Made with Pride: Period Correct's Bryan Calvero on 997 Numerology
Bryan Calvero loves classic cars, mid-century architecture and vintage furniture, so it’s no surprise his Period Correct label is a tasteful melange of all three. Based in Costa Mesa, California — in what used to be an old Porsche spare parts business — the brand’s flagship store is a shrine to motorsports heritage, with just enough floorspace to showcase Calvero’s ever-evolving roster of Porsches, Ferraris and BMWs. Proudly designed and manufactured in the USA, Period Correct is redefining what it means to be a modern classic.
Does the name ‘Period Correct’ imply a love of retro nostalgia, or is it more about doing things the right way?
In the context of the brand, ‘Period Correct’ is meant more in lifestyle terms rather than the strict definition of the phrase. If you love classic sports cars, vintage Rolex watches and mid-century design, then Period Correct is a brand you’ll intuitively understand because it was developed with the pure passion of a true enthusiast. I love cars that are ‘period correct’ in every aspect but I also appreciate hot rod engines that aren’t original to the car. Increasing performance and functionality is always a positive. I’m never one to judge, and if you ever visit the Period Correct ‘Pit Stop’ event you will witness the huge diversity in cars we attract.
Has that mindset led you to working with brands like Modernica?
Correct. I have collaborated with brands like Modernica, Native Sons, Yuketen and Stand 21 because I admire their ethos and because they’re like family. But it just so happens that they share the same aesthetic when it comes to designing and producing quality goods. The other thing is that those brands are owned and operated by genuine people.
So-Cal is the home of hot rod car culture. How does the love of Euro exotics from BMW, Ferrari and Porsche mesh with your location?
So-Cal has the biggest car culture anywhere. Hot rods and muscle cars are pure Americana for sure, but if you drew a 30-mile radius around our store you would find the most amazing collections full of vintage Porsches and even Ferraris that raced in the Mille Miglia. This area also has amazing race history, with tracks like Riverside Raceway and Laguna Seca to name a few, so the link to motorsports is really strong as well.
Well, at least Period Correct is proudly made in the USA! Was that decision part of the brand’s positioning or simply a pragmatic choice?
A bit of both actually. I want to make Period Correct’s goods here in the USA because it’s what I know and love, and because I want to keep everything as local and affordable as possible.
Finally, what’s more important — going fast or looking good?
I have to love the shape and design of the car, as well as the performance. The styling and design of race cars with those huge arched flares and slick tyres has always excited me. I have a 1963 Abarth 850 that has only 70 horsepower, and a Ferrari 458 that is pushing over 650 horsepower, but both those cars are fun in their own unique way. The 458 might get you there quicker, but the Abarth still gets plenty of attention and makes me smile. They are stunning cars that serve the old adage about form and function.
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Photo Credits: Gage Bantiles and Period Correct
This feature was originally published in Sneaker Freaker's New Balance 997 book. For a look at the 997's history, read about its and our interview with designer, . For a look back at United Arrows' 997.5, read our interview with UA's director, , or delve into the minutiae of the 997 back catalogue with . We also broke bread with Kith's to chat about his love for the 997, talked NB colabs with creative director, , and examined early sneaker coverage with Runners World founder .