On the morning of January 19, within the framework of the Homeland Spring 2025 program at the Presidential Palace, the announcement ceremony of Decision No. 1712/QD-TTg dated December 31, 2024 of the Prime Minister took place, recognizing as National Treasures 3 cars used to serve President Ho Chi Minh from 1954 to 1969.
Each car - each treasure is a historical story that holds special and profound value for the nation, people and international friendship.
(1) Zit car (ZIS), registration plate HN 481.
Vehicle size: length 5m92; width 1m82; height 1m75; weight: 4,280kg; color: black
The car was given to President Ho Chi Minh by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1954. During the time President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked at the Presidential Palace, this car was used on special occasions such as: Receiving a number of international delegations, heads of state who needed to ensure absolute safety. During the American imperialists' war of destruction in the North in 1964-1965, the car was on permanent air defense duty serving President Ho Chi Minh. Total kilometers traveled: 15,788km.
(2) Pobeda car, registration number HN 158
Vehicle size: 4m45 long; 1m44 wide; 1m64 high; weight: 1,900kg; color: gray
The car was presented to the Vietnamese Government by the Soviet Government in 1955 and served President Ho Chi Minh from March 1957 until the end of August 1969. The Pobeda car was used most frequently by President Ho Chi Minh during the time he lived and worked at the Presidential Palace.
This type of car has a high chassis suitable for long distances so it is often used for trips to visit localities far from Hanoi. Total kilometers traveled: 39,436km.
(3) Peugeot 404 car, registration plate HNC 232
Vehicle size: 4m25 long; 1m40 wide; 1m40 high; weight: 2,300kg, color: silver gray.
The car was brought back by overseas Vietnamese living in New Caledonia and Vanuatu (formerly known as the archipelagos in Oceania) as a gift to the Government and President Ho Chi Minh on the 11th Castern Queen ship, arriving in Hai Phong on March 8, 1964.
The car was used to serve President Ho Chi Minh from 1964 to 1969. In 1967, when his health declined, President Ho Chi Minh often used the Peugeot 404 because the car's low chassis made it convenient to get in and out. Total kilometers traveled: 16,575km.
Three cars accompanied President Ho Chi Minh on nearly 2,000 business trips and work in localities as well as in Hanoi.
The three cars are living proof of a historical period full of hardship, perseverance, and determination to gain independence, freedom, and national unification, while also conveying profound lessons about Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality, and style.
The Prime Minister's decision to recognize as National Treasures the three cars that served President Ho Chi Minh from 1954 to 1969 is both a tribute to the heritage value and a strong affirmation of the everlasting vitality of the spirit of national solidarity and international friendship that Uncle Ho laid a solid foundation for.
