With over 20 years of involvement with vintage cars, Huynh Long owns several rare and valuable cars from various countries around the world. Day and night, he is passionate about vintage cars, and it is his love for these vehicles that has helped calm his hot-tempered personality.
Having studied mechanical engineering at Thủ Đức Labor Training School, Huynh Long previously worked at the Thủ Đức Power Plant. A twist of fate, combined with his knowledge of mechanical engineering, has helped him understand the principles and mechanics behind these beautiful cars.
THE FIRST MOBYLETTE
After 20 years of dedication to vintage cars, Huynh Long still fondly remembers the first car he bought, a Mobylette from France in 2000.
Mobylette is a unique model of motorbike that looks somewhat similar to a bicycle. It was introduced to Vietnam in the 1960s-1970s. Mobylette was produced by the French company Motobecane. The first Mobylette motorbikes to hit the market in 1949 immediately gained a wave of admiration from car enthusiasts not only in France but also worldwide.
A close-up of a Mobylette. Photo: Viet Vu
With his knowledge and research about Mobylette, Huynh Long heard that there was a Mobylette for sale in My Tho, so he eagerly awaited the morning to make the purchase. The following day, he went straight to My Tho and bought the bike for 2.8 million VND.
When he got home, Long admired and renovated the vintage bike. From that Mobylette, he began his journey with hundreds of other vintage cars…. Until now, Long has sold the Mobylette to a new owner.
Playing with vintage cars brings many positive values.
IT TAKES ENDURANCE TO PURSUE A PASSION
“There are some cars that I fall in love with, and I would gaze at them all day. Then I would discover that the car is missing something, and I would search for it and install it,” Huynh Long shared with Trí Thức Trẻ on a day in mid-October.
“Everyone has their own hobbies. Some people like listening to birds sing, others like bonsai trees. It’s just that simple. Car enthusiasts like to admire cars. As for me, when I find spare parts, I can’t help but keep staring at them. When I go to sleep, I eagerly anticipate the next day when I can search for and do something new for the car. Sometimes, I stay up until 2-3 in the morning. Because I am passionate, I find it very enjoyable,” Huynh Long said.
Just hearing the news about a vintage car makes Huynh Long lose sleep due to excitement.
Long said that his wife has no complaints about his obsession with vintage cars.
Throughout his 20-year journey with vintage cars, Huynh Long has repaired hundreds of them. He has bought, exchanged, and currently owns several rare vintage cars. He said that repairing vintage cars is not a profession for him, but a passion. He finds great joy in transforming old, broken cars into works of art through perseverance and determination.
“When you have a passion, you have to endure hardships. There are cars that stop working because they haven’t been active for too long. No matter how hard you try, when the engine starts, it’s really exciting,” Huynh Long confided.
Regarding the journey of finding vintage cars for restoration, the man born in 1964 said he searches for information online and at clubs in Saigon. Whenever he hears about vintage cars, he immediately starts researching.
As an experienced car enthusiast, Huynh Long revealed that the most beautiful cars that captivate him come from Germany, Italy, France, and more. Each car, depending on its release date, design, and origin, varies in price from a few million to 80 million VND.
A LITTLE EVERY DAY
Restoring and bringing vintage cars back to life is not a quick process. Huynh Long believes that if a car is already broken and you are too forceful, you will only make it worse.
“I have to be persistent and patient to find out how it works. Haste makes waste. If I try to rush by using tools to force things open, the car will be ruined. If a car is already broken, and you act on impulse, it’s better to just give up,” Huynh Long explained.
He admitted to having a hot-tempered personality. However, repairing and restoring vintage cars has helped cool down his fiery temperament.
If he encounters any unresolved issues with a car, he stops and takes a break. Then he seeks advice and guidance from colleagues and friends on how to solve the problem.
“A little every day, a little every day, I can’t be hasty,” Huynh Long shared.
His slogan is: “A little every day…” which is well-known among motorcycle and vintage bicycle enthusiasts.
These old bikes will be completely different in Huynh Long’s hands.
What makes Huynh Long most happy and satisfied is that, until today, he still owns several rare vintage cars and continues to search for more.
He recounted that, in the past, when he was just starting to play with cars, he had to consult those who had more experience. Nowadays, he still seeks advice from “elite” car aficionados, but Google has also been very helpful in searching for vintage cars.
He cut this piece of leather from an old leather bag and stitched it into a bike saddle.
The seat cover is made from an old leather bag.
After 20 years of vintage motorcycle play, Long said that Saigon is home to a large and diverse community of car enthusiasts, including businessmen, self-employed workers, and more.
Every screw, every small electrical circuit, are vital details in a complete car. If a component is broken, he meticulously researches how to fix it…
Porsche Carrera GT Auctioned for $2 Million: How the Elite Make Fortunes with Supercars
The vintage car market has been thriving over the past 12 months, with a series of records being shattered, from the most successful year to the highest value of cars being sold. Additionally, there has been a surge in the availability of rare vintage car models at competitive prices.
Driver in Bien Hoa rebuilds 1988 Mercedes-Benz 190E: Sacrifices ‘prized possession’ for ‘skeleton’ and transforms it into unique custom build to honor idol
Le Phuc is a passionate car enthusiast from Bien Hoa. He has a special interest in vintage cars, particularly BMW and Mercedes-Benz. With his collection of beautiful cars, he initially didn’t have to invest much time and effort into restoring them. His main tasks involved repainting, refurbishing the interiors, and upgrading the rims.
Billionaire selling 11 Rolls-Royce, Bentley cars, cheapest price starting from $80,000
In conclusion, while SUVs may dominate the luxury car market, limousines remain the epitome of elegance and opulence. With their unmatched comfort, lavish amenities, and prestigious aura, limousines continue to be the vehicle of choice for those who seek the ultimate luxury experience.
Top 10 most expensive cars ever sold – The priciest one costs billions of dong!
The automotive world has seen many high-priced and sought-after cars in the past decade, but one model that has not lost its heat is the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO. This iconic piece of automotive history remains the most expensive car ever sold by auction house RM Sotheby’s.
Owner neglects 5 damaged cars: Mice build nest inside, expert appraises at $4 million
Tom Cotter’s first impression was somewhat indifferent: an overgrown entrance, a dilapidated garage. Welcoming Tom Cotter was actually a friend of the owner. As soon as the garage door was opened, Tom Cotter was slightly surprised by the clutter and filth inside. According to the owner’s friend, this garage could collapse at any moment and these cars needed to be taken away.
