At the 2025 Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival’s car exhibition event, Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu brought many surprises to visitors by showcasing a collection of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but not supercars, rather classic and unique models.
This also revealed several mysterious names that had been quietly acquired by the “Vietnamese Coffee King.” One of these vehicles was the Mercedes-Benz 250SL sports car. Previously, only one Mercedes-Benz 250SL was known to cruise the streets of Vietnam, and it is likely not the same car that has recently joined “King” Vu’s collection.
Specifically, this Mercedes-Benz 250SL features a red interior, which suggests that it is likely the mysterious car that has recently come to light. It was only unveiled when Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu decided to display it alongside other classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, surprising many.
The 250 SL was introduced at the 1967 Geneva Auto Show to continue the success of its predecessor, the 230SL. However, its production started in December 1966 and ended in January 1968.
With a brief production span of just one year, the 250 SL became the rarest model in the W 113 series.
Mercedes-Benz retained the firmer suspension and sportier feel of the early SL models in the 250 SL while offering improved handling thanks to its new engine and rear disc brakes. The range was also enhanced with a larger fuel tank capacity, increasing from 65 liters to 82 liters.
Similar to its predecessor, the 250 SL was equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission and a choice of 4-speed manual or ZF 5-speed manual gearbox. For the first time, a limited-slip differential was also offered as an option. Of the 5,196 250 SLs produced, more than a third were sold in the United States.
The main change was the use of the M129.II 2.5L engine, featuring a 6mm longer stroke, 2mm larger valve ports, and seven main bearings instead of four.
The maximum power remained at 148 horsepower, but the torque increased from 197 Nm to 216 Nm. A new, larger coolant container with a capacity of 12.9 liters, up from 10.8 liters, and a standard oil-water heat exchanger were also introduced.
Unlike its younger sibling, the R107 560SL, which underwent a complete design overhaul, the Mercedes-Benz 250SL retained a very classic design reminiscent of the 300SL and 190SL. As a result, the current resale price for this model ranges from $56,000, approximately 1.3 billion VND, to as high as $180,000, or 4.25 billion VND, depending on the vehicle’s condition and rarity.
The Ultimate Classic Car Collection of “Qua” Vu at the 2025 Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival: A Stunning Showcase of 6 Rare 190SL Cars
As predicted, Dang Le Nguyen Vu has showcased his collection of vintage Mercedes-Benz cars, but the real surprise was the six 190SLs on display, alongside a host of other rare and unique vehicles. This extraordinary gathering of automotive history is a testament to Vu’s passion and an unmissable treat for classic car enthusiasts.
The Ultimate Mercedes-Benz Car Collection: A Glimpse into “Qua” Vu’s Stunning Display at the BMT Coffee Festival 2025
Fourteen stunning Mercedes-Benz vehicles were showcased at the World Coffee Museum as part of the 9th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival. Among these beauties were six 190SL models, with the remaining consisting of 250SL, 280SL, 380SL, and 560SL variants, alongside the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and G-Class.
The Ultimate Treasure Hunt: “Qua” Vu’s Secret Mercedes-Benz 380SL Acquisition
“The Vietnamese ‘Coffee King’ has long been an avid collector of rare Mercedes-Benz models, with the 190SL, 280SL, and 560SL already in his possession. So, it comes as no surprise that the addition of the 380SL to his collection has sparked a great deal of interest.”
The Ultimate Classic: The One-of-a-Kind 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Gracing Vietnam’s Streets
The vintage 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL, a rare and elegant automobile, is the chosen ride of Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu as he cruises through Ho Chi Minh City. This classic car is a true head-turner and, according to some sources, the only one of its kind in all of Vietnam.
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.”
