A Hafei Songhuajiang police van parked behind an intriguing, partially homemade dual-axle 5-wheel flat-bed motorbike. I saw these two cars in a small village in the far west of Beijing back in the summer of 2006.
The Hafei Songhuajiang has the word ‘police’ in English above the windshield, which is rather unusual. Normally, there would be a Chinese term in that place. Songhhuajiang police minivans usually seat four officers + a bunch of criminals in a cage in the back. It didn’t seem to be on active duty anymore.
The motorbike was clearly in use and available for rent. The owner likely got his inspiration from these monsters. Note the extensions on the handlebars to protect the driver’s hands from the sunshine. In winter, these will be replaced with thick gloves against the cold.
In the old villages around the capital, you can still find all sorts of fascinating old vehicles, even today, but it is getting less and less. With the electrification of everything, the old petrol cars are slowly disappearing. Go there before it is too late!
