French Classic Cars

Get alerted of new French finds:

New Crate Engine! 1975 Renault R12 Wagon

As we know, I have a history of buying and attempting to revitalize obscure projects. Those days are behind me – mostly – as it’s just too much work to nurse oddball cars back to life, and usually for… more»

Rare In The US: 1979 Renault 17 Gordini

With a crisp, modern design unlike many cars from the early-1970s, Renault created what was, in my opinion, a very nice-looking car. While they’re rare to see in the US today, this 1979 Renault 17 Gordini Convertible Coupe can… more»

Oddballs! Citroens And MGB-GT

When frequent finder Chuck F. sent us a link to this dealership in Fort Mill, South Carolina, I was expecting the unusual; Chuck is like me and is attracted to oddball cars. But I wasn’t expecting an ad for… more»

9 Elegant Classics! Tony Vincent Estate Collection

When you run across an auto auction being hosted by Gooding & Company, it’s a good sign that something really special is going on there.  G&C has not quite been in business for 20 years but they’ve already sold… more»

Under the Barn Find: 1970 Citroen DS21

Over the last few months, there have been a number of Citroens posted for sale on Facebook Marketplace in upstate New York. It’s clear that there was an individual who adored these funky French cars but didn’t have the… more»

Magic Carpet Ride: 1972 Citroen D Special

When the Citroen DS was introduced in 1955 at the Paris Motor Show, it was a sensation. Saturated with innovations like hydropneumatic suspension, front disc brakes, a single-spoke steering wheel, and futuristic styling, the car broke records for orders… more»

French Barn Find: 1970 Citroën DS21

Here’s some automotive trivia worth pondering: legend has it that when Citroën debuted the DS at the Paris Motor Show in 1965 1955, it garnered 18,000 customer orders on the first day. By the end of the ten-day show,… more»

2-For-1: 1960 Renault 4CV

Who doesn’t like a 2-for-1 deal? I certainly do, and I’m sure we have many readers who feel the same. That is what is on offer with this 1960 Renault 4CV. Not only does it look like a reasonably… more»

Stalled and Stored Project: 1967 Citroen 2CV

Occasionally, it’s hard to resist the allure of an oddball. While enthusiasts by and large prefer cars that have some level of utility and that are easy to find parts for, there’s always the temptation to throw caution to… more»

Cheap French Classic: 1960 Panhard PL 17

French car manufacturers have long been renowned for producing quirky and interesting vehicles. The iconic 2CV instantly springs to mind, but the 1960 Panhard PL 17 is another notable example. Its styling is distinctive and features some pretty advanced… more»

French Wagon: 1968 Citroen Ami Break

Citroen vehicles have roots spanning back in France for more than 100 years, but founder Andre Citroen’s history goes back even farther than that, as prior to getting involved in the automotive business he was producing weapons during World… more»

Two For One Deal: 1972 Citroen SMs

Pop quiz: which country is a pair of semi-exotic vehicles with limited financial upside and somewhat complicated drivetrains most likely from originally? If you guessed France, you get the door prize. Now, I happen to love the Citroen SM… more»

Restomod Food Truck! 1974 Citroën HY Van

Have you ever heard of a Citroën HY, much less ever seen one? The Citroën HY Van (aka Type H or H-Type) was a light-duty panel van produced by the French automaker Citroën between 1947-81. Launched after World War… more»

Henney Kilowatt? 1959 Renault Dauphine

The Dauphine was a small, rear-engine economy car built by Renault. Between 1956 and 1967, the French company assembled more than two million copies, competing with the VW Beetle, Morris Minor, Fiat 600, and other European gas sippers. Because… more»

French Project Car: 1988 Citroen CX GTi Turbo

As someone who just exited French car ownership, I can say that I’m forever tarnished for finding these oddballs surprisingly cool. I sold my 1988 Peugeot 505 wagon not too long ago, and while it was the right time… more»

Poor Man’s Bugatti: 1929 Amilcar Type M3

UPDATE 4/8/2022 – When we last featured this sweet Amilcar M3, it was listed on craigslist with a $15k asking price. It’s resurfaced but is now listed here on eBay with an asking price of $18,000 and the option… more»