If you’re a car enthusiast and a frequent browser of YouTube, you’ll notice that in recent years, the art of car restoration and rebuilding has taken the platform by storm, captivating millions of viewers worldwide.
Videos of completely trashed supercars being dragged into garages, further taken apart by aspiring builders who aim to restore them to their former glory. It’s quite the sight to behold to see a dilapidated exotic slowly repaired.
For car enthusiasts and aspiring mechanics, these videos offer not only entertainment but also a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. We feature five YouTubers who have mastered the craft of supercar restoration and built large followings through their incredible projects.
Mat Armstrong
Credit: Facebook – Mat Armstrong
Kicking off our list is Mat Armstrong, a popular YouTuber known for fixing totaled supercars. Mat was a professional BMX rider several years back, but an injury serendipitously stoked his passion for mechanical work, and he’s been at it ever since.
Mat is no stranger to supercars and exotics, having rebuilt everything from a Rolls Royce Wraith, to a BMW M4 Competition, to a Porsche 911 GT3. Known for his detailed and methodical restoration process, he transforms these wrecked vehicles into show-stopping supercars.
He frequently takes videos of him perusing the junkyard where he’ll take an educational stance and engage viewers through his inspection and buying process. As a result, he’s built a strong following of car enthusiasts with over 3 million subscribers tuning in to his content.
Rich Rebuilds
Credit: CNBC
Rich Benoit is the mastermind behind Rich Rebuilds and has amassed over 1.47 million subscribers as of June 2024.
He stands out in this list with his focus on electric vehicles, notably his Tesla S project in which he highlights a unique blend of humor and technical expertise with his business partner, a former parts manager who worked for Tesla.
It wouldn’t surprise you to know that his popular Tesla S has a Chevy Camaro V8 engine, and he’s also been a guest on Joe Rogan’s podcast where he talks about the restoration and rebuild process.
Rich’s channel not only focuses on rebuilding these cars but also pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with electric vehicles. After replacing the transmission and engine in his Tesla Model S, he managed to take it from 4975 lbs to 3300 lbs, an accomplishment in itself.
His engaging storytelling and interactive approach have made him a pioneer in the EV restoration space, and we’re keen to see what else he’s got in the works.
Tavarish
Credit: Hot Cars
Freddy Hernandez, known as Tavarish, started his channel in 2006 but has been sharing his restoration journeys on YouTube since 2015. Since then, his channel has grown to over 2.87 million subscribers.
Tavarish has made a name for himself by reviving neglected supercars and documenting the process with notable projects McLaren 675LT. This build demonstrated his incredible resourcefulness, so much so that even Jay Leno took the time to bring him on the show to look at the car which he rebuilt with bigger turbos, upping the output to 800hp and needing another rebuild after the engine exploded.
One of his latest projects includes a McLaren P1 which he bought sight unseen after it sustained flood damage in 2022’s Hurricane Ian.
Goonzquad
Credit: Instagram – Goonzsquad
The Goonzquad brothers bring a high-energy and fun-loving approach to car restoration.
Their channel features a variety of ambitious rebuilds blending restoration with custom modifications, amassing over 2.6 million subscribers.
Notable projects include a 2014 Dodge Viper, 2023 BMW M3, 2013 Nissan GTR, and even a Lamborghini Huracan. Like the other builders on this list, each of their videos includes details on the disassembly, repair, painting, and reassembly, offering enthusiasts a 360-degree look as they reveal the final restoration.
Jack Builds It
Credit: Instagram – Jack Builds It
Jack D Thornton, known for his YouTube channel Jack Builds It, has garnered a growing following of over 160,000 subscribers.
Jack also happens to be friends with Tavarish and has collaborated on car projects with him.
His channel is an ever-growing treasure trove of meticulous restorations, and it helps that he has an I-CAR welding certification, which no doubt comes in handy as he attempts various projects.
Notable rebuilds include a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8, Noble M400, and as of June 2024, he’s embarked on a mission to restore a Toyota Supra.
A true JDM lover, no doubt!
What If I Want To Restore A Supercar?
Rebuilding an exotic vehicle (or any vehicle, really) is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for light wallets. There’s a lot to consider before you embark on the journey, including:
- Your budget (gotta pay to play!)
- Skills required
- Due diligence
- Problem-solving when other hidden issues arise
Rebuilds of this caliber are never as straightforward as you think they might be, parts are expensive, and it takes plenty of technical expertise to ensure the work is done properly.
Part of this process starts with vetting your donor vehicle and oftentimes, the entirety of damages is not well-documented, or the car might not even be what you thought it was.
For starters, information gathering will start by using tools such as a VIN decoder to learn about the vehicle such as where it was built, when it was built, what body style and engine it came with, and what major equipment was included.
As part of the vetting and purchasing process, additional reports can be purchased to learn more about its history, odometer readings, which can provide valuable information in the event of discrepancies and will make it easier to verify that the vehicle’s history is genuine.
Running a VIN report can provide information on the vehicle you’re looking at purchasing. Credit: EpicVIN
Check Them Out
Our list of YouTubers is just a small sample of those who are attempting (and succeeding) in supercar rebuilds, providing entertainment, and sharing their knowledge with the supercar restoration community.
Each of them brings their unique style and expertise to the table which have inspired countless viewers to explore the world of car restoration.
Whether you’re a seasoned restorer or a curious enthusiast, these channels offer a wealth of inspiration and education.
Dive in, get inspired, and perhaps start your own restoration project.
