{
  "id": 2096770,
  "title": "Restored 1982 Toyota Corolla in S'pore that resembles Hong Kong taxi up for sale for S$168,888",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/restored-1982-toyota-corolla-in-spore-that-resembles-hong-kong-taxi",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T08:10:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/08/hong-kong-taxi-for-sale/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 1982 Toyota Corolla, meticulously restored in Singapore to resemble a Hong Kong taxi, is now up for sale at a price of S$168,888. According to the seller, the one-year refurbishment process was completed within a year. The car, originally bought for a five-figure sum in April 2023, is registered under the classic vehicle scheme, which allows its use for a maximum of 45 days in a calendar year. This restriction is in place to limit the impact of older, polluting, and congestion-heavy vehicles on daily life.\n\nThe car's unique appearance is attributed to the removable taxi lightbox on top and the functioning taxi meter, which operates differently than typical meters. While the taxi meter is operational, its fare calculation increments by S$0.50 every 30 seconds, rather than based on distance traveled. The car currently has 20 days left before the annual limit resets.\n\nYong, the seller, mentioned that the car garnered public and Land Transport Authority (LTA) attention two years ago. On August 14, 2024, an LTA enforcement notice was discovered under the car's windscreen wiper. The LTA warning at the time stated that the car was a private vehicle displaying a 'taxi' sign and needed inspection at an authorized center.",
  "summary": "44-year-old car.",
  "key_points": [
    "1982 Toyota Corolla restored to look like Hong Kong taxi",
    "Sold for S$168,888, one-year refurbishment completed",
    "Removable taxi lightbox and functioning taxi meter"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The sale of this uniquely restored Toyota Corolla highlights the niche appeal of classic vehicles in Singapore, where owners must balance enthusiasm with the restrictive regulations governing their use.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}