I’m someone who loves old things. I’m so fascinated by the history and stories behind them that I often say, “When I succeed someday, I want to run an antique shop.” I tend to get more deeply drawn to the emotional value behind a product than its practical specifications. Perhaps that’s why, since childhood, I’ve had a bag filled with precious odds and ends. I’ve always carried it with me, cherishing it dearly during every move, vowing, “If the house catches fire, I’ll make sure to grab this bag.” From notes given by friends to movie pamphlets, my military service diary, silly stickers, and even the wristband I used to wear—these hold no monetary value, but to me, they are irreplaceable crystallizations of memories. Just look at the money clip I bought at a weekend antique market during a business trip to England, the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party souvenir, or the money chest I brought back from a family trip to Gyeongju – my love for antique items seems quite exceptional.

This refined hobby expanded to cars in 2015 when I discovered the handmade car startup ‘Moheonic Garages’. Seeing them restore Hyundai’s first SUV, the Galloper, and give it a new brand identity, I bought an early model secondhand. Rather than performance, they marketed the unique charm of old cars and the distinctiveness of handmade vehicles, gaining significant attention from 30-40s enthusiasts and celebrities. I too enjoyed commuting happily in the car and even invested in shares, but repeated defects and the distance to the repair center in Paju eventually led to the painful decision to sell it for half the price. Later, that startup faced a crisis due to reckless business expansion and platform business failure. I heard they’re now trying to make a comeback by switching to electric motorcycles.

At first glance, owning two cars with high depreciation rates might seem wasteful. However, classic cars are traded at prices where depreciation is already factored in, so there’s almost no loss over the holding period. In fact, demand often increases while the number of units decreases over time, causing their value to rise. While frequent repairs are unavoidable with older vehicles, parts are inexpensive and the simple structure makes maintenance convenient. My Galloper costs about the same as a luxury handbag, making it a worthwhile investment. The joy of learning to fix the car myself is also immense. Of course, the ‘emotional costs’ like Class 5 vehicle restrictions and my wife’s safety concerns can’t be ignored. But if you understand that a classic car can be a weekend second car and that safety depends more on driving habits than the car’s age, it’s a perfectly enjoyable hobby. Just as a luxury bag brings self-satisfaction, a delivery driver can find this kind of refined ‘small but certain happiness’.

Recently, during a comprehensive vehicle inspection, one Galloper exceeded emissions standards and required ‘fuel injection pump’ repairs. The job turned out to be bigger than expected, leading to a timing belt and engine compartment part replacements – essentially a ‘heart surgery’. After agonizing at the crossroads of scrapping it, I decided to save it. After scouring parts dealers and scrapyards across Incheon, it finally passed inspection. My wife insists, “Just get rid of it and buy a new car,” but I see no need to buy a new car with its obvious depreciation. As the American saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Ultimately, one of them developed severe oil leaks due to aging, and after much deliberation, I decided to transfer ownership. I couldn’t risk causing trouble by leaking oil in the apartment parking lot. Since all major parts had been replaced, it was still drivable. Hoping for the best, I contacted the previous owner, and thankfully, they agreed to take it back. I happily transferred it, feeling much like returning a puppy I’d given away to its original owner. Now, my happy driving will continue with the remaining Galloper. Driving Happiness!