HubNut dedicates its content to celebrating the average and the unusual within the captivating realm of motor vehicles. Since its inception in 2013, the channel, initially a side project for freelance motoring journalist Ian, has evolved into a full-time venture. Ian, who previously edited titles like Classic Jaguar and Retro Japanese, began by documenting the resurrection of his 1972 Invacar.
Now joined by co-presenter Miss Hubnut, the channel chronicles their experiences with a diverse fleet of vehicles. Viewers can expect engaging road tests, insightful discussions on motoring, and explorations of unique automotive finds, all presented with a passion for cars that resonate with enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Now joined by co-presenter Miss Hubnut, the channel chronicles their experiences with a diverse fleet of vehicles. Viewers can expect engaging road tests, insightful discussions on motoring, and explorations of unique automotive finds, all presented with a passion for cars that resonate with enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Why This Tiny Microcar Is So Much Fun! 1959 BMW Isetta 300
This video offers an engaging and enthusiastic review of the 1959 BMW Isetta 300, highlighting its unique charm and historical significance. The reviewer praises the Isetta's ability to provide fun despite its tiny 298cc engine and four-speed gearbox, noting its surprising stability and decent br...
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Fiat 500e Real World Electric Road Test - Is It Any Good In Rural Wales? With Bonus Furniture...
The Fiat 500e, tested in rural Wales, proves to be a charming and enjoyable electric city car, though its suitability for longer journeys or areas wit... moreh sparse charging infrastructure is questionable. The reviewer praises its stylish retro design, smooth and quiet driving experience, and the effective one-pedal driving via the 'Range' mode. The 'Sherpa' mode is highlighted for maximizing range, though it does limit throttle response and top speed. Downsides include the fiddly wiper stalk controls, ineffective auto wipers, and the lane departure warning system which requires deactivation on every drive. The boot space is limited, quickly overwhelmed by shopping, and rearward visibility is not ideal. While the claimed range of 199 miles is optimistic, the reviewer achieved a realistic 141 miles in winter conditions with an average consumption of 3.8 miles per kWh. The lack of home charging and reliance on public networks, particularly in rural areas, presents a significant challenge, with only one charger available within 25 miles of the reviewer's home. Despite these limitations, the Fiat 500e is recommended for its driving dynamics and urban usability, with the 'Icon' trim offering desirable features like LED lights and a larger battery. less
Mixed Vlog: Mental Health, EVs, Comments, Daihatsu
This video offers a poignant reflection on mental health, inspired by a charity road run for the Leon Jack Foundation. The host shares personal experi... moreences and highlights the critical importance of talking, referencing high-profile figures who have tragically lost their lives. The review then pivots to discuss the coexistence of electric vehicles (EVs) and traditional combustion engine cars, addressing viewer comments and defending the channel's inclusion of EVs. While acknowledging the 'bangeromics' appeal, the host emphasizes that not all viewers share this lifestyle. The video also touches upon the practicalities of EV ownership, including the upcoming vehicle excise duty changes, and provides a fleet update, detailing maintenance and tax considerations for various vehicles, including the Citroen 2CV and Daihatsu. The host concludes by reiterating the need for thoughtful online discourse and the business realities of content creation. less
MG5 SW - The Electric Estate! But Is It Any Good?
The MG5 SW is presented as a practical and stylish electric estate, offering a compelling alternative in the EV market. The reviewer highlights its un... morederstated design, spacious interior with good knee room, and a deep, usable boot capable of accommodating a wheelchair. The driving experience is described as peaceful, effortless, and confident, with useful torque and good one-pedal driving capability thanks to strong regenerative braking. However, the reviewer notes the high boot lip as a minor drawback. The interior, while featuring a somber design, is deemed better than other modern MGs tested, with supportive seats and decent infotainment. The car's practicality is further emphasized by its ability to keep up with other vehicles and its decent real-world range, even with the older battery pack. The reviewer concludes that while the price point might be a barrier for some, the MG5 is a well-put-together and pleasant car to drive, making it a strong contender for those considering an electric vehicle. less
Tesla-Powered Volkswagen Type 2 - 340bhp, No Traction Control! Real Road Test
This video showcases a remarkable Volkswagen Type 2 Crew Cab converted to electric power using a Tesla Model S drivetrain. The owner, Richard from Ele... morectric Classic Cars, highlights the vehicle's reliability over six years and 77,000+ miles, emphasizing its daily driver capability in all weather conditions. The conversion boasts a detuned 340bhp (from a potential 450bhp) Tesla drive unit and an 85kWh battery pack, offering a significant power upgrade over the original engine. The reviewer praises the seamless integration of modern tech, including a touchscreen for parameter adjustments, a rear-view camera, and Bluetooth connectivity, while retaining the classic van's charm. Key advantages noted are the effortless acceleration, impressive torque for towing, and the efficiency of one-pedal driving with strong regenerative braking. However, the lack of traction control, especially on wet or slippery surfaces, is a significant drawback, leading to frequent "one-tire fires." The steering remains heavy, typical of classic buses, and the absence of a heater is a minor inconvenience. Despite these challenges, the conversion is lauded as a practical, powerful, and reliable daily driver, offering a unique blend of classic aesthetics and modern EV performance. less
Visit to Electric Classic Cars - Home of Vintage Voltage
This video offers an in-depth look at Electric Classic Cars, showcasing their evolution from a small operation to the world's largest classic car... more converter. The host highlights the impressive capabilities of their electric conversions, particularly focusing on a Land Rover Defender. This particular build features a Tesla drive unit, a 100 kWh battery pack, and astonishing performance figures, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds with 600 horsepower. The review emphasizes the practical benefits, such as increased space due to the removal of the transmission tunnel, improved off-road control with features like an off-road mode and limited-slip differentials, and the overall enhancement of the driving experience. The presenter also touches upon other notable conversions, including a VW Synchro T3 camper, a Gordon-Keeble, Ferrari Testarossas, a Maserati Ghibli, a Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, a BMW 3.0 CSL, a Porsche 911, and a Porsche 914, illustrating the company's diverse expertise. The core message is that electrification can significantly improve classic cars, making them more reliable, powerful, and usable as daily drivers without sacrificing their classic character. less
Electric Bluebird - How Far Can It Drive?
This video chronicles an extensive range test of a unique Nissan Bluebird T72 converted to electric power, utilizing running gear from first and secon... mored-generation Nissan Leafs. The reviewer highlights the car's historical significance, celebrating 35 years of Nissan manufacturing in the UK, and its conversion by Kinghorn EV. While the claimed winter range is 75-90 miles, the reviewer pushes the boundaries, ultimately achieving an impressive 100 miles. Positives include the comfortable ride, quiet operation, and the successful integration of modern EV technology into a classic body, making it a relevant and usable vehicle for city driving. However, the reviewer notes the lack of strong regenerative braking initially (attributed to a full battery), the basic heater, and the significant compromise of having the battery pack located in the boot, impacting storage space. The reviewer also expresses a desire for more 'electric shove' and notes that the car, while smooth, is not particularly rapid, likely mapped to mimic original petrol acceleration. Despite these points, the conversion is deemed practical and a fine example of retrofitting classic cars with EV technology, though the starting cost of £30,000 is acknowledged as a barrier. less
Hubnut Attends The Late Brake Show - What A Mix Of Cars! 100mph Shed!
The Late Brake Show in Manchester proved to be an eclectic and engaging event, showcasing a remarkable variety of vehicles from the world's faste... morest shed to brand-new EVs and classic modified cars. The reviewer highlights the sheer diversity as the show's strongest point, featuring everything from a Daihatsu van that survived the Mongol Rally to a rare convertible Aston Martin and Johnny Smith's personal collection. While specific vehicle details like trim levels or drivetrains are not the focus, the review emphasizes the unique character of each exhibit, from the retro charm of the Nissan Figaro and Honda e to the modern design of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. The event successfully blended automotive passion across different eras and types, making it a memorable experience for enthusiasts. less
The Citroen Ami EV 100% Electric. Is It The Modern 2CV?
The Citroen Ami is presented as a modern-day interpretation of the iconic 2CV, targeting urban mobility and aiming to replace scooters and public tran... moresport. The reviewer highlights its extreme simplicity, cost-effectiveness (around £6,000 in France), and unique features like folding windows and identical front/rear panels to reduce manufacturing costs. While acknowledging its "funky" design and excellent visibility, the review points out significant drawbacks. The ride is described as firm, seats are uncomfortable with minimal padding, and there's a complete lack of modern safety features like airbags, ABS, or traction control. The limited top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h) restricts its use to urban environments, and the single, ineffective windscreen wiper is a notable flaw. Despite these shortcomings, the reviewer finds it surprisingly useful for short city trips, appreciating its simple, go-kart-like driving experience and tight turning circle. However, it ultimately falls short as a true successor to the 2CV in terms of comfort and practicality. less
Vlog: How Did HubNut Begin and Evolve?
This vlog details the personal journey of the HubNut channel's creator, tracing its evolution from a personal blog focused on "dreadful cars... more" to a full-time, monetized YouTube channel. The creator emphasizes the shift towards electric vehicles, including testing a Nissan Leaf, which marked a significant turning point. The narrative highlights the importance of a catchy, memorable channel name and the challenges and rewards of building a YouTube presence. Key takeaways include the creator's decision to go full-time after personal life changes and travel aspirations, the crucial role of early sponsors like Lancaster Insurance, and the ongoing reliance on ad revenue and merchandise sales. The video underscores that success on YouTube hinges on the ability to connect with an audience and the inherent unpredictability of audience reception, rather than solely on meticulous planning. less
Hubnut Chats to Aging Wheels! Lockdown Interview #6
This interview between HubNut and Robert Dunn (Aging Wheels) delves into the world of obscure and often "hopeless" vehicles. The conversatio... moren highlights Robert's current struggles with his Wheego electric car, a vehicle based on the first-generation Smart Fortwo, which appears to be beyond repair due to battery issues and a dead 12-volt system. The discussion also touches upon other unique vehicles like the Trabant, which Robert has a passion for and is considering engine-swapping, and the Volkswagen XL1, a car both hosts found remarkable but ultimately underwhelming to drive. The interview also explores Robert's ambitious bus conversion project into a car transporter and his thoughts on content creation, particularly the shift towards more frequent, less polished vlogs. The overall tone is one of shared enthusiasm for quirky automotive projects, despite the inherent challenges and frustrations they present. less
Real Road Test: Jaguar I Pace 800 Roadtrip
The Jaguar I-Pace is lauded for its striking design and impressive performance, with the reviewer highlighting its instant torque and rapid accelerati... moreon, noting that 0-60 mph is achieved in a brisk 4.5 seconds. The interior is described as comfortable, offering ample space, though the seats are noted as firm and the head restraint position is a point of contention for long journeys. The reviewer found the adaptive cruise control and one-pedal driving highly convenient for motorway cruising. However, the primary critique centers on the charging infrastructure and the I-Pace's real-world range and charging times. Despite a claimed range of 292 miles, the reviewer realistically expected around 184 miles, and found the charging experience frustratingly slow and unreliable, with several network issues encountered. The ride comfort is also criticized as being on the firm side, potentially due to large wheels. Ultimately, while the car itself is praised for its driving dynamics and design, the overall EV experience is deemed unsatisfactory due to the current state of public charging networks. less
Real Road Test: Cassis eDen - Not a Mehari, but Sort of. And Electric!
The Cassis eDen presents an intriguing electric take on the classic Citroen Mehari, built entirely from new parts. While it captures the spirit of the... more original with its plastic body and steel space frame, the reviewer highlights significant compromises inherent in its quadricycle homologation. The 15kW motor limits top speed to 50mph (80km/h), and while torque is impressive, outright acceleration is only slightly better than a standard 2CV. The driving experience is characterized by a distinctly odd driving position, a very basic interior with fluffy doors that struggle to close in the wind, and a lack of modern amenities like de-misting. Real-world range is estimated at 50-60 miles, though this can be significantly reduced with hard driving. Despite its rough edges and development car status, the reviewer finds it surprisingly fun and peaceful, particularly for short trips, offering a unique, zero-emission experience. However, the high price point of £26,650 and the limitations imposed by French regulations make it a niche proposition, especially compared to potential classic car electric conversion kits. less
This Fiat 500 is Electric! What's it Like to Drive?
This video review explores a converted Fiat 500, now powered by an electric motor and Tesla battery packs. The reviewer, despite initial reservations ... moreabout the standard Fiat 500, finds the electric conversion to be a "transformative" experience, significantly enhancing the driving dynamics. Key highlights include the instant torque, providing surprisingly brisk acceleration, and the car's suitability for town driving. The reviewer notes the conversion is currently running at 60% power due to testing, but even at this level, performance is deemed superior to the original. Downsides mentioned are the limited range (50-75 miles), a lengthy 6-hour charging time, and the high cost of such conversions, making it unattainable for many. The reviewer concludes that while not a long-distance vehicle, it's "absolutely ideal" for local trips and offers a fun, engaging classic car experience without the drawbacks of an internal combustion engine. less
Real Road Test: Volkswagen XL1 Hybrid Thing
The Volkswagen XL1 presents a fascinating, albeit impractical, glimpse into hyper-efficient automotive technology. While the claimed 300 MPG is unatta... moreinable in real-world conditions, the reviewer achieved a respectable 59 MPG on challenging terrain, improving to an estimated 70+ MPG on a return journey. The vehicle's engineering is lauded, particularly its aerodynamic design and innovative 800cc twin-cylinder diesel engine paired with an electric motor. However, the XL1 suffers from significant practicality issues, including a lack of boot space, no rear window, and reliance on cameras for rear visibility. The ride is firm, and the twin-cylinder engine can be noisy. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer found the driving experience surprisingly engaging and developed a newfound appreciation for hybrid technology, though the exorbitant price tag (around £140,000) makes it an unviable proposition for most. less