The Beijing Classic Car Museum, located in the Chinese capital's Huairou District, houses over 100 Chinese and foreign vintage limousines treasured by the museum owner Luo Wenyou.
"I've been fascinated with machines and automobiles since young. When I was a kid, I used to chase behind tractors to see how they plowed the field," said the 67-year-old Luo, adding that he considers himself fortunate to pursue his interest as a lifelong endeavor.
Luo's collection began with a Polish Warszawa sedan that he acquired in 1977. However, in the following decades, Luo was more focused on China's first generation of automobiles.
In the mid-1980s, Luo bought his first Hongqi car. Established in 1958, Hongqi, meaning "red flag," is China's iconic home-grown car brand and it has been used as the vehicle for parades at national celebrations.
Chinese people have regarded the brand as the nation's pride due to its historical significance. There are more than 70 Hongqi vehicles in Luo's museum, some of which were once used by Chinese leaders, according to Luo.
In 1998, the classic car collector took part in the Louis Vuitton Classic China Run, driving three-row seating Hongqi from northeast China's Dalian to Beijing as the sole Chinese participant in the rally.
"During the rally, the Chinese fans cheered for me, while many foreign drivers wanted to give Hongqi a try. I was really touched and made my mind to collect more Chinese vintage cars of this brand since it represents a national achievement," he said.
Luo said he spent over a decade planning and eventually established the classic car museum in 2008, adding that most of the vintage limos there are over 30 years old with all original parts and still operable.
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