the both of you have done on both RU-vid and TV, as somebody of the same generation (45-ish). Keep it up and forget all the negative people out there.

Brilliant video, as a hardcore petrolhead fan who watched choc I agree you don’t say no to top gear! Glad you stuck with it, been rolling with laughter this year. A good balance of aspirational cars presented in a way I can appreciate with light entertainment for everyone else.

awesome format and very much enjoyed the humility of Mr Chris Harris his stories and his cars. What also stood out was that for a host you let Chris talk, so rare these days where a lot of interviewers are often speaking about themselves than lets the interviewee talk.

Best honest interview I’ve seen in years. Something that’s been lost in the modern RU-vid era. Keep up the great work guys

WHAT a guy, amazing person! Rare to see someone so "famous" so honest

I have always admired Chris’ honesty

I have always liked you Chris. Even before knowing your name, just seeing you on TV. You’re a courageous man to speak out like this. Much love bro.

Watching friends stoned on the sofa. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Always liked this bloke, no idea why people give him hassle, there are far worse people on this planet!!

17:11 I can't speak for anyone but myself, but when Harris left RU-vid for Topgear I didn't mind. I was excited to see what he could do a budget!

I remember tweeting Tom Ford saying that Chris Evans is just a rich guy who can buy nice cars & him tweeting back agreeing with me. Chris Harris is the guy who managed to keep my love of Topgear.

Chris Harris, your a Legend, thank u for the great interview Jonny. Keep up the good work..

The videos that Chris, Neil and JF did are still some of my favourites. I think only Henry and carfection come close to that level of quality and respect for the subject matter. I'd love to see Chris and Matt reunited in the future. They had a really great chemistry on set together and that authenticity is something that is quite rare.

That was fun, a couple of articulate, interesting guys talking about stuff. What a great way to spend half an hour.

I remember Chris Harris running an Evo VI RS Sprint as his long termer at Autocar. It was refreshing to hear a man actually talk openly about needing to talk to someone about the pressures of life too, I wish more men would do this.

I liked Chris Harris, but have a great newfound respect for him now!

Fantastic episode Jonny. Absolute admiration for Chris. Love what he's doing and massive respect for what struggles he's gone through to get to where he is today. Share the love!

Shame on the trolls. Chris Harris IS Top Gear. The man knows his stuff!

Re: 205 model. Ahem! “Laser green”. The dark metallic green is “Sorrento green”. Just saying... 😜

So good to hear two people talking so passionately about what they’re into. Can’t wait for Part 2

Really love Chris's passion and enthusiasm. There is a way to review a car and this guy on top gear has what it takes.

Chris Harris on Car's is some of the best content I've ever seen, Great interview Johnny 👍

I am really happy to see the car that I built being appreciated by Chris Harris for what it is , a useful , fun and practical classic . E34 M5 Touring in Right Hand Drive with 3.91LSD , 5 speed Getrag Gearbox , M5 steering box , M5 front and rear brakes complemented by the M system 21 Throwing Star alloys . Such a joy to build and so good to see a true car enthusiast enjoying it as designed.

Can see where this is ultimately heading Chris will take Johhny on at TopGear.....Heard it here 1st!

Beautifully done. These two together would be an incredible show. 👍

I remember back not long after Chris joined EVO I picked up a copy of the magazine from Sainsburys because he was reviewing a car that I had aspired to owning for some time. By the end of the review I was livid, not because he had tore to pieces something I'd held on a pedestal for some time but because I found myself understanding his argument and agreeing with it after I had given it time to percolate. Been a fan of how he goes about things since.

Such a natural guy. Best presenter ever.

Chris Harris has never ruined anything. He's a fantastic journalist and presenter. He never lost me I've followed him since finding him on Pistonheads he is living the life many of us would love to live. Keep it going Chris.

As pretty much everyone else has said, I'm so glad Chris carried on with top Gear, but also that he looked after his mental health. Met him once at the Launch of the Ferrari F12 in Swindon. Lovely chap.

I hate that some people don't like Chris Harris, and think the reason why is because he isn't Clarkson, Hammond, May and also because he was unknown to a lot of people who watched Top Gear, but all three on the show now have great chemistry and probably better chemistry than Clarkson, Hammond and May in the first few seasons. I've been watching Chris on RU-vid for years and thought that he was the one that saved Top Gear from being axed in 2016.

Great conversation. Thanks for sharing your mental health struggles Chris, hold the faith, you are an amazing motoring journalist!

The influence of this man - back in his Autocar days, Chris reviewed the new 3-series and mentioned the line that he'd set the AC to 21 degrees as it was the perfect temperature. When I finally got a car with climate control - I'd always have it at 21 degrees as the default temp.

A couple of things, fair play to Chris Harris for surviving working with the ego of Chris Evans and coming out the other side the better of it. I genuinely think Chris, Paddy and Freddie have done a brilliant job with top gear. I used to like the old show but I didn’t like some of the things Clarkson would do. What the boys have done is make that show their own, they’ve made it funny and they’ve made me love their work. Fair play to you Chris, I love that you dislike social media and like privacy, keep that up as long as you can and you will be a happy man. I still don’t agree with you about Mx5’s though!

"How can a car show generate so much abuse?" - yeah, that really brings home how horrible people can be on social media

Brown chair Chris Harris is more engaging than scripted Chris Harris 👍🏻

Screw the naysayers Chris , you're the shit when it comes to cars and you should be proud of what you've accomplished not just on Top Gear but all your other shows. I agree that Jeremy , James and Richard were brilliant but you guys have done a great job with TG . As a serious auto enthusiast your credibility as a pro driver is beyond question and your reviews are stellar . Keep up the good , no great work for all your fans and know you're greatly appreciated by real motor enthusiasts like myself here in The Great White North. ( Canada )

Fantastic, two people I’d happily watch talk about anything. More of this!

This video confirms to me that you guys are two of the most lovely, genuine celeb (sorry) car guys around. You show a true passion and and love for cars but clearly show that at the end of the day you are only human like the rest of us. I truly admire keeping your family and personal life seperate from your work life.

Yes. I love this. The crap trailer and chairs are a great way to keep the whole thing grounded, and they fit perfectly with Chris' shed. I also love that those interviews are (so far) with people that are just as much car perverts as Jonny. Two car journalists who have driven the best supercars praising the 205 speaks volumes.

"I would rather drive my own shit car than somebody else's car" - Cuts to BMW wagon. Love it. Really appreciate what Chris was saying around ownership.

Couple of top blokes. Both super passionate, really know their stuff and refreshingly down to earth about it all. Would watch for their opinions regardless of the platform or brand association. Utter class. Keep at it boys.

What a great interview. Don’t worry Chris, I’ve always admired your style and your confidence. I cannot believe that Top Gear didn’t snap you up straight away. Your review on the Alfa Brera S 2.2 confirmed that I should buy one. What a special car for a bargain price (as long as you’re within Warranty)

Every true petrol head has massive respect for Harris....Clarkson, Hammond and May have mastered the art of an entertaining car show but Harris is light years ahead in terms of knowledge and driving ability, imo he's the GOAT of car reviewers

This is so good! Johnny, you are a very talented interviewer. Couple that with the quality of your guests, and we get this gem of a show! Great decision on the new format!

Kudos Chris. Especially for talking openly about counselling. It should be a constant element of all our lives

Absolutely loved watching every minute of this. Love Chris Harris, have always thought he is just a very down to earth guy who knows his stuff, and can certainly drive a car properly! More like this, please!

Chris Harris is awesome! I could listen to him for hours 😊