In motoring circles, the term “car collector” should mean something. It should bring to mind people who preserve heritage, who keep automotive history alive through the rare machines they maintain and share with the community. A true collector doesn’t just buy cars; they curate a legacy.
Sadly, not everyone who flashes a big garage deserves that title. Take Sarah and Curlee Discaya as an example. They’ve amassed an eye-popping fleet of imported vehicles, numbering well into the dozens. Impressive on paper, sure—but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find that 95 percent of these cars hold no real collectible value. They are expensive, yes, but not rare. They are flashy, yes, but not historically significant. They represent spending power, not passion.
The difference lies in intent. A genuine collector hunts for models that shaped eras—cars like the Porsche 911 RS, a first-generation Mazda Miata, or even a lovingly restored Toyota Celica GT. These machines matter because they tell a story, embody engineering breakthroughs, or capture the spirit of their time. Collectors know this, and that’s why their garages are as much museums as they are personal stables.
Fake collectors, meanwhile, tend to chase status. They buy what looks good on Instagram, or what will impress guests at a party. They measure value by the size of the price tag or the prestige of the brand badge, not by the car’s place in history. And once the hype fades, their “collection” risks becoming just a warehouse of depreciating assets.
Why should this matter? Because car culture in the Philippines is still maturing. Young enthusiasts look up to those who seem to have “made it,” hoping to learn and be inspired. But if the role models are merely flaunting wealth instead of safeguarding heritage, then we’re teaching the next generation that car culture is about money—not meaning.
Being a car collector is a responsibility as much as it is a privilege. It’s about being a steward of motoring history, keeping it alive for others to appreciate. Expensive toys alone don’t make a collection. Without history, rarity, and passion, they’re just cars—and cars, no matter how pricey, can’t buy credibility.
