Cars aren’t just a means of transportation, as many Burnpavement.com readers will agree. They’re a journey, a passion, and a significant chapter in many enthusiasts’ lives. For Harold, cars represent milestones, dreams realised, and adventures shared.
From his early days of learning to drift in a Nissan 200SX to founding a car business driven purely by passion, each car he has owned and modified tells its story. In this third feature of the series, we chat with Harold about his journey through car ownership, industry insights, and the ongoing pursuit of automotive dreams.
Personal Car History & Passion
What are some previous cars you’ve owned that you still miss?
My first car was a Nissan 200SX (RS13). My second was another 200SX (S14), which you see here. My third is a GR Supra, which I also currently own.
I wouldn’t say I miss the RS13 exactly, but I had a great time with it as I learned drifting in that car. The excitement of owning my first dream car is an unmatched feeling.
How did you get into the car industry? Was it always the plan, or did passion turn into profession?
It was definitely not planned. I studied Design and started my career in exhibition design before moving into interior design.
My passion for motorsports and cars significantly influenced my entry into the car industry. Since my first car, I’ve been active in motorsport events and car gatherings, sharing and learning about cars and motorsport.
When my partner and I started Axle Motors, we had no experience in the automotive trade. We learned through running the business, supported by many friends. It turned out to be a blessing that we had built our foundational knowledge of cars and motorsport beforehand.
Choosing the Current Ride
Why did you choose your current car? Did your job influence your choice in any way?
My choice was heavily influenced by my early interest in drifting, sparked by Option magazines and D1GP competitions. I was also deeply involved in RC drifting during my younger days, especially during my army years, which taught me much about car setups and dynamics.
Because of these experiences, I knew I wanted a rear-wheel-drive car, and the Silvia was an iconic drift choice. Initially, I couldn’t afford the S14, so I settled for an RS13 instead. After a year, I sold the RS13 and, thankfully, the identical S14 I’d first viewed was still available. It just felt like it was meant to be.
Do you sometimes wish you were driving something different?
Just as women might enjoy owning multiple shoes or bags, car enthusiasts dream of owning different cars for various purposes—drifting, track days, daily driving, or even a supercar. Unfortunately, the high car prices in Singapore make this difficult.
That said, the S14 is incredibly versatile. It serves as my daily driver, gymkhana car, drift car, and track car at Sepang, which is why I love it so much.
Ownership & Modifications
What have you done to your car so far?
My modifications for the S14 are very objective. They aim at everyday practicality, motorsport activities like gymkhana, drifting, track events, and compliance with local regulations. My goal isn’t high horsepower but balanced, practical power.
My best modification was changing the final drive ratio from the original 3.6 to 4.3, significantly enhancing responsiveness. I fully utilize fifth gear at 7,000 RPM on the Sepang straights with this setup.
What’s one feature you love about the car, or that makes your car feel truly yours?
The S14 tends to be overshadowed by the S13 and S15, but its understated design grew on me immediately. I prefer subtle, simple aesthetics, and the straight-line, mild look of the S14 is precisely what appeals to me. Additionally, with only about nine units in Singapore, it feels uniquely mine.
Industry Insights & Perspective
What’s one trend in the automotive world that excites you? One that annoys you?
Toyota’s Gazoo Racing cars excite me because they’re still committed to making genuine driver-focused sports cars. Despite being faster, modern vehicles are also heavier and less connected to the driving experience.
I’m not enthusiastic about electric vehicles, but I’ll leave it at that!
Do you think car enthusiasts are becoming a smaller group, or is passion evolving in new ways?
Due to work and family commitments, I’ve stepped back from social gatherings and now focus more on gymkhana competitions and promoting motorsports. While I’d like to engage more with the new generation of enthusiasts, time is limited.
It’s tougher for enthusiasts today, particularly in Singapore, with rising car prices, stricter modification laws, and increased road surveillance. I encourage enthusiasts to channel their passion into motorsport events like gymkhana and track days at Sepang.
Future & Dream Cars
What’s your realistic ideal next car?
I’m older now and already own two cars I adore—the Silvia S14 (12 years of ownership) and the GR Supra (2 years). Nowadays, I rarely drive them outside motorsport events.
My next realistic goal would be a BMW M3 Touring, but given the hefty price tag, a BMW 330i Touring would be a more practical alternative. It would be perfect for family duties and racing at Sepang.
If you could own any car, what would it be?
Definitely the Koenigsegg Gemera. I love the four-seater supercar concept, which allows more people to share the supercar experience. I’m also fond of hybrid technology paired with small engines, although Koenigsegg has since scrapped the original three-cylinder concept.
On a more practical note, the GR86 suits everything I’ve loved about cars since I was young—front-engine, rear-wheel drive, manual. I’d probably use it for motorsports rather than regular driving.
I’m excited to see future GR cars and hope the next 86 returns to an inline-four NA engine, reminiscent of the legendary AE86.
Got a story to share? Want your car in the spotlight? Drop us your details, and we’ll reach out when the perfect story angle comes up!
