Nguyen Duy Son Khe, a 24-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, has spent over a decade immersed in the world of model vehicle collecting and crafting.

What began as a childhood fascination has now become a thriving career, earning him recognition as one of the most skilled model motorcycle makers in southern Vietnam.

A childhood passion for collecting model cars and bikes

Son Khe’s passion for model vehicles started early, inspired by the die-cast toy cars his father bought him. As he grew older, his interest deepened, particularly in the history of iconic car brands like Lamborghini.

The story behind the first Lamborghini ever built left a lasting impression on him, shaping his approach to model-making.

Recalling his school days, Khe shared that he once saved his entire week’s lunch money just to buy his first model car.

Though it was a simple plastic replica, he cherished it as his most prized possession. His collection quickly expanded, and by the time he reached university, he had amassed over 1,000 model vehicles.

His parents encouraged independence and financial responsibility, so Khe balanced his studies with part-time jobs to fund his growing collection. He focused exclusively on official, high-quality models, which made acquiring new pieces more time-consuming and expensive. Some of his rarest models, sourced from international markets, ranged from $20 to over $40 per piece.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Khe began creating video reviews of his models on YouTube and TikTok, which unexpectedly gained a large following.

Soon, major model-making brands took notice and began sponsoring his content, providing him with a steady income. He used this money not only to fuel his passion but also to support himself financially.

A difficult life decision: Leaving university for his dream

Success did not come easily, and Khe faced a difficult choice during his final year at Hoa Sen University. As his work with model vehicles grew more serious, he realized that to truly excel, he needed to commit full-time.

Ultimately, he made the bold decision to leave university in his final year to pursue his passion. With his family's full support, Khe dedicated himself to creating one-of-a-kind handmade model motorcycles, quickly gaining recognition for his highly detailed, custom-built pieces.

From collector to model bike artisan

Khe meticulously hand-paints and assembles each model motorcycle, ensuring high precision and authenticity. Photo: NVCC

Recognizing that some classic motorcycles were either too rare or no longer produced, Khe began studying their designs and engineering in detail. His focus shifted to iconic Vietnamese motorbikes such as the Honda 67, Dream II, Cub 81, Suzuki FX125, and the modern Honda SH 350i.

Initially, Khe created models purely for personal enjoyment, but after sharing them online, he saw a surge of interest from collectors. Many of his customers were Vietnamese expatriates longing for nostalgic reminders of their youth, as well as older collectors and artists. His most cherished piece is a model Honda Dream II, which reminds him of the bike his parents used to take him to school on.

Perfecting the craft with 3D printing

Khe’s model-making process involves advanced 3D printing technology, requiring extensive knowledge of materials, precision engineering, and computer programming. Finding the right materials for high-quality 3D printing is a challenge, and many models require dozens of test prints to achieve perfect scale and detail.

Beyond individual models, Khe also builds miniature garages and dioramas to display his creations, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and value. His exceptional craftsmanship has earned him the title of "model bike wizard" within the collector community, allowing him to make a living solely from his passion.

Future aspirations and family support

 
Khe credits his parents as his biggest supporters, encouraging him to follow his dreams despite the risks. His long-term goal is to open a small café where he can showcase his model motorcycles and collectibles.

For him, model-making is more than just a hobby - it is a serious profession that requires dedication, creativity, and skill. He hopes to continue innovating and expanding his craft, bringing more unique Vietnamese motorcycle models to collectors worldwide.

Excitingly, Khe and his wife are expecting their first child in the coming days. Like his father before him, he dreams of fostering a love for creativity and passion in his child, supporting them in whatever dreams they choose to follow.

Hoang Hiep