My Project Car Round-Up. What classics I own and why I couldn't resist rescuing 2 more...
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- My Project Car Round-Up. What classics I own and why I couldn't resist rescuing 2 more.... In this long awaited episode Jonny Smith details all the vehicles he currently owns, what the plans are for them in 2024 and what jobs they need doing.
Thanks for stopping by The Late Brake Show.
This video includes a little update on his cheapest Porsche Boxster in Britain, his Dodge Charger, endless Chevrolet Impala SS lowrider project, Austin Allegro Type R, pair of Hondas and the two secret cars he's bought in the last few months. They were cheap - right car, wrong time.
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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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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
#newprojectcar #mycarcollection #thelatebrakeshow #4k
Johnny you are clearly sick. Dont get help 😂
I'm going to guess that car under the drop cloth is a lotus....
😮
Lmfao a smart car?
Thats pretty cool 😎
It's a disease and can be as destructive as rewarding, but as Jonny said the 'right' cars and car opportunities often come at the wrong time. Resistance is futile.
But seriously, 2023 was quiet for most of his projects, so 2024 there's going to be firmer plans and time lines. We welcome what you'd like to see more of, and why.
@@TheLateBrakeShow bad case of car- owner virus.
@@TheLateBrakeShow I bought a Boxster a little prior to Johnny buying his. I've had to put it up for winter due to other life factors, but am looking forward to getting it back on the road come March. Already had to do several fixes to it, know I need to do several more. Mine's also a 2002. Very much looking forward to seeing what he does with his. I'll be keeping mine as stock as possible mechanically, but going to try to do some cosmetic changes. That's the car of Johnny's I'm most personally invested in for selfish reasons! :)
Sorry to hear the "single dad" comment. I remember you had a brief time out last year. Keep doing what you're doing, keep being a great dad and most importantly look after your mental health. Love the channel and love Smith and Sniff......on that side of things 👍
Thank you so much for the consideration. Means a lot.
this comment was sad news. But such is life I guess. You seem to be doing well. Great video!
Seconded. Best wishes, Johnny.
Also caught this, and went to the comments. Very sad. Been in the same position as well.
None of my business; here to watch cars. Remember the jimny going and see lots of rings but not wedding one. Hope you’re happier.
Sell the taxi if you got fair offers for it and let someone else enjoy it. Use the proceeds to fix the Element and get the Boxster some new bushings, brakes and wheels and then just drive it as is with flawed outside but properly sorted chassi and stock drivetrain.
I think this would be the best option, with it being Lpg it's only going to get harder to keep it running with fewer places offering it
I had a Smart Brabus Roadster Coupe (loved it!), then had a Porsche 928S4 (briefly) until my Alpine A110 turned up earlier than expected, now on my 2nd one.
Jonny. I'm based 5mins from Gatwick. I'd be happy to have a chat about detailing 1 or many of the cars.
Good luck with the smart, i have one 2, parts crazy expensive.
I would sell the Taxi Johnny to help fund some of the other much cooler projects you have going on👍
A proper lowrider will have a club plaque in the back window. Maybe yours could have the words "Late Brake Show" in an artsy font.
Great update video...keep up with your work!!!best channel!cheers
What an eclectic group of cars! How about EV conversion on the 2CV?
Not gonna be a single dad for long once you're rolling in a wrapped Smart roadster coupe 😎
Big love mate , sorry to hear you are a single Dad . Keep doing what you are doing , take care !
We have a big car in the form of a Tarraco. Need a second car for my trips to work and back.
Why am I thinking of an Element damn you!!!
keep this fk*g color wrap !!!!!! it's amazing, look like a micro TVR
More low-rider please Jonny! ❤
Johnny where is the Figaro that was getting converted to an EV? Did i miss the backstory?
What a fab fleet!👏👏👏
This is so much more interesting than seeing somebody showing off their money no object supercar collection
Is it bad that I recognized the car under the cover immediately? I'm not surprised you got one, clearly the Gordon Murray approval had made an impression on you.
Gordon won't sell his - I've asked many times. This was the next best thing!
I had one too, I recognise it with a cover on, as there were scare stories about leaking roofs. I sold it to buy an NSX, but still missed it when I had the NSX.
same here, knew what it was instantly.
Unfortunately i don’t own one, but i should be getting one within the next month or so as my first car. hopefully they don’t leap up in price as they’ve definitely been receiving more interest as of late
Those front arches and the roofline..... could only be one car 😊
I also recognised the Smart straight away, love the 2CV project and looking forward to updates on that.
I’m usually not one for the funky coloured wraps, but I like this one. I think it suits the vibe of that offbeat car in a good way.
I thought the same, I'd keep the wrap.
I wonder if more wrap would help keep the rain out. That being their biggest problem
@@gs425Not going to help that soft top!
"The 602 big block"
That made me 😂
You're the best, Johnny!
The 720 is the proper big block.
@@gs188you can squeeze a BMW GS1200 motor in without much work. 😂
This is the best car channel on youtube, and now that I know how many project videos are in the pipeline... I can not wait to see what you come up with! Thank you for hours of entertainment with such an honest and high production value.
Thank you. That means a lot.
Just want to say that your videos are my favourite on UA-cam and I’ve been watching you since your Fifth Gear days. Despite your issues with your personal life (sorry to hear as a father myself) and lack of funds, I appreciate what you’re putting into this space and am excited for all these projects ahead! Keep going and dreaming big for the channel! 👍🏼 Best of luck from Vancouver, Canada!
Thank you so much for the comment. I hope you're doing alright. Best, J
I'm so very sorry you had a bad 2023. It's none of our business. Period. Wishing you all the best for 2024 & may the future be very bright for you. Love from Leigh & Rachel ❤
✊🏽🙏🏽
🤢
Being a single father hit me! I'm sorry to hear than Jonny, deep respect for what you are doing hope you get the help you deserve on all your projects...
To use a favourite expression of yours Jonnie - don’t be a “flute” and spoil the Boxster by pimping or doing something silly. That is a nice honest 986. Don’t cock it up.
I think you should keep the taxi, to be fare.
Bum tish!
Sorry to hear the “single dad” remark. I’ve been a fan since the early Smith&Sniff video days, heck even since the Fully Charged days, so for a pretty long time, and I feel like I know you as a friend and now I just want to send you a big bro hug. And if I may speak for your entire subscriber base, we love you Jonny. We all effin love you mate, you’re the best car guy on UA-cam. No contest. ❤️ 🍻
Thank you, you really didn't need to do that. Really appreciate the words and the kindness. ✊🏽
Very well said GT, I second that
Can't wait to see more on the 2cv. Thank goodness you're keeping the patination - so many have their life stories "restored" out of them, and 2cvs look best with a few dents and some surface rust.
Hubnut collaboration inbound?
Sorry to hear you're a single dad now 😥
New annual feature? "Johnny's New Year Fleet Recap"
Looking forward to seeing updates on all of them!
Be like the Harry’s garage on in a few years. Maybe not with the 5 figure maintenance bills.
I read that as "Fleet flatcap"
I really, really need help.. 😂😂
@@philgrimsey3637I think the playlist has a new name
🧑🚀 wait they’re all project cars?
🔫👨🚀 always have been.
This man right here is the epitome of living the dream. Jonny you’re a legend.
Not sure about that, but thank you. I'm trying!
@@TheLateBrakeShowand that’s good enough my man.
The Tokyo taxi seems like the odd one out. Id suggest selling it and finishing some of the cooler projects like the impala.
Also i hope the storage you are getting has space for you to work on your cars too, i really enjoy the detail you go into when doing work on the barn finds. Also you could save some money doing some work yourself, we can learn from you learning too
I think he should sell most of them, he has no self control and it's quite sad tbh
that beetle is a beauty 😍 ngl i saw one recently, wonder if it was you 👀
having watched so many of your videos I'm fairly confident that you are roughly 28 times more competent on the tools than i am, and I did the GAZ shocks and springs on my Insight in around 45mins. The transformation is amazing and nobody noticed I was missing from work😀
Don't EV swap the Impala. EV swaps in old cars should be reserved for vehicles where the engine is unreliable and soulless. Even though a Chevy 350 is ubiquitous, having a nice American V8 under the hood is still something special.
Love the Element but an EV conversion on it would be ace. Would love to do a diy EV conversion on my mint mk1 Multispace if it wasn't so expensive.
Keep up the good work Jonny.
Yeah I have a VW T3 (I think they are called 2.5 outside Germany) and was looking into a EV conversion... and for the low price of a new VW ID Buzz you can to that.. and also there won't be much loading space after..
I'm absolutely loving the "found at the bottom of a compost bin" 2CV-the patinated look is definitely the way to go. Anyone who sees it in the flesh is going to need a tetanus booster.
Great to have a recap of the fleet and why you have each vehicle. The Element definitely feels worth converting to EV. It’s the best thing for it.
On what basis?
Mainly on the basis that Jonny has previously mentioned how much it costs to run with the existing setup. Plus his general sentiment (which I agree with) that EVs are great for everyday cars and the bulk of travel, and a few miles in a fun classic is great for the weekend.
Fascinating collection! You really should put matching tyres on the fronts of the bargain Boxster as otherwise in cold conditions, they'll have much more grip than the rears which will make it more lkely to swap ends. That Element definitely needs turning into an EV... Looking forward to seeing how the cars all move on over 2024!
They’re winters on the front, so I’m guessing as soon as the right wheels come along/ summer, it’ll get fresh, appropriate rubber.
You and Chris Harris need to race your 2CVs when all up and running!
Johnny, the water under the seat is classic blocked drains under the fabric hood/roof. You have to put the hood into service mode, this will reveal a drainage area underneath and there are a couple of drains under there which get blocked with leaves etc. I blasted mine out with a pressure washer. Should sort that. Symptoms would be wet carpet behind the seats, under the door area.
That's a great collection of cars, Jonny. Well done for saving the Smart. You're so lucky to have your first car. Mine was a Mini Pickup which I rescued from a scrapyard but at the time didn't have the skills or perseverance to return it to the road.
The smart is awesome I would definately keep the wrap. I was dissapointed when we didnt get them here in the US I think id sell the taxi especially if youve had fair offers on it
what !! no Lambo's or Ferrari's and you call yourself a utuber😂Love the collection Jonny
The Brabaus is cool car, well done. Great collection Johny. Keep the Impala as a V8 and convert the big Honda to electric - especially as that's the one, you do big miles in. :)
*Brabus.
And yes. Extremely cool indeed! ;)
You seem to have filled the tiny (😉) gap between Harry’s garage and hubnut - great collection - keep it weird!
Good evening Jonny, been a fan of yours since the old 5th gear days, you were the first TV car journo to like old weird shit like me, not just hyper cars and the latest M3, and your projects keep to that.
2023 sounded pretty tough on you buddy, look after yourself please, and thanks for all the great content, you help other people going through tough times to switch off for a moment.
All the best dude 🤘........
Also, don't e.v swap the chev....pleease 🙏
This is way more relatable and hence interesting than a money no object supercar collection ! ❤
We need more Impala content... love it
What is wrong with you, you want to convert everything to electric, You might as well do the Porsche as well, The whole point of owning an old cars is the complete package, And I have a few old cars my self. All the Best
I recognized the shape of the secret car right away - but I could not tell it was such a special one. Always loved those too - very good that you intend to save it and the same goes for the other new project!
I just started watching but recognise a Smart Roadster when I see those front guards!
I won't skip ahead, but I hope it's Porters old Brabus!
Single dad when did that happen
Jonny, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don't 'unwrap'' the SMART! As you know, I prefer originality. However, this looks so 'cool.' Please don't touch it! [except for repairs of course].
Thank goodness for this episode Johnny. As a lunatic who once reached 47 cars in various barns, outside 'storage' and on the road, with the help of a therapist I'm now down to 16 😂. The question that has been bugging me for some time is, how many cars can I have and get away with as 'normal'? You have answered my question, 10. I can have 10 cars and consider myself normal! Thank you Johnny, I have to reduce by 6 and I'm there. Watching you is much better than talking to my car therapist.
Hang on, "Single dad", sorry to hear that as your (ex) and you seemed to have a good place when she was on. No ones business but your own, but I hope everyone is well supported by their loved ones and I hope every one ends up in a better place later
All sensible choices and understandable buys.
Johnny, you mentioned your Element has a shimmy in the drive train. It looks to be an automatic. We own a 03 Element with an automatic that had a drive train shimmy. It drove me crazy trying to find it, I replace the rear diff fluid, all 4 struts, front driveshafts, and any bushings or balljoint that had even the slightest bit of movement. It turns out it was the automatic transmission. A complete fluid change fixed it. The transmission and torque converter holds 7 litres, but when you drain it only 3.5 come out, so you do that 3 times, and replace the filter, and voila, no more shimmy. Ours has 330 thou Km on it (Canadian model), we love it, it's the most useful car we've ever owned.
A great episode and a great collection of cars, Jonny. Unlike most comments, I say keep the taxi - it's a unique car and it would look mega on some split rims. In fact, keep them all - it's your collection, you bought them all for a reason. Just enjoy them!
No offence meant here and I'm really pulling for you but you need to set some firm goals and be realistic. Sell the taxi while there's still some interest. Use the money from that to fix the Boxter (matching tires at least), detail that and sell it to double your money. Fix the Element so you have something reliable and use some to finish the VW. The lack of storage is what's gonna kill the majority of these cars. Get that straightened out first.
No one here wants to see you as the same sad old guy that couldn't take his kids on a memorable vacation or adventure because every dime you made had to go into nickel and diming numerous shitboxes. You're better than that. Get one or two fixed up nice and let the rest go while they're still worth something. Don't be like my friend that has a '73 Trans-Am 455 and "63 big block Galaxie convertible both literally rotting out from the bottom ( due to his non-heated, cracked floor, falling apart garage) that will never see the light of day again.
I sincerely wish you the best of luck with the channel and your goals.
Love your notebook its my favourite part and your temperment is just so calm and refreshing on this plate
The notebook is my brain! Cheers 🥃
Its rather disappointing with the perils of EVs in terms of how they're made and unethical means of mining components. Yet you're always banging on about them almost every episode now. There is nothing environmentally friendly about them. It's a scam.
I’m too scared to do it without the help of an adult. Great one liner!
I would sell The Nissan , Porsche , Chevrolet low rider and even the dodge , just to have more capital to do more content for the channel , take that back , NOT the Dodge , and NOT the beetle for sure . JDM Delica anyone ?? Or something rally inspired perhaps , for sure you got a different taste on cars that is very entertaining .
"Frilly Vinyl Wrap" That mod made my Sunday. I bet it also adds at least 5-10 bhp
Convert vehicles to electric because "you can", or because "you should"? Chevelle: you can, but there is no way in hell you should convert a classic muscle car to electric, no matter how much power you end up with. The character of the Chevelle is lost without a proper V8. The Element? Sure, go for it since it's a family truckster where the character won't be destroyed if you convert it to electric.
Single Dad? 😥
I was looking for a comment about this 😢
He has the 'collect old interesting shabby cars' disease, terminal case. I'm near terminal - any advice? I've already ruined the block paving in front of house with rust staining
Jonny, you’re an automotive man maths legend. Thank you for existing and pumping out such awesome content.
Ha! This might be my favourite comment. Cheers 🍺
You’re welcome mate 😊
Jonny, 2cv an inspired choice. My folks pulled a 1958 ripple one from a French barn in 2005. New chassis, nut and bolt resto , painted sadly Ill health meant my dad never finished it…..just the final 3% to complete it now. Great to work on and such a simple and ingenious design.
When you say you really want to EV convert the Impala yet you’ve never driven it as is does not compute to me. Just drive the 350sbc first!!!
Definitely keep all the cars! Just do tlc and maintenance to all of them, we don't need big mods, just seeing cars coming back to life is enough! Cheers from Finland!!!
Many thanks!
While I love your show, we all have different taste in cars. The only one in your collection that I would have is the little 2CV and maybe, as a laugh, the Smart roadster.
Aside from seeing all your wonderful car projects lined up, I found it an incredibly honest episode on more than one level. I, simillar to others have been watching you since Fifth Gear days and really love this channel and appreciate all the work that goes into it. So great and refreshing to hear that life won't get in the way of a cool car collection! 😎 All the best for 2024 👊
Single dad? sorry to hear this, was wondering about the Figero that was off to be EV converted.. Looks like you have enough there to keep you busy 🙏
Hi Jonny, I’m an ex-Porsche technician, re the water ingress, first thing to check as it’s a common issue, remove the plastic cowl panels under the bonnet & you’ll see left and right the drain holes, these fill up & the water enters the car and plays havoc with the ECU’s under the seat, blow out with an air line, test and refit the cowl panel.
Next is the top windscreen seal, usually ingress is from the corners. The seal dries out, try applying Vaseline to it and the seal on the front of the hood. The seals on 986’s are expensive.
Then check by lifting the convertible flap halfway, the two drain holes either side as these fill up with rubbish, finally make sure the door panel waterproof seal hasn’t been damaged.
Please for the love of God DO NOT EV the Impala, that would be criminal, the engine of any car is its soul!
Thank you for taking time to write all this. Intending to look at it this week...
The right car at the wrong time is the right car full stop! well done sir - the random car care hero! I do the same thing... its stupid but I enjoy it! haha 9 cars is good going - I think we have 11 now... eeek!
The English Hoovies!
Lots of bad decisions, but we love it!
Maybe Jonny should do something with Hoovie?
Yes.
@@TheLateBrakeShow yes!
that smart would make a cool EV. Im thinking BMW i3s parts? 🎉
Would love to see more VW Beetle content from your fleet 👌👌👌
I do wonder whether I should make more of a character of the Beetle on the channel. I'll be sure to document the eventual resto as a mini series.
@@TheLateBrakeShowI'd love to see more Bug content! Dugga Dugga Dugga Dugga!
A 74 standard beetle was my first car in 1984, nice to see you still have yours with plans for a resto.
@@TheLateBrakeShowKeep the taxi. You're unlikely to find another one.
@@TheLateBrakeShowDon't touch your Bug too much. Its very honest.
touched up religiously !!!! (Honda Insight) commentary errr hmmmmm
Nice insight to the fleet 👍
Nice insight in the fleet!
Quite a mix of cars, and are project cars always the right car at the wrong time. My favourites are the element, charger and beetle. So let's see what 2024 brings to this collection, I'm in two minds to sell my Escort zx2 as seen at your Christmas meet 2 years ago in Somerset 😊
@@neiliosr8 Curious as to how that ZX2 ended up in the UK anyway? My sister had a 98 from new for about a decade here in the Toronto area, it was good to her.
@@fastEdCanuck well it's been here since almost new, it's a 2000 model imported in 2001, don't know why but the only explanation is someone in the forces, and it was a woman that owned it, I bought it in 2019. I'm the 3rd owner.
Loveing the show jonny my favourite onUA-cam thanks for letting us see your cars the vw is my favourite to
Single dad??? What happened?
Hi! I have a reasonable amount of experience on Smarts, having rebuilt my own Roadster-Coupe Brabus, and regularly fixing some of the electronics issues with these cars. Happy to help you with your rescue, and to answer any questions you might have.
'Affordable league' UA-camrs car fleets: Which one would you least want to be saddled with?!
(Hubnut's, Auto Alex's, Furious Driving's, or The Late Brake Show's ? )
For me,
1) Hubnut's would be the worst -all mundane, feeble anonymous old shitboxes..apart from Elly the 2CV
2) Furious Driving's: mainly 1990's Rovers but at least he has a semi decent Merc C class estate as a daily driver.
3) Jonny's fleet is more varied and quirky -although none of the cars, maybe save for the Beetle, seem to be in a spec/condition you'd remotely want! (The Late Brake Show is by far and away the best and most professionally done production though..)
4) There are some dogs there too, but Auto Alex actually has some cool cars like the Jag XJR and the 944, both in a spec /condition you might want..!
No reflection on the fact they're all entertaining and likeable youtubers!
My favorites are the VW Beetle and '68 Dodge Charger.
It's worth noting that "being religiously touched up" has nothing to do with maintaining the paint on an old Insight.
Just stopped this vid at two minutes, I think the car under the tarp is a Smart Roadster Coupe.
this is the best shit fleet ever
And you love it.
As a former employee of smart my eyes dilated seeing your roadster. The roadster is a great car worth saving and brabus version is a blast to ride. Sadly the plastic bits on the car don't age well especially the rear windows.
But you can replace them . Replace the turbo, check for leaks in the roof!!!
Get this horrid vinyl off and it will be a blast!!!
The rear windows do polish up quite well. Wet sand 500-2000 grit, then polish. Quite a job but really rewarding.
OK, I can see why you want a 2-seat sports car, but you really only need 1, so why not give the Porsche all the TLC it needs & flip it to fund another project? The Brabus SMART will make a _fine_ midlife crisis car! Cedric is great, but you really need to have him rentable for film & TV work to earn his keep, & keep him busy. The idea of an electric lowrider is both entirely sacrilegious, and 100% appropriate. Will it be the only EV lowrider in the world?
Also, you need a barn, with a lift in & tools, so you can look after at least some of these cars yourself, & make content out of it. Professional camera work & big shoots is great, but 'Man with a couple of Go Pros, a head cam & a vlogging camera running replaces a fraying clutch cable on his VW Beetle' doesn't require any such hi-falutin' production values. Meaning you can spend the budget on the bits & consumables you need to fix the car :-).
Keep the taxi and take the wheels to a place that can turn the oem faces into 3 piece wheels, it wouldn’t screw with the car itself and it would make it look even better on the air suspension, if you want to keep the stock wheels maybe just get an aftermarket set. But the custom wheels would be killer!
Love this idea.
When you get the 2CV up and running you need to get Harris on with his one. Much like Harry and JC comparing Range rovers but with a lot less leather... and electrics... and engine... and metal...
Hi Jonny, thanks for the guided tour of "works in progress". Like many others, I'm itching to see the VW back on the road - nonetheless I understand your desire to get the old girl done up right. My Dad had several VWs over the years, but IMO the 66/ 67 1500 is the best-looking of the lot.
PS I had no idea about events in your personal life, but FWIW best wishes to you and your children from some old git in Austraia 👍
PPS You're in good company with your latest acquisition, a bloke called Chris Harris has one, as does Ian (HubNut) Seagrove - if anyone knows sources for 2CV bits, he does.
9 cars, eh? Could do 3 or 4 vids a month, one month per car, and by Autumn you're a lot further forward (...and we're entertained).
Fwiw, I'd be tempted to cash in on the Cedric and plough the proceeds back into the other cars. Love the addition of the SMART, but I'm most excited by the 2CV and the Allegro sleeper. (Could EV restomod the 2CV for another supersleeper, but it would need A LOT of crash-protection added!)
Looking forward to videos on the Smart Roadster :D
The Element ... "I know its a Honda, and they a really reliable ... spends the next three minutes listing all the things broken on it! lol
She's led a hard life this last 2 years. Plus, it is 20yrs old...
Jonny great video!
Nooooooo! Please dear God don't EV convert your impala! That's your snoop Dogg ride! Air ride it