The Ingenious Road of Edd China: From Driving-Sofas to Car-Restoration Icon

From a childhood fascination to mechanical imagination unleashed

Edd China — born Edward John China on May 9, 1971 in London — always had a passion for tinkering and invention.  Raised in a milieu that fostered curiosity, he pursued formal education in engineering product design at London South Bank University. 

During his university days, Edd’s flair for the unconventional manifested in his creation of the “Casual Lofa” — a sofa capable of being driven like a vehicle. What began as a creative experiment evolved into a career-defining moment. That project crystallized his identity as an inventor unafraid to challenge norms. 

Reinventing the strange — and catching eyes on TV

After university, Edd founded Cummfy Banana Limited in 1999 as an outlet for his “extreme creations.”  His early work — motorised furniture, odd vehicles, and inventive gadgets — drew attention from media and car-enthusiast circles alike.

That attention opened doors to television. In 1994, Edd landed his first TV role as a special-effects technician on the comedy show Father Ted.  He went on to appear on several automotive and mechanics-focused programs including Top Gear, Scrapheap Challenge and Fifth Gear, where his inventive, hands-on approach stood out. 

His big breakthrough came with Wheeler Dealers, the Discovery-Channel car-restoration show. For 13 seasons between 2003 and 2017, Edd served as co-host and the mechanic whose craftsmanship brought old cars back to life — combining his engineering skills and showmanship. 

Why departure from Wheeler Dealers felt necessary — and what came next

In March 2017, Edd announced he was leaving Wheeler Dealers. His decision stemmed from creative disagreements: he felt that proposed changes to the show’s format would erode the depth and integrity of the workshop-based restorations that defined its appeal. 

Rather than fading away, Edd pivoted. He doubled down on his passion for engineering and creativity, launching his own projects — including a robust online presence. On his YouTube channel, he spearheaded a series titled Edd China's Garage Revival, where he documents his projects, responds to fan questions, and revisits his mechanical roots.  According to his website, he continues to explore what he calls “anything to do with engineering, design, science, mechanics and things that move.” 

Feet on the ground — Net worth, personal life, and lasting legacy

Edd China’s inventive spirit and media success have translated into a solid financial standing. Public estimates place his net worth at around US$ 3 million. 

In his personal life, Edd is married to Imogen China — often described simply as his wife, a Norwegian-born partner who prefers a low public profile.  Details about their private life remain sparse, as the couple seems to favor privacy over publicity.

Beyond net worth and television fame, Edd’s legacy lies in his ethos: bridging imagination and engineering, making the improbable possible, and inspiring a generation of car lovers and dreamers. From a motorised sofa to restoring classic cars for the world to admire, his journey underscores the power of passion and ingenuity.