Bulletin Board 18

Free and easy health hacks, my car sensei, and style inspiration from Benjamin Philips

Happy New Year, from the longevity-focused program I’m on at Palazzo Fiuggi just an hour outside of Rome. I’ll be focusing a lot on wellness content this month—it’s the time when we all crave a reboot. (Next week, we’ll be talking to experts about keeping your skin in good nick for the cold.)

This time of year, we’re so targeted with ads and experts trying to convince us to spend money on looking and feeling better in the New Year. But I just want to remind you that there are often totally cheap workarounds. Instead of buying an expensive ice bath for cold plunging—end your shower with thirty seconds under cold water. Rather than shelling out for a ton of supplements, I start my days with a fresh squeeze of lemon in water with a bit of grey mineral salt, which is great for balancing digestion, reminding me to drink water and firing up my metabolism, and costs basically nothing. And rather than pay for a nutritionist, I get a ton of zero-cost tips from some of the smart health folks I follow on Instagram. I like following Higher To Health, Dave Asprey, and Dr. James DiNicolantonio.

THE CLASSIFIEDS

After December’s look at John Munson’s entry-level Rolexes, today we’re turning the focus to some truly special vintage cars and handing the mic to my friend Peter Murnik, aka Murn, who’s had a lifelong fascination with everything motorized and self-propelled. 

“It doesn't have to be fancy to make me happy,” Murn says of his taste, “as long as it has STYLE, puts a smile on your face, and doesn't leave you stranded TOO frequently.” I asked him to gather some great current deals for us, and the below are all cars he represents across the United States. As for how he gets his hands on them: “I don't have a company, I just know a lot of people. Some of my clients are too rich and famous to handle their business in person, and some are grieving widows, who don't want to be bothered.” As one friend said about his services: “Sometimes it's just good to have a big Gran Torino-looking muther in a windbreaker show up and take care of it." Enjoy this treasure trove, and contact him via Instagram @murnorama or at murnorama@gmail.com if interested.

1975 Porsche 911

Anyone who chases cars has heard folklore of exotic cars being sold off for a fraction of their value by people engaged in a bitter divorce. Well, my pal Jim was in the right place at the right time back in 1980, and picked up this 1975 Porsche Carrera 911 H6 in "Peru Red", becoming only the second owner.  It’s a naturally-aspirated 2.7 Liter 5 speed car, with just 25,629 miles on the odometer as of New Year's Day, 2024. It is extremely original save a strong Pioneer Stereo and one repaint by the previous owner.  The car has obviously had more garage time than road time, so the car recently received a VERY thorough going-through at EF1 Motorsports in Southern California. It has excellent compression and brand new tires and can be driven anywhere.  The interior is original and presentable overall, but could benefit from a great massage. Asking $115,000.

1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL

An absolutely rust-free and low mileage example of this highly collectible classic roadster. With under 62,000 actual miles, and just 2 meticulous owners. Always garaged and covered, with both tops, Euro headlights, a fabulous red interior, V-8 power, and a great stereo! Located in Santa Barbara, California. Asking $35,000.

2012 Porsche 911 S Cabriolet

As close to new as a used car can get, this triple black 2012 Porsche 911 S Cabriolet has less than 11,000 miles and just one owner. Always garaged and covered, meticulously owned and operated, the tires were replaced due to age, not wear, otherwise it’s completely original. This is a heavily optioned "Launch Vehicle" with all paperwork and a Certificate of Authenticity from Porsche, that would cost over $120k new. Located in Montecito, California. Asking $88,000.

1973 Mercedes Benz 220

Likely among the lowest-mileage examples in the US, this 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 Sedan has only 36,765 miles on the odometer, and gets just the right amount of attention from folks with a discerning eye. It’s got gorgeous original Avocado green paint with an incredible original Avocado green MB Tex interior, and is rust-free with perfect floors and frame. A smooth running 4 cylinder motor and automatic transmission, I wouldn't hesitate to drive this car across the country. Even the Becker "Mexico" stereo works! Celebrity owned in Eastern Long Island, NY. Asking $29,500.

1989 Cadillac Fleetwood

Welcome to the Witness Protection Program. I’ve had a lot of performance cars in Los Angeles, but I quickly learned to appreciate the quiet comfort of a nice, smooth-driving luxury car.  A "Grandpa Car", if you will.  If you are road-tripping, spending hours in traffic, or have the folks in town? There is nothing more practical and yet still stealthy. To that end, let me offer this Triple Blue 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood Sedan.  Only 77k miles, loaded with options and fun details (gold emblems!), and a gorgeous tufted blue leather interior.  Sold new at the famous Casa De Cadillac in the San Fernando Valley, and a local LA car ever since. It’s absolutely rust-free, everything works, every seat has a make-up mirror and cigarette lighter, and it's powered by a smooth 4.5 liter V8 and automatic transmission. Needless to say, it has ice-cold AC and a great heater, as well as a cavernous trunk. Ready to drive anywhere. Asking $10,500.

1971 Chevrolet C20 Longbed (Modified) 

This is one of the weirder vehicles I have come across in the last few years, but I quickly fell in love with it. It's a 3/4 Ton Chevy Longbed Pickup that has had a complete mechanical refurbishment, is straight as an arrow, and drives like a locomotive. It features a Summit Racing 454 cubic inch V8, a built 700 R4 automatic transmission, big brakes, and door panels made from an Afghani Wedding Dress! The paint is oxidized and shows patina/wear, so this is a great "sleeper" that performs at a much higher level than the exterior appearance suggests.  I took my hands off the wheel at 90 mph on the San Diego Freeway, and it sits up straight and true, with no wandering or vibrations, power steering and power brakes. The ultimate Surf Truck, located in Los Angeles, California. Asking $39,000.

1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne k10 4 x 4 Shortbed

Vintage American trucks are hotter than ever, and this one has only 2,200 miles since a complete nut and bolt restoration by a friend of mine, who is a MASTER at GM restorations. (His Corvette builds fetch deep into 6-figure territory.) This is his personal truck that he restored for himself to use at his ranch in the Paso Robles, CA area, and comes with a matching trailer. Heavily optioned, this is NICER than new. 350 V8 with trick Flow heads, 350 Automatic transmission, 4 wheel drive. Perfect for your business, country house, vineyard, mountains, or if you just want to be the King or Queen of the Farmer's Market.  Located in wine country in Mid-Coastal California. Asking $68,000.

MY UNIFORM

If you ever stopped in to Drake’s in London before May 2021, there’s a strong chance you were greeted upon entry by Benjamin Phillips, who was always somehow up for a chat even as he ensured the vast Savile Row space remained in tip-top shape at all times. After a long stint at Drake’s, Benjamin went onto Brycelands, but today he’s blended that career with his love of martial arts as the creative director of Gentle Art Apparel, a premium athletic clothing brand started by his collaborator, 10-time World Jiu Jitsu Champion Roger Gracie. I’ve always felt that he wears his clothes so well, so he was the natural next choice to talk to for our Uniform series.

What is your standard color palette, and does it change seasonally?

I’ve always kept things fairly classic — think dark blues and white — but I’ve been enjoying more autumnal colors of late, especially green. I’ve always loved British racing green, and used to have a Jaguar Sovereign that I bought for £800 cash in that color. It’s always represented elegance to me, but also lends itself really well to athletic apparel, like sweatpants.

What are the wardrobe basics you can’t live without?

If I’m not in my Jiu Jitsu Kimono, for me it's a loose fitting pair of Levi’s 501 1955 jeans. I’ve worn this style since I was a teenager in South Wales, where I was heavily influenced by skateboarding, hip-hop and punk rock. The looser jean was a staple of those communities at the time, and the joy of this cut is that it has a loose leg and a high-rise, which I find very flattering for a man of my size. I usually pair them with a white T-shirt, right now I like the Aimé Leon Dore 3-pack a lot.

What do you wear on the plane?

Most of my travel lately has been to Texas and Las Vegas for Jiu Jitsu, and with flights over 10 hours, comfort is key. We make some amazing sweatpants and hooded sweatshirts at Gentle Art Apparel so they’re go my go to, but always with Brycelands cashmere socks (that I think are the best socks ever), some Nike trainers and my Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones, which do the job well and don’t cost the earth.

Can you share some favorites for the following categories: trousers, knitwear, footwear, outerwear?

Trousers: Alongside my Levi’s, I've been wearing Full Count’s Loose Straight denim for the past few years. I love their jeans so much — they use Zimbabwe cotton, which is incredibly soft for raw denim. 

Knitwear: Bryceland’s Shaggy Shetland Sweater — a real go-to while I was spending time with family over Christmas. 

Footwear: I love a Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer, it just works with everything. 

Outerwear: I've really been enjoying our Varsity Jacket, a collaboration with Tokyo-based Bedwin and the Heartbreakers. It feels great to wear and was so much fun to make. 

What’s your style advice when traveling across different climates?

Layering is key. I've been pairing the AWMS Sculptors Smock with my Drake’s Submariner Roll Neck, then losing the Submariner when I get too hot. I also think a gilet can be your best friend. I’ve got my eye on an amazing Stüssy sherpa fleece-style one in orange and black that I first saw at Dover St Market.

Go-to party attire? 

I recently became a father for the first time, so I think parties are a thing of the past for me for now. That said, I'll have my Brycelands Lounge Robe ready for when they come back into my life.    

Does any particular scent mean something to you?

Santa Maria Novella's Pot Pourri has been my go to for many years now, it's a classic scent that's pleasant and not overpowering. Coincidentally or not, It's also what Drake’s on Savile Row smells of. 

Lastly, any stylish guys on Instagram that we should be following?

My style icons have always been my friends. But the guys below have been my biggest online influences, along with Kei Hemmi from At Last & Co, who is sadly not on Instagram! Miles Chappers, Ethan Newton, Tony Sylvester, Bebe from Bedwin, Mike Hill from Drake’s, Danny from Frith St. Tattoo