Mr. Khang, who resides in Tan Phong Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province, is the proud owner of this remarkable vintage car collection. He follows in his father’s footsteps as the owner of Khang Pham auto garage.
Among Mr. Khang’s collection are three outstanding cars.
When it comes to his passion for collecting vintage cars, Mr. Khang shares, “My father has been a car mechanic and chauffeur since the early 2000s. Watching him work ignited my love for vintage cars from a young age. I have fond childhood memories of being driven to school in a Volkswagen T1, as the unique curves of this car’s design are deeply ingrained in my mind. Besides the Mercedes Limousine, Cadilac Deville, and Citroen Traction, I also own other extremely rare models such as the Ford Mustang, Dodge, GMC, Fiat 850, and many other unique car models.”
In order to amass his impressive collection, Mr. Khang had to rely on various connections. He even purchased abandoned cars that had been neglected for many years, with the intention of restoring them. For example, he acquired the 1969 Mercedes Limousine from a car owner in Long An. Then, Mr. Khang embarked on a “hunt” for the Cadillac Deville in Lam Dong, and he purchased the Citoren Traction from a middle-aged man in Saigon. Most of these cars were in a state of disrepair when he first acquired them, especially the Mercedes, which had been immobile for years.
The 1969 Mercedes Limousine before restoration.
The interior of the car still retains its original luxury.
Mr. Khang believes that reviving a car requires attention to every stage of the process. For instance, when repairing the body, it must be restored to match the original shape as intended by the manufacturer. Then, the old paint is removed, the car is thoroughly cleaned, and a new coat of paint in the desired color is applied. To preserve the shine and luster, Mr. Khang applies an additional layer of ceramic coating as a protective measure. Furthermore, he installs an air conditioning system in these classic cars as they typically do not come equipped with one. Due to the small engine capacity of vintage cars, he must carefully select air conditioning units that do not overload the engines. Additionally, the owner installs an electric power steering system to provide a convenient driving experience in urban settings. The refurbishment process for a vintage car usually takes around 8 months to a year. However, some particular models have required substantial effort and taken up to 3 years to complete.
The 1947 Citroen Traction with its classic design.
Regarding safety, Mr. Khang replaces certain components such as the braking system, seat belts, and headlights for nighttime driving with modern car parts. Additionally, he installs disc brakes and other audio devices to meet entertainment needs.
The 1984 Cadillac Deville after its transformation.
The owner finds joy in seeing his cars running on the road, even when they encounter malfunctions. For him, the memories associated with these cars are not just about driving them but also about the challenges they present. He enjoys repairing the cars and overcoming various obstacles, regardless of the weather or location. This serves as motivation for him to perfect durable products that can operate smoothly during long-distance trips.
When asked about his most memorable experience while driving vintage cars, Mr. Khang shared, “Whenever I went to purchase cars located far away, driven by my adventurous spirit, I always insisted on driving them straight home, even if I knew they had not yet been repaired. I vividly remember a time when I went to purchase the Cadillac. Three friends and I decided to drive from Dalat to Bien Hoa, and around noon, we stopped to have lunch. During that time, many people noticed the beautiful car and asked to take photos, which brought me great joy. However, after finishing our lunch and attempting to start the car, it wouldn’t start because the battery had drained after being left unused for an extended period. Consequently, I had to call for assistance.”
Always proud to attract attention with his unique collection.
After restoration, all of Mr. Khang’s cars provide a smooth driving experience on any road. Belonging to the luxury segment, these cars boast spacious interiors that ensure passenger comfort. Driving these classic models always brings excitement and relaxation to the owner. For him, nothing compares to sitting in a vintage car and enjoying soothing music after a long day of work. In addition to using these cars for everyday transportation, Mr. Khang often takes his family on long trips in them.
The owner has great confidence in his Mercedes when traveling with his family.
Among his collection, Mr. Khang cherishes the Citroen Traction the most because it embodies the characteristic image of old Saigon streets. The car’s design is both gentle and sophisticated. Although the value of each car in the collection remains a secret, Mr. Khang is willing to share them with fellow vintage car enthusiasts who will take good care of these cherished automobiles.
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.
Soviet Minister’s Car Shines Bright After Rebirth
Over time, especially since the country opened up in the 1990s, Soviet cars have gradually disappeared to be replaced by Japanese, American, and European cars. Many Volga, Lada, and UAZ cars were liquidated from state agencies and transferred to civilian registration, but they did not exist for long before a wave of both imported and assembled cars flooded the streets. Soviet cars slowly drifted away and became a nostalgic reminder of a generation that has gone through two wars.
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.
