Spotted's Spottings (2025 France holiday #1 28/07/2025)

[Mr Lobster]

Citroen AX dashboard.

[Spottedlaurel]

I'd thought R9 facelift rear lights on that microcar thing.

 

Talbot Horizon 1.9EXD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Talbot Horizon 1.9EXD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Got to be worthy of two shots?

 

Peugeot 405 Mi16 + others by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another yard full of interesting cars which were presumably linked with the Renault garage in the background.

 

Citroen C32/C35 van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was lurking in the same area too.

 

Peugeot 404 saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another 404. Becoming fond of these now. Just noticed this one appears to be suffering 'David Bowie' syndrome.

 

Citroen & Peugeot line-up by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen 2CV6 (Lichen edition) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Real patina.

 

Citroen Visa (early) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Don't remember seeing any early Visas on the road.

 

More dead cars - BX, Visa, Renault 5 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 205F van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was the only van I saw, but I recall them being a more common on previous trips.

 

Peugeot 505GR saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Tidy 505, OAP owners.

 

Audi 90 Quattro by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Opel Omega and Corsa 1.5TD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ford Transit Mk2 dropside by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Odd grille on this. This photo's been posted by someone on Fredtransit's forum too, seems to be a new one to them.

 

Someca 4wd tractor, Gouville-sur-Mer by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These Someca tractors seem to be litte more than rebadged Fiats. Big ones sounded nice.

 

Renault 25 TXE(?) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

TXE, or someone has suggested TXI?

 

Opel Kadett B 4dr & Citroen BX (GTi?) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another Kadett B. Little did I know that I'd come home and soon see a rather smart range 2dr one.

 

A few more to come.

[VWPowered]

dude you so should have got that horizon

[chaseracer]

 

Blimey

 

So that's what mine's supposed to look like...

 

[wuvvum]

The tailgate on that Bellier will be a home-grown job - panels on those things are all moulded GRP so not hugely expensive to produce. I'm trying to work out what the rear screen is from though - from the height of it I would say that it was originally designed to be quite steeply raked, which rules out the R5.

[trigger]

Brilliant photos yet again SL!, It's good to see all those Kadetts over there, I'm still yet to see any over here, I've not even seen one on any 70's tv programs.

 

What does Mrs SL think of you stopping every 5 minutes to take photos of shite cars whilst on hoilday?!.

[reallyloud]

What does Mrs SL think of you stopping every 5 minutes to take photos of shite cars whilst on hoilday?!.

 

I'd imagine she must be used to it by now! Besides, she's probabily much happier that Nigel is photographing expired cars, rather than the expired women out there.

[Spottedlaurel]

What does Mrs SL think of you stopping every 5 minutes to take photos of shite cars whilst on hoilday?!.

 

I'd imagine she must be used to it by now! Besides, she's probabily much happier that Nigel is photographing expired cars, rather than the expired women out there.

 

Yes, and yes!The family are used to it by now, not just randomly stopping whenever I see something of interest but wandering off whenever we park up somewhere. Doing this sort of thing is as much of a holiday for me as sitting on a beach for other people.

 

That being said, there are times when I do have to sacrifice a photo opportunity for the sake of peace and harmony

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Fantastic work SL, great to see you're still out there snapping this stuff. Not entirely surprised we dont see so much of you nowadays.

 

That Horizon is qualz, I reckon that would be a winning vehicle if ever there was a competition where entrants had to drive as many miles as possible in the most shite vehicle possible. You could easily do 40k in a year in one of those things with the diesel enigne I reckon and the pure shiteness would be difficult to touch.

 

Imagine if you had one with an intercooled TD from a 405 or even a 2.1 from a 605, freakin hell i'm going to have to go and lie down.

[trigger]

I saw that Blue C reg Horzion again today on my road, It one sexy mamma!, Is the 1.9 Diesel lump the same one XUD lump that's found in the 405 range?

[Split_Pin]

Brilliant spottings. That green R12 is a lovely thing. I forgot how oddly-proportioned they were, with their small wheels. Bronze Simca 1308 is quality as well. I have a similar Majorette model of one somewhere in that colour.

[Richard]

I saw that Blue C reg Horzion again today on my road, It one sexy mamma!, Is the 1.9 Diesel lump the same one XUD lump that's found in the 405 range?

 

Yes it is, the first car to have the XUD engine I believe.

[seth]

Great update SL.. Perhaps predictably that 404 is my favourite.

[Spottedlaurel]

Thanks for the comments.

 

Great update SL.. Perhaps predictably that 404 is my favourite.

 

It's interesting how they differ to the British Farinas though, somehow the detailing and the overall feel of them is a just a little more modern and they seem slightly less 'heavy'. Like I say, there's another nice one still to come.

 

At last, I'm on the way home but as we ended up avoiding the busy autoroutes still get a few more snaps:

 

Talbot Matra Murena by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Good to see this after I'd already spotted a Bagheera.

 

Garage B-Marie (Citroen/Renault/Peugeot) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Garage B-Marie by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Only French cars here, merci. White BX was a pre-facelift 19TRD.

 

Already posted one teaser photo of this place, surely my find of the holiday?

 

Fiat Ritmo/Strada II + Mercedes Benz 308D by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen/P

 

Peugeot 504 saloon & coupe + Citroens etc by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen CX, XM, BX, 2CV and others by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Older Citroen 2CV's + BMW '02 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroens, Peugeots etc by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Panhard 24BT/CT + Citroen CX by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Peugeot 504 Coupe and TI saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Citroen 2CV van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Porsche 911, Renault Master & MGB (+ dogs) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

What a place, I was really quite chuffed to find it after a lucky glimpse through a former window opening in the boundary wall. I think it's a stash that's been accumulated relatively recently, as looking at Google shows less cars there. Maybe a restorer's? The dogs put me off investigating further... I can give the exact location if anyone is seriously interested in finding out more.

 

ARO Trapeurs 4x4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Didn't twig at the time that this ARO is really a Dacia Duster.

 

Renault 21 Turbo by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Very clean.

 

Renault 4TL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Sporty.

 

Fiat Palio Weekend by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Were these sold new in France?

 

Range Rover 2dr diesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

It seems they got 2dr RR's for longer in France.

 

Mitsubishi Valley (L300) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

AKA Delica.

 

Toyota Carina II 2.0D XL 5dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Wedding decorations? Like a similar vintage 626 I saw, this was a diesel.

 

Unusual church, Northern France by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Odd.

 

Audi 80GL Diesel by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Final spot on French soil, this 80 was a diesel.

 

And that's it. Still got the museum photos from Dusseldorf to come, but I haven't even started editing them yet and there's probably only a limited amount of them will be of interest here.

[Mr Lobster]

Thanks for sharing them, really appreciated. I could look at stuff like this all day long

[outlaw118]

That Renno 4 GTi is the tits.

I want it.

[seth]

That dilapidated Panhard would be so much better off in my back garden, where I could stare at it longingly while doing the washing up. Whats the car behind it that I think is wearing a DS roof hat? That's a pretty amazing stash of cars there.

[Split_Pin]

Great spot of the stash, I'm becoming more affectionate of the Citroen XM all the time

[Volksy]

Whats the car behind it that I think is wearing a DS roof hat?

 

 

Looks like a CX I think.

[Spottedlaurel]

So, looks like I have 7-8 months of spots to update, with a not-terribly-reliable internet connection this might take a while...

 

1962 Austin A35 Van/Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Probably a converted van?

 

1984 VW Transporter Devon camper (+ Volvo) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Shite-spec Devon.

 

1973 VW Beetle 1300 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1973 Ford Escort Mk1 1300 4dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Lovely! I see this fairly regularly.

 

1978 Toyota Hiace Rio camper by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I like this one, suitably period stickers in the rear window like Townsend Thoresen.

 

1989 Ford Escort 1.6 Ghia by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Smart-looking Ghia.

 

1992 Alfa Romeo 75 2.0TS (Turbo) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1992 Alfa Romeo 75 2.0TS (Turbo) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Interesting 75 at my local garage, electric turbo conversion!

 

1996 Mitsubishi Galant 2.0GLSi Automatic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This would make an interesting comparo with the Camry.

 

1978 Leyland Cars Mini 1000 (Automatic) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Been off the road since '91, had a few stickers in the window from Mini club events in the late '80s.

 

Mini remnants (1970s model) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Somewhere, there is a Mini in here.

 

I've got a bike... by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Push bike shite.

 

Delapidated BMC FG van by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Way back on here there might be a photo of this in a more overgrown state, back then I don't think I knew what it was.

 

1981 Citroen Dyane 6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1988 Nissan Sunny 1.6LX 5dr (N13) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Stuff on the move.

 

1988 Mercedes Benz 230GE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Well-spoken farmer type owned this, had an interesting chat with him.

 

1984 VW Scirocco GT by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

One of the many local modified VW's.

 

1965 Citroen Ami 6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This seems a suitably interesting point to conclude for the evening.

 

More to come tomorrow, until someone rings and knocks out the connection (which will probably be restored when the next person calls, a slightly odd fault).

[catsinthewelder]

Ace spots, I can't think the last time that I saw a Dyane

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Splendid work Laurelz!!! I like that big pile of knackered old bicycles, if I was 11 still i'd be trying to build a few 'runners' out of that lot

[keef]

Great selection again Spotted!

 

until someone rings and knocks out the connection (which will probably be restored when the next person calls, a slightly odd fault).

 

This is down to your filter(s) or lack of them. Make sure you have a filter between every phone and socket in your house. If you have; try swapping them around or replacing them with new/better ones.

[Spottedlaurel]

Thanks for the comments.

 

The internet problems are the source of protracted investigation by BT, we've gone well beyond the filter stage. Engineer #4 is coming tomorrow, I think other people in the village are also suffering. It is a little rural where I live, line length is probably the issue.

 

I like that big pile of knackered old bicycles, if I was 11 still i'd be trying to build a few 'runners' out of that lot

 

Don't know why all the bikes are there, they're in a rusty shed on a farm behind my mum's which is likely to be redeveloped soon. Way back when I was a kid, it was one of the hang-out places in the village - the girls would pay the old guy (a rather odd, reclusive character) a few pounds a week to look after and ride his knackered old ponies, and sometimes we'd go there too. Used to be some old vans and tractors, but sadly they've long since gone. I wonder if the bikes were the result of a local ne'er-do-well who I remember pinching lots.

 

1993 Ford Sierra Sapphire Azura 1.6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1987 Ford Orion 1.4L + Sierra Azura by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1959 Ford Prefect (1172cc) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Selection of Ford saloons at the same place, the Orion came from the same garage as Trig's Mk4 Escort.

 

1970 Rover 2000 P6 Automatic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1969 Rover 3.5 Coupe (P5B) + 75 + P6! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Getting three Rovers into shot was entirely accidental. Gotta love those coupes.

 

1983/84 Ford Sierra (GL?) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1988 Ford Escort 1.3 3dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Spots from the No. 14 bus in old London town.

 

1964 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud + Cabman's Shelter by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

While a bit too posh for these pages, can't deny this really looked at home here - surely one of their most attractive models? Getting the shelter in shot was an accident, it's one of 13 and there's more about them here: http://www.urban75.org/london/cabmans-shelters.html

 

1988 Volvo 340GL 1.7 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Top parking.

 

1981 Winnebago Motorhome (4.2 diesel) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1981 Winnebago Motorhome (4.2 diesel) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

What a beast!

 

1970s(?) BL Mini by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Shame it's a bit fuzzy this shot.

 

1992 Jaguar 3.2 Sovereign by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

'eep indeed. The world will be a slightly sadder place when there aren't knackered Jaguars and Daimlers to be discovered, I can't see the more recent models taking on the shabby look in quite the same way.

 

1991 Toyota Carina II 2.0 Executive Saloon by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I bet this would be an utterly wonderful drive.

 

Bedford QL(?) timber crane by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

There was also an AEC Matador at this site, which through my Flickr pages I seemed to help get moved on to a new owner for preservation/restoration.

 

1989 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Festival by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1989 Ford Fiesta 1.1 Festival by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Worthy of a couple of shots, I think Trigger has seen this gem at a show but I saw it at the even more appropriate setting of a garden centre.

 

1991 Ford Sierra 1.6 Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another one at the auctions, I think it has been cleaned since I took this.

 

1959 Rover 60 P4 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Suspect this belongs to the same chap who owns the red P6 above, in this same spot I've also photographed a P6 estate.

 

1987 Toyota MR2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Someone obviously likes the Impreza colour scheme.

 

1988 Nissan Prairie 1.8SGL (M10) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Second appearance for the WWF sticker.

 

1981 Austin Morris Sherpa 1.8 diesel + dog by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This is a regular sight at the local auction house, Trigger says he's seen at the one down in Colchester too. I suspect he's one of the old boys who stands by the rusty garden machinery in the deadstock meadow discussing chainsaws etc they've known in the past (I'm not making this up). Does life get any better?

 

1987/88 Ford Cargo "RMC Readymix" cement mixer by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Think you'd have to wait a long time for a load to be delivered by this one.

 

1982 Rover 213 + A14 traffic by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This was buzzing along in the busy morning traffic quite well.

 

More later.

[KruJoe]

Once again SL, a big THANK YOU for bringing this back, I'm a big fan of your style, and of course your choice of subject. How do you manage such effortless and natural shots, but at the same time perfectly composed and dare I say... arty?

 

That's just glorious, though probably just a quick snap through a bus window?

The sleepy dog in the Sherpa is a triumph, also.

 

The DAF bumper on the Winnebago made me smile!

[Cavcraft]

+1 on what Joe said.

 

That Sherpa is fantastic, haven't seen a 'proper' one like that in yonks.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Those chainsaw-discussing old boy types do exist, you tend to see them a lot at autojumbles (only decent ones mind, not the half-arsed car boot sale type) and very often at steam fairs as well. I marvel at them and wonder what they do during the week? I reckon they're in grubby workshops up and down the land, reading 'exchange & mart' (if it still exists) and auction programmes while drinking cups of tea, surrounded by endless piles of busted agricultural equipment and a couple of sidevalve fords or Austin A35's.

[michiel]

That WINnebago is bigger than our apartment... I've seen most of your spots on flickr but don't mind seeing them again!

[Spottedlaurel]

Sierra shot was a fluke, but probably works better than if I'd been walking along the path. Apparently it's a regular there, alongside Green Park.

 

The Sherpa has been on here before, but without the world-weary dog.

 

Putting the photos on Flickr and them being seen earlier is probably the only downside, otherwise I think it works really well and for seeing a huge range of photos, and having your own seen by a wider audience, it surely can't be beaten?

 

Former Garage (?), Langer Road, Felixstowe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Pavilion Garage and Flats at Undercliff Road West, Felixstowe by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I'm still accumulating garage shots, to tie in with old ad's or dealer stickers I've found. Don't know anything about the top one, but it may have been an old Datsun dealership (and doubtless others before that). I need to check a dealer listing for the exact address. The second always seemed rather glamorous, on the seafront at Felixstowe. I'm pretty sure fuel was sold there at one time (I vaguely recall it might be BP).

 

1986 Bedford CF2 Crewcab by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This possibly outodes the Sherpa, in that it could carry five chainsaw-men to their chosen auction/autojumble/steam fair.

 

1981 Mercedes Benz 300D (W123) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

More seaside glamour.

 

1991 VW Polo Coupe (1043cc) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Are we still allowed to call this Pogweasel pink?

 

1993 Mazda 323F 1.6 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Prior to this my children had never really noticed a car with pop-up lights, it became the subject of discussion after this was seen where I drop them off for school.

 

1997 Toyota Camry 2.2 by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I make no apologies for posting this, its owner is clearly a person of discerning taste. Anyway, in stopping for this, quite by chance this drove the other way...

 

1965 Auto Union 2dr (1175cc) by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Another one Trigger has seen at a show.

 

1976/77 Reliant Kitten by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

This is one of the many Reliants belonging to that garage in ChinaTom's village.

 

1989 Ford Escort 1.6GL Estate by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1990 Ford Escort Bonus 90 3dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Just realised that these virtually complete the Mk4 set, with the Orion and 5dr Ghia posted above. Van, 3dr estate and cabrio to go.

 

1981 Mercedes Benz 380SL by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Excellent 1970s toilet suite colouring.

 

1992 Toyota Camry V6 Estate - Dilemma! by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Viewed this as a potential purchase. Had great history, but somehow it didn't quite seem right.

 

1964 Francis Barnett 250cc by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I know nothing about bikes, but this seemed worthy of a quick photo.

 

Accord, Fiesta and Charade by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1984 Honda Accord 1.6EX 3dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1983 Honda Accord 1.6EX 3dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Droolworthy Accords (Trigger may have posted photos of one of them before). The blue one came from a dealers called Gilberts of Catford. I Googled them and Streetview shows a couple of interesting Hondas outside, then somehow I found another photo with slightly older cars outside. They still seem to be Honda specialists, but I imagine the days of them being sold there new are long gone.

 

Ford Escort Chairman & Volvo 240GLE by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Ah, here's another of the Mk4 family.

 

1973 Morris Marina 1.3 Coupe + 1989 AWD by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1973 Marina + Old Trailer by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Chuffed with this find out in the barren wastes of North Suffolk. Cartell and the DVLA said the trailer's registration came from a 1975 'Leyland AM' model unknown, 1798cc, which came off the road in 1989. Any guesses?

 

1991 Rover Metro 1.1 3dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

Still on SORN.

 

1982 Land Rover SWB County petrol by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

I seem to remember M&S doing a chocolate bar that had horizontal layers of white chocolate through it.

 

1986 Mitsubishi Colt 1.5 5dr by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

These are popular over on OJC.

 

1995 Rover Montego 2.0i Countryman by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

1990 Citroen BX16TGS auto by Spottedlaurel, on Flickr

 

And finally, a couple of AS favourites to finish off this update. Looks like I'm back as far February now, still another 3-4 months to go.

[michiel]

 

GR8 PL8 4 'THE DOOD'

 

(Edit: also good for undertakers over here - 'dood' in Dutch means dead, de Dood means Death as in the Reaper)