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FAQ

Want to know more about MotoringBox? Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions below.

WHAT IS MOTORINGBOX?

MotoringBox is an Australian based YouTube channel run independently by Sean McKellar since 2019. It focuses on quality content about Australian car culture.

WHAT DOES “MOTORINGBOX” MEAN ANYWAY?

Well, back in 2008 I created a website called TopGearbox, which specialised in providing information and news about the then popular BBC UK show Top Gear. The TopGearbox name is most obviously a play on the name Top Gear, and it was (and still is) quite a popular website. In 2015 I decided to create a new website with a more general focus on new and used cars, which I decided to call MotoringBox.

I chose the name to match TopGearbox, but I liked it because most of the cars I am interested are old and quite ‘boxy’ looking. Plus I guess you could also look at the site as being a ‘box full of information’ or something like that. My idea for the name really didn’t go any deeper than that. And when I started my YouTube channel in 2018 I used the same name.

I sometimes think the name sounds quite stupid and for a moment I’ll regret choosing it, but in the end I don’t think it really matters. It’s all about the content.

IS MOTORINGBOX A COMPANY?

Contrary to what you might think, MotoringBox is not a company or organisation. I don’t have any employees and nobody helps me create the content – it’s a glorified hobby which I work on in my spare time.

HOW MANY PEOPLE HELP YOU WITH THE VIDEOS?

Nobody. I handle everything from the initial content ideas, filming, editing, promotion and anything else required. If you see it on the channel, I created it. Apart from the music – I pay a subscription to use music tracks from independent artists and musicians.

WHAT’S SOMETHING VIEWERS DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

If it isn’t obvious enough I prefer to live a simple life without complications. I guess I am an introvert – I live a quiet life together with my wife, and I am quite happy spending time at home enjoying the things I am interested in. I don’t have many friends, and I am content with that.

ARE YOU AN EXPERT AT WORKING ON CARS?

Ha, no not at all. Like everyone, I am learning every day and I am not afraid to give something a go if I believe it is possible with my ability and with the basic tools I have. I am not a professional, but I think that’s nice – because it means what I do is within the reach of people who are watching. So they can learn and give it a go themselves.

WHAT CARS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE MOST?

Pretty much anything Australian made, but I do tend to prefer 6 or 8-cylinder engines with rear-wheel drive. Mainly from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s. Plus Japanese cars from the same eras.

WHAT DO YOU USE TO FILM VIDEOS?

I use a Canon G7xII camera on a no-name tripod, with a Rode smartLav+ lavalier microphone which plugs into a smartphone to record the audio. Initially this was all I had, with a single GoPro Hero to record the in car footage. Later I expanded a bit further and bought a GoPro Hero 7 Silver, GoPro MAX 360, and a DJI Spark drone. There are a few other misc items I use, like GoPro suction mounts, and an LED light to help illuminate the car interior during driving shots.

WHY DO YOU ONLY LOOK AT OLD/USED CARS?

Basically because I think new cars are ridiculous, and because manufacturers are now going out of their way by designing and adding new features which nobody actually needs. LED mood lighting? Probably fun for the first 5-minutes. Moving button and dial controls to touch screens instead? That’s downright dangerous. Buying a new car is also financial suicide, unless you’re loaded. Which I’m not.

For the price of a $25k Toyota Corolla, you could buy a low mileage XR6 Turbo or Commodore SS, and have many thousands of dollars left over to cover the additional fuel you need. Which way makes more sense to you?

DO YOU BUY ALL OF THE CARS ON THE CHANNEL?

Yes. They’re not worth much, but the financial outlay of purchasing and running the cars comes out of my own pocket. Luckily, revenue from YouTube does help to a degree, but I would still be many thousands of dollars in the negative if I calculated all the costs.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR THE CHANNEL?

I guess I don’t have any concrete plans for the channel, but I do have a dream. I would love to have a huge garage space so I could hang onto and even start collecting some of the “everyday classic” Australian cars that I look at. Sort of like an Aussie Jay Leno’s garage, just on a much smaller scale and without the supercars!

How I get to that point I don’t know, but I’m happy to let the viewers influence the content and we’ll see where it all goes.

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