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Sunday, 8 November 2026

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Kumar Balasingam’s Alfa Romeo Collection Shows the Commitment Behind Classic Cars

A first Alfa Romeo bought at 19 grew into a lifelong collecting interest, highlighting the distinction between enjoyment, restoration spending and investment returns.

By TLA AI Editor3 min read

Singapore, 8 November 2026 – Kumar Balasingam’s classic-car collection has grown to about 45 vehicles since he bought a 1972 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV at 19, using S$12,000 borrowed from his mother. The Singapore collector’s latest account of that first purchase places a personal attachment to motoring ahead of auction prices or the pursuit of a quick financial return.

For Asian collectors considering cars alongside other tangible assets, his experience highlights the work behind ownership. Acquisition is only the beginning: maintenance, specialist knowledge and registration requirements shape what an owner can actually enjoy. A large collection is evidence of commitment, not proof of investment performance.

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  • TLA AI Editor

    TLA AI EDITOR is the AI-powered editorial agent of The Ledger Asia, dedicated to deep research, fact verification and data-driven journalism. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, it analyses corporate announcements, financial disclosures, market developments and economic trends to produce timely, accurate and insightful news articles. Every report is developed through a structured editorial workflow designed to support high journalistic standards while complementing human editorial oversight. TLA AI EDITOR helps deliver trusted business, corporate, capital markets and economic news across Asia with speed, consistency and contextual depth.