Words by Monch Henares
Buying a car in the 1960s and 70s was a vastly different experience compared to today. Back then, vehicles were designed to be reliable and functional but lacked the comfort and technology we now take for granted. Popular cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer and Toyota Corolla were budget-friendly and straightforward—manual steering, no air conditioning, and minimal safety features. If you wanted an upgrade, you had to turn to the booming aftermarket industry. In contrast, today’s cars come fully loaded with advanced technology, safety systems, and luxury features that were once unheard of.
In the 1970s, a brand-new Toyota Corolla would set you back around ₱20,000 to ₱30,000, while a Mitsubishi Lancer was slightly higher at ₱25,000 to ₱35,000. At the time, these were considered some of the best value-for-money options on the market. Fast forward to today, and the 2024 Toyota Corolla Altis starts at ₱1.135 million, while the closest equivalent to the now-discontinued Lancer, the Mitsubishi Lancer EX, last retailed at around ₱1.3 million before it was phased out. The drastic price increase is not just due to inflation but also reflects the evolution of cars. Modern vehicles are engineered with cutting-edge technology, including touchscreen infotainment systems, automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a host of safety features such as ABS, airbags, and lane departure warning systems. These features, which were once considered high-end options, now come standard in many models.
Because cars in the past were essentially “bare bones,” the aftermarket industry thrived. If you wanted better performance, comfort, or style, you had to visit an auto accessories or performance shop located in Evangelista St. in Bangkal, Makati and in Banaue St., Quezon City. This gave rise to an entire culture of car customization. Enthusiasts would install fiberglass body kits for a sportier look, swap out steel rims for aluminum alloy mag wheels, or upgrade their exhaust systems for better performance and sound. Since many cars didn’t come with air conditioning, shops specializing in A/C installation, such as Denso and Mac Frost, became popular. Then there were the purely aesthetic modifications, which Filipinos called “borloloy”—chrome trimmings, vinyl roof covers, dashboard figurines, and even under-chassis neon lights.
As the years went on, the aftermarket industry grew, and several well-known stores emerged. Blade Auto Center became a one-stop shop for car accessories and audio systems, while Kilton Auto Parts specialized in surplus Japanese parts. Performance tuning shops like Autoplus Sportzentrium and Fedspeed Automotive catered to the growing motorsports scene, offering aftermarket racing parts, suspension kits, and ECU tuning. Meanwhile, Dunlop Concept Store became a go-to for high-performance tires and wheels.
While car customization remains popular today, the difference is that modern cars already come with many features that were once considered aftermarket upgrades. Manufacturers now equip vehicles with built-in touchscreen infotainment, digital climate control, LED lighting, and safety tech, reducing the need for modifications. Even in the performance sector, many enthusiasts now opt for ECU remapping and software tuning rather than mechanical upgrades. However, the passion for car customization hasn’t disappeared—enthusiasts still invest in racing mods, off-road setups, high-end detailing, and aftermarket audio systems.
The car-buying experience itself has also changed. In the past, purchasing a vehicle was a straightforward, mostly cash-based transaction. Today, financing options, online reservations, and customizable packages are the norm. While older vehicles were more affordable and easier to maintain, they required more aftermarket modifications to improve comfort and performance. On the other hand, modern cars, although significantly more expensive, offer convenience, safety, and technology as standard features.
Looking back, it’s fascinating to see how the automotive landscape has evolved. Whether you prefer the simplicity of classic motoring or the high-tech innovations of today, one thing remains certain: the love for cars and customization will never fade.
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