Très belle - the Talbot Lago Grand Sport Saoutchik Coupé Image by Gregory Moine CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Très belle - the Talbot Lago Grand Sport Saoutchik Coupé Image by Gregory Moine CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At the turn of the twentieth century, France was the largest car manufacturer in the world. While the current French car industry might have fallen behind their German neighbours, when it comes to classic cars, there are few countries with such an impressive heritage and auto-fashion pedigree. We’ve picked a selection of the best.
Image by Gregory Moine (1951 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Coupe) CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Talbot-Lago was a French car manufacturer based just outside of Paris. The company enjoyed huge success in the post-war period. With a selection of high-performance racing cars and luxurious passenger cars, the Talbot-Lago range was always at the height of both design and performance excellence.
Though they might not have been the best at floating the cash register (the company almost suffered bankruptcy in 1959), there’s no doubt about it, Talbot-Lago created some truly beautiful cars.
This T-26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Coupé is a stunning example, and the teardrop style of the coachwork reminds us of the Daimler DB18 owned by Sir Arnold Clark.
The 1951 model pictured above had a 4.5-litre six-cylinder engine that produced nearly 200bhp.
Image by Andrew Bone (1960 Renault 4CV) CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the French big three of the automobile industry, Renault has had some brilliant cars over the years. The best? We had to go retro.
The Renault 4CV was a stylish car in a small package. Like the modern Renault Twingo, the 4DV had a rear-engine, allowing for easy manoeuvres around the city.
With a shape reminiscent of a VW Beetle and four B-pillar-hinged doors, there’s no denying the charm of this quirky city car.
Image by Joe Mabel (1974 Citroën DS) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Another renowned French manufacturer, Citroën was founded in 1919 and led the way in car sales and servicing. The DS, revealed in 1955, revolutionised car technology and won numerous awards for its visionary design and overall automotive impact.
The DS is an icon of its era. The imaginative shape evokes an alien spaceship and a comfortable minimalist interior was created to complement the futuristic design so typical of the sci-fi-obsessed 50s.
Looks are not the only aspect of the motor industry that the DS has influenced. The introduction of disc brakes and a hydraulic system that incorporated the suspension, transmission and clutch saw the Citroën DS secure its place in history as a pioneer in the field.
Image by Lars-Göran (Peugeot 203 Cabriocoach 1950) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spacious, comfortable and, for the time, remarkably powerful - family wagons were a popular choice in 1940s Europe. Production of the 203 had to be halted during World War II but after five years of prolonged development it was released to the market.
A variety of versions of the Peugeot 203 were produced, from a compact 2-door coupé to the historic Familiale, a 6-seater with an extended wheelbase. No matter the size, the 203 always retained a simple elegance with rounded wheel fenders and a distinctive traditional nose.
Image by Mr Choppers (1939 Delage D8-120) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Of all the cars on this list, stylish though they may be, nothing comes close to le luxe de la D8. Delage originally produced high-performance racecars out of Paris and early success on the track allowed the company to expand to luxury automobiles over the 1920s and 30s, a golden age of French motoring.
The D8 is the pinnacle of Delage engineering and helped the company achieve its prestigious reputation for quality. A custom 8-cylinder engine could deliver 120 bhp and a top speed of just under 100mph. These specifications attracted an affluent customer who desired both a high-speed touring vehicle and a status symbol.
The definition of French style, a magnificent body shape makes the D8 one of the most desirable collector’s items in the world. A glamorous elongated bonnet stretches towards the imposing front radiator and makes an instant impression. Anyone lucky enough to see the D8 in person will be sure to leave with a new personal favourite.
Want to win a romantic break to Paris?
Image by Alvesgaspar (Courtyard of the Louvre Museum, with the Pyramid) CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The dramatic banks of the Seine, the hills of Montmartre, la Tour Eiffel – not to mention the glorious cuisine – there’s so much joy to be had on a jaunt to Paris. Capital FM is giving you the opportunity to win a holiday to the city of lights, along with a whole host of other prizes personalised to you.
Competition now closed.
