Second Porsche 944 of Dang Le Nguyen Vu Hits the Streets: Rare Details, Strikingly Unique Look Compared to Original

A rare classic Porsche 944 has made its appearance on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. The pristine white paint still looks fresh, and the most striking detail is its driver, Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu, one of the largest car collectors in Vietnam and Asia, with approximately 700 vehicles in his garage.

This is Mr. Vu’s second Porsche 944 and arguably the most controversial one. Unlike the original version, this 944 has undergone significant customization. Previously, the car sported a yellow and then a black paint job before being completely refreshed with a white coat and the familiar “UN” emblem from Mr. Vu’s collection.

The iconic frog-eye headlights of the Porsche 944 have been replaced with fixed round lights. This change completely transforms the front end compared to the original design. The rear has also been redesigned with a unique style, creating a distinct and standout look. The reason for this bold customization is reportedly because Mr. Vu already owns an original version, allowing this second car to showcase his personal touch.

The interior of the Porsche 944 has been reupholstered in black leather, while many other details remain true to the original era. The front windshield is now flush-mounted. Inside, a coffee cup holder has been added, a common feature in cars driven by Mr. Dang Le Nguyen Vu. The 944 is equipped with an automatic transmission.

The “cookie cutter” wheels used in the earliest 944 models have been upgraded to the newer “telephone dial” style (Fuchs wheels remain an option).

The Porsche 944 is a sports car available in both coupe and convertible versions, produced in Germany from 1982 to 1991. In Vietnam, only a few examples exist. Both of Mr. Vu’s 944s feature a distinctive rear bumper with a protruding rubber strip, indicating they were imported from the North American market.

The engine configuration of this Porsche 944 remains unclear. For reference, the model was originally offered with four engine options: 2.5L, 2.7L, and 3.0L, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.

Beyond its performance, the Porsche 944 is highly regarded for its practicality, thanks to its extended luggage compartment and rear seats that can be utilized for storage—a rarity among classic sports cars of its time.

The 944 is a fascinating addition to Mr. Vu’s Porsche collection, which already includes dozens of 911 models from various generations. His Porsche lineup also features numerous Cayenne and Panamera models, and notably, the 918 Spyder supercar.