I’ve always been of the opinion that great designs — whether limited-edition sneakers, technology or cars — should be used rather than preserved and pampered. J G Francis, founder and owner of classic restoration specialist Mercedes Motoring, it seems, takes a similar perspective to automobiles, and the passionate car builder often hits the road in his freshly restored vehicles. “Our cars are meant to be driven, not just sit looking pretty,” Francis recently explained to MR. PORTER. “I’m not that big in the car scene because a lot of those cars aren’t put to use, and I’ve never connected with that side of the industry.”

Raised in Nevada — where, incidentally, he lived next to a Mercedes-obsessed car mechanic who prompted his love affair with the German marque — Francis stars in MR. PORTER’s second “On the Road” film in collaboration with Belstaff. Featuring Francis’ beloved avocado green 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250C Coupé, the short was filmed by Cale Glendening and follows the restoration specialist from his workshop into some of the United States’ most stunning desert landscapes.