Singapore’s Car Ownership Struggles: A Glimpse into the World of Automotive Enthusiasts
Introduction
Being a car enthusiast can be challenging, with various obstacles and restrictions that come with the territory. From dealing with exhaust regulations to the risk of catalytic converter theft, car enthusiasts often face hurdles. However, owning a car in Singapore takes these challenges to a whole new level. In this article, we explore the unique struggles faced by automotive enthusiasts in Singapore and delve into some of the country’s most impressive car collections.
The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) System
In Singapore, car ownership is tightly controlled through the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. To drive a car on the island, individuals must possess a COE, which is only valid for 10 years. The government uses the COE system to limit the number of vehicles on the road actively. Obtaining a COE is an expensive endeavor, with the current cost reaching a staggering 130,000 SGD (approximately $95,000). Moreover, Singaporean cars are subject to inflated prices due to multiple duties and taxes.
Dedicated Automotive Enthusiasts
Despite the challenges, there is a dedicated community of automotive enthusiasts in Singapore who continue to pursue their passion. Hagerty’s Larry Chen recently explored the country’s automotive culture and discovered some remarkable car collections.
Darren Ong’s JDM Collection
Darren Ong, a passionate JDM enthusiast, owns an impressive collection of cars. His stable includes five pristine Mitsubishi Evolutions, a track-spec Honda Civic FD2 Type R, a Toyota AE86 inspired by Keiichi Tsuchiya’s, an FD-generation Mazda RX-7, a Nismo GT-R R35, a Nissan Skyline R32, and a Honda NSX. Renewing the COEs for this collection would cost Ong well over $1,000,000. The estimated value of an Evo alone is 180,000 SGD ($132,900).
Steven’s Exotic Cars
Steven, another car enthusiast in Singapore, owns some of the most exotic cars in the country. Despite his luxurious collection, he actively engages with the local car community at events. Among his prized possessions is a Huayra Roadster, which cost him a staggering 14 million SGD ($10,330,000). One of the highlights of his collection is a custom-painted GT-R 50 by Ital Design, believed to be the only one in Asia, featuring the iconic Ironman suit colors.
The Mysterious Multi-Million Dollar Fleet
Chen and his team managed to capture footage of a collection shrouded in mystery. Allegedly owned by a single individual who has disappeared, this multi-million dollar fleet has been kept out of the public eye for several years. The collection spans across multiple properties and includes a Lamborghini Aventador SV, McLaren P1, Ferrari LaFerrari, and Pagani Zonda Tricolore. Notably, one of the rarest cars in the collection is a Pagani Zonda Cinque Coupe, one of only five ever made.
Conclusion
Owning a car in Singapore presents unique challenges and restrictions due to the Certificate of Entitlement system and inflated prices. However, despite these hurdles, there is a passionate community of automotive enthusiasts who continue to pursue their love for cars. The remarkable collections showcased by Darren Ong, Steven, and the mysterious multi-million dollar fleet demonstrate the dedication and resilience of Singapore’s car enthusiasts. While car ownership in Singapore may not be easy, it certainly hasn’t dampened the spirits of those who are truly passionate about automobiles.
In the end, being a car enthusiast in Singapore requires determination, financial resources, and a deep love for the automotive world. Despite the high costs and limited availability of COEs, these enthusiasts continue to pursue their passion, showcasing some of the most impressive car collections in the country. Singapore’s automotive culture is a testament to the enduring spirit of car enthusiasts and their unwavering dedication to their hobby.