Collector Tom Exton thinks cars have become too complicated

What's your earliest memory of being interested in cars?

My twin brother and I used to share and punch each other over an ‘I Spy’ car book on long drives with our parents, (showing my age with that reference). It’s what kids did before screens…

What’s your favourite collaboration between a luxury car brand and a fashion or lifestyle label?

Recently I really liked the 25th anniversary Porsche Carrera GT capsule collection, by Arthur Kar, Porsche & Puma. Possibly biased with that response though, and a possibly little bit car geek for the masses. Recent Kid Super collab with Mercedes also slapped; I grabbed the racing jacket thing.

Which luxury automotive design trend do you think will define the next decade (e.g., minimalism, hyper-tech interiors, sustainable materials)?

Think we will see things being pared back; I feel people are sick of endless touch screens, busy design, haptics and fiddling about with a sea of mindless options in their cars. Ferrari and Jonny Ives’ latest design for the interior of the upcoming electric ‘Luce’ I think shows where things are heading at the luxury end of the market. Fewer and smaller screens, physical buttons, analogue styled dials and a retro look and feel.

What has been your favorite automotive brand trip or partnership that you’ve worked on?

Got paid to drive an F1 car for Renault Sport and Infiniti one year, that wasn’t bad …

What car would you choose as a symbol of today’s luxury youth culture — and what does it say about our times?

I think the Porsche 911. Specifically the 996 and 997 generations. Relatively accessible, iconic, and timeless design. An era of car that has that sweet spot of modern but visceral, tactile enjoyment. They’re the era that the ‘youth’ grew up with and a great middle ground of a flex but enthusiast buy.

How important is brand storytelling (heritage, crafts, culture) in your own perception of a luxury car?

Really important, although never a conscious decision — I love a story, provenance and a nerdy rabbit hole to go down. I’ve found myself over the years gravitating towards cars that are by a revered designer, (e.g. Pininfarina), iconic, represent a point in history, or have nods to the past, (eg SLS AMG gullwing).

What's your dream car?

My top three are actually the Jaguar XJ220, Carrera GT and Ferrari F50. Have managed to tick the first two off, but sadly the F50 is out of reach, I think. For now...

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This interview was originally published on Jing Daily's Cars and Culture newsletter in collaboration with CART Department. Subscribe here.