Three historic cars that once served President Ho Chi Minh have been officially declared national treasures, as announced in a decision signed by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long.

These vehicles, dating back to the period between 1954 and 1969, are currently on display at the Ho Chi Minh Presidential Palace Relic Site in Hanoi.

Among the vehicles is the Pobeda, a gift from the Soviet Government to Vietnam in 1955. This car was transferred to the Presidential Palace in 1957 and served President Ho Chi Minh until 1969.

Known for its spacious interior, high ground clearance, and robust engine, the Pobeda was well-suited for long-distance travel and often accompanied the President on trips to distant provinces.

During the 1960s, when the Soviet Government offered newer models with superior designs and features, President Ho Chi Minh declined to use them, reserving the advanced vehicles for diplomats and government officials.

Another car recognized as a national treasure is the Peugeot 404, donated by Vietnamese expatriates in March 1964. This vehicle became indispensable during the later years of President Ho Chi Minh’s life as his health began to decline. Its comfort and reliability made it a practical choice for his transportation needs during this period.

The third car is the ZIS 115, presented to President Ho Chi Minh by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1954. This four-seater armored car, painted black and built with bulletproof steel and 8 cm-thick glass, weighed over two tons.

As a specialized vehicle produced in limited quantities, it was primarily intended for heads of state. During the U.S. bombing campaigns in North Vietnam in the 1960s, the ZIS 115 was kept on standby to ensure the safety of President Ho Chi Minh and members of the Politburo.

These cars symbolize the leadership, resourcefulness, and modesty of President Ho Chi Minh. His decision to continue using older, less luxurious vehicles underscores his commitment to prioritizing the needs of the nation and his colleagues.

The recognition of these vehicles as national treasures preserves their legacy as invaluable artifacts of Vietnam’s history and pays tribute to the era of President Ho Chi Minh's leadership.