Billionaire Dang Le Nguyen Vu Acquires Rare Lotus Elise S2 for Massive Car Collection

Vietnamese coffee mogul Dang Le Nguyen Vu, the founder of Trung Nguyen Group, has once again made headlines in the automotive world by adding a rare Lotus Elise S2 to his legendary car collection. Known for owning one of the most expensive and diverse garages in Southeast Asia, Vu's latest acquisition highlights his appreciation for lightweight, purist sports cars. The Lotus Elise S2 in question is a 2005 model and is currently the only one of its kind in Vietnam, making it a true unicorn for local enthusiasts.

This specific Lotus Elise S2 has a fascinating history. It was first imported to Vietnam in 2010 through a private dealer and was previously owned by the real estate giant Novaland. Following the company's financial restructuring, the vehicle was liquidated and eventually found its way into the hands of the 'Coffee King.' Reports suggest that Vu paid over 1.5 billion VND to secure this piece of British engineering, a price that is considered a bargain compared to its previous listing of 2 billion VND by a Hanoi-based collector a year ago.

Under the hood, the Lotus Elise S2 is powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine sourced from Toyota. While 190 horsepower might seem modest by modern supercar standards, the Elise's secret weapon is its incredibly low curb weight. This allows the car to sprint from 0 to 97 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 240 km/h. It features a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, offering a raw, mechanical driving experience that is increasingly rare in the era of electronic assists. One of the most distinctive features of this model is its removable targa top, which allows it to transform from a sleek coupe into a grand sport convertible in minutes.

Since joining Vu's collection, the car has undergone a visual transformation. Originally finished in bright yellow with silver racing stripes, the Elise S2 now sports a sophisticated moss green wrap, a signature color often seen in Vu's fleet. Additional modifications include a new front lip, side skirts, a large rear wing, and black multi-spoke wheels, all of which enhance its aggressive, track-ready stance. The interior remains driver-focused, utilizing high-quality leather and Alcantara with a minimalist dashboard design.

This Lotus Elise S2 joins an elite roster of vehicles in Vu's collection, which is estimated to be worth over 1,000 billion VND. His garage includes legendary names such as the McLaren Senna, Bugatti Veyron, Ford GT, and Porsche 918 Spyder. By acquiring rare gems like the Elise S2, Nissan Datsun 280ZX, and Porsche 944, Dang Le Nguyen Vu continues to demonstrate that his passion for cars extends far beyond modern hypercars, embracing the history and character of automotive icons.

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