Wheeler Dealers

Why Mike and Edd had to take Wheeler Dealers stateside

Wheeler Dealers has come a long way since Mike Brewer and Edd China first graced British television screens back in 2003. Some 13 years later, Mike and Edd have some 121 episodes and 12 series under their belts, a worldwide audience of over 200 million people and workshops in both the UK and USA. Although the show has grown massively in popularity over the years, the formula has never changed. Mike finds the car and buys it, Edd uses his mechanical know-how to fix it up, then Mike sells it on to a buyer who’ll enjoy it for many years to come. Essentially, they’re saving cars that would have otherwise been sent to the crusher and giving them a second chance at life.

As it turns out though, Mike and Edd’s decision to rent a workshop in California was more out of necessity rather than anything else. “If you’re going to want more shows, we just can’t physically make them during an English winter, we’ll have to go somewhere sunny to make them,” Brewer explained. “So we decided California it is.”

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During the mild Californian winter, Mike and Edd work out of a building in a sleepy little industrial park in Orange County, but otherwise it is business as usual. Mike trawls the internet and magazines for cars in need of TLC, and Edd breaks out the spanners and fixes them up. The work they do is similar to what any car enthusiast could do with the tools in his or her own garage at home. “We are genuinely just two ordinary guys that love cars. We’ll go through a magazine, go on the internet, find one, have a desire to own it, and have a desire to put that car back on the road,” Mike said.

Just like most classic car restoration projects, Edd has a completion deadline on each vehicle which he has to work to, but the difference here is that deadline is a hard and fast one to get a car finished, sometimes right before airtime. Being in California has its perks though, as Edd found out, with air conditioning parts for ae vintage Pontiac GTO he was working on being relatively easy to source locally. “It turned out there was a place that had them on the shelf, literally 10 minutes from the shop,” remarked Edd. “That would just never happen in the UK.”

Unlike most other car-themed television series, Wheeler Dealers doesn’t have any staged drama or scripted elements. It is this realness of the format and the two hosts which keeps it relatable to average people who may be interested in a classic car. “There are like 35 other car shows right now on the planet, and none of them actually do what we do, which is the hard bit,” Edd adds. “And that is to actually follow the detail, look at how things go together, how to fix stuff. And in in the end, get the ‘every man’ out into the garage.”

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40 comments

Brian September 27, 2023 at 3:55 pm

I see them partially repair prolems, they’ll fix one wheel’s brakes, or replace ine shock absorber for example, at the very least both sides should be done. They are doing a lot of band aid repairs on the British shows that the new actual owner will have to spend money on down the track and do the job properly. The sales are obviously fake, take the corvette sale for example, he states he’s made a massive profit whenthe bloke who bought it is standing right there…

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Stephen Diskin October 8, 2022 at 11:22 am

Mike you are just sounding like a cockney con man, learn to finish sentences and learn some new words, blimey, you are not in the Royal Navy, also WoW and for God’s sake tuck your dam shirt in. Let someone else have a drive of the car’s not just yourself.

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Meena Patel June 6, 2022 at 2:29 am

This show is totally riddged it does not take into account the labour costs, then it is my understanding that the cars they bought they knew or engineered the issues, and the uyers were all family and firends of the the cast and crew! What a shambles!

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Mugwump September 23, 2022 at 11:50 am

They are doing the work themself so there’s no labour cost. It’s a TV program so it’s obvious that they’ll have fully checked over a car and have a reasonable understanding of the issues that need resolving. All this will have taken place before you see Mike “meeting” the owner and looking the car over. He’ll have already checked the car over and, as part of the production team, been part of the decision to take on the car as a project.

This is how TV programs work and it’s unreasonable to expect otherwise – a modicum of deception is necessary. It’s not dishonest and doesn’t mean the show is rigged. A fair amount of research will have taken place before the cameras start rolling and it’s fair to assume that the purchase price would have been already agreed with the owner.

As for buyers being friends of the cast and crew.. well, if you were part of a crew making a program about restoring a car and you had a relative or friend who was keen on that particular make or model, wouldn’t you let them know that it was about to be up for sale? That’s real life – why would Mike, even if he weren’t on TV, go hunting for a buyer if he already knew a friend of a friend was interested?

If I was going to criticise the show, it would be because of the obviously staged interactions between the two presenters.

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Steve Diskin, Perth, WA April 28, 2022 at 10:50 am

While working on car’s in the USA, when a new part is purchased it’s good to know how much the item cost, but no need to convert the price from the $$$ to ££

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Alexander Barber March 1, 2024 at 8:43 am

Of course, there is a need… it is a British show. stop being so arrogant.

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Neil Evans June 27, 2021 at 6:48 pm

As a non mechanic but handy type of bloke, Wheeler Dealers had taught me so much over the years. Much to my partners frustration I’ve watched the whole series at least twice.
Edd and Mike had a great natural chemistry, that tv producers would just die for, obviously Edd is a very intelligent chap and and has a real knack of explaining what seems like a complicated procedure in a simple understandable way. Often, over the years I’ve felt that Edd is actually laughing at Mike rather than with him. Mike, the hapless car dealing joker has kept things ticking along over the years and although he’s or should I say ‘eeeez’ a bit of a bell end eeez a likeable bell end.
I was sorry to see Edd go, Ant tries too hard, although I did warm to him towards the end of his last season.
Anyway good luck to them all, it’s been a great series and a great personal journey for me and my car building.

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James Ashley-Fox February 14, 2021 at 2:33 am

Have you noticed that in Edd China’s YouTube explanation it finishes by asking Wheeler Dealers fans to give ANT a lot of support. Haven’t heard any encouragement ike that from Mr. Brewer. Even if Ant gets support, how many people care a jot about Yank tanks. They come off the production line as very poor cars and whatever you do to them them that’s how they.remain. Ant does his best, but even he looks bored to death. I’m finished watching.

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Richard Hault May 29, 2019 at 11:34 am

Loved Edd China! Ant has been a pleasant surprise. He does good work also. Mike is still Mike. I like it when he finds parts. Visiting the specialty shops to repair stuff is interesting, but I would like to hear the real cost of the work.

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Chris Ball May 23, 2019 at 4:58 am

Don’t watch it anymore, no relevance now it’s not in the UK, and I don’t think I’m alone, get Edd to start his own show…

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Alexander Barber March 1, 2024 at 8:44 am

I agree, Chris. When it went to the USA it became ruined. I walked away then.

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stevemour September 8, 2017 at 1:35 am

Edd is the best part of the show. They are two gentlemen with a common interest. But Velocity is after the almighty dollar. They have lost my veiwership.

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kay June 6, 2017 at 11:23 am

I will miss Edd China!! I am not a car lover but have been watching this show with my husband because Edd teaches and shows how parts fit together….I love the way he teaches and problem solves. It has been very interesting. The relationship between Mike and Edd is refreshing and not combative which makes the show more relaxing then stressful. I wish the new show success but am very disappointment that Velocity wants to change the format.

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Steve Tucker April 21, 2017 at 5:58 am

I’m hooked on this series. The chemistry between Mike and Edd make the show a hit. They are the new Klik and Klak of NPR.

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Steve Tucker April 21, 2017 at 5:56 am

I’m hooked on this series. The chemistry between Edd and Mike make the show a hit. They are the new Klik and Klak of NPR!

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KC Cowgirl February 28, 2017 at 1:00 pm

Love this show. I was dubious about their move to the US (Huntington Beach, CA or wherever they’re at) but now that they are here I am really enjoying them. I find it very interesting how the actually show the mechanical work and not just the frame off restoration no ceiling budget of their counterpart American shows (which I also watch at times).

One big complaint is they never include the cost of labor in their “sale”, as if they truly showed their labor costs they would lose money every time. Lets face it, the 200 million plus viewers, advertisers and show syndication pay for everything or they would run at a loss.

I wish they would truly spend a bit more money on some of their restorations. (It was painful to watch the 57 Chevrolet Bel Air being painted Yellow Cab Yellow and not paint the white hard top and clean the crappy vinyl seats and not replace them). Nonetheless, I will continue to watch them.

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Bill Harding March 10, 2017 at 4:01 am

They do show the total man-hours they’ve spent while working on the cars in the United States, but there’s no dollar value given. I’m sure that Edd’s labor cost plus the amortized value of the shop and tools add up to at least eighty dollars an hour.

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Bruce Galbraith February 16, 2017 at 12:45 pm

I love this show i just hope they keep doing it

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Marty February 5, 2017 at 1:26 pm

Good job guys….. Love the show.

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Doc February 2, 2017 at 3:05 am

I love the new venue as well as the U.K. It’s the two gents and their, relationship, individual skill and screen delivery that’s makes the show… They both are consummate professionals at their trade and it translates well to the audience. I’m a true blue American, served both in the Marine Corps and Navy for over 20 years, but hate these fake U.S. reality car “cake decorators” shows that are more about the host clowns than the actual front to back dealing of car restoration. Keep up the great work mates, those who don’t like it can watch a plethora of other shows. Welcome to America and Cheers!

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george pettitt January 30, 2017 at 3:03 am

thank you luke from England glad am not the only who thinks this new show is not good.i tried watching it again but have now turned back to top gear.edd and mike have turned into 2 fake actors the program has come to a end. why america they have no classics,we want them back in blighty with old fords and vauxhalls.sorry but am not wasting my time with these clowns…. so its back to top gear .

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Phyllis Knoll January 29, 2017 at 8:31 am

Please don’t say the show is fake. You’re breaking my heart.

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TheTruth January 20, 2017 at 8:22 am

The show is FAKE.
The buyers they get for these cars are NOT real buyers, they are in FACT set-ups by the producers.
A neighbor of mine played the part of a buyer on one of the episodes, he never bought the car , furthermore he told me that the car broke down 4 times during the so called test drive (they don’t show that part).
It’s all fake , it’s all just a show.

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KC Cowgirl February 28, 2017 at 1:01 pm

Not surprising at all. The show and syndication pay for everything. They don’t include labor in their costs of investment for the resale either.

It is, after all, a TV show for entertainment. You want truth, you won’t find it on TV.

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Nuke January 20, 2017 at 1:53 am

Edd is awesome. All the other car shows have a bunch of folks working on cars based on their specialties. Wheeler Dealers has Edd.

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Daragh January 19, 2017 at 7:35 am

The new series is full of badly scripted ham acting – it’s really cringeworthy. I wish they’d go back to what they do best

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Blacksmith37 January 18, 2017 at 3:48 am

Starting to watch shows the third time ; No other program compares – You know the programs where they take a rusty piece of steel ; add a body, suspension, engine, transmission , brakes etc , and they have a car. I think I enjoy it more having done most of the same things ( on different cars). And having changed a clutch in the snow on the street in Chicago , I relate to not working in cold weather.

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Tim Terrific January 18, 2017 at 3:04 am

I don’t care where or how ED and Mike produce Wheeler Dealers …Just keep making shows please…I will adapt to any change you feel necessary to challenge yourselves, and to keep making shows.

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george pettitt January 17, 2017 at 8:06 pm

sorry but the usa show is terrible its all staged with no real work on the cars.come back to the uk with our classic cars forget about the yanks.

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LUKE from ENGLAND January 24, 2017 at 8:28 am

must agree george the show has lost its way big time you hardly see any work on the cars its all about brewer travelling the states and edd doing very little and hay 1 hour later the car is restored total rubbish i believe the original concept has been lost.

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george pettitt January 30, 2017 at 3:05 am

i could not of put it better myself totally agree.

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KC Cowgirl February 28, 2017 at 1:04 pm

George, I watched them from American. As a “Yank” we, of course, know it’s all put on. This is a TV show. Also, we DID notice that the cost of labor is never calculated into the cost of the car so they would lose money were it not for the show supporting the entire operation. Relax, it’s just entertainment.

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craig lembke January 27, 2018 at 10:14 am

GEORGE

You do realize people of the USA hate being called “YANKS” ?

Just so you know for future references

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Bill Webster January 17, 2017 at 12:15 pm

Ed and Mike are a breath of fresh air compared to the other lame car custom shows . The other shows are so ridiculously staged with dancing bear hosts they lose all credibility with any rational viewer. Ed and MIke are the real deal and it comes through. I remember a recent show where Ed made a statement to China claiming the both of them bring back their projects from the dead. China was quick to interject ” Yes , with my tools , we do !” It was a genuine exchange between two car guys, so unscripted, genuine and spontaneous. I hope they both can remain as fresh and genuine in future shows . These two are the ” thinking mans car show ” Please dont change.

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SGF December 30, 2016 at 10:05 pm

I must admit to bring disappointed at the move to the US. I am an American and we have more than enough automotive TV. What I liked best about Wheeler Dealers was that it wasn’t in the US. I enjoyed seeing how things were done in GB and the different cars they worked on. I must admit that on three occasions I began watching one of the US based shows and didn’t finish. For me it just lost something. I remember thinking if I’m going to watch an American car be repaired in CA I might just as well watch Americans do it. There are lots of options.

I also don’t get the whole filming and English Winter thing. I worked on plenty of cars during North East US winters and the variety of car related TV shows shot in shops in NY and the mid-West pretty much put that excuse to bed, I think.

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Gary Czarnecki December 1, 2016 at 4:58 am

Great show.I have learned quite a bit from watching Mr.Edd work. I live in Huntington Beach, and I think I have seen the shop location near my house. Would like to meet Edd while he winter’s in Sunny HB. Regards, Gary 714-620-5035

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billbosh November 23, 2016 at 1:33 am

They will not have to translate the dollar prices/costs into sterling much longer as these episodes have no relevance to the UK

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Ces December 31, 2016 at 4:01 am

I disagree, I am British,live in the the UK, but have owned some American cars over the years and so find the renovation of US cars interesting.
Besides, they have undertaken a number of European renovations since they opened the US work shop

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Darren Novak December 30, 2023 at 10:59 am

Oh get over it its entertainment and in Australia we can still enjoy it without whining how many pounds there are in a mile or dollars.
Its a entertaining show by funny no pretentious guys who know and love there cars and also respect their audience, explaining heaps along the way…

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BudPR March 27, 2016 at 2:30 am

I really like this show because it actually deals with the mechanicals of upgrading and fixing cars. Other shows have become more about the the “stars” of the show and much much less about the cars and what is being done. Spot on guys! Keep it up.

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