Hongqi CA770 explained

Hongqi CA770
Manufacturer:	Hongqi (FAW)
Production:	1966–1981
Class:	Luxury car
Layout:	FR layout
Predecessor:	Hongqi CA72
Successor:	Hongqi CA7225LH
Engine:	Chrysler LA engine 340cuin V8 Ford Windsor engine 351cuin V8
Transmission:	4 speed automatic
Wheelbase:	37201NaN1
Length:	59801NaN1
Width:	19901NaN1
Height:	16201NaN1
Weight:	NaN0NaN0
Related:	Chrysler Imperial

The Hongqi CA770 is a limousine produced by FAW Hongqi as the successor to the Hongqi CA72. The CA770 remained in production from 1966 until 1981 albeit in limited numbers. Built on a platform based on the Chrysler Imperial, around 1,600 of these V8-engined Hongqis were built in total,^[1] and over the years various versions were released including a 1965 long-wheelbase model with three rows of seats and a 1969 armored version (CA772). A pickup truck version was also produced, with three built. A funeral hearse version was planned, but never produced. The 770 series was powered by a 215 HP Chrysler 5.6 L V8 engine, although bodywork was penned by First Auto Works.^[2]

Several modernized modifications of these cars continued to be built in limited numbers until the mid-1990s.^[3]

In 1989, Hongqi would produce its first entirely new limousine model. It was named the "CA7225LH" and was based on the Chinese version of the Audi 100 C3 sedan.^[4]

Models

• CA770C: Right-hand drive version of the CA770G. Like the CA770G, the interior and engine were from the first-generation Lincoln Town Car. One built in 1987.
• CA770G: CA770 with 5.8 L Ford (351 ci) engine, Lincoln Town Car steering wheel and tachometer. 25 built from 1985 to 1988.
• CA770J: Convertible based on the full-length CA770 chassis. Mainly used in parades, the rear seats were raised so that the passengers could stand with the top down. Five built from 1965 to 1972. One example, the CA770JG, featured a large glass panel to protect the passengers.
• CA770TJ: Landaulet version. Two built in 1984 for the 35th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
• CA770L: Combi version. Three built.
• CA770JH: Ambulance version. The basic shape was retained, but the trunk lid was raised (which also raised the rear window) to allow easier access for a stretcher. Three built.
• CA771: Short wheelbase version. It featured two rows of seats (instead of three) and was 650mm shorter. 127 (or 129) built from 1967 to 1971.
• CA772: Armored version. The engine was bored out to 8.0L and tuned to 300 hp. The body featured 8 mm thick armor to with stand light machine gun fire. The windows were 65 mm thick bulletproof glass. 15 built from 1969 to 1972; 12 remained in China, while the other three were exported (one to North Korea, another to Cambodia, and the third to Vietnam).
• CA773: Short wheelbase version. It was 400mm shorter than the CA770 and featured two rows of seats. Unlike the CA771, the CA773 featured a window between the rear door and the D-pillar. 297 built from 1969 to 1976.
• CA7560: The last CA770-based model, CA7560LH is the long wheelbase model. Fitted with black, plastic wing mirrors of Audi origins. The earlier models had an interior similar to the original CA770, but with some interior parts from the Peugeot 504. The later models had much of the interior from the Audi 100/200. The engine was also from the CA770. 20 built from 1992 to 1995.^[5]
• CA7400: Remake of the Hongqi CA770 with a lowered roofline based on the 1998–2011 Lincoln Town Car. Prototype was made in 2004.^[6]

External links

• Official website
• https://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2013/06/17/hongqi-how-mao-zedong-and-deng-xiaoping-rolled/

Notes and References

1. Quattroruote . Sognando l'Auto . Dreaming of the Car . Italian . January 1985 . 30 . 351 . Editoriale Domus . Milan, Italy . Giuseppe . Piazzi . Carlo . Sidoli . 51 .
2. News: Tycho's Illustrated History Of Chinese Cars: The Perfect Hongqi CA770 - The Truth About Cars. 2012-12-20. The Truth About Cars. 2018-04-28. en-US.
3. Web site: Hongqi CA7560: The last of the 770's . China Car History. 21 November 2018 .
4. Web site: All The Hongqi Stretched Limousine Variants Based On The Audi 100/200 . China Car History . 11 October 2017 . Tycho de Feijter . https://web.archive.org/web/20230501090346/https://chinacarhistory.com/2017/10/11/all-the-hongqi-stretched-limousine-variants-based-on-the-audi-100200/ . 19 May 2023. 2023-05-01 .
5. Web site: Hongqi CA7560: The last of the 770's. https://web.archive.org/web/20211106122525/https://chinacarhistory.com/2018/11/21/hongqi-ca7560-the-last-of-the-770s/ . 2021-11-06 . Sam . Faulkner . China Car History. 2018-11-21 .
6. Web site: Hongqi of China: the Lincoln years. 5 January 2012 .