The car’s the star
Buckle up as Robyn Tucker-Peck introduces some of the best new autos out there, including Lambos and Jags
Having lived in Asia most of my life, the one visual etched in my mind which I’ll always remember is a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow pulling up to the entrance of a hotel or in the driveway of a home, driven by an impeccable chauffeur with white gloves giving the impression he cared deeply about the car and looked after it like his own. The pride of owning a beautiful car has its advantages and I’m sure made more than a few people a little envious. Years later, that iconic Rolls-Royce has been replaced with new models and sportier versions, while the luxury car market in Asia has evolved to include brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Bentley, Aston Martin and newcomers like Felino. These latest luxury brands grace the streets of many Asian cities, none more prominently than in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.
A report by Mordor Intelligence on the Asia-Pacific Luxury Cars Market 2021-2026 reports that the Asia-Pacific market is poised to grow by more than six per cent during the next five years, driven by sales in China, Japan and India. While some firstgeneration Asian HNWI lead a low-profile lifestyle, members of the second generation are often Western-educated and enjoy showing off their affluence through high-end cars.
My father was a car enthusiast, owning a white 1959 MercedesBenz 190 SL convertible which was a beauty in its day. Like most owners of beautiful cars, he was intensely protective and proud of it. No-one was allowed to drive it except for himself, and we all had to be careful not to damage it in any way. Its sleek lines and upholstered tan leather interior, pristine gear box and shiny four-speed manual transmission with classic leather steering wheel matched the rest of the car as though dressed to impress while its prominent wheel hoods and stylish looks made it supremely special. Like the Mercedes 190 SL, all luxury cars have attributes that their owners love.
There is something special about seeing a beautiful car, especially a sports car. The engine noise, sleek low driving position, large road-hugging wheels, F1 seats and doors that might open up vertically all come together to generate an athletic, racy look. A sports car is exhilarating and sexy. There is a vibration around them, an energy and excitement that doesn’t permit us to look away. Is that a movie star, a prince, or a pop star? we wonder as it zooms past. But it’s not the driver - it’s the car that’s the star. Considering investing in a new ride? Here are some cool models worthy of your consideration.