In appreciation of golden oldies

FOR the longest time, Dad always had a classic car. From rides to school, outings with the dog or popping out for kopi, he always believed in "getting out and driving", versus parking and polishing.

This hasn't changed much even if the cars have, and these days, it is my daughter who has also grown to look forward to her classic car rides with Gramps, not just to and from school, but to just about everywhere else.

On these golden car rides, it was partly about the car and the destination, but more importantly, it was our journey together, as well as the sense of fellowship and family ties that continued to resonate with us long after each trip was over.

As much as classic cars have a place in my heart, there are some who believe they have a place too in the public eye. That is why we have events like this weekend's Fullerton Concours d'Elegance.

Conceived by the Sino Group, which owns The Fullerton Bay and The Fullerton hotels, the inaugural affair ostensibly celebrates the 90th anniversary of the iconic Fullerton Building as well as the concepts of tradition, heritage and hospitality. It also happens to pay tribute to the golden oldies of automotive excellence. Any excuse, I say.

The festivities run from June 29 to July 1 with passes available for purchase online and on-site from S$9.90 for the most basic one. The event promises diverse activities and workshops that cover art, lifestyle, horology, gastronomy and culture. But it's petrolheads who could most feel like they got their money's worth. More than 90 vintage, classic and modern exotic cars will be there, spread across the entire Fullerton Heritage precinct, which spans The Fullerton Bay Hotel, One Fullerton, The Fullerton Waterboat House, The Fullerton Pavilion, Clifford Pier and Customs House. That's a lot of Fullertons.

The tally of local and regionally sourced heritage cars includes The Fullerton's own fleet of beautifully restored Rolls-Royces, including a gorgeous Phantom II, as well as 12 specially curated cars from the Sultan of Johor's private collection, which includes a stunning one-off 1938 Lagonda Lightweight LG6.

Other classics from Singapore include a 1936 Mercedes-Benz 500K, a 1958 Porsche 356A Speedster and a 1934 Austin Seven Ulster Special.

If you're a fan of modern machinery, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and even Bugatti are displaying some of their latest exotica. The Ferrari factory has loaned its wind-tunnel scale model of the FXX-K Evo, an extreme car that can only be driven on private tracks, and which Ferrari doesn't actually permit owners to take home, storing them at the factory for them instead.

In addition to the static displays, the event also plays host to a concourse judging event, which is presided over by Ivor Thevathasan, the president of the Malaysian and Singapore Vintage Car Register (MSVCR). Pre-qualified cars compete in three categories: Pre-World War II, Post-World War II and Modern Classics, and are assessed based on several factors including originality, authenticity and restoration quality.

Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, general manager of The Fullerton Heritage, says: "As one of the most iconic buildings in Singapore, the Fullerton Building has been preserved with the highest form of recognition for its national significance. Likewise, the Fullerton Concours d'Elegance represents the pinnacle in automotive heritage and excellence, celebrating the best in collector and car design."

It's a fair parallel to draw; if society prizes its distinctive old buildings, why not its distinctive old cars as well?

And if you've never driven or ridden in a classic car, you should. The whole affair is wonderfully evocative and mechanical, a veritable labour of love that requires steady, measured inputs and a cool, clear head.

It sharpens the senses and heightens the emotions, as you learn to pay heed to everything the car is telling you, so you're never driven to distraction. No classic car driver feels like checking his WhatsApp messages while behind the wheel.

There's also a sense of theatre about practically everything about the classic car motoring experience, from the aged patina of the seats, to the ornate instrument dials and the driving itself, as you hear, feel and smell the car come to life under your firm ministrations.

If nothing else, a classic car is a simple reminder of simpler times. Who hasn't wished for a return to those, at least once in a while? For one weekend, anyway, a visit to the Fullerton could be just the thing to bring those times back.