Dongfeng [1] (China) - AllCarIndex

Dongfeng, meaning "East Wind," was established in 1958 in Changchun City, Jilin Province, China, as part of the First Auto Works. This facility was constructed between 1953 and 1956 in a former Japanese military factory. Initially, the company focused on producing the Jiefang truck, which was a copy of the Soviet ZIS model and remained in production for three decades starting in 1956.

The Dongfeng CA 71 saloon is recognized as China's first domestically produced motor vehicle. Its development occurred during the Great Leap Forward, with the definitive version being presented to Chairman Mao on May 21, 1958. The CA 71 featured a 1930cc four-cylinder engine that produced 70 horsepower and had a wheelbase of 106 inches (2690 mm). Notably, the car was adorned with an impressive depiction of a Chinese dragon on its bonnet.

Although only a small batch of five units was produced, the CA 71 marked a significant milestone in China's automotive history, preceding the more widely known Hongqi range. One of the original Dongfeng vehicles remains preserved and is still held by the First Auto Works.