Dongfeng CA71
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Dongfeng CA71 | |
|---|---|
 A CA71 on display at the Beijing Classic Car Museum. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | First Automotive Works (FAW) |
| Production | 1958–1961 |
| Assembly | China: Changchun |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size luxury car (D) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz W120 Simca Vedette |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.9 L M121 I4 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm (110 in) |
| Length | 4,560 mm (180 in) |
| Width | 1,755 mm (69.1 in) |
| Height | 1,530 mm (60 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Hongqi CA7220 |
The Dongfeng CA71 (simplified Chinese: 东风CA71; traditional Chinese: 東風CA71[1]) is a medium-size luxury car made by the Chinese automobile manufacturer First Automotive Works (FAW) and produced in small numbers in 1958. It was the first passenger car to be produced entirely in China.[2]
The Dongfeng CA71 was developed by FAW in Changchun (Manchuria). FAW was founded in 1953 with technical and financial support from the Soviet Union. It primarily produced commercial vehicles, especially heavy trucks based on the Soviet model. In 1958 China launched the Great Leap Forward Campaign, which was aimed at catching up with the Western industrialized countries.[2]
From 1958, several Chinese plants, including FAW, began to design passenger cars for civilian use.[3]
The Dongfeng CA71 was used for a number of propaganda campaigns and some included Mao Zedong. About 20-30 Dongfeng CA71s were produced, although some of the production run are rumored to be simply rebadged Vedettes rather than fully FAW-built cars.[4] Because the CA71 was small, the Hongqi CA72 was the preferred state limousines. Middle officials tended to use the smaller Fenghuang (Shanghai SH760).[5]
