TJ Lamb, known under his online profile name, “Magnacars,” has built quite a social media enterprise around sharing other peoples’ car stories — and it’s been a huge success.
He started his YouTube channel around 2023, but he’s been active on social media for over a decade. “I love to interview people and find out why they drive the car they do,” he said in a recent video. “I find it so interesting — whether it’s a million-dollar car, or a thousand-dollar car.” He is all about building a sense of community.
For a time, the focus of TJ’s channel was on buying inexpensive cars and fixing them up. At one point, his personal collection spanned six vehicles. The turning point was when he realized his viewers were more interested in seeing a variety of vehicles from other owners. “I don’t need to buy cars to make content,” he said. His existing videos weren’t paying what his hobby was costing, so he pivoted. “I’d much rather focus on you,” he said in a video. “Even if I get no money, I’ll have fun doing it.”
Today, TJ’s YouTube channel has over half a million subscribers, and he has over 430,000 Instagram followers. His reach is far, wide, and still growing. The videos in recent weeks have spanned everything from a $2 million-plus Lamborghini Sesto to a compact Vespa Jolly microcar.
I connected with TJ during the hustle and bustle of Arizona Auction Week in January. Working with limited remaining daylight and a tight schedule, we filmed a “Why I Drive” with my 1994 Acura Legend. As of the time of this writing, it has over 40,000 views.
Subsequently, TJ came by my place to do a walk-through of my garage with me. That video has amassed over 100,000 views. A large part of TJ’s success is due to his charismatic, outgoing personality. He is engaging to chat with, and he truly takes interest in others.
If you or someone you know would like be featured in a video, you can contact TJ here.
