“I like cars nobody likes or considers collectible,” says Kumar Balasingam of his passion for offbeat brands like French automaker Citroën and Italy’s Alfa Romeo.
The Founder and CEO of JSD Group of Companies and President of the Classic Car Club Singapore is no casual enthusiast. His collection numbers in the three digits. Fifty of these cars are registered and roadworthy in Singapore, while others are kept in Germany, Malaysia, and the UK.
Balasingam takes pride in spotting future classics, as well as rare, overlooked, and mechanically ambitious vehicles. His favourite cars include the Citron SM, a futuristic grand tourer produced between 1970 and 1975, as well as the Alfa 2600 Sprint.
When adding new cars to his garage, his main criteria are rarity and engine displacement—the bigger, the better. A Mercedes-Benz SL72 AMG, a unicorn powered by a V12 engine based on the same M120 block as the first Pagani Zondas, stands out in the fleet.
What is the difference between vintage and classic cars?
In Singapore, cars built before 1 January 1940 are classified as vintage, while classic cars are 35 years and older.
What was the first car in your collection?
A 1971 Mercedes-Benz W109 300 SEL 3.5 V8. I bought it in 1979 for $5,000. Although rare, it had been largely neglected, exactly the type of car that speaks to me. I still have it.
What has been the most challenging acquisition?
The Mercedes W121—better known as the 190SL—I bought from a farmer in the UK. We settled on a price over the phone and arranged an inspection date. After flying over with my family, I drove two-and-a-half hours down a winding country road to reach the farm.
Although the car was there, key parts like the grille, clock, and roof frame had been sold. On the spot, I had to renegotiate the price. My two sons were stunned that I would still pay such a significant amount for a rusty, incomplete, non-running vehicle.
However, I saw its potential. It was transported to a restorer in Germany, where it spent two years being brought back to life.
What would complete your collection?
A Ferrari 512 BB or Daytona.
How has the classic car culture in Singapore evolved?
When I co-founded the Classic Car Club Singapore in 2016, ownership was largely confined to older collectors. With greater exposure and a growing appreciation for automotive heritage, more young enthusiasts have joined the scene.
There’s also a real momentum behind the classic car culture in Singapore now. The cost of Certificate of Entitlement (COE) has made owning a classic car very appealing, especially if you don’t drive it every day.
