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The professionnal version of the famous 2CV saw the light of day in 1978. It was equipped with a bicylinder boxer engine of 602 cm3 pushing 35 horsepower, capable of bringing this utility vehicle to a top speed of 102 km/h. This popular small truck proved an instant success within all lines of work, as craftsmen, salesmen and postal services used it. When its successor came out in 1984, the C15 did not stop it from remaining in the Citroën catalogue until 1987, taking with an archetypal image of France.
In the middle of the sixties, sales for the Citroën 2CV were starting to feel the burn from its rival, the Renault R4. The brand decided to react by producing a profound evolution of the car. The Dyane’s name found its inspiration through the catalogue of names available with Panhard, recently purchased by the car manufacturer. Similarly to its rival, the Dyane was a hatchback, equipped with modern projectors integrated into the wings with a bi-cylinder engine derived from the model used for the other cars in the brand. Destined to replace the 2CV, the Dyane left the market before it, with its commercialisation being terminated in 1983.
The Fiat 500 F was first introduced to the public at the Geneva Car show of 1965. It was a major innovation for the Italian brand, with the small Cinquecento being equipped with doors that opened against the wind, a widened windscreen a redesigned interior. Meanwhile, its engine gained a half horsepower bringing it to a total of 18. The F’s success would end up convincing Fiat of the need to prolong the career of the 500 model. With new chromes, improved door handles, new counters and a multitude of other modifications, it opened the path for more substantial versions of the Italian car.
Having decided to run the mythical 24 Hours of Daytona, Penske Racing from Reading, Pennsylvania, was given a Porsche Carrera straight from the factory floor. Modified by the Americans, its 2.8L engine saw its output jump to 310 hp. Its suspension was modified based on known issues with the track, and the brakes were borrowed from the Porsche 917. The team to drive this car was made up of Mark Donohue and George Follmer, who quickly reached pole position. A blown valve however forced them to declare forfeit even as they were winning the race.
The Porsche 911 has had a remarkable career rocketing round the various circuits the world has to offer, as well as enjoying a large number of rally races. Bernard Beguin chose this particular Porsche in 1979 for the French Rally Championship. Alongside his copilot Jean-Jacques Lenne, he took home several rounds of which the Rally d’Armor, and finally raked in the gold for the FRC. Like all 911s, the SC version was pushed forward with a 6 cylinder flat engine, and was equipped with widened Carrera wings.
So as to capture the heart of America, the Beetle became a star-studded celebrity of cinema as well as a racing car. This particular orange car took part in the 24 Hours of Mexico several times, as well as the Pro Rally Series of the Sports Car Club of America. It participated in these races until the beginning of the Eighties, notably in the Rally America, before being put back in the garage by its driver Al Schmit. When the latter died, his family sold the car that was then completely resorted. In honour of its rebirth it featured on the cover the celebrated Hot VW Magazine.
A true American sports hero, the Cobra never ceased to adapt and evolve, always bringing with it that much more style and substance. Its design has withstood the test of time to the point that even today replicas are still being made of it!
Caroll Shelby was a Texan pilot who was forced to stop his career in 1960 at the age of 37, due to health concerns. Thus began a dream of his to produce the ultimate American sports car, capable of competing with the likes of Ferrari and Porsche. First, the chassis, that he found with the English manufacturer AC Bristol. Associated to a Ford V8, the car quickly became a winner. Facing off against the much heavier Corvettes, the light Cobra raced through the American states in its quest for glory. The 427 was launched in 1965 with a redesigned chassis, widened tires, buffed up wings, and a 427 inch cube engine – 7 liters – for an amazing horsepower of 410.
The Alpine A110, nicknamed the Berlinette, represented the quintessence of what a rally car should be. It symbolised the Alpine brand, to such a degree that it inspired a renaissance of the brand in 2017. during the Tour de Corse of 1973, the Number 1 was placed in the hands of Jean-Pierre Nicolas, who flew through the race. Heading up the first stage, it ended up at the top of the podium, along with two other Alpine models. At the end of the season the brand was granted the title of World Rally champion.
A dream for many over the course of decades, the return of the Alpine was finally announced in 2017 with the presentation of the Alpine A110 and its limited “First Edition” series. The latter would only be produced to the tune of 1955 units, a homage to the founding year of the brand. All of those units were pre-sold within a few days. The new generation of the Alpine A110 kept its promises by limiting its weight to 1100 kilos and a solid 252 horsepower, driven by a 4-cylinder 16-valve turbo engine. The double triangulation suspensions and reduced weight contributed to its overall agility.
Regardless of the E30 gaining cult status, this version is one of the must-haves for collectors of the brand. Produced solely between the months of December 1989 and March 1990 to the tune of 600 units, it was equipped with unique elements designed solely for the car. With adjustable front and rear shields, thinned glazing and a smaller reservoir, it dropped below the 1200 kg mark and had optimal performance ratios. The aerodynamics were completely reviewed alongside. This Sport Evo version is distinctive due to its decorative band on the bumpers.
The BMW M3 was born from the desire of the Bavarian manufacturer to have a licensed FIA Group A competition car. To accredit its competition model, BMW was under the obligation of commercialising 5000 units minimum of a civilian version. Revealed in Frankfurt in 1985, its production began the following Spring. It received specific shields, widened wings, a rear spoiler and a redesigned rear windscreen so as to obtain an air penetration coefficient of 0.33. This first M3 would end up becoming a legend, symbolising the prestige of the brand.
In 1981, for the twelfth film in the James Bond franchise, Citroën jumped at the opportunity to plug their famous 2CV. Four special cars were used for the film. This series was based on the 2CV6, inheriting square front lights and disk brakes, and coloured a Helios yellow. 1000 cars were produced, 500 of which were for France, the other 500 for the English market. To increase sales, Citroën added a sachet of adhesives in the form of bullet holes so that the owners could make their car unique.
Icone of the French automobile, this miniature is an original model Solido. The decoration is the fruit of our imagination : it takes again the elements of the regional flag of French Brittany, region with Celtic roots and where Solido's offices are now located.
The 2CV Dolly was a limited series of the French auto-mobile icon. The Dolly had the specificity of being produced in seven different versions, manufactured through three different series consecutively. This Vallelunga Red/Cormorant Grey version came on the 21st March 1985. Based on the 2CV6 Special, it shared its counterpart’s round headlights, grey tissue seats with diamond-shaped motifs and chrome hubcaps. It was adorned with the inscription of “Dolly” at the base of the windscreen and on the trunk of the car. Its livery was enhanced with lateral bands.
The direct descendant of the 2CV Fourgonnette saw the light of day at the end of 1977, in the Spanish factory of Vigo. Its bicylinder boxer engine of 602 cm3 had 35 horsepower in its later version, with the engine having been borrowed from the Ami 8. This allowed the little utility car to reach 102 km/h, all the while ensuring France's logistics and transport of merchandise. The Acadiane was produced to the tune of 253 313 units, resisting nearly four years after the arrival of its replacement, the Citroën C15.
When it appeared at the Paris show of 1955, the Citroën DS had the effect of a bombshell. Developed under the code name VGD (Véhicule de Grande Diffusion, Large Circulation Vehicle), it brought to the market original ideas such as its hydropneumatics suspension. A simplified version was presented following a push by Pierre Bercot, head of the company. It would be called ID in order to differentiate itself from the DS. In 1970 the ID became the special D, and let the great Citroën roll through the decades and become a legend of the industry.
The HY was born in 1948. Post-war France had much need for utility vehicles to help rebuild the country and kick-start the economy. It was under the guidance of Pierre Boulanger that this vehicle appeared, with practicality, solidity and recycling existing parts being its main objectives. It would make many a tradesman happy, along with the national police force. The HY would also become the go-to car for the fire department, some still being in use today.
Born on the 18th April 1934, the Citroën Traction marked history. As soon as it came into the world with its innovations – of which traction control, from which it draws its names – and in 1936, when the development cost of the sedan bankrupted the firm, and its eventual takeover by Michelin. This traction, after having been requisitioned by the German army, was captured by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI), and would serve its purpose in the liberation of Paris. Adorned with the French flag so as to avoid it being mistaken for a German target, it would remain engraved in everyone's memory thanks to the FFI letters on the side doors. It has since become emblematic of the French resistance.
The Citroën Traction came with a number of technological breakthroughs. When it came out in 1938, it abandoned the idea of propulsion that gave it front-wheel drive, its structure was monohulled, its brakes hydraulic, and its suspension was equipped with 4 independent wheels. The handling and technological advancements of the 11CV suddenly put all its competitors back in the dark ages. The Traction would enter French history, becoming first the car of choice for the Gestapo, then actively contributing to the liberation of France when it was adopted by the Resistance. Its success would remain steady until the arrival of the DS.
When it came out in 1934, the Citroën Traction was a revolution. With front-wheel drive, its mono-shelled structure, hydraulic breaks, and its independent wheels, it surprised everyone and made the competition look ridiculous. Its reputation stemmed from exceptional handling on the road and luxurious comfort. This large sedan would make French history by first being the car of the Gestapo before becoming the icon of the Resistance.
As the most produced version of the Fiat 500, the L was a crock pot of everything good about Italy. With its tricoloured adhesive bands and chequered roof, it quickly became an ambassador for the dolce vita. Commercialised in the summer of 1968, and kept its original 499,5 cm³ engine with a moderate 18 horsepower. This cavalry allowed it to push up to a top speed of 95 km/h, making it perfect for countryside strolls.
Appearing in 1968, the 500 L was the luxury variant of the Fiat 500. It was equipped with reinforced bumpers, but more importantly saw its interior revamped. The dashboard was entirely re-coated, the meters taken from the Fiat 850, the new seats were more comfortable, and the chair back could be repositioned manually. This version was a commercial success, becoming the most product model of the 500. Half its production was exported, making this car a veritable icon of Italy.
The Lancia Delta Integrale succeeded the 4WD in 1988 to perpetuate the domination of the brand in the world rally championship. The Integrale 16V version was equipped in 1990 with the 16-valve engine from the Lancia Thema. With its over-steer and increased power, it became even more bestial with its bonnet engine being modified to integrate its new turbo. During the Tour de Corse of 1991, the Lancia Delta Integrale 16V number 1 was placed by the semi-official team Jolly Club. Placed in the hands of French pilot Didier Auriol, it took second place in the race after an intense battle with Carlos Sainz.
The Mini appeared in 1959, and brought with a revolution for the automobile industry. This compat model was the brain child of Sir Alec Issigonis. Sold by different brands, it would bear the markings of Austin, Morris, Wolseley, Leyland, Innocenti, before eventually finishing up with Rover. When the latter was purchased in 1994 by BMW, it continued its career until a new model was brought out inspired by the form of the original. The Cooper Sport Pack represented the ultimate evolution of the original concept, an homage to the victories in competition that were made by this iconic English car.
