a RED carpet ride... [PIC]

In 1963, the First Auto Works of the CCP(PLA) released their first homegrown limousine, the CA770 Hongqi (Red Flag). It was used to transport foreign dignitaries and party elites, Chairman Mao didn't ride in this car until 1972 when he met Nixon at the airport. The unique grill and headlight eyelashes, which were integrated into all 7 series limos was to represent the traditional Chinese fan. This first series Red Flag was even exported to the UAE. I wonder how easy it was to get parts!

This model was initially only for internal use as promotional gifts but someone made the entrepreneurial (capitalist) decision to export them via Hong Kong. As a 20+ year old model, it's surprisingly well done. I like the rear metal mesh privacy curtain in the rear and the little folding jump seat. It was certain up to the Mint standards at the time and it was probably done by one of the Mints vendors. I wanted to display this with a Mao jacketed chauffeur, but I decided to use this DR. No figure... close enough.