Million-Dollar Vintage Car Rally 'Road to Hanoi Marathon' Arrives in Vietnam

Hanoi recently became the final pit stop for a spectacular parade of automotive history. The 'Road to Hanoi Marathon,' organized by the UK-based club Rally the Globe, concluded its month-long journey through Southeast Asia at the F1 race track in My Dinh. The event featured 26 rare vintage cars, some valued at millions of dollars, driven by 52 enthusiasts representing 26 different countries.

The epic journey spanned a total of 6,866 kilometers, starting in Ho Chi Minh City in late January. The route took the participants through Da Nang, across the border to Siem Reap in Cambodia, up to Chiang Mai in Thailand, through Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos, and back into Vietnam through the scenic Sapa region. Seeing these mechanical marvels navigate the diverse terrains of Southeast Asia was a dream come true for local car enthusiasts.

Among the standouts in the fleet was a Bentley 4 1/2 Litre Le Mans, a nearly century-old beast manufactured in 1927. This legendary model features a 4.5-liter inline-four engine producing 110 horsepower. Other notable entries included a 1972 Porsche 911 with a 2.3-liter engine and several classic Mercedes-Benz models, such as the 230 SL (1966) and the 450 SLC (1972). Each car was adorned with a red thread on the side mirror—a local charm for good luck during their long and challenging trek.

For locals like 28-year-old Nhat Anh, seeing these cars in person was an emotional experience. 'I usually only see these models on a screen. To be able to touch and see them in Hanoi is incredible,' he shared. The drivers, many of whom are seasoned collectors, were seen meticulously checking their engines and recording performance data at the finish line. The rally not only showcased the durability of these vintage machines but also highlighted Vietnam’s growing status as a destination for international luxury travel and sporting events. The 'Road to Hanoi Marathon' was a perfect blend of adventure, history, and engineering excellence.

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