5 Classic Car Owners in Singapore

Joyful, charming, stylish, investment and timeless - we often run out of adjectives when defining a classic car. Be it a pure muscle or a sexy suave porsche, the exhilaration of being behind the wheel of one is sacred to every aficionado. A classic car, which is often confused with a pre-World War - I vintage car, is typically one which dates 20 years or older. We got 5 owners in Singapore to share  more about their love for their classic beauties.

Dr Chan Kok-Weng collects not just a 1962 Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90 but a 1964 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 FHC too!

Which car model do you collect? 1962 Porsche 356 B T6 Super 90 & 1964 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 FHC

Why did you choose this particular car? The 1964 Jaguar series 1 FHC came into my our hands by luck. My sister in law Yvonne, is a co-owner of the car. She was shown the car about a year plus before we bought it. Initially, we asked if the owner was keen on selling and if so, for what price? Nothing was heard for about a year, but during a weekend pizza lunch with my wife's family, I casually asked Yvonne to make an offer for the car, and she did. About another week or two, we bought it. The money collected by the seller, was then donated to a charity which is really amazing!

The e-type has always been my childhood poster dream car. Living in the Katong area 40 years ago, I would often see Dr Chan Ah Kow, zoom past in his E-type. I was then thinking to myself that when I grow up, one day I would own a Jaguar e-type.It took about 40 years for my dream to come true.

1962 Porsche 356b T6 Super 90, was bidded and won in a UK Auction House. Bidding was done by Yvonne in real time via the internet. We only got the great news about our winning bid as she was about to take off in a plane for her holidays. Talk about being lucky!

How did you get into collecting classic cars? The decision to buy another classic car was because we fell in love with the classic, curvy, sensual and sporty look of both our cars. The way the car's exhaust sounded with their carburettors, the sound of the fuel pump priming, the starter motor cranking, and then the engine firing to live, the smell of old leather and petrol just does it. This car is largely inspired by James Dean, who raced a 550 Spyder and drove a 356 as a daily driver. The 356 is iconic as it is considered to be the grandfather of the Porsche 911.

Are classic cars for pleasure or investment? Classic cars to me are are always as a pleasure to own and drive. There is always the feel good factor, if their values rise, although we will not be selling any of them.

Jaclyn, Private Banker

Which car model do you collect? 964 C2 Porsche

What made you choose a classic car? Im a fan of timeless beauty - classic beauties appeal to me; this car has performance and looks. This car has been rebuilt under a bolt and nut restoration. I actually engaged a specialist to do this. I've spent to date, almost 2.5 years to rebuild this car. To me, it's never about the value, or appreciating value, but the heritage. It's one of the last few air cooled models.

What has been the reactions from your friends? They cannot believe a lady can drive a car like this. As this car/ or type of cars are male dominated. A mixture of surprise and shock I would say.

J. Singh, Vice President

Which car model do you collect? 911 Porsche SC manufactured in 1978

Why did you choose this particular car? I am a car enthusiast since i was a child and always wanted a Porsche and this car is my 2nd Porsche.. I have another Porsche 1990 C2 that is currently being rebuild.

How did you get into collecting classic cars? I am a car enthusiast since kindergarten and always wanted a Porsche and this car is my 2nd porsche.

Was a classic car the first thing you decide to buy or was it a modern car previously? I previously owned some other classic cars and I also have modern cars for my daily commute. The reason why I bought a classic car is because of the heritage and iconic look of the car. This is a car, like a Patek, which appreciates with time. I got a modern car first as took me a while to get the classic car I wanted as there are not many for sale.

Christopher Tse, Senior Designer

Which car model do you collect? 1971 Datsun 1200 Sunny

Why did you choose this particular car model? I've had the Sunny since 2013. It's just an honest, fun little car really. My friends call it the "rain bitch" because I don't mind driving her in the rain (unlike my other "classic" car).

How did you get into collecting classic cars? Old Japanese cars were hardly considered collectable.

Are classic cars for pleasure or investment? That's part of the charm for me - I like the car for what it is and not for what it's worth.

Pearl Ng from Kombi Rocks

Which car model do you collect? 1961 VW Kombi "Angbao"

Why did you choose this particular car? He is an icon of the 60-70s hippie culture and to me symbolises love, peace, joy and going against mainstream conformity.

How did you get into collecting classic cars? The influence of another collector more than 17 years ago was the reason why I bought a VW kombi as my first car which is not this one in the picture

Are classic cars for pleasure or investment? Both! An investment that you cannot enjoy would not be a sound one. I've put in more investment apart from the purchase price to improve his condition and maintain him. In fact I have collected 8 similar units in total. The pleasure I derive is feeling like I've time-travelled when I'm with them.