Hongqi Parade Inspection Car

Features

As the most politically symbolic, pinnacle bespoke model in Chinese automotive history, the Hongqi Parade Inspection Car has evolved across several generations, establishing its own dedicated engineering and manufacturing ecosystem.

At its core, the powertrain layout typically features a high-output, high-performance engine—ranging from early V8 units to later large-displacement V12 powerplants—paired with a specially calibrated automatic transmission to ensure exceptionally smooth and steady power delivery at low parade crawling speeds.

In terms of exterior styling and build quality, the parade car seamlessly blends sovereign grandeur with exacting automotive engineering: the iconic Hongqi bonnet ornament and towering fan-shaped chrome radiator grille command an imposing presence. The bodywork is predominantly crafted from heavy-duty armoured steel plating and high-grade ballistic glass, whilst open-top convertible variants feature a precision hydraulic elevating platform, bespoke grab rails, and a ceremonial-grade public address microphone system. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in top-tier leather, premium woollen upholstery, and exquisite solid wood veneers, reflecting the state's highest echelon of coachbuilding craftsmanship in every detail.

Market and Evolution

Research, development, and production of the Hongqi Parade Inspection Car have always been spearheaded by FAW, serving as the quintessential ceremonial vehicle for heads of state during peak political functions and major national celebrations, such as the China National Day Military Parade.

Since its maiden appearance at the 10th anniversary of China's National Day in 1959, successive iterations of the Hongqi parade car—from armoured and convertible variants derived from the CA72 and CA770 to the modern-era flagship state guest and review fleet—have borne witness to the historic milestones of the People's Republic of China.

Standing as the ultimate testament to the comprehensive capability and manufacturing prowess of China's automotive sector, it has not only cemented Hongqi's paramount status as the definitive "national car", but also serves as an invaluable historical icon embodying national pride and collective memory.

Operation and Safety

Revered as national treasures and top-tier industrial heritage relics of the Chinese automotive industry, surviving units and historical fleet examples of the Hongqi parade car are meticulously preserved by the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, FAW Group, and key state institutions.

Their routine upkeep and dynamic preservation strictly adhere to the nation's highest protocols for security and heritage conservation. Dedicated storage facilities maintain precisely regulated climate-controlled environments with constant temperature and humidity, shielding the armoured bodywork, ballistic glass, intricate hydraulics, and exquisite interior appointments from environmental degradation.

On the mechanical and security front, owing to their profound political legacy and extreme rarity, all servicing, diagnostic evaluations, and dynamic road commissioning are executed exclusively by vetted national special-vehicle master technicians and security personnel.

For the select few decommissioned parade cars on public display or in designated galleries, maximum-grade physical security measures and strict cordon zones are enforced. Any direct contact or unauthorised operation is strictly prohibited to safeguard the integrity and prestige of this pinnacle national industrial heritage.