In the south of France at the foot of the Pyrenees, towards Spain, the cars do not rust. Unbelievable but true. Therefore, it is possible to find cars that have long since turned into "biscuits" at home. Many of France's folk cars, such as the Citroën 2CV and Renault 4, are still alive and in daily use.
One of my previous cars was a 1977 Renault 4L, 850 ccm with 34 horses - if I remember correctly. A fun, easy-to-drive and comfortable car where you could operate the steering wheel, turn signals and umbrella gear at the same time with one hand. Few cars in Oslo managed to get up to 50 km/h faster than me, but overtaking had to be planned well in advance.
I have been around the streets and roads of France's 66th district, Pyrénées-Orientales, and taken snapshots of Southern French youngtimers - cars that are not so common here at home. The pictures also show some of the surroundings in the villages in the region.
Rally cars
While I was out cycling in Amelie-les-Bains I came across rally cars on a transport stage in connection with the Rally Vallespir . The actual race stages were up in the mountains. I wouldn't have made it there by bike – not even on closed roads. Taking pictures of cars at speed is difficult. Here are some of the cars that were there.
Some more common cars
See
I had a Renault 4TL 30 years ago, and now I know it would have been fun to get hold of one again.
Car with soul.
In south-west France (where I travel quite a bit) the R4 seems to be doing well. Many still use them, and several good copies are for sale. If I come across a good copy, I will try to make a report.
My 1977 model I had to put in a replacement engine, despite the fact that the car was no more than 4-5 years old. It had been run dry of oil while in service with Securitas. Certainly a well-known phenomenon, I have learned (shame on Securitas). In any case, I will never forget the Renault. More soul and personality in a car should be found.
(Pinching "constantly" R4 while in France. Here's a great one.)