Revival of nostalgic city landscapes through classic automobile enthusiasts' efforts
Classic Cars in Ho Chi Minh City: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time
The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are no longer filled with iconic public vehicles like Renault 4CV taxis, Peugeot, and Simca cars from the 1940s-1960s, but the spirit of these vintage rides lives on through a dedicated group of enthusiasts.
Welcome to the world of the Saigon Classic Car Club, a community of individuals who restore and cherish these relics of the past as a way to preserve a piece of the city's memory. The classic car scene in Ho Chi Minh City has evolved from personal passions and isolated collections in the late 1990s into a recognizable, organized movement in the early 21st century.
Members of this club, such as Nguyen Van Nhonn, who commutes between HCM City and Binh Duong in a 1970s Continental and a 1960s Mercedes W111, are just a few of the many collectors who keep these vehicles running. Notable collectors like Dang Le Nguyen Vu, Nguyen Xuan Thuy, and Tra Van Lam also contribute to the vibrant classic car scene.
The Saigon Classic Car Club serves as a common home for these collectors, welcoming new members and providing a platform for sharing passion, expertise, and organizing road trips. The club's mission is to preserve and celebrate these classic cars, which are now seen as companions on vibrant adventures across Vietnam and beyond.
In addition to the Saigon Classic Car Club, there is also the Saigon Beetle Club, a group dedicated to preserving Volkswagen's iconic "bug." The Beetle, as described by Vice President of the Saigon Beetle Club, Tran Van Lam, is lovable, simple, easy to fix, and incredibly durable.
The decline of vintage cars continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with many rare vintage cars in Vietnam being deregistered and exported overseas. After 1975, many vehicle models in HCM City gradually disappeared due to post-war hardship, shifts in management structures, and lack of spare parts. However, the passion for these classic cars never faded, and today, they are increasingly being used in period film sets for historical accuracy.
Collectors like Huyhn Minh Hiep advise filmmakers to use historically accurate cars for period films, as they are part of the truth and a great reward for collectors. Proper maintenance ensures that vintage cars remain reliable and durable, allowing them to continue their journey through time.
As Ho Chi Minh City continues to modernize, the classic car scene serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. From the luxurious sedans to the old taxis, these vintage vehicles are treasured by Saigonese collectors, who view them as integral to the city's identity and culture.
In conclusion, the classic car culture in Ho Chi Minh City is a testament to the city's historical diversity and connections. Restoration of vintage cars from multiple countries is a central activity, highlighting the city's past and helping to enrich the modern cityscape with vibrant reminders of its once-glorious periods. This cultural mission to keep alive the nostalgic image of old Saigon within the rapidly modernizing cityscape is primarily driven by private passion and collector communities at present.
- The government could consider tax incentives or historical preservation grants for the restoration of classic cars to preserve the city's memory.
- Traveling through Ho Chi Minh City in a vintage car is a unique way to experience the city's lifestyle and history, similar to visiting fashion-and-beauty or food-and-drink hotspots.
- Artificial intelligence could be used to analyze trends in sports-betting or sports-analysis, which might provide new insights for collectors looking to invest in their hobby.
- The classic car scene could potentially collaborate with home-and-garden enthusiasts to create themed exhibitions showcasing the vehicles in an immersive environment.
- Relationships among collectors often strengthen as they share their passion for classic cars, much like people bond over shared hobbies or pets.
- Shopping for classic car parts online has become increasingly popular, connecting collectors across the globe, similar to buying fashion items on popular e-commerce platforms.
- The revival of the classic car scene in Ho Chi Minh City reminds us of the importance of preserving artifacts from war and post-war eras to educate future generations.
- Enthusiasts could organize events like car shows or charity drives, using classic cars as a platform for mobilizing support for various causes, much like sports teams engage fans through community service.
