Classic Cars in China, The ZT Classic Car Museum in Zhongshan, China

I had the incredible chance to discover a buried treasure in the middle of Zhongshan, a place not far from my studio . A haven for car aficionados and history nerds, the ZT Classic Car Museum gave me behind-the-scenes looks at some of China's most coveted classics. In my excitement to tell you about this find, I will just reveal a small portion of it in the hopes that you will want to see it for yourself and marvel at its magnificence.

The museum's commitment to preservation is evident in the astounding assortment of historic automobiles that welcome visitors upon entrance. One such vehicle is a 1918 Packard, which is in nearly immaculate condition. This museum goes above and beyond by combining the fascination of automobile history with a more comprehensive historical story. It's a museum that vividly captures the changes and advancements of the last century through its unique collection of antiques, not just cars.

As I thought about the 1918 Packard, a rush of memories from my childhood in Irvine, California, came flooding back. Many high school seniors enjoyed a ride from a retired local gentleman who was an avid collector of historic cars and drove them to prom. The suicide rear doors and elaborate woodwork of the vehicle harkened back to a more refined time. In the backseat, I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, and I was whisked away to those carefree days.

The passionate and laborious process that went into compiling this collection was discussed by Andy Wong, the museum's curator. There are automobiles and antiquities from all over the world in the collection, which spans almost 30 years. Andy always wanted to build a world-class museum, not only to display cars, but to curate an area where art and history meet.

The 1916 Ford Model T, a more athletic take on the legendary vehicle, was a standout. It was interesting to learn about its unusual controls and operation because it showed how inventive automobiles were in the early 1900s. From antique cameras to a painstakingly restored garage scene, the museum has an intriguing assortment of artifacts that transport visitors to a different time.

Two Hong Qi cars, which are extremely rare even in China, served to highlight the museum's singularity. The development of Chinese automotive engineering and design is showcased by these cars, which represent opulence and exclusivity. As a witness to the brand's lasting lineage, the combination of traditional workmanship and modern comforts in a Hong Qi left a lasting impression on me.

As I dug deeper, I found a wide variety of cars, each with its own unique history and culture. The museum provides a trip down memory lane, from a Lincoln Town Car limo that embodied opulence to a rebellious freedom-loving Firebird from the 1990s. From the originality of the cars to the themed exhibits, every element highlights the museum's dedication to automotive history preservation and celebration.

Among the many interesting items on display at the museum are not only automobiles but also bicycles, sewing machines, and even a section devoted to vehicles used in the military. The story of technical progress and cultural interaction can be told in part by any artifact, be it a Beijing BJ212 or an old Willys Jeep made by Ford.

Indulge your senses on a multi-sensory adventure into the past at this museum, where the aroma of aged wood and the feel of antique furnishings enhance the ambiance. Visitors are invited to engage with history in unique ways through interactive displays, such as a Mini Cooper turned seating area or a Porsche 914 turned video game station.
Walking around the museum's halls, I couldn't help but be in awe of the meticulous planning that went into assembling such an extensive and engaging collection. Classic vehicles are more than simply pretty pictures; they also have stories to tell about our nation's past and present. Everything from the sleek lines of luxury cars to the tough allure of military jeeps is a work of art that showcases the diversity and originality of the human spirit.

A Maserati Shamal was an object of complete and utter amazement when encountered at the ZT Classic Car Museum. I was astounded to learn from the curator that this Shamal may be the only one in China. For 1980s cool kids, the Maserati to have was the Shamal. With fewer than ten units sold across all of Great Britain, its rarity was further highlighted.  The wood accents, alcantara roof and dash lining, and race-inspired seats all contributed to an ambiance of unmistakable Maserati elegance.

As I dug further into the museum's collection, I came across a 1968 Triumph, which the curator, Andy, has a soft spot for. One of their earliest purchases, this vehicle has an extraordinary backstory. Its dual licenses from Hong Kong and mainland China make it one of the oldest cars spotted on mainland Chinese roads. As a monument to its lasting legacy and performance, the Triumph made the trek from Hong Kong to Zhongshan, crossing the enormous Hong Kong-Macau-Zhuhai bridge. Not only was the Triumph a beautiful automobile, but it also represented innovation and speed in the late 1960s thanks to its six-cylinder engine, which allowed it to travel from zero to sixty in eleven seconds, which was a great for its time.

Andy's painstaking restoration of the Triumph, which included three coats of paint and the installation of contemporary features like a braking system and an Italian steering wheel, demonstrated his commitment to the museum's collection. His love of cars on display in every tale he told, and his enthusiasm for sharing information was contagious.

Among the collection's most prized possessions was the Cadillac DeVille, the embodiment of 1960s style. The journey from Hong Kong to Shanghai and finally to Beijing in this convertible was an adventure that highlighted the grandeur and awe that the Cadillac demands on Chinese streets. The DeVille was a representation of grandeur and elegance due to its enormous size, potent engine, and amenities, such as the power windows, ashtrays, and large steering wheel.

The adjacent Cadillac Fleetwood limo provided a window into the opulent lifestyle of the timetoyota. The bar, soft seats, and high-tech climate control system showcased the pinnacle of Cadillac luxury. The complete switchgear and television mount were only two examples of the many design elements that paid homage to the Fleetwood's history as an affluent automobile.

The quirky, little Toyota Sera from the '90s was a pleasant surprise because to its unconventional butterfly doors and unconventional take on the traditional car look. An air of exclusivity was added by the left-hand drive version, which is unusual for a model usually marketed with right-hand drive in Japan. Especially impressive were the Sera's doors, which were said to have served as inspiration for the McLaren F1.  Despite its small cabin, standard dashboard from the 1990s Toyota, and low headroom, the Sera was charming. All the while, they brought attention to the pioneering spirit of that time and Toyota's dedication to making unique cars.

The museum's collection resonated with my own experiences, especially considering my family's connection with Harley-Davidson motorbikes. This brought a personal touch to my visit. There was a Harley there that looked just like the ones that abound in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and my neighbor's old fire engine brought the museum's varied and well selected collection to life for me.

Strolling through the museum was akin to delving into a live history book of automobile culture. Every vehicle had its own tale to tell, showcasing invention and adventure. Cars like the Studebaker and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud were symbols of their respective eras and the quality of craftsmanship that went into making them.

When you visit the ZT Classic Car Museum, you're not merely looking at old automobiles; you're experiencing history firsthand as you learn about the development of automotive engineering and design. Renting out the area for events opens it up to even more people and encourages them to become involved, as they may have their own memorable experiences set against the backdrop of famous and historic automobiles. 

As I wrapped up my tour, I couldn't help but think of the museum's value beyond its physical collection of automobiles. It is a treasure trove of history, ingenuity, and personal anecdotes. My admiration for the skill required to restore and preserve vintage automobiles has grown as a result of the opportunity to learn about and connect with the past that was extended to me. Both serious collectors and curious onlookers will find something of interest at the ZT Classic Car Museum, which provides a rare glimpse into the fascinating history of automobiles.