In a pre-internet world, the power to speak for the automotive scene lay with a small circle of journalists and broadcasters. But since Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim launched the YouTube video sharing platform in 2005, the playing field has levelled overnight. Today, you can hear opinions good, bad, ugly and unhinged voiced around the clock. But in this blog, our classic car storage team picks the very best of the YouTube generation.
Doug DeMuro (4.6m subs)
Bursting with energy but never obnoxious, this San Diego-based ex-motoring journalist reviews cars of all types and vintages, always concluding by bestowing his famous ten-category DougScore.
Jay Leno (3.5m subs)
The 73-year-old talk show legend is nobody’s idea of an upstart industry-disruptor, but the witty Leno is a pleasure to watch and manages to curate his own fleet – amongst other vehicles – without seeming like he’s showing off.
Seen Through Glass (568k subs)
Dubbed ‘the thinking man’s YouTuber’, UK streamer Sam Fane not only has impeccable taste (his current garage includes an Arbarth 595 Competizione, Jaguar F-Type and Ferrari 360 Modena) but a taste for adventure that recalls the halcyon days of Top Gear. As he told Apex: “That format of guys having fun in cars or having adventures in a car is what I wanted to capture.”
Harry’s Garage (619k subs)
Having co-founded EVO magazine back in 1998, Harry Metcalfe has performed a graceful gearshift into online media, showcasing his vast collection of cars, and reviewing others, in his inimitable professorial style.
Shmee150 (2.48m subs)
The ultimate car influencer? British vlogger Tim Burton – also known as Shmee150 – was certainly one of the first supercar streamers, and when he’s not testing four-wheeled exotica around the world, you’ll find him tinkering with an enviable collection of his own.
MrJWW (778k subs)
Streaming since 2015 and always seeking to explore the philosophical question of ‘why we drive’, James Walker is an eloquent UK vlogger creating grown-up videos of substance… although he’s not above producing a clip on the world’s loudest Lamborghini.
Becky Evans (146k subs)
Having started out as a pro go-karter and drag racer – and rolled up her sleeves to build an 83 BMW e21 show car with her dad – Becky’s energy and enthusiasm for classics, supercars and more is infectious.
The Late Brake Show (528k subs)
Ex-Max Power and 5th Gear TV journalist Jonny Smith (also known as the Car Pervert) gives his view into all things automotive, from modified cars and EVs to mildewed barn finds given a fresh burst of mojo.
Mat Armstrong (1.33m subs)
Passionate and insightful, this Midlands-based modder buys damaged supercars and fixes them up at a fraction of main dealer cost. In his hands, no write-off is beyond redemption.
Hagerty (2.6m subs)
The place to head for ultra-high quality car content, where you’ll find heavyweight presenters such as Henry Catchpole and Jason Cammisa wearing their knowledge lightly.
Magnus Walker (85k subs)
A dreadlocked former fashion designer from Sheffield, Porsche outlaw Magnus now owns a staggering collection of models from the German marque, housed in an old LA factory building. His own favourites get plenty of air-time, but so too do other heroic cars from the classic Porsche world.
Collecting Cars (175k subs)
Missing Chris Harris now that Top Gear is off-air? Find the ever-likeable broadcaster and journalist right here, driving and talking cars as only he can.
Then enjoy the analogue treatment with Windrush classic car storage
At Windrush, we embrace the digital realm – but still take an analogue approach to classic car storage. Visit our twin facilities in the Cotswolds or central London and we’ll get hands-on immediately, kicking off with the peerless twelve-step induction process that we consider essential to long term car storage, then staying on top of your pride and joy for the duration with our own unique brand of vehicular physiotherapy. Even in 2023, we’re proud to say that no app is a match for our long term car storage solution.
The Windrush luxury car storage team is ready to help. Drop us a line on info@windrushcarstorage.co.uk and let us tell you more about our service.
