What is the 212 car?
3 Answers
212 refers to the Beijing Jeep 212. Here are the specific details: 1. Introduction: The Beijing Jeep 212 is one of the earliest passenger vehicles produced in China and is a pure ORV (Off-Road Vehicle). The BJ212 was introduced in 1965. From the time when Chairman Mao Zedong, the first-generation leader of New China, reviewed the Red Guards in an open-top 212, this indigenous vehicle has remained popular for over 30 years, with the highest cumulative production in China. 2. Powertrain: The BJ-212 Jeep is equipped with a 2445cc inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, featuring four-wheel drive and front/rear drum brakes. It is paired with a 3-speed manual transmission, delivering a maximum power of 75 horsepower and a maximum torque of 172 N·m. The vehicle weighs 1395kg, with a top speed of 120-130 km/h and a fuel consumption of approximately 14L per 100 km.
The Beijing Jeep 212, ah, it's a classic off-road vehicle from China, produced since the 1960s and still fondly remembered by many car enthusiasts today. Originally inspired by Soviet designs, it was manufactured by Beijing Automobile Works and was widely used by the military and government agencies back in the day, known for its rugged durability. The body is a boxy, square shape, powered by a roughly 2.5-liter gasoline engine—plenty of power but not fast, with a top speed just over 100 km/h. Driving it feels bumpy, lacking air conditioning or comfort features, making it a purely hardcore off-road tool. In my youth, I worked as a driver in mountainous areas, and this Jeep could climb hills and slog through mud like it was nothing, with simple repairs and parts readily available. Nowadays, refurbished versions can still be found in the used car market, becoming a favorite among retro car fans. If you're looking to buy one, remember to check for chassis rust and engine oil leaks—after all, it's an old-timer.
Speaking of the 212, I recall the days of using it for wilderness adventures. This Beijing Jeep 212 is an absolute classic in domestic off-roading, with its simple and rugged design. Equipped with full-time four-wheel drive and leaf spring suspension, it can easily handle all kinds of rough terrain, be it mud pits or rocks. I often drove it to the mountains for camping—the spacious cabin fits plenty of gear, though the seats are stiff, making long drives a literal pain in the back. The modern version has upgraded models like the BJ212 Warrior, with slightly improved engine efficiency, though fuel consumption remains high at around 12L per 100km. It also has great modification potential—adding a winch or upgrading tires can boost performance. Just remember, don’t expect it to be a highway cruiser; its main purpose is off-roading. Regular maintenance of the drivetrain can extend its lifespan. It’s incredibly stable in heavy rain, but the weak heater in winter means bundling up.
