A tank thing, seen in Hebei Province to the east of Beijing in the winter of 2019. Contraptions like these are sometimes used by restaurants to ‘fire’ fireworks during wedding ceremonies and other miserable celebrations.
I saw this tank thing near an abandoned car market with lots of restaurants across the street. It is based on a Beijing-Jeep Cherokee XJ but fitted with a total new gold-colored metal pickup truck body, resembling a tank-like vehicle with a gun on the roof, pipes on the sides, a ladder, and a big wing on the back.
Particularly nasty was the ram-like device up front, complete with spikes. I guess that’ll break the newlywed’s bedroom door down just nicely.
It is only inside that the tank still resembles the Cherokee XJ. It has the Cherokee’s steering wheel and column, the seat, the doors, and the complete gear lever ensemble. It looked like it could actually drive, at least when it was created. Not sure it does anything now.
The gun stood on a turret with a long barrel. During events, the fire work would be placed into the barrel and lighted, creating lots of smoke and sound. I have seen it at a lot of marriages. Some models are more advanced with remote ignition, which is a bit safer too.
The wheels are of the Cherokee XJ too but the tires are much larger. The fuel cap sits on the same place as on the XJ as well. Behind the turret is a nasty looking fence with a storage compartment below it, likely for stowing fireworks. The vehicle looks nice enough for its kind. Somebody clearly took a lot of time and effort to design and build it, with a great result.
Best part is of course the double wing with double side plates, fitted on the back of the truck’s body. It is always nice to have some downforce on your wedding day.