In France, they say the following about the big car brands: Citroen for the sophisticated, Peugeot for the status-conscious and Renault for the practical (or something like that). My favorite among the 3 is Renault, with ramifications for motorsport.
It had a number of novelties. Such as child-proof locks on the rear doors, a thermostatically controlled cooling fan and brakes with pressure equalization between the front and rear brakes. As one of the first family cars on the market, it had a closed cooling system – no control of water and antifreeze.
You have to go all the way back to 1898 to find the start for Renault. It happened in Paris, and the man was Louis Renault.
The first car was built in a small shed in his parents' garden outside Paris. As for other start-up car factories, it was important to participate in car races, and Renault won its first victories before 1900. The next models followed the development of the market, bigger cars with stronger engines. In 1923, a small car appeared to take on the competition with Citroën. The theme of small cars was followed up in 1946 with the model 4 CV. It was one of the smallest 4-door passenger cars that has been serially produced. It was followed by the Dauphine in 1956. One of the most famous models, the R4 came in 1962 with front-wheel drive. In the future, a number of new family cars arrived. Some with rear-wheel drive (R8) and others with front-wheel drive (R5/R6/R12/R16). There have been many popular family cars from Renault and that is still the trend.
Renault 4
The Renault 4 was presented in September 1961. It was a simple and practical car to compete with the Citroën 2cv. With a practical and simple interior, this was a real utility vehicle. It had a number of news items. Such as child-proof locks on the rear doors, a thermostatically controlled cooling fan and brakes with pressure equalization between the front and rear brakes. As one of the first family cars on the market, it had a closed cooling system – no control of water and antifreeze. A typical French car with good comfort and good driving characteristics. It was Renault's first front-wheel drive passenger car. But unlike the popular Morris Mini, the R4 engine had longitudinal seats. When the NAF tested the model in 1962, it was praised for easy maintenance (no lubrication points) and low fuel consumption. Like most French cars at the time, there were leaks and poor installation. Gradually, new models came with better interior design and larger engines.
Renault 4 (1974-1980)Renault 4 (1961-1967)
Facts about Renault 4
Top speed: 120 km/h
Engine: 845 ccm
Measurements: Length 365 cm, width 148 cm
Produced:
1962 - 1993
Prototype for what was to become the Renault 4Advertising from the then Eurobil A/S
Driving and motorsport have always been popular in France. This has been the case from the car's infancy until today. It is practiced both on closed tracks and partly among keen French motorists on normal roads.
A number of French car manufacturers have developed and produced cars that satisfy all needs from racing cars to fast passenger cars. Before 1940, there were several car brands that even today give enthusiasts wet looks. Car brands such as Bugatti, Hotchkiss, Delahaye and Delage evoke fond memories of speed and luxury. But the war that started in 1939 put an end to the good old days. When the world was to start anew in 1945, the poor economy and rebuilding after the destruction of the war had the first priority. Driving and other luxuries were given lower priority and small Spartan cars were on most people's wish lists.
Jean Redele
While motorsport was waiting for better times, the most impatient French began to compete with their small and underpowered cars. One car model that did particularly well was the small Renault 4CV. It was discovered by several drivers and in particular by a driver named Jean Rédélé. He was born and raised in the car industry since his father was a large car dealer who sold Renault. Young Jean combined work and leisure in his father's company while planning his own future. He enthusiastically participated in car races with his Renault and understood the requirements that had to be placed on a good sports car. The first attempt with its own car brand was a small sports car called the Marquis, which was based on the Renault 4cv and was to be sold in the USA. It never went into production but provided useful experience. Jean Rédélé now had experience both as a motor sports athlete and as a constructor.
Marquis – the forerunner of Alpine
A new car brand was created
Rédélé started a new company to produce a small sports car partly based on his first design. The name was Alpine and a future star was born. With a new car model and a small engine of 747 ccm with quite a few horsepower, the start for the new car brand was quite a puzzle. But it helped that the innovation really looked like a proper sports car. With a very light fiberglass body, the new car was a winner in many competitions. Eventually, the factory managed to extract more horsepower from the small machine so that it increased from 21 to 43 horses on the fastest model. Although this model was further developed, the management of the factory realized that a new model was needed to secure the future.
Alpine A110
The collaboration with Renault meant that Alpine had access to the new Renault 8 which was introduced in 1962. The technology from the new Renault 8 fitted perfectly with a further developed Alpine. Thus the new Alpine A110 was created. The new model was produced in many variants and could be delivered with several engine options, where the most powerful standard engine really accelerated the beautiful sports car.
Alpine A110
Competitor to Porsche
In motorsport, this model was also a winner with victories in a number of important races such as the Rallye Acropolis in 1973. Another important race was the Rally Monte-Carlo where there were 3 double victories in 1973. This happened in the same year that Renault took over the factory. Alpine had already started development work on the successor to the A110 in 1968. The new model was to be moved up the market and in 1971 the Alpine 310 was presented. It later got a V6 engine which gave the car a top speed of 230 km/h. Now Alpine became a competitor to Porsche. Alpine remained until the end a small car manufacturer where annual production did not exceed 1000 cars per year. year. In 1994, the last Alpine rolled off the assembly line.
1972 Alpine 310 interior
Specifications Alpine A110 1600S
Engine: Renault 1565 cc 125 hp
Length 405 cm
Width 150 cm
Top speed 210 km/h
Alpine advertisement from 1974
See
Renault-Alpine A310Alpine A110 and the new model in the background.When the French challenged Porsche
An example of how much car can be squeezed into a small shell.
You have to go all the way back to 1898 to find the start for Renault. It happened in Paris, and the man was Louis Renault. The first car was built in a small shed in his parents' garden outside Paris. As for other start-up car factories, it was important to participate in car races, and Renault won its first victories before 1900. The next models followed the development of the market, bigger cars with stronger engines.
Many popular family cars
In 1923, a small car appeared to take on the competition with Citroën. The theme of small cars was followed up in 1946 with the model 4 CV. It was one of the smallest 4-door passenger cars that has been serially produced. It was followed by the Dauphine in 1956. One of the most famous models, the R4 came in 1962 with front-wheel drive. In the future, a number of new family cars arrived. Some with rear-wheel drive (R8) and others with front-wheel drive (R5/R6/R12/R16). There have been many popular family cars from Renault and that is still the trend.
Renault 4CV
The Renault factory was nationalized in 1945. During the war, France and the factory were occupied, and there was a ban on developing new passenger cars. But in the development department, the engineers worked in secret on a small new passenger car. Already in 1943, a prototype was ready. It was very round in shape and not so much reminiscent of the Volkswagen bubble. The finished car went into limited production and was presented to the public in 1946 and went on sale in 1947.
Monte Carlo Rally
The factory actively participated in motorsport before the war, and wanted to continue doing so. Therefore, the volume of the engine was reduced to 747 ccm, and the Renault 4cv went straight into the class for cars under 750 ccm. It resulted in several victories in, among others, the Rallye Monte-Carlo. Alpine, which became a famous sports car, was based on the 4cv. As a people's car, the Renault 4cv became very popular in many countries. In 1956 the Renault Dauphine was launched and sales of the 4cv declined.
Renault 4CV facts
Top speed: 92 km/h
Engine: 760 ccm – 19 hp
Measurements: Length 361 cm, width 143 cm
Produced 1947-1961
1956 Renault 4CVRenault 4CV early with upholstered interior (click for larger image)Was marketed as the Renault 750 in the UK (click for larger image)
See
Renault 4 CVRenault DauphineRenault 8Alpine – Fresh French Kicks
The Dauphine was produced from 1956 to 1967. The model came on the market to replace the popular Renault 4cv. Like many other family cars at the time, it had a rear engine and rear-wheel drive.
Aerostable for better damping
In 1960, a new and upgraded model was introduced, which had something new. An auxiliary spring system based on air-filled rubber cushions. In one of the tests carried out during the introduction, it was said that "the new Dauphine has the leisurely, well-damped movements of a large luxury car without this having detracted from the good driving characteristics for which the car is known".
Gordini, 1093 and Ondine
Renault also delivered several fierce models in this series. Gordini and 1093 were both made for racing and took a number of victories. Ondine was a luxury variant where special emphasis was placed on colors and luxury inside the car.
Facts about the Renault Dauphine
Length 395 cm, width 152 cm and height 144 cm.
Engine 845 ccm, 31 hp. Top speed 115 km/h.
You have to go all the way back to 1898 to find the start for Renault. It happened in Paris, and the man was Louis Renault. The first car was built in a small shed in his parents' garden outside Paris. As for other start-up car factories, it was important to participate in car races, and Renault won its first victories before 1900. The next models followed the development of the market, bigger cars with stronger engines. In 1923, a small car appeared to take on the competition with Citroën. The theme of small cars was followed up in 1946 with the model 4 CV. It was one of the smallest 4-door passenger cars that has been serially produced. It was followed by the Dauphine in 1956. One of the most famous models, the R4 came in 1962 with front-wheel drive. In the future, a number of new family cars arrived. Some with rear-wheel drive (R8) and others with front-wheel drive (R5/R6/R12/R16). There have been many popular family cars from Renault and that is still the trend.
Renault 4CVRenault DauphineRenault 8Renault 4Renault 6Renault 12Renault 16Renault Goelette
Car manufacturers use the same drivetrain across different vehicles. Not all gearboxes can withstand the load when placed in vans and SUVs. I experienced this recently.
Stock noise from the gearbox!
A sound reminiscent of the centrifuge at home or when the hard drive on your PC is dying. There is often a bit of noise from French gearboxes, but not like this! As you know, the Opel Vivaro is based on the Renault Trafic. Same car as the Nissan NV300 and Fiat Talento, although the Vivaro is manufactured in Luton, not France.
Well-known problem
It is about the manual 6-speed gearbox for the Opel Vivaro A and B (PK6/PF6). I found the website of a British company that repairs gearboxes on behalf of dealers. They say that both Vivaro A and Vivaro B can have problems with bearing noise in sixth gear, as well as eventually problems with getting into third and fourth gear. According to the website, the same gearbox is used in both series of Vivaro, although some changes have been made for the Vivaro B. Despite this, they are now receiving damage to gearboxes in cars with very low mileage, - from as little as 22 miles. It may seem that Renault has only made a half-hearted attempt to fix a known fault.
The website I refer to recommends owners change the transmission oil at every service. Their pictures can send a chill down the spine of even the most seasoned car owner.
The Vivaro I recently drove was barely two years old and had just over 42,000 km on the odometer and had bearing noise in sixth gear. How is it possible for components in the gearbox to wear out so early? The torque of the 1,6 CDTI engine is "only" 300 Nm, so the gearbox should be able to handle it. I therefore suspect that the gearbox is breaking down because it is not dimensioned for the weight of the van - curb weight with driver 1758 kg - total weight 2920 kg.
Volvo's first SUV suffered the same fate
Volvo already had the XC70, based on the V70. The drivetrain was made for a tall SUV - one thought. The problem was that the gearbox was not sized for the heavier XC90. I know an owner of an XC90 with a manual gearbox. He had to change the gearbox 3 times before he traded in the car. Fortunately, everything went under warranty. Many have had similar experiences with the XC90. Here, not only were the gearboxes undersized, but also other components in the steering and undercarriage. If you are looking for a used XC90 mk1, you should buy one that is as new as possible.
The early SUV Volvo XC90 mk1 is known for its undersized drivetrain.
Unknown extent
Gearbox problems in the Vivaro and its sister models are well known, especially in the first production series – the one with the 1,9 liter turbodiesel engine. That the problems also appear in the current model is worrying, but undersized gearboxes need not be equally critical for everyone. For example, if you drive a Vivaro with a light interior, for example as a service car, the gearbox can hold up well compared to a car that is used to transport heavy objects and tow trailers. The engine in the Vivaro B, 1,6 liter biturbo CDTI, is nothing to complain about. It is very responsive for being a diesel. Here you get both the tenacity and economy of the diesel engine, as well as the responsiveness of a petrol engine.
Vivaro C is here soon
The collaboration between Opel and Renault ends. The new Opel Vivaro C is here immediately. It is announced to go on sale in Germany in February 2019. Like its predecessor, it will be manufactured in Luton and sold as Opel and Vauxhall. Apart from the grille, it is 100% based on the Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy, as well as the Toyota ProAce that I drove last week. In 2020, the Vivaro will be available with an electric motor. In time, the current 2-litre BlueHDI engine will probably also be scaled down. Then we can only hope that PSA/Opel provides gearboxes that can withstand the load.
Pictures of the new Opel/Vauxhal Vivaro C
The new Opel Vivaro C is based on the PSA group's Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy.The 9-seater Vivaro Life, here in Vauxhall livery.
See
Opel Vivaro BToyota Proace ElectricCitroen ë-Jumpy
Nice summer days in the South of France have resulted in pictures of some special cars. Welcome to the second post in the series "French classics"!
Renault Vel Satis
The most controversial thing about Vel Satis is the rear window and the broken tailgate.It is bigger than you would think. The Renault Vel Satis is a full-size European executive car. The external measurements are as follows: Length 4,86, width 1,86 and height 1,58. It is the height which makes the car look smaller than it really is. It is designed as a compact hatchback and scaled up to the E-class. A French attempt to redesign the prestige class.
When state-owned Renault makes a prestige car, it naturally also makes a car for the president. The last president to use Vel Satis was Nicolas Sarkozy until 2010 when production was discontinued. The model had then been in production since 2002 with a facelift in 2005. The car pictured is before the facelift, - in my opinion the most beautiful, with vertical slanted ribs in the grill. After the facelift, the front was made simpler, more anonymous and featureless. It didn't help much with chrome strips in the grill, chrome-plated door handles and two separate exhaust pipes.
I saw two Vel Satis during my last stay in my French region. The pictured car in color Azure blue and a facelifted car in a reddish orange color. A combination that absolutely removed what little prestige this model has. And the lack of prestige is perhaps the biggest objection to Vel Satis. Not a bad car, just a bit special, - but not special enough, perhaps? A French classic that certainly belongs among classy summer houses near my sleepy Mediterranean town.
It's a shame that you have to visit the local junkyard to admire a Citroën XM.
Citroen XM
Large cars have never been particularly attractive in my southern part of France, right up against the Spanish border. Partly because there aren't many rich people living here, and partly because the streets in the old towns are quite narrow. One of our local taxi drivers drives around in a black Citroën C6 . He's an exception. Large Citroëns are rare. I've only managed to find CXs and XMs at car scrapyards. Even the C5 is a rare sight, often with plates from other, more affluent regions of France. I took a picture of this silver-grey XM outside a small garage I pass on my bike rides. Beautiful, patinated parts cars are scattered around the garage owner's garden and out over the field.
Peugeot 305 Break with a view out over Lake Raho and the beach there.
Peugeot 305 Estate
The Peugeot 305 is a rare sight, despite the fact that it was mega-popular in its time.Believe me when I say that the Peugeot 305 is on its way to cult status. The fever has started to spread here in France. I came across a well-maintained station wagon by Lake Raho south of the city of Perpignan. It amazes me how good it looks with its period, tight Peugeot lines and "crooked" headlights. The vast majority of 305s are now veterans and have started to appear at car rallies.
The real Land Cruiser is the so-called J40 series. I believe this is a rare J46.
Toyota Land Cruiser BJ46
I am fairly certain that Toyota has never produced Land Cruisers in France. They are nevertheless very popular here, - especially in the mountain areas of the Pyrenees where the driving conditions can put ordinary cars to the test. It is in particular the Land Cruiser's 70 series that most are sold. The first Land Cruisers, the 40 series, are a rare sight. Early cars often suffered from rust problems, although in this part of the world the climate is so dry that rust rarely takes hold. And as everyone knows, - if you can keep the rust off a Land Cruiser, then you have a car for life.
The pictured Land Cruiser is an extended version on a short wheelbase. It is probably a version from the early 80s. I'm having trouble finding similar cars online. Especially the position of the rear side windows. I found the pair for sale on a French website. It was a 1983 model BJ46. Early Land Cruisers were built as open jeeps, with the closed models fitted with a fiberglass top. I think the special top may be special to cars delivered here in France, or that it is retrofitted. Considering how good the pictured car looks, it must have undergone a thorough renovation.
I think the cars in the 40 series are really tough. They are also expensive. A cult car for those who know what this is. Undoubtedly a classic. Not quite French, - but wondering if the top could not be made in France - or especially for the French market.
Renault Caravelle. Local car that has been nicely restored and a real eye-catcher in the town of Céret.
Renault Caravelle
It was early Friday night. Someone had made the journey into town in their newly renovated red Renault Caravelle. A gem that looked like it came straight out of a hand-colored French postcard from the 60s. With a rear engine, it is not too difficult to imagine the kinship of the Renault Dauphine and the R8.
Renault Gôelette disguised as a barrel truckThe Red Barrel Truck is a rolling promotional vehicle for Byrrh - the maker of the legendary red wine-based aperitif that has been produced since the 20s and features on billboards across France. Now Byrrh advertises guided tours around the its historic wine cellars in the town of Thuir. The most spectacular will be the tours which are organized at 8 o'clock in the evening and which end with a tasting.
The car is based on a 1961 model Renault Gôelette. I have studied the details of the dashboard, and can confirm that it is undoubtedly the Gôelette. A handful of similar barrel trucks are said to have been made for other wine producers, but have no idea if they are still alive. The Byrrh car is so absolutely alive as it thunders through narrow village streets with blaring music and loudspeakers spreading the happy tidings. Everything sounds like it did in the early 60s - in speakers without bass. No modern Russebus sound here, no!
Reanult Gôelette [go-e-lett] were popular utility vehicles here at home. According to Club Renault Norvège, they must have been used by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and the Norwegian Post Office. Wondering if it would have been possible to get a Gôelette wine barrel car approved in Norway?
Ford Transit mk2 as a fully functioning camper? There are more of them down here!
Ford Transit mk2 Camper
I'm guessing that the Transit in the picture is manufactured in Germany. I have not been able to find out who produced the superstructure. Maybe it's French-made? I have seen British Transit campers, but they have different bodies to the ones I see in France. I have seen several well-functioning camper vans based on the Ford Transit mk2. This is far from being a museum piece. They are used for proper camping.
The depicted model has been observed in several places in the city. Also in a municipal parking lot with camping chairs outside. In small towns, I don't think it's a problem to spend a few days in the motorhome, but on the bathing beaches, physical barriers have been introduced to avoid the invasion of camper vans.
As classics, I think Transit campers may gain popularity in the wake of Volkswagen campers based on the T1 and T2. This is real retro camping!
A Citroën Méhari beautifully parked in front of the old city wall of Céret.
The immortal French
I think the longest-lived French classic will be the Citroën Méhari made in soft plastic with a Citroën Dyane engine. The bodies can be re-molded, and you can actually buy completely new and unused engine installations based on the air-cooled 602 ccm engine. Many people use Méhari for local trips, - to the city, to the shop and to the beach. If you can cough up 15 euros, you will get a great copy.
Under Immortal French also includes Citroën 2CV and Renault 4. Many of these cars are still in operation for daily transport purposes. I still see a trend towards more and more young people buying these cars. Cool'ere car is difficult to acquire on a youthful budget. The cars are often painted or "styled" in some other way. The cars are taken care of, but can never beat an original patinated car!
Citroen "deuche" 2CV in a great color combination.
Click on the images below to see them in a larger format.
Citroën 2CV for sale for NOK 59.000.This Renault 4 is often parked in Céret. The colors match well with the old buildings in the background.Renault 4 TL, circa 1977 with contemporary black plates.Well-equipped Renault 4 GTL with light alloy rims, mudguards, tow bar and headrests.
The view from the Pyrenean mountain village of Saint-Laurant-de-Cerdans gets nicer with a Renault 4 "Sixties" in the foreground.
See
French classics 3French classics 1Car travel document from Catalonia.
One of the world's most beautiful car designs is, of course, French. Alpine has always picked parts from Renault's parts warehouse long before Alpine was taken over by Renault.
I've been here before - many times. Canet in Roussilon is located on the sea side of the city of Perpignan in the very south of France. It is a small town community. Very quiet in winter and hectic in summer.
We are here because of the monthly muster of vehicles. Most of them are French. I see French people here who walk right past Porsches and Ferraris, but who are completely blown away by old, dear, French classics, - for example a special edition Renault 4 or Citroën 2 CV Sahara.
On the way to the car collection. We have Canet-en-Roussillon in sight. A beautiful place to spend your Sunday excursion.Maserati CabrioletI am here with my wife. She eagerly stops at a Maserati Cabriolet with white leather seats. -See! There is a monogram embroidered on the headrests!
There are a lot of people here, especially the audience. Much more than at the Cars & Coffee events back home. The Italian Gran Turismo car gets a lot of admiring glances, but around the French classics the conversation is more lively. -Ah, a Belieau! -A Panhard! Oh-la-la, Not bad, that one!
The first Sunday of every month there is a car muster at "Canet'en". For us it takes 50 minutes by car to get here. But it is just nice when the trip goes on roads like the one shown in the picture above. I have taken pictures of French classics that I fell in love with this time.
Alpine A110
Alpine built racing and sports cars based on Renaults. The first models were based on well-known Renault models such as the 4CV, Dauphine and R8. In the 70s, Alpine was merged with Renault - and formed Renault Sport. Last year they launched a successor to the legendary A110. Then the Alpine name returned.
Additional air intake for the stern engine.Fiberglass bodywork and low weight mean that the 1300 engine provides track performance.
Renault 8
Do you like the Alpine A110? It has been developed on the basis of the Renault 8. The Renault 8 is a good basis for building a properly entertaining and fun sports car.
You will soon find no Renault 8 left that is not more or less rigged for motorsport. But it's probably not just staffing. The models also feature on the list of participants in local car rallies down here, - both kind and tough competitions.
Renault 4 Fourgonnette with windows
It's amazing to see how many Renault 4s are still on the road. I'm sure they'll still be on the road for decades to come – unless the rest of France follows Paris and bans cars over 20 years old from driving.
As a former Renault 4 owner, I can't walk past a car like that without taking a picture. This is a Renault 4 Fourgonnette Vitrée (with windows) to put it in good French. Check the rims! I estimate the model to be between 1975-80.
Renault 11 Turbo
In the 80s, turbo cars were not as common as they are today. If you had a turbo, it usually said "Turbo" in capital letters. The Renault 11 Turbo has a 1,4 liter engine that produces between 105-115 HP.
I had the pleasure of driving a Renault 11 for a week as a rental car - good memories - in a positive sense 🙂 The Turbo model was far more rare. This otherwise looked like new. Check out the beautiful alloy wheels! Typical of the time and French.This is 80s design at its best. Straight lines, boxes and squares.
Panhard PL17 Tigers
This is very French and a thought in particular. It is equipped with a rather small motor. The pictured model, "Tigre", is the top model - and has a 2-cylinder boxer engine that produces 50 horses. I read that the Citroën GS inherited its boxer engines from Panhard. Citroën took over Panhard in 1965.
Stylish front. The air intake is small considering that there is an air-cooled engine inside. But the engine is quite small. 850 ccm, 2-cylinder boxer engine.Before the war, Panhard was taken to Norway by Bertel O Steen. I am not sure if the Panhard PL17 was ever sold in Norway.Stylish details. Chrome wheel covers, just like the Citröen DS had.Tasteful interior created for feelgood and room for no less than 6 people. A nodding dog would be more period-typical, but a teddy "Tigre" will do.The Panhard Tigre could reach a top speed of 145 km/h with only 50 HP. Thanks to low weight and low air resistance.
Simca Aronde P60
Simca Aronde was more affordable than Panhard. It had bigger and better engines, but less space than the Panhard.
The Simca Aronde P60 (1958-64) was popular throughout Europe. It was a lot of car for the money.
Renault 16
It amazes me that such a popular car as the Renault 16 is so rare to see today. It was a precursor to today's modern family cars. Produced between 1964 and 1980.
There is a sporty touch over classic Renaults. Many therefore choose to restore their Renaults in a sporty version. This one looks original. The Renault 16 was a typical car for family men who liked to drive, and who preferred a fresh, smooth-driving family car to a sedate competitor. It is said that there were two camps among car buyers in France: The sophisticated, who chose Citroën, - and the practical, who chose Renault.
Peugeot 504
Produced between 1968 and 1983. 504 were durable cars. Too bad they are almost gone too.
Two Peugeots. 309 GTI and a 504 rigged for the Dakar Rally, or something similar.
Volkswagen Golf I Convertible
Taking this one, despite it being a German. This Golf 1 Cabriolet was in very good condition. Like new down to the smallest, visible detail.
Not French, but a fine classic.
Porsche 911 (964) Turbo
Finally another German. It could be said that the 964 was the first model to form the transition from classic 911s to the 911 we know today.
Porsche 964 Turbo in the marina. It fits in well among the yachts here. It is not inconceivable that there is the occasional Porsche owner among the yacht skippers here.
As the title indicates, this is the first edition of "French classics". The next ones will come as I visit this great car collection on Canet at the leisure marina in Roussillon.
See
French classics 3French classics 2Treats before lunch.Do you remember these French?Rather a car collection than a museum.
Renault 4 Fourgonnette ready for use with roof rack and trailer hitch.
I am in France quite a lot, – the French side of Catalonia towards Spain.
I speed around by car or bicycle along the beautiful landscape consisting of orchards, vineyards, forest, beach and mountains, - and all the villages. In the Nordic countries, we have a tradition of building our houses spread out. Here they built densely. In villages, many streets are often completely unsuitable for cars.
I take pictures when I come across something special. Truth be told, exclusive vehicles are closer elsewhere in France than right here. The advantage here, however, is that the cars never rust. This makes it possible to find older cars that have long since disappeared elsewhere.
Here is a photo series of special cars and their beautiful surroundings.
The minis down here have different dashboards. I think they are manufactured on the continent somewhere. Check out the great rims!It's class above Mini's like this.This Euro mini is easy to find in Perpignan's inner city.The dealer should have 3800 Euros for this great Renault 4 with 157 km on the odometer.Also bring this Renault in my neighborhood. Every street corner is beautified by having a Renault 4 parked.Renault Twingo turns 25 this year. Many are still on the road and have covered several hundred thousand km. You actually have to put a lot of money on the table to secure a Twingo 1 in such good condition as this one.I'm guessing that this Peugeot 504 pickup has received a refurbishment at one point or another in its life. The pickups were produced several years after the production of passenger cars was discontinued.A car for presidents. The Citrö C6 is a rare sight in the popular towns here in the South of France.These donnings swept past at high speed with camouflage foil. In the autumn, they appear without disguise as – Mercedes-Benz X-class!Kite surfing on the Costa Brava.Fun camper with Pilote superstructure on Ford Transit from around 1980. Great wheel covers!Motif from St Marti along the Costa Brava, Spain.Mood pictures from the South of France in tropical heat.
