Cars & Kopi Singapore brings together petrolheads from different walks of life, as we celebrate all things automotive and enjoy a camaraderie that transcends marques, models and moolah.
Dempsey Hill, Singapore - It isn’t easy being a petrolhead in Singapore, as we enthusiasts pay-to-play and doggedly swim against the currents conjured-up by the powers-that-be.
After all, new (and old) car prices on our island-state are already among the highest in the world and COE renewal is required every decade to keep our beloved cars on the road.
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Moreover, couple this to the latest ARF revisions and periodical niggles to contend with – the latest is the controversial ERP 2.0 system – and folks for whom cars aren’t just basic A-to-B transport have a challenging environment in which to operate…
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And this applies to both the man and the machine!
Cars & Kopi is a great leveller, because it cuts through the ego and partisan politics of brand- or model-specific gatherings and creates a safe space commune in which all petrolheads can convene to celebrate Singapore’s unique car culture.
For instance, where else could you find a R32 GT-R, Taycan, Mk1 Golf GTI, 997 Cabriolet and 992 Turbo S rubbing shoulders in amiable companionship (pictured above)?
Inspired by the Cars & Coffee car community movement overseas, Cars & Kopi Singapore was started by 40-something Mr. Louis Soon (@carsnkopi_sg) as an irregularly regular (or regularly irregular if you prefer!) event.
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If you're wondering, this normally takes place on a weekend or public holiday morning and even comes with a specially illustrated decal for early birds to boot.
He tells us, “Initially, I just wanted to chill with like-minded car friends over brekkie and kopi, as well as to bring different groups of petrolheads together.”
So what keeps him going? “Well, I guess I’m encouraged by other people’s enthusiasm for the event and their willingness to show up!” Louis says.
Young or old, pricey or affordable, fast or slow – all makes and models are welcome, as car-loving attendees come together for a chill morning of automotive indulgence.
This striking blue-white Mercedes-Benz W180 220 S Convertible (pictured above) has even ferried Lewis Hamilton around during the Singapore Grand Prix's Drivers' Parade.
Car ownership is optional, but passion, respect and a healthy appreciation for automobiles are must-haves, as the parking spaces are transformed into kaleidoscopic showcases of some of the coolest machinery ever to grace Singapore roads.
It isn’t a platform to showboat or show-off by driving recklessly, especially given the throngs (and what seemed to be at least 200 cars!) that descended on the Dempsey Hill enclave during the recent Labour Day edition of Cars & Kopi Singapore.
Everybody gets along and never hesitates to help one another, because they appreciate that it isn't just about the costs involved, but also the commitment in keeping old cars alive.
JDM, Italian thoroughbreds, German sportscars and other eclectic cult classics like the Lamborghini Countach (Photo above by Louis Soon) come out of storage for that one glorious morning, with the occasional hypercar or two turning up the wow factor.
The "save-the-date" goes out on Instagram (or Whatsapp) and nothing is ever orchestrated.
Still, the Cars & Kopi community has taken on a life of its own and grown organically to the extent where although there may be other car gatherings, there’s just one Cars & Kopi Singapore.
In fact, it has even garnered sufficient clout for brand ADs to want a piece of the festive enthusiast action.
It’s certainly not unheard of for ADs to showcase the latest car models, or in Porsche’s case during the recent Cars & Kopi May Day Edition, merchandise.
It’s a great opportunity for bonding and we met one such enthusiastic father-son duo on its walkabout.
Of his first time at a Cars & Kopi Singapore gathering, 15 year old JDM-lover, Ethan Chan tells us, “It was a fun and eye-opening celebration of Singapore’s car culture. I’m definitely looking forward to similar events in the future.”
