Staff Favorites: Matt Neundorf

The fourth installment in our Staff Favorites series features Mr. Matt Neundorf. Hailing from Toronto, this proud Canadian is one of GP’s newer recruits — but there isn’t a lick of green about him except for his prowess in DIY projects. A confessed car nut, an avid drinker of craft brews (especially those from his native Great White North) and an old hand at home renovation, Matt’s a natural — especially since he also brings his level-headed, humorous writing to bear on GP assignments. When he isn’t filling GP readers’ heads with dreams of roaring autos and whirring power tools, Matt works on his own personal home renovation projects, purveys construction equipment and sources consumer goods.

Tissot Seven Automatic

The Tissot Seven’s retro ’70s TV shape and vintage goodness got my collection of mechanical timepieces started. I’ve owned this piece for 10 years and still love the way it looks on my wrist.

Triumph Thruxton

It’s a stunning, classically designed café racer with the conveniences of fuel injection and modern brakes — and with the help of some tuning from my new friends at British Customs, easily the best bike I’ve owned. The sound of that punchy parallel twin in my ears and the wind in my face is how I unwind. My years spent on a sport bike weren’t in vain, but this bike brought me around nicely.

Barbour Rosamond Jacket

This buttery soft lamb leather version of the timeless International is from Barbour’s Steve McQueen collection. I absolutely love the look and feel of this jacket (as well as the looks it gets) especially in distressed white. Classic and stylish when I’m on the bike or out on the town, it’s my go-to jacket for spring and fall.

Henckels Zwilling Truclad Ceramic Fry Pans

Gotta love no stick and no slowly released teflon death. I bought these in 8- , 10- , and 12-inch versions to commemorate a recent kitchen renovation, and I’ve been putting them through their paces for a while now. They’re heavy-duty, well-crafted pans that promise to patina like cast iron — and I’ve even figured out how to use them.

Persol 3008 Roadster sunglasses

I have a growing collection of Persols, but the Roadsters seem to suit me best. A polarized/photochromic modern interpretation of a classic aviator style, the Roadsters are comfortable, lightweight and thankfully fit behind a full-face visor.

Nobis The Kato down jacket

Aside from having a name that pays homage to the Green Hornet’s sidekick, it’s a super-warm, down-filled peacoat that dresses up the winter parka look in all the right ways. It works with jeans or suit, meaning there is no longer a need to sacrifice winter warmth for a tailored look.

Church Key Brewing Company Holy Smoke Scotch Ale

The perfect craft beer in my opinion: smoky, earthy and refreshing. I discovered this beer at a food and drink show over 10 years ago and made numerous trips to their unique brewery in Campbellford, Ontario to stock up. They didn’t have distribution in Ontario’s government-controlled liquor stores until recently, and its addition to the stock has put a smile on my face. A warm smile.

Victorinox Handyman

This great all-arounder came into my possession as groomsman’s gift from one of my best friends. Like the world’s smallest toolbox, the Handyman has just about everything. It’s been part of my EDC ever since.

DeWalt XRP 18V Drill and Driver Combo Pack

A solid mantra, if I ever heard one: Every guy needs power tools. These were a gift from my dad to get me started on the renovations of my first home. They’ve seen me through a basement, a main floor, a kitchen and a complete second floor redux — and they just keep on keepin’ on.

Merkur Futur Adjustable Safety Razor

A safety razor is just the right kind of old school — and it works beautifully. The Merkur Futur was gift from my wife to make shaving less of a chore and more of an occasion for me. Even though I sport a beard most of the time, keeping neck lines clean and avoiding lumberjack lookalike contests keeps me and my Merkur pretty close.

The Grail: Beck Spyder 550S

The Beck is a replica of the Porsche 550 Spyder, just as beautiful as the original. Plus, it’s attainable, unlike the original collector versions, which have “astronomical” written all over them. The Beck, on the other hand, is stunningly sculpted and true to the original design with modern technology and a water cooled Subaru powerplant for about the price of a Golf R.

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