In researching my other post on The East Glows, I came across carnewschina.com’s China Car History section. No mention of the 1965 Beijing sedan that was somehow mistakenly given that lyrical name, and it’s not really a comprehensive history of Chinese cars, but there are lots of Honquis and a number of more recent but obscure cars form the 80s and 90s. Like this Haliu BHL 6350, caught on the street in 1996, a curious little mini-van which was obviously inspired by the first generation Toyota Previa.
I use the word “inspired” loosely, as once past the front end, it gets a bit more original. Under its skin, it’s less original, as it’s based on the Tianjin-Xiali TJ7100 sedan, a Chinese license-built third generation Daihatsu Charade sedan, including the 993cc three-pot engine.
The body is (rather obviously) made of fiberglass, as were many low-volume Chinese cars from the time when some of the smaller firms were practically cottage industries. So there you have it: you’ve expanded your knowledge today, and you’ll be able to recognize one of these should you ever happen across one in China, if there’s any left.
Related reading: COAL: 1992 Toyota Previa All-Trac – The G-Bubble
Wow. I kind of see some GM Dustbuster DNA in that nose, too. Especially in this pic (below).
Anyone want to guess how long until China’s automotive endeavors give rise to consumer desire rather than amusement? Then again, this little fiberglass egg is sort of desirable for its amusement factor.
Well, they are nearly there. I dare say they have already took the place the koreans had in the mid-late ’90s. Of Special note is the Roewe 350 which is getting sold in the UK as the MG6, with mixed success.
This on the other hand is what happens when a Lumina APV and the Daihatsu Charade have had too much to drink.
Odd that you should mention Dustbusters… could that be a red Lumina in the upper-right corner of the 1st pic?
I think that it is.
Looks more like either a Toyota Hiace or a VW T3 to me
That was my first thought as well. The front quarterlights have a strong dustbuster vibe.
Sorry. I just love that car company name.
Honqui.
Wonder if they only come in beige?
I’ve ever only seen them in black.
pronounced this way guys? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmmW9lzJkug
If my eyes don’t fail me, you have to flip the entire front clip, including the windshield and triangular side windows, to access the engine ? That reminds me of something else…
So it seems. Good noticing.
In about ten months, 3D printers will be cheap enough that you could print your own copy of one of these. Including the engine!
+1
This is a good looking vehicle, but I prefer the Toyota Previa any day over this.
This would’ve fit right in Soviet Russia.
I’m also seeing some 1st-gen Espace in the design. Or is that just me?
Interesting little thing, if somewhat crude.
I see some Espace in there too, as well as GM Dustbuster U-vans.
It reminds me of an Espace too. Actually it looks more like an Espace than a Previa to me.
A little Colt Vista and forgotten Nissan Axxess too.
I was thinking the same thing.
Don’t underate the first Espace – it was so good that Renault had to build a nominally smaller car, the Scenic, to get the benefits for themselves.
As soon as I see one, I plan a CC to explain
Not a hatchback, a “hatchfront”.
The backlights look suspiciously Charade-like….
Nice find!
Actually those headlights are carried over from the Charade as well. In my mind the Daihutsu used to have a simple independant rear suspension though, not a leaf spring rear axle like this has.
More like an Aerostar . . . . .
The history articles on Car News China are amazing! I like to see you are bringing these old Chinese cars to a wider audience here.