Jump to content

S’pore Scooby Doo Van Owner Is Ex-SAF Mechanic, Brings Vehicle Out Thrice A Week


kobayashiGT
 Share

Recommended Posts

Internal Moderator

S’pore Scooby Doo Van Owner Is Ex-SAF Mechanic, Brings Vehicle Out Thrice A Week

source: https://mustsharenews.com/scooby-doo-van-singapore/

scooby-doo-van.jpg

‘Scooby Doo Van’ Restored By Ex-SAF Mechanic, Hits Singapore Roads 3 Times A Week

Fans of the classic cartoon Scooby Doo in Singapore may have been surprised to recognise something eye-catching on the roads recently — its iconic van, the Mystery Machine.

However, those who managed to peer inside will not find Scooby and the gang but Mr Clarence Tan, a former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) mechanic.

As he has a passion for vintage cars, he collects and restores them inspired by iconic vehicles in pop culture.

Screenshot-2020-09-21-at-12.05.01-PM-e16

He shared his experience in a recent interview with Ministry of Defence’s (MINDEF) publication PIONEER magazine.

Scooby Doo van was restored in S’pore

Mr Tan, 38, told PIONEER that he acquired a 1991 Daihatsu Hijet on 9 Feb 2019, as it resembled the Mystery Machine.

Screenshot-2020-09-21-at-12.08.00-PM.png

He paid $2,500 to give it the nostalgic paint job.

After fixing some old parts, Singapore’s version of the Mystery Machine hit the streets in April last year.

Screenshot-2020-09-21-at-12.15.25-PM.png

Army training drove his passion

Mr Tan told PIONEER that his love for vehicles started in the SAF, when he was training as a mechanic to repair vehicles like Land Rovers and 3-tonne transport trucks.

He was quoted by PIONEER as saying,

I learnt to identify most of the vehicle parts and understand which part of the vehicle does what and how to replace them.

Screenshot-2020-09-21-at-12.12.22-PM.png

Thus, it’s no mystery how he’s able to bring vehicles from our favourite childhood TV shows to life.

Also owns iconic Mr Bean car

Mr Tan has also restored an Austin Mini, A.K.A the ‘Mr Bean’ car.

The father of 3 gave it the iconic lime green paint job of the funny man’s go-to ride.

Screenshot-2020-09-21-at-12.20.21-PM.png

In an Instagram post, Mr Tan said he painstakingly cross-referenced pictures of the original with his version, even down to details like the car’s infamous padlock.

He added that he did most of the repairs himself, including brake installations and electrical re-wiring.

Screenshot-2020-09-21-at-12.18.59-PM.png

By Nov 2019, Mr Tan finished the car and had the enviable option of choosing between vehicles from 2 memorable TV shows.

Screenshot-2020-09-21-at-12.26.03-PM.png

Mystery Machine taken for a drive 3 times a week

Mr Tan drives the Scooby Doo van 3 times a week on weekdays, and takes out the Mr Bean car 2 times a month.

The Mystery Machine has also made appearances at wedding shoots and even engaged to publicise the recent Scooby Doo movie.

xScreenshot-2020-09-21-at-10.56.34-AM.pn

Smiles per gallon, not miles per gallon

As children, most of could only watch the Mystery Machine and Mr Bean’s car on TV, but would never think of driving the cars for real.

While some Singaporean guys may think serving in the army is a waste of time, Mr Tan’s work has shown us how you can pick up some good skills there.

Kudos to him for showing us how practical skills can fuel any passion, and bringing Singaporeans fond memories of a childhood cartoon in the process.

 

 

Follow Mr Tan's Instagram @mysteryvan1991

Follow MyCarForum's Instagram @mycarforum

↡ Advertisement
  • Praise 17
  • Haha! 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Internal Moderator
2 minutes ago, Mustank said:

Wah!! Serious effort man!! 💪

I am a star wars fan. But I cannot bear to turn my car into x wing leh. :grin:

2000?cb=20160704070524&f=1&nofb=1

 

  • Haha! 7
Link to post
Share on other sites

52 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

 

I learnt to identify most of the vehicle parts and understand which part of the vehicle does what and how to replace them.

 

isn't this concerning? what happens to the other parts he cannot identify? 😂

  • Haha! 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

49 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

I am a star wars fan. But I cannot bear to turn my car into x wing leh. :grin:

2000?cb=20160704070524&f=1&nofb=1

 

If you spray paint white. Leave it unwash for 3 years, am sure th patina look of the x wing fighter will appear

  • Haha! 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

57 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

I am a star wars fan. But I cannot bear to turn my car into x wing leh. :grin:

2000?cb=20160704070524&f=1&nofb=1

 

Got chance... get a raft and convert... leg powered type😁

OIP.jpg

deutsch_xp34_speeder.jpg

  • Haha! 5
Link to post
Share on other sites

Internal Moderator
2 minutes ago, mersaylee said:

Got chance... get a raft and convert... leg powered type😁

OIP.jpg

deutsch_xp34_speeder.jpg

Don't want lah! I take bus faster leh like that!

 

 

 

Wait. I think if it keeps raining, maybe can use this as transportation at those ponding area. hahah.

  • Haha! 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

Internal Moderator
23 minutes ago, Kxbc said:

isn't this concerning? what happens to the other parts he cannot identify? 😂

Some says Youtube will be your best friend. hahaha

Link to post
Share on other sites

55 minutes ago, kobayashiGT said:

Don't want lah! I take bus faster leh like that!

 

 

 

Wait. I think if it keeps raining, maybe can use this as transportation at those ponding area. hahah.

It’s not about efficiency but to arrive in stylo milo satki-ness 

  • Haha! 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, kobayashiGT said:

I am a star wars fan. But I cannot bear to turn my car into x wing leh. :grin:

2000?cb=20160704070524&f=1&nofb=1

 

reference design for you:

 

 

  • Praise 2
  • Haha! 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Internal Moderator
41 minutes ago, Strat said:

reference design for you:

 

 

Woah. idea. then like that no one can park beside me! hahahahah

↡ Advertisement
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...