WhistlinDiesel speaks out after being arrested over a Ferrari F8 Tributo he destroyed
Published on Nov 18, 2025 at 7:29 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Nov 18, 2025 at 7:29 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
American YouTuber WhistlinDiesel has finally spoken out.
It is the YouTuber’s first statement since he was arrested.
The content creator, real name Cody Detwiler, recently came to the attention of the authorities after he destroyed a Ferrari F8 Tributo.
But it was all because of a loophole in the law in the state of Montana.
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WhistlinDiesel blows up Ferrari Tributo F8 – and gets arrested
At this point, you’re probably wondering what all of this is about.
Allow us to try and fill in the blanks for you.
Cody Detwiler (better known as WhistlinDiesel on YouTube) is an American content creator.
He is especially known for his four-wheel-focused content.
But it is one particular piece of content that has landed the YouTuber in hot water with the law.
Back in 2023, Detwiler bought himself a Ferrari F8 Tributo.
He then proceeded to bring the supercar to a crop field and set fire to said vehicle.
While such a decision might be a bit reckless, it isn’t necessarily illegal in itself.
But that’s not what WhistlinDiesel is under investigation for.
The American YouTuber resides in the state of Tennessee.
But the Ferrari F8 Tributo was registered in the state of Montana.
So, why would the YouTuber register his car in a different state than his current one?
Well, it is all due to the financial loopholes that Montana is well-known for.
YouTuber adamant he’s done nothing wrong
To put it simply, the state doesn’t charge sales tax, doesn’t require emissions testing, and has cheap registration fees.
And there is one further loophole offered by the state.
It allows non-residents of the state to create LLCs based in Montana – and to register cars to them.
Of course, this is technically illegal if you don’t actually live or work in Montana.
But actual, on-the-ground enforcement of the rule is almost non-existent.
Finally, WhistlinDiesel has spoken out after being released on a $2 million bond.
And it is the non-enforcement of the law that is the source of Detwiler’s frustration.
Taking to Instagram, the YouTuber uploaded a video of himself being led away in handcuffs.
“Yes I was arrested and it’s 100 percent real. Six cops showed up at my door and said they had a warrant for ‘Tax Evasion’,” Detwiler said.
“I have always paid all of my taxes, and I’m still not sure what this is all for. I didn’t get a notice of any sort leading up to this.”
In fairness, Detwiler openly admitted to registering the car in Montana to avoid ‘possibly $30,000 in sales tax’.
But the YouTuber’s argument is that he is only being punished because of his fame and the size of his fanbase.
Essentially, he believes he is being scapegoated and being made an example of.
Whether he is justified or not is a matter for the courts to decide.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
