A fleet of rare classic luxury cars from Russian collectors recently appeared in Ho Chi Minh City, marking the beginning of their journey through Cambodia and Laos before finishing in Hanoi.
On the morning of November 11, auto enthusiasts were treated to a spectacular sight in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. A lineup of vintage luxury cars rolled into town as part of the 2025 Mekong Rally, organized by a group of Russian classic car collectors traveling across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
The 2025 Mekong Rally kicked off in downtown Ho Chi Minh City with rare classic cars. The standout vehicle among the lineup was a Jaguar E-Type, often hailed as “the most beautiful car in the world,” alongside legends like the Ferrari 250 GTO and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. This particular Jaguar was a Series 1 convertible.Another eye-catching entry was a Porsche 911 “G-Modell,” distinguished by its thick rubber bumpers designed to meet new U.S. crash safety standards introduced in 1973. This car was also modified with raised suspension and all-terrain tires.Next to it was another Porsche 911 with a similar configuration, painted in a sandy yellow tone and fitted with auxiliary lights mounted on the hood.Also featured was a Mercedes-Benz SL R107, showcasing rally flair with large auxiliary headlights fitted in front of the grille. This model is also known to be part of Nguyen Vu Dang Le’s personal collection.Another classic, the Mercedes-Benz W126 - predecessor of today’s S-Class - was heavily upgraded with a new suspension system and a raised chassis paired with oversized off-road tires.For off-road enthusiasts, the Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was a true gem. Linked to Ralliart’s legendary performance in the Dakar Rally, the street version of this SUV is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine producing approximately 279 horsepower.The Russian group also brought a customized Chevrolet C/K pickup, equipped with a lifted off-road suspension, A/T tires, auxiliary lights, and a roof rack. This model is the predecessor of the modern Chevrolet Silverado.Completing the convoy was a Toyota Land Cruiser, an indispensable vehicle for long expeditions due to its renowned durability. The rally started in Ho Chi Minh City and will span a total distance of around 2,500 kilometers through Cambodia and Laos before concluding in Hanoi.