Podholic: From ski to Shmee
Brit YouTube sensation shares the New Zealand experience that started it all.
IN a break from Podholic tradition, we dive into one of YouTube's most subscribed automotive channels – Shmee150. Shm-what, you may ask?
Founded by avid British car enthusiast Tim Burton, the Shmee150 brand started as a pseudonym from the dial-up internet era that, today, has become one of the most successful social media stories.
Intriguingly, the genesis of it all puts tread to the tarmac a little closer to home. A brief stint living in Wanaka as a ski instructor on the slopes of Treble Cone ignited Burton's passion for videography, evolving into the YouTube juggernaut that is Shmee150.
You’d think Shmee’s time in New Zealand would have involved firing a Lamborghini Huracan STO or a Ferrari GTC4Lusso across the serpentine Crown Range Road. Nope, quite the opposite. Like almost everyone around the Queenstown Lakes area, his daily drive was in a Subaru, just not a fast one. The humble 1.8-litre Leone wagon was the steed of choice - well, hey, we all must start somewhere.
So, what is the leading hook? Every episode is a compelling journey exploring the world of supercar ownership. The now London-domiciled Burton shines a refreshingly in-depth spotlight on the buying process (and the endless options you can order), the perils of servicing, and touring abroad to car shows with like-minded supercar owners.
Viewers will appreciate the constant stream of regular video uploads and the exotic acquisitions to his ever-expanding portfolio - the aptly named ‘Shmuseum’. Every vehicle in the collection features its own informative episode, ranging from the McLaren Senna and Ferrari SF90 Stradale supercars to an immaculately presented 1.2-litre Renault Clio.
Unlike some other YouTubers, Shmee is essentially a one-person enterprise you may find endearing or unintentionally pretentious, depending on your preference. However, you cannot beat his sheer passion for all things motoring-related, and as always, we welcome a McLaren story.
So, is Shmee150 worth checking out? If you love all things supercars – then absolutely! So, jump on YouTube, and subscribe away.
The Shmee150 Vlog Homepage: https://shmee150.com/shmeevideos/