Travelers seeking to relax on the beaches of Mui Ne in Phan Thiet City, Binh Thuan Province often stop by Tien Dat Resort to take a look at one of the country’s best collections of old motorbikes, mopeds and automobiles.
The resort’s owner, Do Loc, has amassed a collection of 96 international vehicles made during the 20th century.
Apart from the 1955 BMW cars and a 1935 Triumph, he owns a three-wheel 1930 Lambretta cycle as well as Peugeot and Mobylette mopeds.
His oldest item is a Velo SoleX moped made in 1920.
The mid-50s HCM City resident said his love for motorbikes began as a child. “Our house was close to a motorcycle repair store.â€
A Mobylette moped, a luxury items at the time, was his father’s present to him after Vietnam’s National Day.
Riding on this cycle and hearing the sound of its engine is an intimate experience. I feel very close to it.â€
Loc can easily identify the brand of a motorbike by the sound of the engine.
He believes that if “you lack knowledge about these vehicles, you should give up collecting, despite your love.â€
Loc often travels across the country by motorcycle to find items and organizes tours around Mui Ne sand dunes and Phan Thiet on Mobylette or Peugeot bikes.
Bikes that are more than 30 years old are especially valued, Loc said. Their design, colour and historic value are also important.
Recently, Loc bought a 1964 four-wheel cycle that had been used by a high-ranking Russian officer in the late 70s.
To Loc, each bike represents characteristics of the country that manufactured them.
For example, Peugeot mopeds often symbolize French luxury and the so-called CUB (cheap urban bike) motorcycles reflect the belt-tightening period after World War II in Japan.
“I hope one day that Vietnam will produce vehicles made of local materials and technology,†Loc said.