With more than two decades of experience in vintage car aficionado, Huynh Long is the proud owner of numerous rare and valuable automobiles from various countries across the globe. His unwavering passion for vintage cars has even managed to subdue his otherwise hot-headed temperament.
Having studied mechanical engineering at Th? Ð?c Labor Training School, Huynh Long previously worked at the Th? Ð?c Power Plant. It was a twist of fate, combined with his mechanical engineering knowledge, that has enabled him to comprehend the principles and mechanics behind these magnificent vehicles.
THE FIRST MOBYLETTE
Even after two decades of immersing himself in vintage cars, Huynh Long still fondly remembers the first vehicle he ever owned—a Mobylette from France, purchased in 2000.
Resembling a bicycle, Mobylette is a distinctive motorbike model introduced to Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s. Manufactured by the French firm Motobecane, Mobylette motorbikes took the market by storm in 1949 and garnered admiration from car enthusiasts across France and the world.
A close-up of a Mobylette. Photo: Viet Vu
Having extensively studied and researched Mobylette, Huynh Long soon discovered a Mobylette for sale in My Tho. His excitement grew as he eagerly awaited the opportunity to make the purchase. The following day, without hesitation, he embarked on the journey to My Tho and acquired the bike for 2.8 million VND.
Upon arriving home, Long meticulously restored and admired his vintage acquisition. It was through this Mobylette that he commenced his journey with hundreds of other vintage vehicles… Until eventually, he sold the Mobylette to a new owner.
Playing with vintage cars brings forth various positive values.
IT TAKES ENDURANCE TO PURSUE A PASSION
“There are certain cars that captivate me, which I could view endlessly. Then, I’d discover that something is amiss with the car, and I’d search for a solution and implement it,” Huynh Long shared with Trí Th?c Tr? on a mid-October day.
“Everyone has their own hobbies. Some people enjoy the melodies of singing birds, others find solace in bonsai trees. It’s merely these simple things. Car enthusiasts find solace in observing cars. Speaking for myself, when I discover spare parts, I can’t help but fixate on them. As I go to bed at night, I eagerly await the following day, when I’ll be able to uncover something new and accomplish another task for my car. Sometimes, I’m awake until two or three in the morning. Driven by my passion, I find this process immensely gratifying,” Huynh Long explained.
Hearing news about a vintage car is enough to disrupt Huynh Long’s sleep, burdened with excitement.
Long insists that his wife harbors no complaints regarding 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 possesses several rare vintage cars. Repairing vintage cars isn’t merely a profession for him, but a profound passion. He derives immense pleasure from refurbishing old, dilapidated cars into artistic masterpieces through persistence and determination.
“When one is passionate about something, they must be prepared to endure hardship. Some cars malfunction because they’ve remained inactive for long periods of time. Regardless of the setbacks faced, starting that engine again is truly exhilarating,” Huynh Long confided.
Regarding his quest for vintage cars requiring restoration, the 1964-born enthusiast revealed that he searches for information online and frequents car clubs in Saigon. Whenever he hears any news about vintage cars, he promptly commences research.
As a seasoned automobile enthusiast, Huynh Long expressed that the most astonishing cars that capture his attention hale from Germany, Italy, France, and beyond. Depending on their release date, design, and origin, each car bears a unique price tag ranging from a few million to 80 million VND.
A LITTLE EVERY DAY
The process of restoring and reviving vintage cars is far from swift. Huynh Long firmly believes that if one is forceful with a broken car, it will only cause further harm.
“I must remain steadfast and patient while I unravel the enigmatic functioning of a car. Impatience begets misfortune. If I hastily employ tools to force open various components, I will inevitably wreck the car. When a car is already in a state of disrepair, any quick, impulsive actions would prove futile; it is best to surrender,” Huynh Long explained.
He openly admitted to possessing a volatile temperament. Nevertheless, repairing and restoring vintage cars aids in tempering his fiery disposition.
If he encounters any persistent issues with a particular car, he takes a break and seeks advice from colleagues and friends on resolving the problem at hand.
“Bit by bit, day by day, I cannot afford to be brash,” Huynh Long declared.
His motto, “A little every day…,” is well-known amongst vintage motorcycle and bicycle enthusiasts.
With Huynh Long, these ancient bikes undergo a complete metamorphosis.
What brings about the greatest joy and satisfaction to Huynh Long is his ongoing ownership of several rare vintage cars, accompanied by a ceaseless search for more.
He recounted tales from the past, reminiscing about consulting experienced individuals when he first started his venture into the realm of cars. Presently, he consults veteran car connoisseurs and relies on the help of Google in seeking out vintage automobiles.
He carved this piece of leather from an old leather bag and skillfully transformed it into a bike saddle.
The seat cover was crafted using an old leather bag.
After two decades of indulging in vintage motorcycles, Long revealed that Saigon is home to a vibrant and diverse community of automotive enthusiasts, including businessmen and self-employed workers.
In a complete automobile, every screw and even the tiniest electrical circuit play a vital role. If a component breaks, he scrupulously researches how to fix it…
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