- Dongfeng CA71
- Shanghai SH760
- The Fukang 988
- Hongqi CA770
- Beijing BJ212
- Jetta
- Polo
- Santana
- Tianjin Xiali TJ7100U
- Audi A6
Today, you see many modern Chinese cars roaming the roads all around the world, with their high technology and futuristic designs. However, have you ever wondered if there are any classic Chinese cars that were once epic and breathtaking? I’ve made this research because I was wondering how Chinese cars used to look like, and what they offered. Here are 10 Chinese classic cars that were among the top back then. Some of them were even government vehicles made for high-class people and officials.
Dongfeng CA71
Dongfeng is a government-owned Chinese brand, one of the top automakers in China, and highly supported by their government. Among their cars was the Dongfeng CA71, a beautifully designed classic that reminds me of Buick vintage cars. Developed by FAW, which was founded in 1953 and supported by the Soviet Union, it was the first-ever luxury Chinese sedan, used for a number of propaganda campaigns and some included Mao Zedong. The latter drove one, and the Dongfeng CA71 was a very special car with only 30 units produced.
Shanghai SH760
This car was produced in China from 1965 to 1991, initially for government officials and as a taxi, surprisingly. Its design was based on the Mercedes-Benz 220S, the W180 model from 1954.However, the front and rear were modified to look like an American Packard. Unlike FAW and SAW, its mother company was directly owned by the city of Shanghai.
The Fukang 988
The Citroen Fukang was a result of a joint venture between Peugeot Citroen and the Chinese manufacturer Dongfeng Motor Corporation. It was the first in a range of cars manufactured under this joint venture. In 1992, the first Fukang appeared as a semi-knock down production, rebadged Citroen ZX hatchback. It was also available as a sedan.
Hongqi CA770
This car is very special and unique; it's China’s most well-known and admired vehicle. This car was designed for officials and government people, and its production was highly supported by the government, including Mao Zedong. A giant sedan based on the Chrysler Imperial, only 847 of this car were produced. It was known for its mechanical quality and durability, and it has some design elements that were inspired by the Chinese traditions.
Beijing BJ212
It’s a four-wheel drive, originally with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, light-duty off-road vehicle. The Beijing BJ212 was designed for the Chinese army, and it was based on the Russian off roaders from UAZ. The Beijing Automobile Works still designs off-road vehicles today, using engines from Toyota and Mitsubishi.
Jetta
You might wonder what a Volkswagen Jetta is doing here but let me remind you of the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture, under which many Volkswagen vehicles are produced and sold in China. They’re pretty popular there, just like the Volkswagen Jetta, which is also a highly desired sedan around the world today.
Polo
Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co., known today as SAIC Volkswagen, is a joint venture between Shanghai and Volkswagen. The Polo was, and still is today, an iconic hatchback that is sporty, stylish, and reliable. It was highly desired by young people who appreciated style and sportiness.
Santana
Another Volkswagen manufacture in China, and it was highly desired. Over 3.5 million units of it were sold there.
Tianjin Xiali TJ7100U
Tianin FAW Xiali Automobile Co. Ltd was a company based in Tianjin, and a subsidiary of FAW Group. The company had a license from Daihatsu to make the Charade sedan and hatchback in China, and the car was called Xiali in the Chinese market. Long-wheelbase was available for both versions.
Audi A6
It was also a result of a joint venture between Audi and Faw, and it was a highly desired car in the Chinese market, also used by government officials. It is fast, stylish, luxurious, and innovative. It is still produced in China under this joint venture.
