After nearly two weeks of tending to personal matters and celebrating the Lunar New Year, entrepreneur Dang Le Nguyen Vu has resurfaced in Ho Chi Minh City, cruising the streets in style with his unique collection of automobiles. This time, he was spotted with a rare Mercedes-Benz 380SL as his companion for the Spring outing.
While the Mercedes-Benz 380SL may not be a familiar name to enthusiasts of supercars or sports cars, it is a highly coveted collectible for those in the know. In fact, the owner proudly asserts that this particular model is the only one of its kind in the country.
As a prelude to this acquisition, the “Coffee King” of Vietnam had already amassed a rare fleet of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including the 190SL, 280SL, and 560SL. So, it came as no surprise that the addition of the 380SL garnered significant attention. The most intriguing feature of the Mercedes-Benz 380SL is its detachable hardtop, a rarity in cars of that era.
When the top is reattached, the car transforms into a sleek coupe. This unique characteristic caught the eye of Dang Le Nguyen Vu, who is known for his discerning taste in automobiles. At this point in his life, he only adds vehicles to his garage that are truly one-of-a-kind and align with his distinct style. It’s as if he’s commissioning a bespoke suit, but for his car collection instead.
The Mercedes-Benz 380SL’s creamy yellow paint job has been preserved, with the addition of UN logos on both doors. Chrome accents, black trim, and silver details create a striking contrast. The car also sports front and rear bumpers that protrude slightly, along with orange turn signals, a characteristic feature of vehicles sold in the North American market.
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz 380 SL boasts a naturally aspirated 3.8L V8 engine, coded M116, delivering a maximum output of 218 horsepower and 299 Nm of torque. Coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, this classic car can reach a top speed of 215 km/h.
The Last of the Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray: A Legend in the Hands of “Qua” Vu
“The Vietnamese ‘Coffee King’ now has not one, but two Chevrolet Corvette C3 Stingray sports cars in his collection. One is a vibrant yellow, and the other, a sleek silver – a recent addition to his fleet. This prominent figure in the Vietnamese coffee industry is making waves with his extravagant taste in cars, and his collection is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.”
“Spending Spree”: Quaffing Millions for Auto Purchases in 2024
In 2024, Vu Chi’s approach to car purchases shifted. While some supercars were snapped up within minutes, others took months due to legal complexities. This year, Vu Chi’s spending has been more restrained compared to previous years, with a particular focus on investing in vintage cars, some of which cost just a few hundred million VND.