Hongqi CA72 China (1959)

Detail

      The history of Hongqi sedan can be traced back to 1958. On May 12 of the same year, the first sedan of China was manufactured by First Automotive Works and named Dongfeng with a serial number of CA71, a model that did not go into mass production. Based on this sedan, the First Automotive Works successfully developed a luxury car and named it “Hongqi” in August 1958. Between August 1958 and May 1959, the prototype was produced after several trials and given the series number CA72. This is China’s first advanced car with official number, which is a milestone in the history of Chinese automotive industry. Altogether 202 CA72 sedans were produced between September 1959 and 1966. CA72 is equipped with a domestic 5.6 liter V8 engine and gearbox, its appearance features have strong national characteristics of China, its black body demonstrates a graceful taste. Stereoscopic Hongqi logo at the front and the fan-shaped front grille are the signature design of Hongqi. The taillights with palace lantern styling as well as the sunflower in the center of steering wheel all follow the essence of Chinese arts. In 1960, Hongqi CA72 appeared at the Leipzig International Expo and was well received. It was later included inWorld Automotive Yearbook. Since its birth, Hongqi Cars have been regarded as a national car and a symbol of national dignity and honor with worldwide reputation. The car on display, produced in 1959, is the museum's first-class collection and used to be the official car for Comrade Wang Zhen, former vice-president of China. It was collected in 2010.