One of the things I love about the car world is that there are a lot of genuine people in it…at least that’s been my experience! Well today at SEMA I got to meet another person who fits this description: Michael Satterfield, founder and designer of Morgan’s and Phillip’s Speed Apparel. Michael grew up in and around cars, and bought his first car two years before he could even drive. His roots in the motorsport world run deep, as his father Dean has been designing automotive components for many years. Michael grew up with this strong influence, and has owned over 60 cars since he made that first purchase at age 14.

But for all the cars he’s owned, the one he’s held onto the longest is a classic Mini Cooper. He explained that after five years of ownership this is the only car he hasn’t gotten bored of! Maybe that has something to do with how he’s tricked this one out. The exterior is wrapped in old school camo, accented with a white roof that opens to let in the California sun. The interior is totally stylized as well, with plush seats from TMI, custom steering wheel, and sound system and back up camera from Valor Multimedia. Yeah that’s right, a back up camera in a Mini…why not?

But Michael’s design skills extend beyond the automotive world. In 2007 he branched out into the clothing industry by founding M&P Speed Apparel. Michael started this company because he felt there was a lack of authentic automotive inspired clothing. Their t-shirt designs are not only cool, but each one has a historical connection. If you want to know the story behind the graphic just read the item description while you shop in their online store. Another way they are keeping automotive history alive is by creating official Shelby inspired clothing through their alliance with Carroll Shelby Licensing. The design work and finishing of the entire collection is done locally in the family barn, which was converted to a showroom and workspace. Hence the tagline “Born in a Barn!”
As if he isn’t busy enough designing clothing and working on custom rides, Michael makes sure there is time in his schedule to give back to the community. M&P Speed Apparel is working with Drive Away Cancer to help raise funds for this worthy cause. While staying involved in local causes, the extent of his community service reaches overseas with involvement in projects to enable and empower those struggling in India and Nicaragua.
So if you want to add some cool new gear to your collection I recommend you support M&P Speed Apparel. Not only do they produce quality clothing that keeps automotive history alive, but it is a company with a cause – something the world definitely needs more of.