There's a lot going on in these challenging times. People are losing jobs, losing business, losing loved ones. All of this serves only to support the message that people must stay at home and reduce their level of interaction with others.
Obviously, this means most of us have plenty of new-found spare time on our hands. And one of the logical places to turn for car lovers is the internet; particularly YouTube.
If you're familiar with the platform, you'll already know its biggest four-wheeled names ... like Donut Media or Schmee150. But, to help you along, here's our list of 10 top notch YouTube timewasters from the fringes.
Rich Rebuilds
With the advent of EVs has come a huge uplift in channels devoted to the topic. But, none are quite as compelling as Rich Rebuilds.
The channel is led by Rich Benoit; an owner of a swag of Teslas, and an expert on the processes of taking them apart and putting them back together.
While clearly a huge fan of the EV manufacturer's work, Benoit also focuses on the firm's shortcomings. In the process he's been at the core of some of the brand's after-sales sagas, from issues with buying second-hand cars from dealers, to having features like Supercharging 'turned off' without warning on old models. Often fascinating, often hilarious.
Savagegeese
There are literally countless YouTube channels devoted to car reviews, and many of them are very good. But few are quite as thorough, comedically dry, or premium as Savagegeese.
The two-man-band put emphasis on production quality and often extend their appraisals of each car beyond what sits on the surface. Cars get lifted on hoists and have their construction methods critiqued, audio systems are measured scientifically.
And, when the time calls for it, the piss is taken.
Zebra Corner
Even if the name 'Zebra Corner' doesn't immediately ring any bells, the videos themselves probably do.
Starring the 'so-Boston-it-hurts' frontman, Mahk, Zebra Corner has become a much loved fixture of the motoring community via its excellent parodies of Chevrolet USA's cringy 'Real People' commercials.
I could go on, but instead I'll let Mahhhhhk take it from here.
3Dbotmaker
Through the freedoms of YouTube, almost anything can gain a huge audience. Heck, there are people with hundreds of thousands of subscribers that simply eat large mountains of food in front of the camera.
'Toy' channels like 3Dbotmaker are also known for gaining huge audience, but in this case it's something that we can get behind. 3Dbotmaker's diecast car tournaments are insanely well produced and watchable, with professional-grade commentary, close-fought racing, and multiple camera angles.
Jelle's Marble Runs / Marbula 1
If you're wanting to take scaled-down racing to the next level, though, Jelle's Marble Runs could be the ticket.
Again, a little like Zebra Corner, Jelle's Marble Runs may not be an immediately familiar name, but their videos are legendary. Their old videos of marble race tracks made out of sand still spread far and wide all over Facebook.
More recently, the channel has started a league called 'Marbula 1' with the aims of recreating some of the magic of Formula 1 in miniature. Apart from each race being oddly compelling, the level of detail is astonishing. Each marble features live timing, each race is undertaken at a new race track, and there's even qualifying sessions. Brilliant.
Tavarish
Freddy 'Tavarish' Hernandez, formerly a writer with Jalopnik, leads one of the most popular wrenching-at-home channels on YouTube. His rebuild projects range from the Lamborghini Murcielago from Fate of the Furious, to a raft of Japanese contemporary classics, to a bright pink minivan that once featured on Pimp My Ride.
His fearless attitude to car maintenence will have you wanting to take on some coronavirus-friendly car repairs of your own. Although, his latest project is something a little bit different.
Embedded above is the first episode of a 9-part series where Tavarish, and fellow YouTubers Ed Boilian (from VinWiki) and Tyler Hoover (from Hoovies Garage), as they go on a road trip in three exotic supercars that they purchased for less than US$60,000. Can confirm, it's a great watch.
VinWiki
The premise of VinWiki is relatively simple. Apart from functioning as a spruiking tool for the VinWiki app (an app designed to track vin codes for exotic and interesting cars), it's essentially a channel devoted to good car stories.
It's led by Ed Bolian, but features dozens of other members of the motoring community; from sales people to test drivers to other YouTubers. The stories, naturally, cover incredibly diverse ground (like the above yarn about a few stolen Lamborghinis).
The VinWiki rabbit hole goes deeper than any other. Be warned.
Jimmy Broadbent
As the world's motorsport categories grind to a Covid-19 halt, the world of esports has emerged as a surprise saviour.
The Supercars Championship, NASCAR, and even Formula 1 have unveiled esports-based championships featuring their stars. Formula 1's first digitial showdown took place the other day, and the highlight was a nail-biting last-lap battle between McLaren F1's Lando Norris, and some guy named Jimmy Broadbent.
Broadbent is arguably the world's most well known car gamer. Millions watch his gaming and streaming footage, in a journey that's seen him also become a frontman for Gran Turismo Sport's international 'World Tour' events. He also owns a Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R, so you know he's good.
TheSketchMonkey
From the 'people more talented than me' files comes TheSketchMonkey. Former designer Marouane spends his time searching for either new cars to improve, or old cars to re-do as a new-generation fantasy.
Apart from his work looking almost photographic in quality, it's also a curious window into the mind of car design and the purpose of each line and crease in a vehicle's bodywork.
4WD Action
The increase in popularity of SUVs and utes can be linked to a bunch of different things; from the tax benefits and improvements in comfort, to the necessity for utility.
Part of the industry's growth can also be tracked to more people's desire to engage with the great outdoors (or, to at least look like they do). And, for comprehensive off-roading vehicle tests, few do it better than Australian channel 4WD Action.
The above is arguably its greatest video; an eight-ute super shootout with a surprise winner.