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02/02/2026

Cars, art, and architecture—like fine wine and aged cheese, some pairings are simply timeless. This feature brings all three together.

A stunning 1968 Porsche 911L sits proudly poolside in its architectural home designed by Fitnesscape Creative Studio, accompanied by its sculptural counterpart by Jinggoy Buensuceso. Look closely and you’ll spot a thoughtful detail: a chrome accent on the sculpture, echoing the brightwork of the 911 itself. Thank God for people with good taste!

The Porsche 911L was a one-year-only model for 1968, created to temporarily fill in for the top of the range 911S while it worked through U.S. emissions requirements. Built on the short-wheelbase (SWB) platform, the L was the more luxuriously appointed variant, sharing the 130-hp naturally aspirated, air-cooled 2.0-liter flat-six with the standard 911. Just 1,169 coupes were produced.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

26/01/2026

Patina Macchina's first feature for 2026 is this immaculate local Philippine unit 1981 B-series Opel Manta Berlinetta 2.0S. For the unfamiliar, the Manta was Opel's premier sports coupe that graced the showroom floors with two generations until it ended production in 1988.

The Berlinetta model was the plushest of the lineup; with blue velour upholstery, wood and chrome trims, and a MOMO sports steering wheel. Under the hood, the carbureted naturally-aspirated four-cylinder 2.0S engine has been modified with twin-Webers and an uprated camshaft. Combine those with a body that weighs less than 1,100kg, this sports coupe is competent enough to be both a comfortable GT and performance car.

To enhance the look, the owner also sourced and fitted ATS Classic wheels. An OEM sports bumper, Engelmann blue side mirrors, rear spoiler, and a pair of Hella Comet foglamps give this Manta the quintessential 80s aesthetic.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

04/01/2026

Just some euros enjoying the cool December breeze and the pleasant scenery.

Keep swiping through the photos to see some Kodak Charmera photos. They look period correct.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

08/12/2025

I've always wanted to photograph a classic car in a container yard. I was finally able to do so when and I dropped the cars off for shipping back to Metro Manila after 2025. An early (F-body) Porsche 911 is truly the end goal for me. Tour de Cebu was proof that I'm really compatible with vintage cars.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

#911

01/12/2025

DRIVE YOUR CLASSICS. Tour de Cebu Historic Sports Car Rally 2025 was a life-changing experience. I've always wanted to experience this, and thanks to , I was finally able to check it off my bucket list. As a passionate lover of classic cars, it was a treat to see all these gems being driven hard. We drove our 1969 Alfa Romeo 1300 GT Junior for 1,000km in just 3 days. Yes, ONE THOUSAND hot and grueling kilometers. The car did incredibly well, and contrary to Alfa reliability stereotypes, it performed flawlessly until the end.

Tour de Cebu may look fashionable from a spectator's point of view, but it's not for the faint of heart. This will push your passion to the limit. You can't just love cars. You have to love driving, and you'll need years’ worth of driving endurance up your sleeve to be able to survive this. For me, however, this has been a dream come true. I can't wait to own my own classic someday.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

#911 #914

13/10/2025

Living the life to the fullest. This is my Miata's 5th time climbing up Baguio. Last weekend's drive was the most extensive one so far. Our 600+km, 12+ hour Baguio adventure brought us to new sceneries nothing short of majestic. It's as if we were teleported to other countries—some parts felt like Japan, some felt like Italy, and some felt like Switzerland. The Philippines is indeed a beautiful country.

My Miata has never felt more at home on these roads. This is my first Baguio drive since the modifications, and I'm ecstatic to report that it's everything I wanted it to be, and I am able to reach newer levels of driving skill and engagement.

Thank you for the great drive, .ph .zn8 & !

Words & photos by Ivan Chan of

22/09/2025

Currently in hibernation. I've been on a hiatus lately due to work and life, but I'll be back.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

#997 #911

05/05/2025

My first encounter with the first-generation (Type 42) Audi R8 was through the striking 2003 Le Mans Quattro Concept and the futuristic RSQ featured in the 2004 film I, Robot. I fell in love immediately. When the production R8 debuted in 2006—and later gained fame in the Iron Man films—it secured its place among the most iconic sports cars of the modern era.

This particular example, owned by a driving buddy of mine, is a rare gem: a glorious gated-manual R8, rumored to be the only one in the Philippines. Far from a garage queen, it proudly wears its patina—stone chips and all—from countless spirited mountain drives and track sessions.

Under the rear glass lies the revered mid-mounted 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, sending 414 horsepower to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system and singing to 8,000 rpm. A Stasis exhaust adds a deeper resonance—aggressive yet refined. Despite its performance pedigree, the car is remarkably livable. The clutch is light, the steering communicative, and the six-speed gated shifter is a mechanical delight—reason alone to go for a drive.

To better suit regular driving, several upgrades have been made. Lightweight, bespoke-sized BBS RI-D Forged Duralumin wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires improve grip, while an Ohlins TTX suspension system tuned by Ahlman refines the handling. Inside, the standard seats have been swapped for Recaro Sportsters, offering improved support without compromising comfort.

This may well be my favorite R8 in the country. I’ve long awaited the right one to feature—and with this car, the wait was worth it.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

23/04/2025

Why do I do what I do?

It’s a question I hear from time to time—and the answer is always the same: because I love it.

I don’t earn a cent from this. And that’s entirely by choice. Photographing cars is my sanctuary—my way of slowing down, reconnecting with myself, and finding stillness in a fast-moving world. Patina Macchina is the embodiment of that passion. It’s my safe space, where the outside noise fades and I’m free to create with intention and heart. Like a painter with a blank canvas, I bring my visions to life—frame by frame.

One of my dreams with Patina Macchina is to visually build my dream garage. Every car I feature is handpicked not for likes or trends, but because I'm genuinely passionate about it. I’m endlessly grateful to my friends—the ones who open up their garages and their lives to me. Their generosity and shared passion make this journey so much richer.

Beyond the machines, the real fuel behind Patina Macchina is people. Over the years, this passion project has connected me with kindred spirits from all over the world—people who speak the same language, who find joy in the same details, and who value authenticity as much as I do. Patina Macchina's a growing community built on shared passions, deep conversations, and unforgettable moments behind the lens.

I love this photo because it captures me completely in my element. In that moment, nothing else exists—just my camera, my vision, and a beautiful piece of machinery that tells its own story.

So whether I have millions of followers or none at all, I’ll keep doing this. Because this is my art. My joy. My freedom.

Words by Ivan Chan

Thank you, Andre Varquez of Karrera Showroom, for the wonderful photo!

06/04/2025

Summer is here, and there's no better way to celebrate than with this stunning 1998 Ferrari F355 GTS owned by (yes, Porsche's still our first love). Those who know me well understand that I'm not a fan of red Ferraris - especially "resale red." However, this gorgeous Rosso Barchetta paint is an exception. Used on Ferrari's race cars during the 1940s to 1950s, this rich, deep shade of red somehow shifts under various lighting conditions despite being non-metallic. It also complements the Tan interior beautifully.

The F355 was a swan song to the wedge-shaped Ferraris penned by Pininfarina, and also the last Ferrari model that I truly fell in love with. The GTS model is a targa, and the roof tucks neatly behind the rear seats. It's the ideal F355 configuration. When the roof is on, it looks similar to the coupe, but when it's off, it allows you to marvel at the sound of that exquisite cinquevalvole 3.5-liter naturally aspirated mid-engine V8. It pushes 375hp to the rear wheels and revs up to 8,250rpm. If that's not dramatic enough, it's also matched to a click-happy 6-speed gated manual transmission.

is known in our car community for his attention to detail and his care towards his cars. Despite that, he shares the mentality. His F355 gets the same treatment. For a classic Ferrari that's used regularly, it's in immaculate condition. All its documents, and even the leather booklet and toolbox, are complete and well-kept. Modifications made to this car consist of a Capristo valved exhaust and a Focal sound system (which is barely used for obvious reasons).

As I always say, thank God for people with good taste.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

10/03/2025

Today, we’re celebrating .u’s third year of ownership with a special feature on his stunning 1997 GC8 Subaru Impreza GT Turbo. It’s one of only 20 units officially imported and sold by Columbia Motors—an original left-hand-drive unit. Over the years, it has been meticulously maintained, preserving its legendary driving dynamics.

Under the hood, the EJ20G 2.0-liter boxer engine delivers 208 horsepower to all four wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission, further enhanced by a limited-slip differential. The iconic boxer rumble is ever so evident as well. Completing the package is a gorgeous set of period-correct Speedline ST2 wheels, adding the perfect finishing touch.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the GC8. Growing up, I spent countless hours playing Colin McRae Rally on my PlayStation 1, and this car has always stood out to me with its pure, no-frills design. Compared to its successors, the GC8 feels more lighthearted, tail-happy, and agile—exactly the kind of traits I love in a driver’s car.

There are plenty of GC8s in the Philippines, but none have tugged at my heartstrings quite like this one. Finding a near-stock example is a rarity, so when the opportunity arose to give it a proper photoshoot, I just couldn’t resist.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

11/02/2025

Living the lifestyle! An unforgettable 500+ km drive to Baguio and overnight with friends. Neither rough roads nor winding mountain passes could faze us.

Words and photos by Ivan Chan.

#911 #997

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