A new, longer, more modern Hongqi, the CA 770, was put into production in April 1966, stretching the wheelbase from 133.85 inches of the CA 72 to 146.45 inches. Overall length was increased from 225.60 inches to 235.43 inches. Sleeker and more streamlined than its predecessor, its styling looks to have been influenced by the Mercedes 600. A pair of forward-facing jump seats in the new CA 770 made room for two more passengers, giving it technically three rows of seats. “A new high quality 6-seater car has gone into production.” Triumphantly announced in a press release by the New China News Agency in May of 1966, “This upholstered car with three rows of seats is an improvement on the existing double-row “Red Flag” model, until now in production. The new car introduces many improvements in body shape, interior decoration and engine structure. It embodies a variety of up-to-date skills in its manufacture. It has a “V” type engine, hydraulic automatic transmission, and a novel type of body frame. Sound-proof glass between the rows of seats makes travelling quiet. The car also has an electric temperature-regulating device. A well-equipped workshop especially for the manufacture of this new model has been set up in the plant. The Changchun plant has already turned out the first batch of new cars, working in cooperation with a number of other factories and enterprises in the country.” The CA 770 would remain in production unchanged, with exception of revisions made to the fog lights and mirrors, until 1981. A total of 847 were produced, including a handful of CA 770 parade car convertibles. Up close and driving impressions The first thing you notice about the Hongqi cars is that they have an old-world formal elegance. These cars look like important people should be riding in them. A little larger in size is the 1974 CA 770. The styling is cleaner and more refined than its predecessor. The design motifs for the grill and tail lights are updated but similar to the CA72. This car is equipped with inter division window, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes and automatic transmission. Again the driving position is high, which is welcomed on such a large car. Equally appreciated are the automatic transmission and the power steering that make the CA 770 easy to drive. The engine looks pretty much the same at the CA72, but is rated with 15 more horsepower. The CA 770 tips the scale at around 6,000 pounds, making it 1,000 pounds heavier that the CA72. A generous amount of luxurious genuine wood trim adds to the elegance of the interior.