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The Communist Chinese government had been in power for only 9 years when this limousine was produced in 1958 for the use of Chairman Mao and other dignitaries. While I cannout vouch for the authenticity of the 1:24 replica, I am guessing that it should be right on, since this model is sold mostly in China. The fit and finish appear quite good, and at 10", this is a hefty item that comes with its own wood display base and nameplate. The car is surely Spartan in appearance - with just the triple red flag logos on each front panel, the guidelites on the front bumper stanchions, and the hood ornament. I guess Chaiman Mao wished to appear humble.
More from Bill Bakaleinikoff. In my opinion, this is a very handsome automobile by any country's standard. Keep in mind this is a 1958 car. The styling is very crisp and clean. The Frenched head lights look like they came from the 1955 Lincoln design team. The over-all look speaks......class. The rear window looks like it also took its cue from a later 56-57 Lincoln Mark (let's be interesting and throw in a hint of a 1966 Valiant;-crazy, perhaps not). The tail lights ape a mid-eighties Rolls Royce and conjure faint images of the 1976 Imperial (if it were). The orange fog lights are out of
the 30's and 40's; but hey, they invented gun powder. The grille appears to be the only original thought, plain, but effective. Ok, could be a 1955 Chevy with Buick teeth and a cute angle added.
The paint and finish are very good (D.M & F.M standards) and the motor is well detailed along with the trunk. The wires could be there. I like the interior, The seats feel fuzzy-fake mohair?, and the folding jump seats in the rear are a good touch. The wheels are ok, not perfect, but ok. A real nice touch is the front license plate. It sports the limited edition number (mine is 09144 out of 15,000). I
however suspect that only a few of these gems are offered on the American market. As a 1:1 car, it is very beautiful even at todays standards.
(11/25/1999)
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