A bit more about the Shanghai 58 Jeep prototype.

After leaving the factory the prototype of the Shanghai 58 was tested in September 1957 on the Lingyan Mountain in Suzhou.

September 1957, Shanghai 58 prototype test drive.

Two cars left the factory , the first had a single-piece windshield, the second a split windshield.

Cover of the magazine Qiche 1958/2. Single piece front window.

The two cars, split windshield to the left, single-piece windshield to the right.

The Shanghai 58 prototype used a 50 hp 2112 cc four cylinder side-valve petrol engine, either the original GAZ M20 engine or a Nanjing made copy.

The jeep announced in the newspaper. This article names the Shanghai Auto Assembly & Repair Works as the factory together with the Nanjing Auto Manufacturing & Parts Works.

This gives me the chance to introduce you to Hubert Cossard, a great French Jeep lover who has an incredible website with all the Jeep versions made all over the world. Including the Shanghai 58 prototype.

Shanghai 58 proto, drawing by Hubert Cossard.

Serial production started in January 1958, not with this model, but with the straight Willys CJ2A/CJ3A copy, see here under. Official statistics show a total production of 622 cars, divided over the period 1958-1963. Practically handmade.

Beijing BJ212 and Shanghai 58, photo Oliver Barnham, Shanghai September 1979.

The Chinese copy was bigger than the American original. Wheelbase 2060 to 2032 mm, length 3550 to 3127 mm, width 1460 to 1451 mm, height 1900 to 1625 mm. Also heavier: 1185 kg in stead of 1111 kg.

As what is usual for handmade models, there are differences between the cars : size of the windshield, position of the rear view mirror, shape of the mudguards and the direction indicators (square or round).