In this feature, Brendan shares the cars that left a mark on him, the turning points of his career, and why he’s held onto his 997 GT3 for nearly a decade—despite the sore left leg from city traffic. From rotary-powered nostalgia to a love letter to hydraulic steering, this is a story of taste, timing, and the thrill of finding the right car at the right time.

What are some previous cars you’ve owned that you still miss?

I miss the almost instinctive balance of the S14 Silvia—the steering and rear axle felt alive, as though the car already knew what you were going to do before you did. I also miss the creamy-smooth power delivery of the rotary-powered RX-7 and the silky straight-sixes of old BMWs that rev and sing in harmony. I had a short but memorable stint with a Megane RS—an amazing car, just let down by some reliability issues.

But the car I miss most? That would be my AP2 Honda S2000. From the backstory of the S2K, its bulletproof reliability, and pop culture cred (thanks, Johnny Tran), to its sublime chassis, rifle bolt-like gearchange, and that screaming, old-school VTEC engine—it was a proper driver’s car. I only wish I had been older and wiser when I owned it, because I definitely did a few silly things to mine.

How did you get into the car industry? Was it always the plan, or did passion turn into profession?

I’ve loved cars for as long as I can remember. I was the kid doodling them in textbooks when I should’ve been paying attention in class.

When law or med school didn’t work out (sorry Mum), I took a shot at automotive journalism to combine my love for cars and writing. I did stints at local tuning magazines before trying to start my own publication, AFTMKT. We managed 20 issues before calling it a day. With that portfolio in hand, I started knocking on doors at Leng Kee.

That persistence led to a role at Audi Singapore, which opened the door to a position at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. That eventually took me to a corporate comms role with BMW and MINI in Melbourne, and now to where I am today—living the dream at Porsche Asia Pacific.

Choosing the Current Ride

Why did you choose your current car? Did your job influence your choice in any way?

I chose the 997-generation 911 GT3 because it hits the sweet spot between modern amenities and pure analogue feel. It’s compact, well-built, and while it’s totally usable on the road, it’s also steeped in motorsport pedigree.

What I love most is how understated it is. Unlike newer GT3s with shoutier styling, the 997 GT3 hides its race-ready DNA in a shell that doesn’t look too different from a regular Carrera with an Aerokit. Underneath, though, it’s a different beast.

The heavy clutch, notchy shifter, and beautifully weighted steering all come together to create a raw, connected driving experience. I’ve had it for almost eight years now and despite having access to some truly special cars at work, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

Working in automotive PR definitely helped shape my perspective. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the stories behind cars. The 911 is the ultimate example of this—a car engineered “wrong” with the engine out back, but refined over generations into something truly iconic. The GT3 is the purest expression of that legacy.

Do you sometimes wish you were driving something different?

Only when I’m crawling through city traffic. That clutch can be a leg-day workout.

Ownership & Modifications

What have you done to your car so far?

Most of the mods have been focused on handling. I’ve upgraded to Ohlins R&T coilovers, fitted a full set of RSS arms, and swapped to wider OEM-look GT2 wheels. I also added Recaros and a half-cage to give it more of a Clubsport vibe.

After a mishap involving a loose handbrake in 2023 that left a dent on the rear fender, I decided to repaint the car in Fayence Yellow—a legendary colour from the Carrera GT.

What’s one feature that makes your car feel truly yours?

The stance. I’ve set it up just right. The GT2 wheels look almost identical to the GT3 stock wheels, but the rears have more offset and width, giving the car a properly planted look. On the narrower-bodied GT3, it fills the arches perfectly and gives the whole car a mean, purposeful squat.

Industry Insights & Perspective

What’s one trend in the automotive world that excites you? One that annoys you?

It’s an exciting time in the industry—manufacturers are being pulled in all directions. Electrification is creating cleaner transport options, while autonomous driving and mobility-as-a-service could reshape how we interact with cars entirely. At the same time, there’s a renewed appreciation for emotional connection and character, especially in performance cars.

I’m especially curious about how sports cars will evolve. Some brands are exploring electric sports cars, trying to balance emotion and sustainability. I’m really interested to see where that goes.

One thing that annoys me? Cars that rely entirely on digital interfaces for everything. Do I really need to swipe a screen just to adjust the aircon? Let’s keep some proper buttons on the dash.

Do you think car enthusiasts are becoming a smaller group, or is passion evolving in new ways?

Sadly, I do think it’s shrinking. In the ‘90s and early 2000s, there was a golden age of attainable performance cars—Evos, WRXs, hot hatches. Cars that made you fall in love with driving.

Today’s landscape is different. There’s less of that accessible magic for young enthusiasts. That said, resto-modding is more popular than ever, and we still get the occasional gem like the GR Yaris or Nissan 400Z.

Future & Dream Cars

What’s your realistic ideal next car?

Something practical and fast-ish—a sensible family wagon with a twist. I’m oddly obsessed with the 330i Touring. It’s good-looking, has room for the family and dog, and with a chip tune, it packs 300 horsepower. Fast, fun, and functional.

If you could own any car, what would it be?

Tough call! But here’s my dream five-car garage:

• Porsche 997.2 GT3 RS 4.0 – the final evolution of my current car
• Porsche 964 Carrera RS – old-school perfection
• Ferrari 288 GTO – my poster car growing up
• W204 C63 AMG Wagon – for the wife and the tyre smoke
• NA2 Honda NSX-R – the ultimate JDM hero

The post Passion Meets Profession | Brendan Mok appeared first on Burnpavement.

I believe I have broken a finger here against his cursed jaw ain’t those mincing knives down in the forecastle there, men? look to those handspikes, my hearties. Captain, by God, look to yourself say the word don’t be a fool; forget it all; we are ready to turn to treat us decently, and we’re your men; but we won’t be flogged.

We can’t possibly stay here, I said; and as I spoke the firing reopened for a moment upon the common. “But where are we to go?” said my wife in terror. I thought perplexed. Then I remembered her cousins at Leatherhead.

Leatherhead

Leatherhead! I shouted above the sudden noise. She looked away from me downhill. The people were coming out of their houses, astonished. “How are we to get to Leatherhead?” she said.
Stop here,” said

You are safe here! I shouted above the sudden noise. She looked away from me downhill. The people were coming out of their houses, astonished.

Me, Myself and I

and I started off at once for the Spotted Dog, for I knew the landlord had a horse and dog cart. I ran, for I perceived that in a moment everyone upon this side of the hill would be moving. I found him in his bar, quite unaware of what was going on behind his house. A man stood with his back to me, talking to him.

Some lists

• Down the hill I saw a bevy of hussars ride under the railway bridge; three galloped through the open gates of the Oriental College;
• two others dismounted, and began running from house to house.
• the sun, shining through the smoke that drove up from the tops of the trees,
• seemed blood red, and threw an unfamiliar lurid light upon everything.

I started off at once for the Spotted Dog, for I knew the landlord had a horse and dog cart. I ran, for I perceived that in a moment everyone upon this side of the hill would be moving. I found him in his bar, quite unaware of what was going on behind his house. A man stood with his back to me, talking to him.

1. Down the hill I saw a bevy of hussars ride under the railway bridge; three galloped through the open gates of the Oriental College;
2. two others dismounted, and began running from house to house.
3. the sun, shining through the smoke that drove up from the tops of the trees,
4. seemed blood red, and threw an unfamiliar lurid light upon everything.

Started off at once for the Spotted Dog, for I knew the landlord had a horse and dog cart. I ran, for I perceived that in a moment everyone upon this side of the hill would be moving. I found him in his bar, quite unaware of what was going on behind his house. A man stood with his back to me, talking to him.

I and my wife stood amazed. Then I realised that the crest of Maybury Hill must be within range of the Martians’ Heat-Ray now that the college was cleared out of the way. At that I gripped my wife’s arm, and without ceremony ran her out into the road. Then I fetched out the servant, telling her I would go upstairs myself for the box she was clamouring for.

Leatherhead! I shouted above the sudden noise. She looked away from me downhill. The people were coming out of their houses, astonished. “How are we to get to Leatherhead?” she said.

The post What art thrusting that thief-catcher into my face? appeared first on Burnpavement.