Spotted's Spottings (2024 France holiday #5 06/10/2024)

[mouseflakes]

That early (knackered) Renault Trafic is ace. They're a nice shape.

[Spottedlaurel]

I'm bumping this splendid update. I'm also chuckling at navigating Rouen because even though I know it's a nightmare I repeatedly make the same mistakes!

 

Thanks, at one point the day 2 update did seem to have disappeared completely. We used to have the same problem at Rouen, I'd go there with best intentions but would still end up in a random suburb because I'd missed one crucial junction. It was successfully avoided on the way home too....

 

 

Matra Bagheera: I think it does have all three seats fitted as I can see three headrests?

 

Yes, fitted but not filled

 

Thanks for the other comments. I'm now back home (boo!) and in a state of awe and bewilderment at some of the stuff I've seen this year. However, it was noticeable that, apart from a few wonderful exceptions, there was more to be found further south. Luckily the verdict on this year's destinations seems to be that we will head down that way again.

 

More to come at some point soon.

[Spottedlaurel]

That early (knackered) Renault Trafic is ace. They're a nice shape.

 

Quite Phase 1 Espace-like. I have one or two to come which have been disfigured by motorhome conversions.

 

Have I still not reached week 1's destination yet? Best crack on with day 2, part 2:

 

These were all at a scrapyard south of Saumur:

 

Mercedes LP 'Depannage' Recovery Truck by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Older recovery trucks still widely used, even by new car dealerships.

 

Mercedes 280S by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More Mercedes content.

 

Saviem SG2 Panel Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Here's the Saviem visible behind the Merc.

 

Citroen Dyane, Nissan Terrano D21 and Peugeot 304 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another 304. There will be more.

 

Ford Sierra Laser by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Grey grille! I'm guessing not for the same reason as the AS Sierra Base.

 

Renault 6 (and ?) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This would end up being my best shot of a 6. Rusty shell behind a bit of a mystery - any thoughts?

 

Renault/Saviem SG2/SG3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was across the road, and I presume was connected with the yard. Didn't realise they did the SG as a slightly heavier truck.

 

Simca Aronde by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Moving on from the yard and still heading south, I was pleased to find this. My first ever car photo in France was of an Aronde, back in 1986, and I like the fact that 30 years on I'm still doing the same thing.

 

Citroen 2CV6 Charleston by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ford Escort 1.3 CL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A stop seems much more worthwhile if I can get two or more vehicles out of it.

 

Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Still a few of these around.

 

Honda Accord Coupe 2.0i LS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I like these.

 

Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

My final spot of the journey south, a good way to finish?

 

Next, in and around Charentes-Maritime:

 

Ford Focus ex-Gendarmerie Cars by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A perpetually unfinished house in the village had a load of ex-emergency services/military/municipal vehicles.

 

Renault 4 F6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This F6 was the best of them.

 

Citroen C35RD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These look slightly oddly-proportioned to me.

 

VW Polo Movie by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Hitherto unseen 'special' edition. Could have spent the entire fortnight documenting previously unknown, be-stickered 5s, 205s, Pandas etc.

 

Seat Toledo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A handful of these seen.

 

Renault/Saviem SG2 Recyclage Express by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not immediately obvious, but I think this is just a facelift of the SG2 panel van a few shots up.

 

Bellier VX 550 L Diesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Microcar Spid 30SRX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These were parked on the same street. Same owner perhaps, who's a bit too partial to the local Pineau?

 

Last one for now:

 

Opel Kadett 1900 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Opel Kadett 1900 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This brought to mind cars I've seen in old copies of Chrome & Flames.

[barrett]

Good stuff. Think I've drunk all my Pineau, I must be overdue another trip to France. Could the mystery thing be a Volvo PV? Early ones had split screens, but I've not actually compared one to your shape so I might be well off. Early postwar Taunus or even Opel are others that seem vaguely similar

[Spottedlaurel]

Could the mystery thing be a Volvo PV? Early ones had split screens, but I've not actually compared one to your shape so I might be well off. Early postwar Taunus or even Opel are others that seem vaguely similar

 

Someone suggested the PV on Flickr. I didn't realise early ones had split rear screens, so it's possible. Seems like there are several possibilities. Slightly more of it visible on Streetview, which might help? https://goo.gl/maps/i9tnMX2bx7M2

 

Something of potential interest to you in this next batch:

 

Singer Vogue, Panhard 24C and Fiat 128 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Panhard great to see, but what the flip is a Singer Vogue doing in France? Apparently LHD too.

 

Panhard 24C, Fiat 128, Peugeot 205 and Honda Prelude by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Different view, with more of the 128 visible.

 

Volvo 340 and Peugeot 403 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Buick Eight by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen GSA Cottage by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These were at the same garage as the Singer and Panhard. I'd never heard of a GSA Cottage, looks a nice bit of kit though. Sadly that one has a broken rear screen. Good info about it here, from the website to what looks like an excellent museum: http://www.citromuseum.com/1/visite/visitegs/gsa-cottage-1984-15642-km/ They have an Axel which sounds brilliant: http://www.citromuseum.com/1/visite/visiteautres/axel-entreprise-1986-1936km/

 

Sorry, getting sidetracked there.

 

1991 Renault 4 TL Carte Jeunes by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Never heard of this one before.

 

Citroen Mehari by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Being in coastal/touristy areas I ended up seeing a LOT of these. Regrettably I missed out on an ARO being used for similar beach-visiting purposes.

 

Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

PLS Hockenheim wheels on this one.

 

Range Rover TDi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A smart thing.

 

Renault Rodeo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I missed out on a round headlight version, but Mrs SL got a shot of the later model later on (and the above is her photo too).

 

BMW 7-Series (E23) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Only one of these I saw.

 

Opel Corsa GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Finally for this update, a great garage door. The Corsa was a tidy example, with the bonus of being on black plates, but would be better if it was a Renault 12 or the like parked here - maybe there was something desirable parked-up inside?

[Skizzer]

Cracking stuff.

 

That GSA Cottage (fnarr) is delicious. For some reason I don't recall us getting the estate version of the GSA (as opposed to the GS) in Britain, but I suppose we must have? No idea when I last saw one, anyway.

[wuvvum]

 

 

These were parked on the same street. Same owner perhaps, who's a bit too partial to the local Pineau?

 

Not sure I'd necessarily blame the vin rouge.  Maybe he hit a fieldmouse in the road, or perhaps a small vole.

[wuvvum]

This was across the road, and I presume was connected with the yard. Didn't realise they did the SG as a slightly heavier truck.

Fascinating* Saviem fact - the petrol SG3 used the same 2.6-litre 4-pot as the SG2, but with the governor raised to 3,600 rpm from 3,200 to compensate for the lower-ratio rear axle.

[mercrocker]

 Could the mystery thing be a Volvo PV? Early ones had split screens, but I've not actually compared one to your shape so I might be well off. Early postwar Taunus or even Opel are others that seem vaguely similar

Think you are bang on....PV444.    The 2 door Taunus of similar shape had totally different window apertures.   

[Spottedlaurel]

Cracking stuff.

 

That GSA Cottage (fnarr) is delicious. For some reason I don't recall us getting the estate version of the GSA (as opposed to the GS) in Britain, but I suppose we must have? No idea when I last saw one, anyway.

 

We did get them, apparently right the way through to 1984/85 and in more than one trim level too. Not that Cottage model though, which is a shame.

 

Fascinating* Saviem fact - the petrol SG3 used the same 2.6-litre 4-pot as the SG2, but with the governor raised to 3,600 rpm from 3,200 to compensate for the lower-ratio rear axle.

 

Good info there, I'll regale the family with that next time we see one.

 

 

Think you are bang on....PV444.    The 2 door Taunus of similar shape had totally different window apertures.   

 

Intriguing if it is one of them, must be quite a rarity? They seem to be keeping it safe and out of the main yard.

 

Some more photos while I have a few minutes to spare.....

 

Ford Sierra (and Renault 4 F4) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This looked pretty decent.

 

Garage Marchasseau Citroens by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Garage Marchasseau Citroen CX and DS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Quite by chance, we stumbled across this Citroen specialist out in the countryside. Some nice stuff, I was particularly taken with the green CX. I did take quite a few more photos but haven't yet uploaded them, in the meantime more about them here: http://www.garage-marchesseau.fr/historique.php

 

Citroen 2CV Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Do not paint.

 

Honda CR-X by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Very nice.

 

Peugeot 305 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sadly no pre-facelift 305s seen this year.

 

Triumph TR3 and Citroen Mehari 'a vendre' by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Wouldn't surprise me if the Mehari was worth more than the TR.

 

Mercedes 280CE W123 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ubiquitous W123, although no saloons photographed this year.

 

Mercedes 608D Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Odd.

 

Ford Scorpio by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Non-rusty arches!

 

Mini Moke by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Like the Meharis, probably worth quite a bit.

 

Citroen LNA 11 RE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen LNA 11 RE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

The beige matches this place rather well.

 

Renault Estafette by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A better Estafette to come.

 

Renault Espace former ambulance by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Presumably now a rather capacious estate/people carrier?

 

Renault Trafic Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Trafic Pilote Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Which would you prefer?

 

Renault Juvaquatre by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Saw a couple of these painted-up for promo purposes last year too.

 

Citroen Ami 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Ami 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Rear seat aside, this looked pretty good.

 

Triumph Herald 13/60 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Wonder if this was sold new in France?

 

Ford Transit LWB Mk2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sorry another one. Still more to come.

 

Lancia Y10 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 18 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

As a tempter for the next update, these were round the back of a car body repair place that had some great stuff sitting around.

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

 

Buick Eight by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

 

 

This looks to be a Buick Super Eight  with the straight eight engine - I'd say it is a 1946? The model was produced from 1942-48. The following model has a different body style which lacks the distinctive chrome latch on the side of the bonnet.  It is the little brother to the Roadmaster, which looks very similar but has a larger body (the Roadmaster is Cadillac sized) - and a 5.1 litre version of the straight eight engine.

 

My grandfather bought  a Roadmaster new in 1948, in factory right hand drive. It replaced a Cadillac which he owned before the war - he always liked American cars. He had originally wanted to buy another Cadillac and I believe he had ordered one just before the war started but the order was cancelled due to the start of the war and at its end, he was not able to get the foreign currency together until 1948. With demand for new cars exceeding supply over in the 'States, he was unable to get a Cadillac, so bought a Buick Roadmaster instead.

 

He loved the Roadmaster and kept it for many years - particularly its silence in operation - you could not hear the engine running, and the way it drove. When he picked up the Roadmaster from the port his new turquoise and cream road galleon proved such an arresting sight that a police motorcyclist followed him for miles down the road, before finally pulling him over just so he could see the car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Spottedlaurel]

 

This looks to be a Buick Super Eight  with the straight eight engine - I'd say it is a 1946? The model was produced from 1942-48. The following model has a different body style which lacks the distinctive chrome latch on the side of the bonnet.  It is the little brother to the Roadmaster, which looks very similar but has a larger body (the Roadmaster is Cadillac sized) - and a 5.1 litre version of the straight eight engine........................

 

Interesting story. I didn't think the Buick would be that early - if it helps to confirm its ID, here's another shot:

 

Buick Eight by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

[wuvvum]

I would imagine a turquoise and cream Roadmaster would indeed turn a few heads at a time when most new cars were battleship grey Ford Populars...

[worldofceri]

Your Grandfather had a straight-eight Buick?  HERO.

 

My Grandads had a Toyota Starlet and a bicycle.  (Still heroes though.)

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

Interesting story. I didn't think the Buick would be that early - if it helps to confirm its ID, here's another shot:

 

 

Buick Eight by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

 

That's the full size Roadmaster - the one my grandfather had. (I thought it looked a bit too small to be a Roadmaster in the first photo - it must have been the angle disguising the length of the bonnet!) They were a tremendously modern and capable car, so well named - they really were a master of the road! The later Roadmaster series when the name was 'relaunched' by GM in the 1990s was a very pale shadow of them; the original Roadmaster was a proper luxury car.They were the first car to have an automatic transmission with a torque converter - and many had electric windows and power seats. The convertible version had a power hood. Amazing stuff  in the 1940s.

 

Here is the power top in action - in a car from 1948!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbT7Fw6dR8w

 

A 1946 model on the road - with lots of accessories:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-vKLpNdImc

[Angrydicky]

Bloody hell, some seriously good stuff here. Top spottage sir.

[mercrocker]

Yep, absolutely agree....Pedantry forces me to add that the TR3 is actually a 3A and I don't know about the comparative values but they appear to be a perfect pair to enjoy those surroundings.

[Spottedlaurel]

Yep, absolutely agree....Pedantry forces me to add that the TR3 is actually a 3A and I don't know about the comparative values but they appear to be a perfect pair to enjoy those surroundings.

 

 

That's the full size Roadmaster - the one my grandfather had. (I thought it looked a bit too small to be a Roadmaster in the first photo - it must have been the angle disguising the length of the bonnet!)

 

Thanks for the ID. Must have been an amazing thing to waft around in back in the '40s (and now).

 

 

Bloody hell, some seriously good stuff here. Top spottage sir.

 

Cheers, I'm still not halfway through yet so you might need to reserve your judgement.

 

 

Yep, absolutely agree....Pedantry forces me to add that the TR3 is actually a 3A and I don't know about the comparative values but they appear to be a perfect pair to enjoy those surroundings.

 

Informed pedantry welcome.

 

More from that yard with the 18......

 

Renault 18 Estate and others by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Dauphine and 12 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Dauphine by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 12 TS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Talbot Matra Rancho by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

And these elsewhere at the same place......

 

Peugeot 203 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 505 GTI by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 5 Alpine Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

An 8 seemed like a good find, but there was the bonus of AS-worthy activity going on in the background - with some difficulty, an accident-damaged Rover 418 was being loaded onto a trailer behind a Renault Safrane.

 

Opel Corsa 1.2 S by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ford Fiesta C by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Fiat Uno by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 205 SRD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

'80s supermini selection.

 

Rover 111 SL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

And one from the '90s.

 

Citroen BX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen BX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

BX expertise required please - what model is this? Can't recall seeing one with open steels before (as a Phase 2 at least).

 

Mercedes CE W124 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Good wheel choice.

 

Peugeot 205 Green by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Bad wheel choice.

 

Classics/Youngtimers at Stand Auto 17 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Found this place by chance when I nipped out for a bit of shopping. Some good stuff here, to follow another day.

[Jifflemon]

5 Alpine turbo and renault 8? Oh my word, it's good job I'm not there..... They both look in daily use?

[Skizzer]

BX is a base model for maximum shite spottage points!  We didn't get them in the UK; the lowliest they imported was the 14E Leader.  I think it might even have had the 1100 engine.

[Spottedlaurel]

 

5 Alpine turbo and renault 8? Oh my word, it's good job I'm not there..... They both look in daily use?

 

Out the front in the general parking area, so they could well have been. I have another 5 Alpine Turbo still to come.

 

 

BX is a base model for maximum shite spottage points!  We didn't get them in the UK; the lowliest they imported was the 14E Leader.  I think it might even have had the 1100 engine.

 

Certainly not one I can recall seeing before. I’ve read about the 1.1 model, not sure if France got it (Wiki says Italy, Greece and Portugal), sounds dreadful. Another BX oddity to follow shortly.

 

I’ve now uploaded some more onto Flickr, enough to justify another update (although I’m still some way off being finished). To start off with, a couple that conclude our week 1 stay:

 

Peugeot J9 Horsebox by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Toyota Land Cruiser J40 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

And now for the cross-country journey from Charentes-Maritime to the Dordogne. Even allowing for country roads, we (well, I) turned what should have been a 3.5hr trip into an all-day adventure with lots of stops for photos.

 

Ford Sierra 1.6 L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

First find of the day.

 

Honda Accord Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I liked the overall look of this. Believe me, it’s a lot better than another modified Honda I managed to get photos of….

 

Fiat Tipo 1.4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Visa 17 RD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Roadside stuff.

 

Peugeot 404 Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Visa and Mini Mayfair by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Toyota Land Cruiser J70 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Mazda 626 GLX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

All these at the back of a rural Peugeot garage (in a rather scenic village). There was more, but I’d already strayed somewhat beynd the ‘public’ areas.

 

Citroen LN/LNA by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Range Rover x2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These were at some tyre place. The Citroen is the only early version of LN/LNA that I’ve seen in recent years.

 

Talbot 1100 Van/Pickup and Peugeot 404 Convertible by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Talbot 1100 Van/Pickup and Peugeot 404 Convertible by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 5 Baccara by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Simca Aronde by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 403 Pickup and Matra Murena by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 203 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another garage (more of a body repair/paint place I think). Some content of interest to Barrett.

 

Peugeot 204 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Simca 1100 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Nice duo parked in the reception of another tyre depot (closed, hence my less-than-great shots through the glass).

 

Citroen CX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Visa II Club by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Visa II Club by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1990 Renault 5 GTR Saga by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 21 and Citroen BX Image by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These at yet another garage out in the sticks. The 5 was up for 1500 Euros, about three times what we’d expect here? Note GS in the background, and there was also something else rather interesting here which I’m leaving for now.

 

VW Golf C by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This one more appropriate to RR? I find the camber on the front wheel slightly troublesome.

 

Much to the relief of my family, we’d finally reached our place for week 2. Dordogne delights to follow soon.

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

I am pleased to see there is still a good quantity of interesting older cars sitting about in France.

[Jifflemon]

Don't the french have some interesting rule about cars only needing an MOT/Inspection when you sell them?

[mouseflakes]

and there was also something else rather interesting here which I’m leaving for now.

Ooh, you are awful...

 

 

..but I like you.

[mercrocker]

Next instalment eagerly awaited.....And people say there's nothing out there any more!

[Spottedlaurel]

I am pleased to see there is still a good quantity of interesting older cars sitting about in France.

 

 

I am pleased to see there is still a good quantity of interesting older cars sitting about in France.

 

There certainly is, and I found even more so the further south I went.

 

 

Don't the french have some interesting rule about cars only needing an MOT/Inspection when you sell them?

 

Hmmm, not sure on that one. Maybe if they’re in some historic  tax class? There are certainly plenty of testing stations around, which appear to run as businesses separate to garages.

 

 

Ooh, you are awful...

 

I think it'll be worth the wait....

 

 

Next instalment eagerly awaited.....And people say there's nothing out there any more!

 

Oh, there certainly is plenty around. Remember I was with the family doing the tourist thing – a concerted effort would see an incredible haul.

 

Renault 5 in scrapyard by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

French Scrapyard Miscellany by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This scrapyard is in a rather attractive spot - running this place seems like a pretty good life to me. The 5 appears to have sat there untouched for several years now (it’s clearly visible on Streetview), and in the bottom photo there’s a Manta A parked near the H-Van in the corner.

 

Fiat Fiorino by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sadly none of the 127-esque versions to be seen.

 

Mazda 323 Saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I usually see one of this generation 323 per French holiday. Shame Hirst isn't here to appreciate this one.

 

Peugeot J5 Diesel High-Roof Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Quality headlight repair.

 

Peugeot J7 Diesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Cute.

 

Citroen ? by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I know this is a Citroen, but any thoughts as to what model? Possibly some sort of Type B?

 

Renault Espace 2000 GTS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Espace 2000 GTS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Very pleased with this one, what a colour scheme!

 

Ford Transit Mk2 Gruau Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

What, another Mk2?

 

Citroen BX 15 TGE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Here’s my other BX oddity. Never heard of a 15 before, but apparently it’s the 1.6 in a lower state of tune (single choke carb).

 

Audi Coupe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A few 80s seen, but I think this was the only coupe of that generation 80/90 I saw.

 

Ford Mondeo Mk2 'Monster Truck'; by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Lord of Action Monster Trucks by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ah yes, a Mk2 Mondeo – the classic basis for a Monster Truck and Lightning McQueen replica. I was mildly disappointed they hadn’t used a Laguna.

 

Peugeot 504 Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I know there’s already been one of these, but you’ll have to put up with more.

 

BMW 325iX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

First time I think I’ve seen one of these 4wd versions.

 

Chrysler New Yorker by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1967 Buick Skylark Hardtop by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1967-73 Plymouth Valiant Signet by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Bit odd this place, like I’d suddenly ended up in Arizona. Junkman may well correct me on the names/years….

 

Renault 4 TL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More beige.

 

Lada Niva Diesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Still a few of these around.

 

Opel Kadett Exclusive 1.7D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Trigger, look away now.

 

More to come, soon.

[vulgalour]

Excellent content, as always.

[andrew e]

Great stuff! What's the white back half of a yank behind the New Yorker?

[Spottedlaurel]

Excellent content, as always.

 

 

Excellent content, as always.

Thanks. I'm merely recording it though, it's the citizens of France who keep these things going/leave them to fester away instead of scrapping them who deserve the credit though.

 

 

Great stuff! What's the white back half of a yank behind the New Yorker?

Not sure. Bit of an attempt to do a Cadillac Ranch on the cheap?.......

 

Getting towards the end of week two now. I ought to offer some sort of warning about this first one:

 

Honda Prelude Mk2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Honda Prelude Mk2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Until you look at one of the standard models - a car I happen to find particularly attractive - it's difficult to 'appreciate' quite how much this has been disfigured.

 

Nissan Sunny GTi (N13) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Luckily the same fate hadn't befallen this rare GTi (A.K.A. ZX) at the same place.

 

Peugeot 504 Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Very pleasing to see how many of these were still around.

 

Peugeot 203 (and VW Beetle) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Being curious about an abandoned-looking building, I couldn't resist peeping in through a broken window to find these.

 

Bentley Mulsanne by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not being used to carry dogs to visit places with dubious-sounding names. This and a few of the following were found in a hilltop town with an inordinately high amount of old things for me to photograph.

 

Seat Ibiza Plein Sud by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sadly didn't manage to capture any pre-facelift models this year.

 

Renault 5 Alpine Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 5 Alpine Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Don't these look great?

 

Peugeot 505 GTI by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

As GTI's go, I know these aren't the fastest but this one was still a bit of a Q-car.

 

Renault 21 Manager Hatchback by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Quite a few odd-panel cars around. At least it shows people want to keep things going.

 

Mercedes 300TD W123 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Try and show me a Mercedes in the current range that looks as classy and elegant as this.

 

Lada Niva by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Croozin.

 

Honda Prelude by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I know it's a next-gen model, but perhaps this will partly make up for that other Prelude.

 

Ford Scorpio by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Second hatchback I'd got, but I can't recall seeing many/any later saloon/estate models.

 

Peugeot 104 ZA by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 104 ZA by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Charming little thing, this the first 104 I'd seen on the road.

 

Mercedes 250SL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

The driver and passenger looked appropriately glamorous.

 

Citroen C35 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This slightly lower on the glamour scale.

 

Ford Mustang Convertible by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This would have been a nice way of cruising around the Dordogne.

 

BMW 324d E30 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Optimistically wide wheel/tyre combo on this diesel E30.

 

Renault Estafette by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Estafette by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Way more interesting than a VW.

 

Renault Elf 1er Le Mans 78 sticker by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Saw one of these Alpine racing cars in the museum at Le Mans.

 

GME Rascal by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Never heard of this GME branding before.

 

More to come in a few days.

[Spottedlaurel]

Bored with this yet? Tough.

 

Citroen DS23 Pallas by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Great to see amongst the everyday dross.

 

Renault 5 Express by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Don't think we got this pickup version in the UK did we? Can't remember seeing many in France for that matter.

 

Volvo 740S Turbodiesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Volvo 740 GL Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

One car I do see more of at home than in France.

 

By this point I was on the way home. As that was again mostly non-autoroute and we spread the journey over a couple of days still plenty more to be seen......

 

Citroen Ami 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 305 GR by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Both these in the same small town which turned out to be a bit of a treasure trove. That 305 was the only saloon I saw. No vans this year, and no Phase 1 models at all.

 

Alfa Romeo 33 Trofeo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peeling.

 

Renault 11 TXE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This looked great.

 

UMM Alter by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Can't remember seeing any of these before, they do seem to use quite a variety of vehicles though.

 

Renault 18 GTL and 11 GTX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Goelette by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Simca Aronde Intendante by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These all at the same Renault garage (that had a 4CV in the reception foyer).

 

Citroen Ami 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Blimey, another Ami. Quite a year for them.

 

Ford Escort Cabriolet by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1980 Renault 5 GTL and 2x Ford Fiesta Mk1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These at a used car sales place. The 5 is an auto and is on their website, up for 1500 euros which seems a pretty good price for something with just 80,000kms on the clock. There were several other 5s lurking behind the Fiestas, and last year I saw an XR3i here.

 

Renault Rodeo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

R14 headlights! Almost colour-coded grille and Alpine Turbo wheels make this look a bit sharper than the last late-model Rodeo I saw.

 

Alfa Romeo 155 2.5 TD and Citroen BX 19 TRD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Which one is the least curvaceous?

 

Renault 25 Turbo D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not quite sure what was going on with the paintwork here.

 

Nissan 200SX (S13) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another one rarer in France.

 

More to come another day.