Blast from the past: Vintage cars make Saigonese nostalgic

Dam Sen, a theme park in District 11, welcomed large crowds who came to see the old cars and motorbikes in the second annual rally.

The vehicles were brought by various clubs in HCMC, the neighboring Binh Duong Province, and Da Lat in the Central Highlands.

Old photographs of iconic places such as Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Opera House and Hotel Continental were printed on giant screens as backdrops for visitors to take photos.

A lady dressed in an ao dai, Vietnam’s traditional dress, poses next to a vintage car. Most Saigon women used to wear them before 1975.

Loan, 63, said: "These motorbikes and cars were popular in the city half a century ago. I feel like I’m reliving the past."

A couple took the opportunity to shoot wedding photos.

The red roadster belonging to Tran Huu Phuoc of District 10 was manufactured around 1935 by Italy’s Fiat, and was one of the oldest vehicles at the event. 

"I inherited this from my family. It is still new and runs well. I drove the car myself to this event."

A 1966 Lincoln Continental. This model was used by U.S. presidents in the 1960s and 70s.

The event, which ended Sunday, was also an opportunity for collectors to trade old vehicles and parts.