Everything You Wanted to Know About Jamie - Answered!
Today at Auto Icons, we put Jamie, our Sales and Marketing Executive, in the hot seat. From his journey into the automotive world to his favorite industry moments, dream cars, and quick-fire debates, this interview has it all. Knowledgeable in all things cars, from JDM heroes, to European Icons, Jamie understands aesthetic themes, trends and loves to explore different creative direction with content. Expect insights, nostalgia, and plenty of car talk - let’s get into it!
1. What sparked your passion for cars, and how did it evolve over time?
It honestly came from my dad. He always loved cars and would take me to car shows and car park rally races when I was a kid. He also kind of forced me to pose next to every nice car we saw, so I have a ton of photos of me standing beside some seriously cool cars - either owned by his friends or just randomly parked on the street.
There were also a lot of pop culture influences - racing games, movies,Need for Speed, Forza Motorsport, Fast & Furious, and old Japanese DVDs were a staple of my daily entertainment as a toddler.
But I never really thought about it as a career until one day, my dad and I were watchingTop Gearand thought, “What a crazy job they have - driving, writing, and going on adventures in cars while getting paid for it.” That’s when I started pursuing automotive journalism, photographing and blogging for Instagram pages like @itswhitenoise back in the day.
As I traveled and met more people, I realized it was the connections that kept me hooked. It was fascinating how you could instantly become friends with someone from Tokyo or LA just by talking about cars. It’s like a universal language without barriers. Through those connections, I met some really special people, and now I aim to help my contacts source and drive their dream icons.
2. Was there a specific car or experience that first got you hooked on the automotive world?
One of my earliest childhood memories was seeing four red Ferraris blasting down the North-South Highway in Malaysia. Just seeing those low-slung bodies in bright red and yellow got my heart racing - it was a natural love from then on.
3. Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a Sales & Marketing Executive at Auto Icons?
I initially joined the company as a Marketing Executive, but as I networked and used my connections to help source and close deals, I earned my position in Sales & Marketing. I still love creative direction and find inspiration in concepts that go beyond the automotive world.
4. How do you leverage content creation to engage both hardcore car enthusiasts and casual buyers?
I try to put cars into real-life contexts - taking one out for coffee, a morning drive with the top down - helping buyers and content consumers imagine themselves in that scenario. At the end of the day, these are emotional purchases, and we should tug at those heartstrings!
5. Car events are a huge part of automotive culture. What are your favorite ones to attend or showcase at?
Monterey Car Week in California, hands down. It’s the absolute peak of car culture - everyone is there, and every car is there. It’s likeForza Horizonin real life, where even regular traffic is filled with multi-million-dollar supercars. One moment, you’re at a drive-thru next to a McLaren P1; the next, you’re queuing for parking beside a $2 million restomod.
6. Social media is rapidly changing how cars are bought and sold. How do you adapt to new trends in digital marketing?
I stay tapped into what’s trending online - whether it's a specific car getting hype or a certain mood or vibe going viral. I’m always on the lookout for those spikes and try to recreate them for Auto Icons.
7. How do you see the future value of collectible cars evolving over the next 10 years?
I still have so much more to learn, but I believe the cars I grew up loving - like the Bugatti Veyron, Lexus LFA, and Murciélago SV - will be regarded as the final hoorah of the perfect blend between engineering ingenuity and driver engagement.
8. What’s your biggest ambition for the future of Auto Icons?
To put us on the world map - connecting and collaborating with creatives and global dealerships to elevate the car experience for everyone.
10. What’s your dream car purchase - one you haven’t been able to buy yet?
A 911 GT3 - any generation would make me happy. But I have a vision for a white 997.1 GT3 RS with gold BBS E88s. Cliché, I know, but I love that look.
11. What’s your favorite daily driver, and what makes it special to you?
I currently drive a Mini Cooper S JCW - it’s manual, it’s light, and it packs a punch for its size. It’s special because it came into my life as an opportunity to share the car with Auto Icons, representing how much the company values and trusts me.
12. What’s your all-time favorite modern supercar, and why?
This changes weekly! But it’s a toss-up between the Lamborghini Murciélago SV, Ferrari Enzo, and Carrera GT. Is that cheating? I just can’t pick one!
13. What’s your favorite classic car, and what makes it legendary in your eyes?
If you handed me the keys to a Ferrari 250 SWB, I’d disappear. I think they look even prettier than the more coveted 250 GTO, plus they have incredible racing history.
14. If you weren’t in car sales and marketing, what would you be doing instead?
Probably something food-related. I love cooking, but I’m not sure I’d survive in a professional kitchen!
15. What do you enjoy most about working at Auto Icons?
The people. Whether it’s our team or our customers, Auto Icons is a hub where car lovers come together to make dreams happen.
16. Nissan R34 GT-R or Toyota Supra MK4?
GT-R any day.
17. Honda NSX (NA1) or Porsche 911 (993)?
Probably the NSX, but only because I’m not big on the 993. Different story if it were a 964!
18. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI or Subaru Impreza 22B?
I’ve been lucky enough to drive an Evo VI, so I’ll go with that.
19. Ferrari F40 or Lamborghini Diablo?
F40 - cut me, and I bleed Ferrari.
20. BMW E46 M3 or Audi RS4 B7?
E46, without a doubt. Incredible balance.
21. Keiichi Tsuchiya (Drift King) or Ayrton Senna?
Oh, come on… Tsuchiya would want me to say Senna, so I’ll say Senna. Style icon, too - love his fits.
22. Paul Walker or Steve McQueen?
Paul Walker - only because they’re from different generations, and I grew up watchingFast & Furious.
23. Initial D or The Fast and the Furious?
Funny enough, I’ve never watchedInitial D, soFast & Furiousit is!
24. Top Gear (Clarkson Era) or The Grand Tour?
Top Gear. It felt less scripted, the banter was funnier, and even today, I get nostalgic watching old clips.
25. If you could take any legendary racing driver or car personality for a spin, who would it be and what car would you choose?
James Hunt, driving a Reliant Robin around Nürburgring Nordschleife. That would make both of our pants very brown.
Thank you for your insights, Jamie! From sourcing iconic cars to sharing his deep passion for automotive culture, Jamie is the driving force behind the sales and marketing of Auto Icons, connecting car enthusiasts with their dream rides and bringing automotive stories to life. Whether you're looking for expert insights, market trends, or just a good car chat, Jamie’s the go-to guy. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories, industry tips, and of course, plenty of dream cars! Reach out to Jamie on Whatsapp, email, or contact us here.