GAZ-69 vehicle used by Ho Chi Minh preserved in Nghe An

A GAZ-69 vehicle with license plate BAA-400 is preserved at the Kim Lien Relic Site in Nghe An province, marking its historical use by President Ho Chi Minh. On December 8, 1961, during a visit to his hometown, Ho Chi Minh chose to travel in this specific GAZ-69 rather than more formal vehicles prepared by provincial leaders.

The GAZ-69 is a light off-road vehicle developed after World War II to serve as both a command vehicle and a prime mover for artillery. It features a 2,120 cm³, 55-horsepower 4-cylinder gasoline engine, a 3-speed manual transmission with a secondary gearbox, and four-wheel drive. Originally produced by GAZ in the Soviet Union between 1953 and 1954, production was later handled by UAZ and also licensed in Romania.

Technically, the vehicle is noted for its engine placement above the front axle, a design choice that maximized interior space for passengers or cargo. The vehicle has a top speed of approximately 90 km/h and a curb weight of about 1,535 kg.