For many, the love of rare machines is a hobby or a fantasy of times from the past that somehow got away. But for others, the sleek design, the revving of the engines, and Mach speeds is a way of life. Meet Eric Balian, a Lamborghini enthusiast and YouTube Influencer that’s changing the game as owner of SoCalExotics. Past are the days of catching a clip on a racing program or perhaps visualizing from a picture in a magazine, Eric Balian gives fans an in-depth look into the make-up of the World’s rarest power machines via his YouTube channel, SoCalExotics.
Auto YouTube channels have gained mass popularity in years, with enthusiasts posting informative videos of the inner workings of Exotic vehicles. However, Eric Balian has carved out a niche, by not only informing, but teaching viewers with entertaining clips of handling the expensive machines.
Ever since Eric Balian was 4-years old, he was obsessed with trains, both models and the actual locomotives. Eric began researching how trains worked and he vaguely remembers his sister telling him that cars were faster than trains. That ignited the spark! From an encyclopedia given to me by my mother, Eric began his fixation with luxury sports cars such as the McLaren F1, Ferrari and the Lamborghini. From that point, Eric’s love was found in the Lamborghini Murcielago. Eric began visiting Lamborghini dealerships, taking pictures as he admired the luxury machines.
As an enthusiast, Eric started posting the pictures he took at the Lamborghini to his Instagram account and noticed he was gaining traction. In addition, Eric found that many across the web were also moved by the power and speed of the Lambo. With that in mind, Eric began going to the track where he was able to gather interactive snapshots and close-ups. The photos and videos gained so much traction, Eric reconfigured his Instagram page to reflect he was close to the muscle car scene; hence turning him into an influencer in the genre. The landscape of social media took off in 2018, and Eric Balian was in position to take advantage.
Eric Balian began his YouTube Channel in 2014 (@socal_exotics), showcasing photos and videos of the sound of Lamborghinis. With every video, Eric noticed the amount of views and likes began to grow expeditiously. With 47k subscribers and a whopping 18+ million views, SoCal_Exotics has become a popular destination for luxury sport cars enthusiasts World-wide. Eric’s focus is to project the pure power of the muscle machines by sound. From the sound of the engine, the viewers get a more realistic feel of the car, which translates to the experience. Eric has become a staple in the luxury muscle car scene with owners looking forward to having their car featured on his channel. As Eric continues to reach the goal of 100k subscribers, he is looking for alternative ways to bring awareness to his brand. In 2023, Eric plans to dive into merchandising his brand to offer t-shirts, hoodies and auto accessories.
To date, Eric has hosted two exotic car rallies with hopes of someday expanding into a goldrush rally. As a YouTube influencer, content is King! Eric has built an epic supercar channel with SoCal_Exports. SoCal_Exports is an authority on some of the rarest, loudest, fastest, and most expensive exotic cars in the world. Although his first love is the Lamborghini Murcielago, Eric has an appreciation for all exotic cars.
SoCal_Exports – The Future of Luxury Super Cars (Interview w/ Eric Balian)
Eric, You’re’ a lucky man; what is a car you haven’t driven that you can’t wait to test drive?
EB: I have Been fortunate to drive a lot of super cars but unfortunately I have not yet driven an SVJ or an SV. I am planning on driving and and doing a POV video with an SVJ soon but as a passenger I have been driving pretty fiercely. The SVJ in the canyons felt more comfortable. You can definitely feel the advantage of the rear wheel steering compared to an SV. The SVJ definitely has an advantage and is easier to drive as it’s the more refined variant with all the tech!
If you had to choose between the two, the SV or SVJ model Lamborghini, which would you prefer to drive?
EB: Now in my opinion I would choose the SV because I just appreciate the last naturally aspirated V 12 Lamborghini with no active aerodynamics, no rear wheel steering, no newer technology assist. It’s the last raw scary Lamborghini in my opinion.
How do you feel about AutoMakers going Electric (EV)?
EB: I’m not too happy about it. I feel like the motor of a car is the heart and soul of the driving experience. One of the main reasons the Murcielago SV Is my favorite car even though it’s 12 years old, is the sound. A car without sound is a car without a soul in my opinion.
What’s next for SoCal_ Exotics?
EB: I have a private shoot with an SVJ that has a full Gintani exhaust and tune!
I have a few other collectors that I’m very excited to shoot with but one particular friend has a new hyper car collection with the Koenigsegg Phoenix, Bugatti Veyron, Pagani Huayra, F40 and Murcielago SV and it’s is definitely the trip I’m looking forward to most.
What would be your favorite SuperCar?
EB: The 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV is my favorite for sure. Countach is a very close 2nd!
What would be your Lamborghini of Choice?
EB: Hands down the Murcielago sv. There’s so much that went into that car that makes it the overall perfect car to represent Lamborghini. You can see the Diablo and countach in the design. The engine is a Bizzarrini engine that has been reworked and refined since it made its appearance in the 1964 350 GT. (The first Lamborghini) ! The fact they only made 186 (or rumored to be 220ish) makes it rare and a collector piece as well. All this together makes it a symbol for Lamborghini in my opinion.
In your opinion, what super car would be considered the ultimate HyperCar?
EB: The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento. Some might not consider it a “Hypercar” but it my eyes it is so raw, worth so much, and so rare that it has that status.
But by the more traditional definition of hyper car, I would say, Ferrari. I love that it’s a naturally aspirated v12 and I also think it is one of the most evil looking machines ever made.
