8-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) A blast from the past rolled through the streets of Singapore recently, catching the eye of motorists and pedestrians alike. A meticulously restored Toyota Corolla E70, reminiscent of the iconic Hong Kong taxis of the 1980s, was spotted cruising along Commonwealth Avenue, igniting a flurry of excitement and nostalgia among local residents.
The sighting of this vintage vehicle, with its distinctive red and silver livery, was captured in a photograph by Deryl Tan, who promptly shared the image on a popular Facebook group on Monday, 5 August. The post quickly went viral, amassing an impressive 5,900 likes and nearly 900 shares, as Singaporeans marvelled at this unexpected glimpse into automotive history.
The car’s owner, Jack Jagger, soon chimed in on the social media buzz, revealing that the eye-catching Corolla had just emerged from a year-long refurbishment process. Jagger explained that the day of the sighting marked the classic car’s triumphant return to the roads, as he was driving to work. In a gesture of goodwill that has further endeared him to enthusiasts, Jagger extended an open invitation for the public to photograph the car should they encounter it on their travels.
The appearance of this vintage Toyota has stirred up a wealth of memories among Singaporeans, particularly those old enough to recall the ubiquitous presence of similar models on the streets of both Singapore and Hong Kong during the 1980s. Many commenters on the Facebook post shared fond recollections of family trips and everyday journeys in these sturdy, no-frills taxis that were once a common sight across Southeast Asia.
The car’s uncanny resemblance to the taxis of yesteryear led some netizens to question the authenticity of the image, with a few speculating whether it might be an AI-generated creation or a cleverly edited photograph. However, Jagger’s comments have confirmed the car’s very real presence on Singapore’s roads, much to the delight of classic car aficionados and nostalgia seekers alike.
