In a world of the fastest, most expensive, clickbaitiest, and clout-gainingest content, Pumphrey reminds us all why we’re here.
You’re probably tired of the rhetoric surrounding setting Ferraris ablaze for views and how the world has become desperate for clicks, willing to take things to all new highs and lows to get them. I’m not here to beat that dead horse. Instead, I want to put a bit of a highlight on former Donut Media host extraordinaire and co-founder of the Speeed YouTube channel, James Pumphrey.
Beyond the scope of intentionally destroying things for views, the sort of “normal” automotive video-sphere is dependent mainly on extravagant, high-horsepower, uber-expensive builds that continue to raise the bar to levels we commonfolk could never afford. Moreover, it’s bred a generation of car “enthusiasts” who measure their builds not by what makes them happy, but by what makes their Instagram followers happy. Many of them take pride in looking down on others and outwardly pointing out what they have, what others can’t afford, and what cars/parts/styles are and aren’t allowed in the cool club. It sucks. A lot.
Cheap and Fun Aren’t in Fashion
All of this is to say that when I saw a Speeed upload outlining a cheap project car, I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, the Donut Media “high low” series vehicles did touch on budget building, but the whole time, it was contrasting an equivalent build with a virtually unlimited budget. Furthermore, those builds were with what folks might consider “desirable” cars (350Z, Toyota Pickups, etc.).
Instead, Pumphrey and crew opted for a 2.0-liter ABA-powered MK3 Volkswagen Golf. As a VW diehard myself, I’m absolutely here for it. However, I am not delusional enough to try for a split second to convince you that a two-point-slow four-door MK3 (that’s MARK, not Em Kay) Golf is a pass into the cool kids club.
So, what killer high-compression swap, twin-turbocharger, full standalone ECU, AWD conversion, SEMA build, supercar killing specs are they opting for? They aren’t. Instead, Pumphrey created a fun and lighthearted video of visiting a handful of friends and making basic modifications, such as installing coilovers, upgrading the lights, wheels, and exhaust.
It’s Not About the Car or the Build
The overarching lesson from the video that Pumphrey wants people to understand is that the build isn’t about the build itself, but rather about having fun and enjoying what you’re doing and who you’re doing it with. We’ve gotten so lost in this janky gatekeepy world of pseudo car culture that a ton of people aren’t doing things for the fun of it anymore; they’re doing it for approval.
This is why I feel that Pumphrey is the most important creator in the automotive space right now. While there is no shortage of awesome, smaller creators making relatable and fun car content (shoutout to SDS Garage and my homies at More Skids), they’re being overshadowed by 1,000-horsepower 2JZs and LS-swapped Golf Carts with unlimited budgets. Sure, they’re fun to watch, but the macro focus on these types of projects is keeping friends out of garages having a beer and turning wrenches with friends on whatever parts you can afford, going on whatever car you can afford. Seeing someone from the “mainstream” of the automotive world, so to speak, highlighting this topic is not just refreshing, it’s necessary to balance out car culture a bit.
If cars are your hobby, enjoy them. It’s okay to aspire to build something insane, but it’s also okay to enjoy your $500 shitbox. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Watch the Speeed video:
