CAR MEETS – REVOLFE AND PENTROOF NIGHT MEET

Mizota san of Revolfe fame and Kitabayashi san of Pentroof fame have been holding these monthly gatherings for quite some time now so when good friend Masaki san introduced me to the group a while back, it was destined to take its place on my calendar as a must see gathering each second Friday of the month. Here’s the lowdown on the latest meeting at Umihotaru Parking Area… Read more

FEATURE – 2012 WTAC PRO CLASS WRAPUP

Having settled back in Tokyo this week, I’ve been able to reflect on what was a magic weekend for all involved. The WTAC really came of age this year with a huge crowd turnout, tons of unpredictable on track action and an equal amount of fizz taking place in the support paddock and support events. 7Tune was at the event this year with a team of 7 people, covering both videography and photography plus we hosted the pre-party for the event at Zen Garage on the Thursday night. To say that it was a weekend of epic proportions would be a big understatement… Read more

NEWS – PANSPEED RUMORED TO BE GOING TO WTAC WITH NEW CAR AND DRIVER

While it cannot be confirmed at this stage in the developments leading up the the 2012 WTAC Time Attack Challenge at Eastern Creek, sources close to Panspeed have hinted to 7Tune that the world renowned Panspeed RX-7 will not make the trip “Down Under” and neither will its driver in 2011, Sasaki san… Read more

WORLD EXCLUSIVE – RE AMEMIYA HURRICANE FD RX7 SHAKEDOWN AT FUJI SPEEDWAY

It happens more often than not that I end up in the right place at the right time. Only a few days back, I randomly bumped into Amemiya san at the same spot where we were waiting to meet people. It was an incredible coincidence but a timely one that led to this article. You see, Amemiya san told me that, after all the issues and false starts to their WTAC time attack campaign, they were finally ready to shake down the world famous Hurricane FD at Fuji Speedway. There was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to witness that… Read more

FEATURE – THE FEW, THE DEDICATED, THE OBSESSED

In a country with such drastic laws to control the growth of vehicle numbers, it’s amazing to find such a dedicated following of JDM enthusiasts. We may complain about high car prices and increasing fuel costs. But this is nothing compared to what a hardcore JDM enthusiast in Singapore has to go through. Whilst in other countries we merely have to contend with rising fuel costs, draconian road laws and mounting public pressure (whilst not having a super efficient public transportation system); Singapore’s potential car buyers have to deal with so much more. After buying a piece of paper which entitles you to own a car, for anywhere from 40,000 to 60,000 SGD (2.63- 3.95 million Japanese yen), the driver then has to pay for import duty at 41% of the car’s cost. Following which an additional tax of 150% of the car’s market value is to be paid. Finally a registration fee of 1,000 SGD (65,857 yen) is paid.

 

This quickly adds up to astronomical sums and deter any potential enthusiasts. Furthermore, after 10 years the car must be scrapped or an additional tax of the same 40,000 to 60,000 SGD has to be paid! This incredible piece of legislation has made Singapore (a country of 700 km2 and 4 million people) to be the second largest exporter of used cars after Japan.

 

This leaves only dedicated and slightly insane enthusiasts keeping the older cars in working order and prepared to pay the additional money to keep their treasured possessions on the road. So the cars you see here are owned by not just ordinary enthusiasts, but diehard enthusiasts. Willing to go through huge financial hurdles just to own that one ride. A track car with a daily driver is a far and distant dream for many. Whilst owning these cars you could be slapped with many an infringement notice, continually heckled by other drivers who consider you to be a hoon, tax after tax, soaring fuel prices and no track days within the country. If you consider yourself a enthusiast one might ask this, if all these conditions were thrown at you would you still own one of these?

 

When you think about it, it’s amazing that there are so many older JDM cars still on the road in Singapore. And with such wallet imploding costs involved it’s even more startling to find that cars are modified to such a beautiful degree. Even in the yellow sodium filled streetlights in the hot festering damp, the cars were something to behold. No ratty tatty here, no bumpers falling off, no paint fade or even unpainted putty. All were kept in fantastic shape. Being here tonight has taught me to cherish what we are given.

But the guys i met tonight, they don’t seem perturbed. Eager to chat about parts ordered, plans for the future of their car and general scene culture. Relaxing by railings, watching cars drive by they hardly seem to have a care in the world.

The car enthusiasts of Singapore, i salute you.

 

Words – Benson Lau

Photos – Benson Lau

Special thanks to – Brendan Mok (9tro Magazine)