VietNamNet Bridge – Owning more than 200 vintage motorbikes manufactured mostly in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s by stables such as Suzuki, Mobbylette, Lambretta, Honda and Yamaha, Nguyen Hien Tuan considers the collection, 13 years in the making, not only for his own passion but also as something for the whole community to enjoy.

A Lambretta which was manufactured in France in the 1960s.

Born in 1968 to a father who was a dancing instructor, Tuan was exposed to the arts early doors and became a dance instructor at the HCMC Labor Cultural House in District 1 when he was 17. He actually won some prizes in national dancing competitions and could often be seen dancing in bars around the city.

Tuan then changed tack and decided to get into the business of wheels in a family company named Hong Cuong to save up some money to help him nourish his passion for antique bikes.

“Like anyone in Saigon, a motorbike functions as your feet and as we use it often so many memories are involved with the bike, that is also the reason I choose to collect motorbikes to keep some memories alive,” said Tuan.

Tuan watched a television program one day which focused on a motorbike club and then decided it was time to collect old, quality motorbikes in all brands from Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Lambretta to Mobyllete and Piaggio.

As well as rummaging around the country, he also travels to the U.S, Europe, Cambodia and Thailand to fuel his passion.

“Passion is like a blind love, and to find a true love, sometimes we have to give up many things in this life and face many difficulties and I regard my old bikes like beautiful girls that I try to find,” said Tuan.

To have enough money to collect, maintain, preserve and display them, Tuan has to work hard and sometimes gives up on other pleasures.

To share his passion with fellow enthusiasts, Tuan has opened Hong Cuong Club at 195 National Road No.13, District 9, serving as a garden café, restaurant as well as an exhibition zone for old motorbikes of all genres.

Rare motorbike collector Nguyen Hien Tuan sits on a classic bike at Hong Cuong Club in District 9.

“Antiques are not only for the rich, but also for the poor, so the rich can come here to exchange, enjoy coffee or food while the poor can come just to admire and improve their knowledge and passion with others,” said Tuan.

In the spacious garden beautified with many orchids, bonsai and ornamental trees and artistic rocks, Tuan also displays many antiques like CD players, cameras, televisions, telephones, clocks, army hats, typewriters, printers and some household utensils.

“Each antique has its own story, sometimes they are the witness of human fates; someone’s life, a love story or past memories and I keep them for that treasure,” said Tuan.

Tuan keeps all of his motorbikes in perfect condition.

He is also the head of a vintage motorbike club and motor club in HCMC which are both dedicated to host sports events, workshops and charity works for enthusiasts to share their passion, show off their antiques and do good things for the community.

However, Tuan said: “Due to the economic slowdown, the clubs do not work well but in the near future, I will lead them in a more professional way to offer an authentic playground for vintage motorbike lovers.”

Source: SGT