Red Flag Car - The Real Thing

by Bertel Schmitt

Published: August 8th, 2010

When we reported that FAW will revive the monstrous Red Flag CA7600L limousine, it received mixed reviews. Some wanted it sight unseen. Others puked in the corner. Ever since I arrived in China, my secret wish had been to own the real thing, the huge handmade Red Flag car that luminaries used to drive down Chang’an Avenue. I had been told they don’t exist anymore. I had been lied to.

My Dutch Beijing blogging buddy The Tycho found an original Hongqi (Red Flag) CA770 at a Beijing auto show. 1978 vintage, V8 engine. It is undergoing restoration and is absolutely roadworthy, the seller swears.

Prices for good examples are more than $100.000. My Chinese right hand woman recommends against it. She says it “sends the wrong message.” Whatever that may be. And I should buy BMW or Benz instead.

#BertelSchmitt #CA770 #CA7600L #China #FAW #RedFlag

Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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Neb on Aug 09, 2010

This is a definite car nut moment. On the one hand, it makes no sense. On the other hand, I understand totally and would get one too if I could. That said, I think at some point Car and Driver road tested the Zil and the Red flag. Maybe Ronnie can help you out with this, but I think they described them as the worst cars ever made.

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George70steven on Nov 24, 2010

If you go for one, an interior redecoration is a must. The old communist party leaders or something the chinese want to forget. online car insurance quotes

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