Saigon Classic Car Club Embarks on First International Journey

The Saigon Classic Car Club was founded in 2011 by vintage car lovers in Vietnam and its diaspora. This year, the club organized its first international trip after many domestic excursions.

In September 2024, the club accepted an invitation to Thailand’s motorsports and vintage car festival, scheduled for November 23-24. Their two months of careful planning brought together five classic cars and a 1988 retro Honda JDM model for the adventure.

The classic cars included two Volkswagen Bus T1s from the 1960s, a 1950s Ford Customline, a 1960s Mercedes-Benz 220S, and a 1960s Ford Mustang. The trip kicked off on November 18 at the Continental Hotel in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

After checking the vehicles in Tay Ninh province, the convoy moved on to Cambodia. Club member Nguyen Xuan Thuy noted that the nearly 400-kilometer ride to Siem Reap was divided over two days for the safety of their vintage cars.

They faced some mechanical challenges, including issues with the wheel bearings, brakes, and tires, but these were quickly resolved. Once in Siem Reap, the group took a day to visit Angkor Wat while addressing any additional car problems with the assistance of local mechanics.

Their first stop in Thailand was Khao Yai, a region popular for its national park and beautiful sites. The journey continued to Buriram, where the festival was held, over 200 kilometers from Bangkok.

The festival, although only two days long, drew participants from Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia, including professional racers and vintage vehicle owners. Activities at the event were open to all attendees, following training on safety and skills by event organizers.

Club member Thuy highlighted the inspiring story of David Chan, an 80-year-old companion of the group, who drove his 1966 Mini Cooper Wagon over 2,000 kilometers to participate in the festival, embodying the spirit of vintage car enthusiasts.

The Vietnamese team displayed their cars and participated in a parade on November 23, making a memorable impact at the festival.

This journey follows prior collaborations with international car enthusiasts. Earlier in the year, the Saigon Classic Car Club took part in the “Road to Hanoi Marathon,” which featured a cross-border rally with 27 cars from 10 different countries alongside 60 local vehicles. These events have sparked a growing interest in long-distance journeys for vintage car lovers.