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Topic starter
16/09/2025 10:48 am
These two happy workers are doing a final sign-off on an SH760 Fenghuang (Phoenix) Saloon which was the early prototype of this "Shanghai" sedan .
With First Auto Works (FAW) making the Red Flag limos for the CCP elites, a mid-level party official could hope one day to park his bicycle and be assigned this sedan to visit the various villages under his aegis. Ultimately Shanghai Automotive, founded in 1955 would eclipse FAW to become the SAIC conglomerate producing multiple Chinese brands as well as many western cars under license or partnership. Produced between 1965 and 1991, it had an 89 HP inline 6 derived from a '50s Mercedes engine coupled to a 4 speed manual transmission. This 1966 early production model went through various upgrades over the years and went out of production when China opened up to international trade.
16/09/2025 10:59 am
Always loved this one... I had to have it. Still haven't lowered that "elevated rear!" I'd post a few pics but why embarrass myself - I can't compete with yours. 😔 😔
David Green and Rich Sufficool reacted
Topic starter
16/09/2025 12:02 pm
@chris AAAAW C'mon. Be a sport! LOL My friend, this is not a competition. I do all this stuff to help keep the site viable (as in not boring) and perhaps get a bit of dialog going. The last thing I want to do is intimidate anyone from posting their own pics.
16/09/2025 1:14 pm
Rich, not only great pics, but you have the best teaser headlines. I can never not open your posts.
16/09/2025 2:34 pm
@rich-sufficool I appreciate that Rich but honestly the sole reason for posting any pics, at this point, would be to simply verify ownership. However, since I'm a big fan of trunks - and YOU failed to provide any pics - allow me to share these. 😀 😀 🙂
...gotta love that little jack! 😀
16/09/2025 3:11 pm
What a cool and very interesting model ! It certainly seems a well-done replica of this Chinese automobile and must be an uncommon part of any collection.
The grille has a 1955 Plymouth-like design on it, much like the Fifties Russian Ziv/Zil sedans with their Packard-like front.
Jack Dodds and Christopher Moroni reacted
Topic starter
16/09/2025 3:48 pm
@michaeldetorrice You are correct, sir. The body of the prototype Phoenix was modeled after the 55 Plymouth Savoy. I had a Plymouth Savoy I bought in Thailand that had Chinese gauges in the dash. It was already 14 years old and I was amazed how so many parts were available to keep that car on the road. Between the heat, sun and humidity, the more arcane components on the car designed to last a life time would fail and somehow the guys would come up with replacement parts. Traffic was chaotic in Bangkok to say the least. I lost track of how many cars hit me... with many little Datsun Blue Bird taxis demolished when I suffered a little dent. The thick gauge steel on that Plymouth made me virtually bullet-proof. On a sad note, I sold the car to a friend of mine when I shipped back to the States. I got a letter a few months later that the old Plymouth was cut in half by one of those ubiquitous Isuzu 10 wheeler trucks.
Topic starter
16/09/2025 4:35 pm
@chris I was saving the trunk pics just for you. LOL
Jack Dodds and Christopher Moroni reacted
17/09/2025 9:59 am
@100ford2003 On the contrary.... Have you seen Mr. Dodds lately? Around town, he's known as "Big Jack." 😀 😀
Steve Jacobs and Jack Dodds reacted
17/09/2025 11:24 am
Interesting commentary you two. My missus has often said that I should be thrown in the trunk of a car and driven far away....one way.
That car looks like a '55 Plymouth coupled up with a mid-50s Mercedes Ponton.
17/09/2025 11:25 am
You shouldn't talk about the esteemed Mr.Dodds that way...!
@100ford2003 Thank you Steve. Just for the record though...the Forum term is *"illustrious".
* Forumese term meaning overly verbose
This post was modified 8 months ago 2 times by Jack Dodds
Steve Jacobs and Christopher Moroni reacted
17/09/2025 11:30 am
"That car looks like a '55 Plymouth..."
Long before I knew anything about this model but had already purchased it..... that's exactly how I described it, "A Chinese Plymouth." However, now that you mention it... I do see the Ponton influence. 🤔 🤔
Jack Dodds reacted
17/09/2025 11:45 am
You shouldn't talk about the esteemed Mr.Dodds that way...!
@100ford2003 Thank you Steve. Just for the record though...the Forum term is *"illustrious".
* Forumese term meaning overly verbose
Can you please explain that to me using just one word as my IQ is very low this morning...🤣
Christopher Moroni reacted
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