CarSPIN Forums

Auto Talk => Head to Head => Topic started by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 01:47:26 PM

Title: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 01:47:26 PM
Only a few more significant countries to go. (Korea, Germany, China?, Sweden, assorted = Spain, Brazil, Czech Republic)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 01:48:25 PM
Of course:

(http://www.freewebs.com/botzbornsteinarticles/Citroen_DS.jpg)
(http://www.switchimage.org/phlog/Images_va_081001/Phlog_Citroen_DS_DSC03408.jpg)


It was named the best looking car of all time.....
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: hotrodalex on August 11, 2010, 01:55:40 PM
(http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/8159/renault5turbo0mkjn4.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Submariner on August 11, 2010, 02:01:46 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 01:48:25 PM
Of course:

(http://www.freewebs.com/botzbornsteinarticles/Citroen_DS.jpg)
(http://www.switchimage.org/phlog/Images_va_081001/Phlog_Citroen_DS_DSC03408.jpg)


It was named the best looking car of all time.....

Yeah, that's a lie. 
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: ChrisV on August 11, 2010, 02:02:17 PM
If I were to pick, it'd go in this order:

Talbot Lago:

(http://www.petersen.org/images/Exhibitimages/Talbot_Lago_1937_T150_SS.jpg)

Delahaye:

(http://www.classicrallies.com/img/pictures/7166_mid.jpg)

(http://www.petersen.org/images/Exhibitimages/delahaye_duo.jpg)

Delage:

(http://www.coffeedrome.com/images/bobpebble/delage.jpg)

(http://www.cardiscoveries.com/wanted/delage-w01/delage-w01-01.jpg)

Voisin:

(http://oldcarandtruckpictures.com/OldClassicConvertibles/1934_Voisin_C15_Roadster_By_Etablissement_Salliot-july13a.jpg)

Voisin had the best mascot:

(http://www.automobilesvoisin.com/images/cocotte.jpg) 

Bugatti:

(http://www.shorey.net/auto/French/Bugatti/1926%20Bugatti%20Type%2039--35B-blue-sVl=mx=.jpg)

(http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/large/2044/Bugatti-Type-57-C-Vanvooren-Cabriolet_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:03:04 PM
Quote from: Submariner on August 11, 2010, 02:01:46 PM
Yeah, that's a lie. 


You seen one in person? They are absolutely stunning.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: ChrisV on August 11, 2010, 02:13:40 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:03:04 PM

You seen one in person? They are absolutely stunning.

And one like this one:

(http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/gallery/retromobile2006/1419.jpg)

sold for $440k at Retromobile last year. And yes, when the DS arrived in '55, it was as radical as the Countach was in it's day. Otherworldly and yes, widely called the most beautiful car in the world. Many imporatn people do still think it is one of the most beautiful mass market cars ever sold.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: CJ on August 11, 2010, 02:16:16 PM
The DS is absolutely stunning.  I saw a DS Safari a few years ago and it absolutely took my breath away.  Gorgeous, gorgeous cars.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Laconian on August 11, 2010, 02:16:43 PM
Definitely one of my favorites. I also really like its direct descendants, like the SM and the CX Prestige.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: CJ on August 11, 2010, 02:17:39 PM
And the C6.  :wub: 
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:17:58 PM
IMO the SM isn't that pretty.

Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Northlands on August 11, 2010, 02:20:02 PM
Venturi Atlantique.

(http://www.pistonheads.com/news/images/3624-07.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:21:22 PM
(http://vytasm.vilsat.lt/pug/page1/peugeot406-coupe-400x260.jpg)

Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Northlands on August 11, 2010, 02:25:08 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:21:22 PM
(http://vytasm.vilsat.lt/pug/page1/peugeot406-coupe-400x260.jpg)



I love those, but I thought people would poo poo the idea of the car as being too plebian for the thread.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: SVT666 on August 11, 2010, 02:25:20 PM
The Talbot hands down.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:26:25 PM
Quote from: SVT666 on August 11, 2010, 02:25:20 PM
The Talbot hands down.


I agree. With the DS in 2nd place.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Laconian on August 11, 2010, 02:29:08 PM
Don't throw stones at me if I say the Renault Avantime looks pretty slick.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:31:51 PM
Quote from: Laconian on August 11, 2010, 02:29:08 PM
Don't throw stones at me if I say the Renault Avantime looks pretty slick.


The Avantime is hot.

(http://www.niot.net/niot_570/renault_avantime_niot.net.jpg)

The Megane is pretty attractive, too.

(http://www.greencarsite.co.uk/GREENCARS/green-cars-photos/renault-megane-diesel.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 93JC on August 11, 2010, 02:41:18 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:31:51 PM

The Avantime is hot.

(http://www.niot.net/niot_570/renault_avantime_niot.net.jpg)

Shut the fuck up.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:43:27 PM
Quote from: 93JC on August 11, 2010, 02:41:18 PM
Shut the fuck up.


I didn't do anything to you, so please treat my opinion with some respect.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Submariner on August 11, 2010, 02:51:34 PM
Quote from: 93JC on August 11, 2010, 02:41:18 PM
Shut the fuck up.

:clap:
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Submariner on August 11, 2010, 02:53:10 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:03:04 PM

You seen one in person? They are absolutely stunning.

Yes, I have.

Don't get me wrong, it's a good looking car, but the best looking car ever?  Please.

For reference, look at the British or Italian threads for best looking car ever contenders. 
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:56:42 PM
Quote from: Submariner on August 11, 2010, 02:53:10 PM
Yes, I have.

Don't get me wrong, it's a good looking car, but the best looking car ever?  Please.

For reference, look at the British or Italian threads for best looking car ever contenders. 

Thing is, most of us cannot buy one of those Italian cars. And IMO, the British never did anything that really was spectacular in terms of design. Most came from the French or Italians and the Americans.



The DS is quite avant-garde and is very affordable when it was new, and now.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Laconian on August 11, 2010, 03:09:31 PM
The DS was affordable when new? I refuse to believe that. The 2CV was created because French were DIRT POOR back in the 50's, and then consider the massive gulf of technological sophistication separating the 2CV from the DS. It must have cost a fortune.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Submariner on August 11, 2010, 03:16:11 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:56:42 PM
Thing is, most of us cannot buy one of those Italian cars. And IMO, the British never did anything that really was spectacular in terms of design. Most came from the French or Italians and the Americans.



The DS is quite avant-garde and is very affordable when it was new, and now.

That's like saying Salma Hayek isn't hot because most of us won't get the opportunity to bang her. 
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 93JC on August 11, 2010, 03:34:16 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 02:43:27 PM
I didn't do anything to you, so please treat my opinion with some respect.

Your opinion is wrong.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: cawimmer430 on August 11, 2010, 04:22:11 PM
And people claim "French cars suck".  :facepalm:



Peugeot 504 Coupe/Cabrio  :wub:
(http://www.autoplenum.de/Bilder/testreports/jwo20081018013925/Peugeot-504-Coupe-Cabrio.jpg)


Peugeot 604
(http://img3.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Peugeot-604-f900x600-F4F4F2-C-2ea50037-115788.jpg)


Peugeot 402 Eclipse
(http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/101369/Peugeot402berline.jpg1..jpg)


Peugeot 404 Cabriolet
(http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/modelpicture.php?id=3431)


Citroen Traction Avant
(http://www.nefkens-trouwautoverhuur.nl/images/citroen_traction_avant_1956_12_mi.jpg)


Citroen SM   :wub:
(http://www.autoplenum.de/Bilder/P/pCITROEN%2520SM%2520%25281974%2529-610618/CITROEN/CITROEN-SM--1974-.jpg)


Citroen DS
(http://filmforno.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/71665.jpg)


Citroen HY
(http://de.academic.ru/pictures/dewiki/67/Citroen_hy_sst.jpg)


Citroen 2CV
(http://www.sixtblog.de/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/citroen_2cv.jpg)


Renault Nervastella
(http://www.histomobile.com/histomob/internet/24/746601.jpg)


Renault Fuego
(http://auto.sport.free.fr/photo/renault-fuego-turbo-120.jpg)


Always liked the Renault Safrane
(http://photo.netcarshow.com/Renault-Safrane_1996_photo_01.jpg)


Renault Floride
(http://photo.netcarshow.com/Renault-Floride_1960_photo_01.jpg)


Renault Alpine A110
(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/jpg/200702/1961-renault-alpine-a110-6w.jpg)


Renault Alpine A610
(http://photo.netcarshow.com/Renault-Alpine_A_610_1991_photo_01.jpg)


Renault Sport Spider
(http://www.gdtd.vn/dataimages/201002/original/images315998_1.jpg)


Renault Clio Sport
(http://autocars.setifaq.org/images/renault09.jpg)


Bugatti 101 C
(http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/746/11221.jpg)


Salmson S4E
(http://www.histomobile.com/histomob/internet/359/612501.jpg)


Matra Djet V
(http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/modelpicture.php?id=8917)


Matra Bagheera
(http://www.matra-club.ch/bag2.jpg)


Matra Rancho  :wub:
(http://www.auto-pub.net/divers_France/Matra_Rancho_cat_78/Matra_Rancho_cat_78_0.jpg)

Another picture because it's so hot and iconic.
(http://matra.rancho.free.fr/Images/Rancho-base.gif)


Venturi Atlantique
(http://www.museodelcoche.com/Galerias/wp-content/gallery/venturi/Venturi%20300%20Atlantique.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Byteme on August 11, 2010, 07:18:33 PM
this is my pick.








































.














Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Rupert on August 11, 2010, 07:26:38 PM
You pick nothing, John?
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: shp4man on August 11, 2010, 07:54:47 PM
The Americanized version of this car is what most Americans think of as a Peugeot. Many sold here were diesel powered and the car had a reasonably good reputation.
(http://img3.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Peugeot-604-f900x600-F4F4F2-C-2ea50037-115788.jpg)

Anyway, best looking french car-
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Renault_Dauphine_1.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Pancor on August 11, 2010, 08:23:07 PM
Quote from: ChrisV on August 11, 2010, 02:02:17 PM


(http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/large/2044/Bugatti-Type-57-C-Vanvooren-Cabriolet_1.jpg)

Good lord!   If that isn't the best looking car EVER, I don't know what is!
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 11, 2010, 09:26:17 PM
Quote from: Laconian on August 11, 2010, 03:09:31 PM
The DS was affordable when new? I refuse to believe that. The 2CV was created because French were DIRT POOR back in the 50's, and then consider the massive gulf of technological sophistication separating the 2CV from the DS. It must have cost a fortune.

The 2CV came out in 1939. The DS came out in 1957. The French auto scene had advanced quite a bit.


It was no doubt a top of the line car, but it still was affordable to many middle class families.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Mustangfan2003 on August 11, 2010, 11:43:40 PM
I'm not sure how much the DS cost new in Europe but in the U.S. it cost about the same as a new Cadillac.  Either way I still like the DS.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: cawimmer430 on August 12, 2010, 02:05:31 AM
Quote from: shp4man on August 11, 2010, 07:54:47 PM
The Americanized version of this car is what most Americans think of as a Peugeot. Many sold here were diesel powered and the car had a reasonably good reputation.
(http://img3.auto-motor-und-sport.de/Peugeot-604-f900x600-F4F4F2-C-2ea50037-115788.jpg)

The Peugeot 604 also had a great reputation in Europe, especially as a diesel. It was one of the most refined and quickest diesels of its time.

Older French cars, notably Peugeot's, are still popular in North Africa was taxis or private cars where they are known for their durability and reliability. Try telling Consumer Reports about that.  :tounge:
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Colin on August 12, 2010, 03:09:49 AM
Big fan of the Peugeot 604 here. Shame that so few of them have survived, even in France. There was a very bedraggled one at the Museo Peugeot in San Gimignano, which the proprietor told me he is hoping to restore.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: cawimmer430 on August 12, 2010, 03:11:54 AM
Quote from: Colin on August 12, 2010, 03:09:49 AM
Big fan of the Peugeot 604 here. Shame that so few of them have survived, even in France. There was a very bedraggled one at the Museo Peugeot in San Gimignano, which the proprietor told me he is hoping to restore.

Apparently most of them were shipped to North Africa and parts of the Middle East - where they still make their new owners happy today.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Byteme on August 12, 2010, 07:15:14 AM
Quote from: Rupert on August 11, 2010, 07:26:38 PM
You pick nothing, John?

Bingo
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: sportyaccordy on August 12, 2010, 09:03:25 AM
The French should stick to crepes
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: 2o6 on August 12, 2010, 09:08:36 AM
The French is notorious for making beautiful products and setting trends in the automotive industry.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: omicron on August 12, 2010, 09:11:50 AM
The Citroen SM is exquisite. Better-looking than the DS, in my view.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Mustangfan2003 on August 12, 2010, 09:22:23 AM
I like French Fries.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Byteme on August 12, 2010, 09:50:50 AM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 12, 2010, 09:08:36 AM
The French is notorious for making beautiful products and setting trends in the automotive industry.

They is?   :lol:
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: ChrisV on August 12, 2010, 09:56:19 AM
Quote from: EtypeJohn on August 12, 2010, 09:50:50 AM
They is?   :lol:

They is. ;)

Especially a number of the pre-war brands. You find nothing appealing about any of the ones I posted?
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: omicron on August 12, 2010, 10:01:46 AM
(http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amc_ads/72_pierre_cardin_javelin_ad.jpg)
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Nethead on August 12, 2010, 11:19:14 AM
Brigitte Bardot, forty-odd years ago. 

Damn their cars.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Onslaught on August 12, 2010, 02:26:11 PM
The one with the white flag on it. Or do they all come with one?
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: cawimmer430 on August 12, 2010, 04:01:13 PM
Quote from: 2o6 on August 12, 2010, 09:08:36 AM
The French is are notorious for making beautiful products and setting trends in the automotive industry.

Correct.  :ohyeah:

The French car industry has been very innovative, both in terms of technology and design. This is something many people either don't know or don't want to give credit for.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: omicron on August 13, 2010, 08:45:31 AM
Quote from: Onslaught on August 12, 2010, 02:26:11 PM
The one with the white flag on it. Or do they all come with one?

:clap:
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: danclk on August 21, 2010, 07:48:17 AM
Alot of the cars i thought of have been put forward already, but my two favorites of mine were the Alpine GTA Le-mans and the Ph2 Renault 25 v6 turbo.

imo the standard 25 had some great design elements in it, i.e the wrap around rear window and quarter pannels and smooth grill. also the interior was a nice place to be, it had that space age 80s feel to it that i love about cars from that era (i believe Marcello Gandini was responsible of that) but with the body upgrades that also featured on TXI's and v6's plus the star style five spoke wheels the turbo had i think it makes one handsome french car.   
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Raza on August 21, 2010, 01:48:37 PM
I love French cars. 
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: cawimmer430 on August 21, 2010, 05:24:05 PM
Quote from: danclk on August 21, 2010, 07:48:17 AM
Alot of the cars i thought of have been put forward already, but my two favorites of mine were the Alpine GTA Le-mans and the Ph2 Renault 25 v6 turbo.

imo the standard 25 had some great design elements in it, i.e the wrap around rear window and quarter pannels and smooth grill. also the interior was a nice place to be, it had that space age 80s feel to it that i love about cars from that era (i believe Marcello Gandini was responsible of that) but with the body upgrades that also featured on TXI's and v6's plus the star style five spoke wheels the turbo had i think it makes one handsome french car.   

Hey Dan! Good to see you posting on 'Spin!  :ohyeah:  :cheers:
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: nickdrinkwater on August 22, 2010, 06:06:58 AM
(http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/large/2044/Bugatti-Type-57-C-Vanvooren-Cabriolet_1.jpg)

Wow.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: Laconian on August 22, 2010, 04:20:54 PM
I don't like the cages around the headlights. It ruins the look of the Panhard Dynamique.
Title: Re: Best looking French car
Post by: giant_mtb on August 22, 2010, 05:11:12 PM
That car is fucking beautiful.