Luo Wenyou is a Chinese collector who's car collection includes several of China's most important automobiles. This image shows the 1998 Louis Vuitton Classic China Run rally, which began in the Chinese city of Dalian and ended in Beijing.
Luo Wenyou is a Chinese collector who's car collection includes several of China's most important automobiles. This image shows the 1998 Louis Vuitton Classic China Run rally, which began in the Chinese city of Dalian and ended in Beijing.
Luo Wenyou
Luo was the only Chinese driver to take part in the Louis Vuitton Classic China Run rally.
Luo was the only Chinese driver to take part in the Louis Vuitton Classic China Run rally.
Luo Wenyou
Luo first began his relationship with cars as a driver for government officials.
Luo first began his relationship with cars as a driver for government officials.
Luo Wenyou
Luo first car was an imported Polish model he bought for 5,000 Yuan ($725).
Luo first car was an imported Polish model he bought for 5,000 Yuan ($725).
Luo Wenyou
It was rare to be a private car owner in China in the late 1970s, when he purchased this vehicle. Here, Luo Wenyou and his wife pose with his first car.
It was rare to be a private car owner in China in the late 1970s, when he purchased this vehicle. Here, Luo Wenyou and his wife pose with his first car.
luo wenyou
In 1967, Chinese car firm Hongqi made a stretch limousine as a gift for Mao Zedong.
In 1967, Chinese car firm Hongqi made a stretch limousine as a gift for Mao Zedong.
Matjaž Tančič
The chairman died before he could receive it.
The chairman died before he could receive it.
Matjaž Tančič
The limo was kitted out with air conditioning, an ice box and a telephone.
The limo was kitted out with air conditioning, an ice box and a telephone.
Matjaž Tančič
Hongqi cars were made exclusively for Chinese government officials.<br />
Hongqi cars were made exclusively for Chinese government officials.
Matjaž Tančič
The lettering on bonnets of these Dongfeng cars were changed from pinyin to Chinese characters because Mao couldn't read the former.
The lettering on bonnets of these Dongfeng cars were changed from pinyin to Chinese characters because Mao couldn't read the former.
Matjaž Tančič
This 1945 ZiS was used by Liu Shaoqi, who was President of China from 1958 to 1968, but fell out of favor with Mao during the Cultural Revolution. His car was attacked by Red Guards.<br />
This 1945 ZiS was used by Liu Shaoqi, who was President of China from 1958 to 1968, but fell out of favor with Mao during the Cultural Revolution. His car was attacked by Red Guards.
Matjaž Tančič
During the Cultural Revolution, it was common for cars of accused traitors to be attacked.
During the Cultural Revolution, it was common for cars of accused traitors to be attacked.
Matjaž Tančič
Today, Luo's extensive car collection includes over 200 automobiles. He stores his cars in a hangar-like exhibition space in the Huairou district in northern Beijing.
Today, Luo's extensive car collection includes over 200 automobiles. He stores his cars in a hangar-like exhibition space in the Huairou district in northern Beijing.
Matjaž Tančič
In 2009, he opened the Vintage Car Museum.
In 2009, he opened the Vintage Car Museum.
Matjaž Tančič
The collection also includes some surprising vehicles, like this tank and a fire truck.
The collection also includes some surprising vehicles, like this tank and a fire truck.
Matjaž Tančič
Rear light of a car made by First Automobile Works in 1958. The light is the shape of a traditional Chinese palace lamp, the kind still seen in places like Tiananmen.
Rear light of a car made by First Automobile Works in 1958. The light is the shape of a traditional Chinese palace lamp, the kind still seen in places like Tiananmen.
Matjaž Tančič
Detail on a 1960 Hongqi car manufactured by First Car Works, China's first state-owned automobile manufacturer.
Detail on a 1960 Hongqi car manufactured by First Car Works, China's first state-owned automobile manufacturer.
Matjaž Tančič
A Dong Fang Hong, manufactured by Beijing Automobile Works, a state-owned manufacturer that operated in the 1950s. The symbol of Tiananmen in the logo indicates its political significance: the car was made in the political center of China.
A Dong Fang Hong, manufactured by Beijing Automobile Works, a state-owned manufacturer that operated in the 1950s. The symbol of Tiananmen in the logo indicates its political significance: the car was made in the political center of China.
Matjaž Tančič
The 1950s Dongfanghong's colorful hue and chirpy design is in contrast to the Hongqis'. Luo says that only a few dozen of them were made because in the late 1950s Beijing's mayor deemed them too "bourgeois" and "western" looking, calling a halt to their production.
The 1950s Dongfanghong's colorful hue and chirpy design is in contrast to the Hongqis'. Luo says that only a few dozen of them were made because in the late 1950s Beijing's mayor deemed them too "bourgeois" and "western" looking, calling a halt to their production.
MatjazTancic.com
This Chevrolet was once used by Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, in Manchuria. 
This Chevrolet was once used by Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, in Manchuria. 
Matjaž Tančič