by Winston Baltasar
There was a time when the sun never set on the British Empire. Those days are long gone but the cars and trucks they have built have endured.
The Great British Auto Show event held at the Capitol Commons last 31 May 2015 was to bring together car clubs, owners of British made cars, and enthusiasts to “showcase the industry’s rich heritage, technology and innovation.”
Well represented were the Land Rover Club of the Philippines (LRCP) and Pinoy MINI, the mother club of all classic MINI owners in the Philippines.
Robby Consunji, President of the LRCP, said that the passion for Land Rover / Range Rover 4×4 vehicles is because of their off-road capabilities. Plus, the Rovers are unique and stand out from the masses.
He added that Land Rover started (sales) in the country in the 1960 up to the early 1980s. RangeRover had a distributor in the country from 1970 on to the early 1980s. The Land Rover / Range Rover brand was represented in the Philippine by Asian Carmakers Corp from 1996 to 2001. The current dealer, LR Phils. Motors, Inc., started in 2004.
We asked Willie Soong, the venerable yet affable Principal of the Land Rover and Jaguar distributorships, why Filipinos are passionate about UK Cars. He replied that through the centuries, the romance of the British Monarchy, the colonialization of our neighbouring countries, plus great British Leaders in world affairs, has left an indelible imprint in our culture.
Robby Consunji stated that there will always be a select few who remain loyal to the British vehicles, come hell or high water. Speaking of which, the LRCP has been involved in many rescue and aid situations. During the Yolanda Typhoon disaster, the LRCP has been instrumental in bringing much needed supplies to areas that are all but impossible to reach. The 4wheel drive Land Rovers, with independent suspension, traversed the muddy and rocky terrains to bring food and medicine to those in dire need.
A misconception is that all British Cars are Uber Luxury, like the Jaguars and Aston Martins. Some, like the MINIs, have small 4cylinder engines, which are compact and fuel efficient.
Dr. Joey Luat Gibe, acting leader of Pinoy MINIs, said “Filipinos simply love branding. Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI… who wouldn’t want to be seen driving these cars around the city?” He added that British cars are “Sexy and slick. When you drive one, you feel like James Bond. Or maybe like the Beatles.” He maintains that British cars have their own unique personality.
Are you a John, a Paul, a George, or a Ringo? Regardless of choice, there is a British car for you.
