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

[Spottedlaurel]

So, where was I? Does anybody care? I'm going to persevere anyway.....

 

Continuing the journey northwards back to Dieppe:

 

Renault 9 Phase 2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Saw a few 11s, but this was the only 9 seen in more than two weeks.

 

Renault Dauphine by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was in the workshop of a modern Renault dealership.

 

Honda Prelude 4WS 2.0i-16 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Second Prelude of this generation. Sadly no Mk1s to be seen this year.

 

Mercedes MB100D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not too many of these seen as working vehicles nowadays.

 

Renault 11 Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sporty #1.

 

Opel Vectra 2000 16v by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sporty #2.

 

Peugeot 605 and Kawasaki H1 500 Mach III by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I know squit-all about bikes, but this one looked quite interesting. Good article about it by Jalopy-journo Rod Ker here: http://www.classicbikes.co.uk/machine3.html I'm now disappointed I didn't see and hear it in motion. Bonus 605, the only one I bothered getting a photo of during this year's trip.

 

Fiat 126 Black by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

It seems some of these 'colour' editions were sold in the UK, I don't immediately remember them however.

 

Panhard 24CT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Panhard 24CT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another one for Barrett. I can't help but think it should be in a metallic colour rather than this slightly-too-bright red, but I'm being a pit picky there - it was great to see on the road.

 

Renault 25 TS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not too many Phase 1 models seen.

 

Peugeot 4x4 Dangel Le Voyageur Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I bet this was an expensive thing when new.

 

Peugeot 205F by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I'm hoping that someone can explain these to me one day, and why there are far fewer of them around than the Renault or Citroen equivalents. Thinking of the latter, it would appear that the 205F uses the C15's rear doors (as this one had Citroen badges on them).

 

Citroen Acadiane by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Very smart.

 

Honda Accord Aerodeck 2.2i by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I'd happily be whoever owns this, driving around rural France in such a fine car.

 

Talbot Samba by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sambas seem pretty rare compared to 104 and LNA, this only the second one I've seen since 2010.

 

Garage Assortment by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 19 16v by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Talbot Horizon 1.5 GLS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More Talbot content and others at an excellent rural garage near Dieppe. Aerial maps show it to have a yard out the back with maybe a hundred or so vehicles rotting away.

 

Renault 11 Spring 1.2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I wonder how long it took them to design the 9/11 facelift?

 

Lada 112 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

BMW 5-Series E34 and Renault 21 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Good to know Dieppe still has a Lada garage. There’s another 11? Just visible in the showroom.

 

1995 Citroen AX 14 Forte by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Finally at the ferry terminal, this AX seems to have been abandoned there.

 

Iveco Daily 35-10 4x4 Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

And this hardcore beast was making its way to the UK.

 

M/V Seven Sisters, Dieppe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Quai de la Marne, Dieppe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was the scene as we wistfully looked back to France from the ferry. Regrettably it contained nothing as interesting as in this old postcard:

 

Quai de la Marne, Dieppe old postcard early 1970s? by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

That’s the end of my holiday proper, but I’ve only just uploaded a few favourites from this year which will follow soon.

[mercrocker]

Enjoyed this thread immensely, thank you!   Note to self - must try harder and upgrade from 35mm Olympus Trip.....

[cort1977]

Those Panhards share the same ability of the SM and DS to look futuristic even though they are 40 years old.   Agree about the colour but I wouldn't kick it out for eating crisps.

[panhard65]

The Extra pick up is a rare thing even in France they were made by Teilhol for Renault. There is at least one in the UK (or at least there was) as I imported it. The rear floor was rotten  but I had a van floor ready to go in but had to sell it when I moved house 5 years ago. It has been on ebay a couple of times since but I missed it each time as I would love another.

 

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

This is a consistently superb spotting thread.

[seth]

Yow! Panhard spotted in the wild!  I'd be well chuffed with that. 

[wuvvum]

Yep, me too.  Even having lived in France for 4 years I don't think I ever saw a 24CT on the road - although I did see an early Dyna in the Auvergne once.

[Spottedlaurel]

Thanks all!

 

The Panhard was seen on a Sunday morning, so probably not daily transport but rather something out for a jaunt or in its way to a show. Imagine the days when stuff like that was in everyday use.....

 

Great info about the Extra pickup, just the sort of useful thing I hope to learn from posting these photos. I associate Teilhol with Citroen, from their Tangara kit and C15 conversion:

 

1991 Citroen C15D Teilhol Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

On the subject of which, does anyone recognise this oddity?

 

1996 Citroen C15D Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I don't think I've seen a C15 pickup in France yet.

 

As a conclusion to this year's French holiday, here are my favourite finds:

 

Peugeot 604 GRD Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 604 GRD Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Only way of topping a 604 might be to find a Tagora?

 

Renault 18 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 18 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Naff wheeltrims aside, this looked particularly appealing. Saw a few 18s, but this was the only pre-facelift.

 

Renault 7 Siete TL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 7 Siete TL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A Renault I'd never expected to see. I presume an import from Spain.

 

Citroen Axel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Axel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These are slightly miserable-looking aren't they? Have any ended up in the UK?

 

Peugeot 204 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 204 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 204 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sat in the same place since at least 2010, according to Streetview.

 

Simca 1308 GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Simca 1308 GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Wowee! Looks almost concept-car like in this colour on the alloys (themselves quite unusual?). Managed to briefly say how great I thought this was before the owner nipped off. His passenger looks proud.

 

Renault 30 TX Automatic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 30 TX Automatic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

A roadworthy 604 and a 30 in the same year?!

 

Lancia Beta 2000 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Lancia Beta 2000 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Making a bit of a change from all the French stuff, how about this late Beta? Seems a shame for it be sat here.

 

Renault 14 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 14 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

First roadworthy 14 I've seen since 2010. Just a chance find in a small but quietly interesting little town.

 

La fin.

[Eddie Honda]

On the subject of which, does anyone recognise this oddity?

 

1996 Citroen C15D Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Nope, but it's not unique, it's possibly importer or third-party cobbled together for a stealer. Where did they latterly build these things? Portugal or Spain?

 

http://visaforum.freeforums.org/berlingo-4x4-t146.html#p774

 

[vulgalour]

Renault 25 Turbo D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

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

That's easy to answer, it's had every single removable panel replaced with those from a silver car. It's exactly what Chompy is doing with his Picasso.

 

That Alpine is particularly lovely, the wheels really suit it. No idea what they're from, they have a hint of Maserati Biturbo about them, but they're not those.

[doubleyeller]

Thanks, really enjoyed those - I wish I could find Renault 30s and 14s on my visits to France! When I went to Limoges last year, I saw a fair number of Renault 9 & 11s, also a smaller number of R25s. Even a 104, and a Talbot Horizon for good measure - nothing nearly so good as these though!

[Spottedlaurel]

Thanks, really enjoyed those - I wish I could find Renault 30s and 14s on my visits to France! When I went to Limoges last year, I saw a fair number of Renault 9 & 11s, also a smaller number of R25s. Even a 104, and a Talbot Horizon for good measure - nothing nearly so good as these though!

 

104 and especially Horizon are both good finds. Even 9 and 11 are thinning out nowadays.

 

This year's French holiday is fully booked, with plenty of time built-in for meandering through small towns and villages. In the meantime, back home......

 

1976 Citroen Ami 8 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Bizarrely, one of the first interesting things seen back home was this import.

 

1974 Datsun 1200 2dr (B110) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Yay, just like mine (but probably running OK and less rusty). This one also an import, I think from Portugal. They did have it for sale recently, but it obviously didn't find a new owner.

 

1990 Ford P100 2.0 Petrol by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Smart.

 

1979 Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia and 1972 Bessacarr Caravan by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1979 Ford Cortina 2.0 Ghia and 1972 Bessacarr Caravan by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I know I did post this in the Grin thread, but it's worth seeing again I think. What a combo! The chap was living a life most of us would dream of, just pottering around on a short trip away and picking up/delivering various car and motorbike bits.

 

1993 Peugeot 309 GTi Goodwood by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Hopefully not suffering an FTP.

 

1996 Daihatsu Midget by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Comic.

 

1995 Rover Montego 2.0i Countryman by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1995 Rover Montego 2.0i Countryman by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Difficult to know if this has a long-term owner or whether it's now with an enthusiast. Did see it a few years ago, and it's in a local car park where there is always something of interest.

 

1985 Ford Transit Dormobile by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Originally a minibus, but latterly some form of food van or camper? Pretty grim, whatever.

 

1994 Volvo 480 GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Have previously seen this on aftermarket alloys (Borbets?) and looking dirty, but now on the original rims and very clean.

 

1984 Opel Manta 1.8S Berlinetta by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I still regret not buying a Manta like this in the early '90s, to replace my 'A'.

 

1988 Ford Sierra 2.0 GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Oh dear.

 

1978 Peugeot 604 SL Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1978 Peugeot 604 SL Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

The stunner that Felly and I saw at the local toyfair. Another example of something I'd been very keen to see in France, then stumble across one just 20-30 miles from home.

 

1993 Hyundai X2 Pony LS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Low mileage and local from new.

 

Renault Espace Phase 1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Seamless repair job.

 

1983 Ford Granada Coleman Milne Dorchester VI 2.8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1982 Ford Granada Coleman Milne Dorchester 2.8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Dorchesters for all occasions.

 

1985 Nissan Laurel 2.4 (C31) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Living up to my name here.

 

1976 Triumph Dolomite 1850 HL Auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This one up Wuvvum's direction.

 

1989 Toyota Townace Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1994 Bentley Brooklands by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1977 SAAB 96 L V4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1950s/60s Dodge Town Wagon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1996 Nissan Pulsar SR-V (N15) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1989 Dodge Xplorer Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1987 Range Rover 3.5 EFi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These are the highlights from a break up in the Whitby/Scarborough area. It was notable that there was far less older stuff in day-to-day use. The Bentley was somewhat incongruously parked in the middle of a load of modern Ford RS models having a 'meat' at Whitby Abbey.

 

The conclusion of my 2016 to follow.

[MarinaJosh]

The 604 is a regular at local shows. If I recall correctly the old boy has had it from new.

[danthecapriman]

Great spots, the Cortina and caravan combo is just superb though.

The Range Rover looks rather crispy!

[EssDeeWon]

Great spots!!

 

That Rangie, someone please put the poor thing out of its misery!

[Sir Snipes]

Wow some great spots there. I like the N15 Pulsar. Presumably (actual) JDM and with the screaming SR16VE motor? Manta looks like it has an Owners Club tax disc holder in the window. 

[Spottedlaurel]

Looks like I've been a bit neglectful of this thread in 2017. Still seeing a fair amount of stuff, will try and update with the everyday stuff at some point. In the meantime, I have this year's French holiday to deal with. Here follows a heavily edited selection of what I currently have on Flickr (approaching 500 from this trip, with a few dribs and drabs to come).

 

Stage 1: Home > Newhaven/Dieppe > Blois

 

1977 Citroen Dyane 6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This seemed an appropriate thing to see on the way down to the ferry.

 

1949 Austin 16 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was amongst a group of old cars who looked like they were on an organised run to France. The two old boys driving it looked exactly like you'd imagine. Also saw a Delta Integrale, Alfa GTV6, MGB and others.

 

Got the overnight ferry crossing. Works well for us, giving a stress-free drive down in the evening and then we get an early start on quiet roads in France, but without being on the boat for too long. As soon as we left Dieppe I headed down through Normandy on the smaller D-roads, I really like the scenery and buildings in that area and I don't think we used the autoroute at all on the first day. If I had done, I wouldn't have seen this sort of stuff.......

 

Mitsubishi Galant GLS TD Hatchback by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

First spot on French soil. Can't recall seeing one there before, and it remained the only one for the rest of the holiday.

 

BMW 6-Series by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Looks alright from here.

 

Rover 100 Chelsea by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not many of these to be seen this year.

 

Chatelaine Microcar by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

2017 seemed to be a vintage year for these little sans permis things. Ended up seeing quite a few.

 

Renault 5 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Looks pretty low-spec. 5s somewhat elusive this year.

 

Citroen 2CV6 'France 3' and C6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Opposing levels of complexity.

 

Peugeot 205 1.9 GTi by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Absolutely loads of 205s still in use, but very few GTi models.

 

Bedford CF2 and Fiat Tipo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Opel Calibra by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 4 and VW Golf Mk1 Cabriolet by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These all at a rural garage. Not quite sure what was going on with the 4, but the bow above the windscreen makes me think it was used for a wedding?.....

 

BMW 320i (E30) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Uncompromisingly yellow headlights.

 

Mercedes 190E by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 5 Saga by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

The supermarket in the background yielded more black plate finds.

 

Peugeot 605 and Folding Caravan by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

The answer to all questions about campers and caravans?

 

1963-66 Simca 1500 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1963-66 Simca 1500 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Blimey! This was in the yard of a small Peugeot dealership.

 

Renault 21 GTD Saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Faded grandeur.

 

Citroen Visa Leader D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 21 Phase 2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 25s x2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These were at the same place, there could well have been more but I didn't feel it was somewhere I should hang around for too long.

 

Renault 11 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

11s more common than 9s.

 

Smalltown France by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Why I try and avoid the autoroutes. Following an oldish Renault/Saviem SG when a Celica pulls up at the junction.

 

Renault 4 GTL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Brochure pose.

 

That got us far as Blois, via the big Chateau at Chambord. Doubtless we could have got down to our final destination in a single day, but I love these cross-country dawdles and overnight stays in places we might otherwise never visit. This year's was memorable, staying in a 12th century prison tower. Good view:

 

Bird's Eye View by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ooh, what's the white thing?

 

VW Polo College by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another special edition which I'd never heard of before.

 

Volvo 345 GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Volvo 345 GL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was a very pleasing find at the end of the first day.

 

More to follow, at some point soon(ish).

[Spottedlaurel]

Second attempt at an update, after I foolishly closed-down the page first-time round.....

 

Blois > Dordogne/Lot Valley

 

A fair chunk of this journey was planned using the autoroute, but I made the most of the proper roads we did go on.....

 

Renault 4 F6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Volvo 340 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

JDM X5 Microcar by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Early AM finds in Blois.

 

Renault Espace Phase 1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Only Phase 1 I can recall seeing this year.

 

Renault Trafic T800 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Typical Rural French scene.

 

Renault 11s x2 (and 19) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Goelette by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Simca 1500 and 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 8 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 403 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1980s/90s Renault Line-Up by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

All these at a garage where the owner kindly let me wander around and take photos. Visible in the last photo, my family patiently wait in the Avensis outside the entrance to the local household waste dump/recycling place.

 

Opel Corsa Saloon on Volvo Depannage Truck by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Nice period combo (though a shame to see that the Corsa had suffered damage).

 

Renault Goelette by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sovam 1300 GS by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Matra 530 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Group of classics out on a sunny Saturday morning.

 

Honda Civic Hondamatic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault Rodeo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

The town where I found the Renault 14 and an Ami last year was very unproductive this year, but at least a garage there had these.

 

Citroen Visa 17 RD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I think that's it for the journey down. Better hit 'post' before I lose it again.....

[Spottedlaurel]

I should have added these brown beauties to the above selection:

 

Simca 1307 S by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Simca 1307 S by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ford Taunus V6 GXL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

First week, in around the Dordogne/Lot Valley.....

 

Peugeot 504 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Saw this several times, it appeared to be in regular use.

 

Mazda RX-7 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Field of Dreams 2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Field of Dreams 1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Field of Dreams 4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

All these at the same place. Streetview shows that they've only been gathering over the last few years, so someone appears to be actively collecting them.

 

Citroen Ami 8 Break by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Mercedes W114/W115 x3 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Renault 9 Automatic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1960 Lancia Flaminia Berlina by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1960 Lancia Flaminia Berlina by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

There was a couple of excellent garages near to where we were staying, these shots are from the first one. I had to investigate further when I saw the Flaminia (complete with its four rear wipers).

 

Renault 4 and Citroen 2CV Van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 505 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These were at the other one. That chap said "Non" when I asked if I could wander around and take photos, but these were from the road (still have more to come from this place, there was another Simca 1307/08).

 

French Village Garage by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Imagine the issues this garage has dealt with over the years. They could probably solve the problems on three quarters of the collective AS fleet (if they were open).

 

Renault Express and Peugeot 204 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 204 and Renault Express by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

No great pressure to redevelop old garage sites, unlike at home.

 

Citroen DS 21 Pallas by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Dutch Francophiles.

 

Ford Sierra Mk1 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Only Mk1 Sierra this year. Not too many Mk2s for that matter.

 

Citroen H-Van Horsebox by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Chevaux carrying days long since passed.

 

Rover 820 Si by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Still a reasonable number of '90s Rovers around, but not many 800s.

 

Citroen Oxygene 600 Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen Oxygene 600 Motorhome by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Always a load of old/unusual camper vans and motorhomes to be seen. Shades of 1980s Group C styling on this one.

 

Renault 6 TL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Good to see a roadworthy 6.

 

Peugeot 404 Pickup by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Followed this for a few km's, had to stop for a photo when it pulled into a supermarket.

 

More to follow, at some point.

[Skizzer]

Fab spots as always. I feel a springtime mosey through rural France coming on, haven’t done that for a few years and you’ve inspired me.

 

That Citroen Oxygene scores double points for having Chrysler Alpine/Simca 1307 tail lights!

[quicksilver]

Excellent stuff and plenty of variety. I see you've finally found a Renault 6 too!

[RoadworkUK]

Just brilliant.

[D Spares & Tyres]

Great spots, thanks for sharing them ☺

[mercrocker]

A big ooof "oeuf?" on that Flaminia.....

[Jon]

Great to see some updates here, I've only just caught up on September's post, since I was away at the time on my own spotting mission, which I'm still updating on. Personal favourites are the 205 GTI (simply because it represents a tidy version of ours) and the Volvo 345, on misleadingly modern trims. I was going to comment on the outdated Simca tail lights on that futuristic(ish) camper but Skizzer beat me to it!

 

 

Incidentally, on a very different tangent, did you see this clip I uploaded a link to a while back? 

 

https://twitter.com/BBCArchive/status/920256843607429120

 

To say that a news clip had been tailored to your tastes is playing it down a bit....

[wuvvum]

Hey, that Renault 6 has lost half of its number plate light cover same as mine - must be a "thing" with them.  They don't seem to be very well fixed on by design - one rather flimsy screw which, in true French fashion, is almost impossible to get into place.

 

 

Do I see an '80s Renault bus peeking into the photo of the abandoned white Trafic?

[Spottedlaurel]

Great to see some updates here, I've only just caught up on September's post, since I was away at the time on my only spotting mission, which I'm still updating on. Personal favourites are the 205 GTI (simply because it represents a tidy version of ours) and the Volvo 345, on misleadingly modern trims. I was going to comment on the outdated Simca tail lights on that futuristic(ish) camper but Skizzer beat me to it!

 

 

Incidentally, on a very different tangent, did you see this clip I uploaded a link to a while back? 

 

https://twitter.com/BBCArchive/status/920256843607429120

 

To say that a news clip had been tailored to your tastes is playing it down a bit....

 

Thanks all.

 

Fab spots as always. I feel a springtime mosey through rural France coming on, haven’t done that for a few years and you’ve inspired me.

 

That Citroen Oxygene scores double points for having Chrysler Alpine/Simca 1307 tail lights!

 

A spring break there sounds fantastic. I'd be just as happy getting a ferry to Dieppe and staying within an hour so of the coast for a few days, even then there'd be plenty of stuff to see (and attractive, quiet countryside too).

 

The rear lights definitely made that camper worthy of posting front and rear shots.

 

Incidentally, on a very different tangent, did you see this clip I uploaded a link to a while back? 

 

https://twitter.com/BBCArchive/status/920256843607429120

 

To say that a news clip had been tailored to your tastes is playing it down a bit....

 

No, I've been a bit busy so haven't spent much time on here - that clip is awesome! Lots of 1200s like mine, and a smattering of the early models too which are nowadays ultra-rare here. I do need to catch up with your thread, fingers crossed an upgraded broadband connection will permit that soon.

 

Do I see an '80s Renault bus peeking into the photo of the abandoned white Trafic?

 

Berliet Bus (Tours TRT) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Vintage unknown, but it's certainly a bus. It got some French bus enthusiasts moderately excited.

 

Some more from the first week away......

 

Mazda 323 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Like Hirst, but mouldier.

 

Peugeot 304 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Hans G. Lehmann spy shot. Saw one of these on a trailer on the last day of the holiday.

 

Kia Clarus GLX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Not a model I can recall seeing before.

 

Everyday French Line-up by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

What the title says. Not too many BXs this year though.

 

Nissan Trade 2.0 Camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Angular #1. Nissan UK gave up selling the Trade fairly quickly, we didn't get this version (they're all based on a rather dated 1970s Spanish design and the differences are probably negligible).

 

Citroen C35RD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Angular #2. These seem to be fairly rare.

 

Volvo 340 L by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Blimey, another 300-series. Daughter SL got this shot for me. Don't think we got an 'L'?

 

Citroen CX Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Saw a few estates this year, but saloon versions hard to find.

 

Ford Mondeo TD GLX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Full complement of trims on this one.

 

Volvo Amazon Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More Dutch tourists with an interesting car. We saw this one a couple of times during the week in this area, must've been on the same village boot sale trail.

 

Chrysler Voyager AWD Limited by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Usually one or two of these to be seen, but this example was unusually tidy and notable for being the 4wd model.

 

That neatly brings me to the end of the first week. A rather productive cross-country drive's finds to come in the next installment.

[wuvvum]

Ooh, it's a Berliet - that'll be '70s then.  Renault took over the design and made them until the early '90s I think.

 

[seth]

Flaminia is brillaint obviously, though I'm not sure I'd ever choose to own one of those. For the money there'd probably be other more enticing options.  Top spots!

[MorrisItalSLX]

Ooh, it's a Berliet - that'll be '70s then.  Renault took over the design and made them until the early '90s I think.

 

 

They were being built in Australia for ACTION Canberra until 1993