Champion of subversive prep, designer Mark McNairy has made his name with twists on classic English footwear and American university staples. McNairy is short with his words, allowing his style to do the talking. This extends, naturally, to the cars he drives. Nothing standard here. And, certainly nothing average.
We caught up with McNairy to discuss his passion for '80s sports cars, roadtrip songs, and great roadside eats.
You recently scored a couple sweet rides, a 1984 Maserati Quattoporte and a 1985 Maserati Biturbo, dream cars for many. What appeals to you about those particular models?
THEY’RE DREAM CARS FOR ME. OTHER THAN A DELOREAN, THEY’RE THE ONLY CARS I’VE EVER CARED ABOUT. MY INFATUATION BEGAN WITH THE QUATTROPORTE. A FOUR DOOR SPORTS CAR. THE BITURBO HAS BASICALLY THE SAME AESTHETICS, BUT IS SMALLER AND QUICKER.
Did you buy them on eBay?
YES I DID.
When did you first get into cars? What were the cars that sparked your imagination growing
OTHER THAN A DELOREAN, THEY’RE THE ONLY CARS I’VE EVER CARED ABOUT.
up?
WHEN I WAS 16. THE 2 THAT I NOW OWN.
How does auto design connect to your design? And, how do cars fit into your personal style?
GOD IS IN THE DETAILS. THEY FIT THE SAME WAY A PARKER JOTTER PEN OR A WHITE HANES UNDERSHIRT DOES.
If I didn't know you owned a Maserati, I'd peg you for MG guy. What else do you have your eyes set on as you grow your collection?
TOO LITTLE. BUT I GOT MY EYES ON A DELOREAN.
I've heard you have a "SHITLOAD OF HOT WHEELS." I know you are also a big fan of flea markets. Does this collection connect to that interest?
THE HOT WHEELS ARE FOR RYDER [my 3 year old son] AND ME. THE MASERATIS ARE FOR ME AND RYDER.
What are, in your opinion, the worst cars on the road?
MOST OF THEM. THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME.
What are your top 5 driving songs?
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, "MONEY AINT A THING," "SWIM GOOD," "MONOPOLY," and "BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY."
Shoes for driving, what do you pick?
ME NOT CARE.
If you had to take a cross country drive with a rapper, who would it be and why?
DANNY BROWN, BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHY.
Tell us your best driving story.
THE ONE WHERE I DID NOT GET CUFFED AND TAKEN TO JAIL.
You like good, solid American food. What are your favorite roadside eateries in America?
BISCUITVILLE, SONIC, AND 7-11. AND WHITE CASTLE.
