Vanity Plates
Why the Car You Drive Says More Than You Think
While at a pasta dinner with my parents the other night, my dad mentioned that as a toddler, before he could really talk, he could already name car brands. To this day, if you describe a car, the rims, the bumper, the shape of the hood, he can tell you the year and the maker. Instantly.
I know as much about cars as you know about fashion, he said. Facts.
Cars are the most expensive accessory some of us have. And like any good accessory, they reveal far more than we think.
Even choosing my four wheels felt personal. I spent years overindexing my work bag in NYC, but the pressure heightened the minute I needed an engine and keys. It’s superficial, sure. But the brand, the year, and the color all register. In Los Angeles, the kind of car you drive is as much a part of your identity as your Uber score (mine is an inexplicable 4.43, which I’m actively working to improve).
Taste, Told in Transit
Now that we are on the topic of superficial, I thought I’d crank it up a few more notches. I’m talking about Margot Sinclair, Camille Crane, Miles Bennett, and Chad Whitman. Imaginary friends, more or less. Each has a lifestyle, an outfit, and a vanity plate.
Each one is a study of taste, told from the driver’s seat.
Margot Sinclair
Car: Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet, Tornado Red
Age: 29
Relationship status: Single by choice
Occupation: Freelance Creative Director
INs: Dinner plans at 5:15, tangled curls, honesty over everything
OUTs: Lipstick, second-guessing, contingency plans
Vanity plate: TINYQEN
Miles Bennett
Car: 1962 Porsche 356 Coupe, Slate Grey
Age: 53
Relationship status: Divorced
Occupation: Brand consultant
INs: Leaving things unfinished, last-minute plans, mahogany
OUTs: Unanswered texts, swagger, cardigans
Vanity plate: DBL07
Camille Crane
Car: Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG, Obsidian Black Metallic
Age: 42
Relationship status: Married, 2 kids (boy and girl)
Occupation: Partner at a boutique investment firm
INs: Dominating the PTA, hot water with lemon, delegating without checking back
OUTs: context, being reachable after 8, meetings that could’ve been handled by silence
Vanity plate: 99PROBS
Chad Whitman
Car: Rivian R1S, Rivian Blue
Age: 46
Relationship status: Married, 4 kids (3 boys, 1 girl)
Occupation: Real Estate Developer
INs: OJ over coffee, routines, mint Tic Tacs
OUTs: Performative upgrades, Drake, linen pants
Vanity plate: 19H0LE
We’ve all got a little Margot, Miles, Camille, and Chad in us. It just depends who’s behind the wheel.
Which makes me wonder. What would your vanity plate be?
A nod to your lifestyle, or a wink to your alter ego?
Tell me in the comments.
This level of creativity literally tickles me, lol. SO MUCH FUN TO READ and has me wondering if I send you my car what my look would be!? I'm thinking I am very Margot Sinclair - especially re: 5:15pm dinner and tangled curls, lol. Next character: put together on the outside but the interior of their car is covered in wrappers, water bottles, and nonsense.
It is very interesting how vanity plates have changed with the popularity of car brands and vehicle types over the years. Imagine what they were in 2016 and what they will be in 2031……Great examples. Everyone remember the Beetle, Pinto, Cordoba, Taurus, Z, Camaro?