tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39338157336396276092024-02-07T14:07:43.324+01:00The Automotive AtticThe written version of the automotive ramblings that rattle around my head...Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-13474709089598723242014-09-01T14:22:00.001+02:002014-09-01T14:27:28.680+02:00Same Old Blog In A New Blog Location.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In an attempt to create a blog that is easier to read, follow, and comment on, I have switched to a new platform. Please check it out, and don't hesitate to give me your opinions. This new platform is very flexible, and my goal is to make my blog as enjoyable to read as possible!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSJ_qnv_zUnqjyqbOu5YIKR3aPicXsc8_YJe5CI4rKsgs3cXI3MhOe1TMS5S6arjdn5Pu2bea5b4nAYtEMauHemyDUsrg5r6p3yB2Jph7akvD-shPD-o5yLvucmI-2RlTasiGDRaIP8zj/s1600/dyane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSJ_qnv_zUnqjyqbOu5YIKR3aPicXsc8_YJe5CI4rKsgs3cXI3MhOe1TMS5S6arjdn5Pu2bea5b4nAYtEMauHemyDUsrg5r6p3yB2Jph7akvD-shPD-o5yLvucmI-2RlTasiGDRaIP8zj/s1600/dyane.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theautomotiveattic.weebly.com/" target="_blank">http://theautomotiveattic.weebly.com/</a></div>
<br />
That said, the same dorky old cars and lame jokes that only I laugh at will still be present... so if that hasn't scared you off, hopefully you'll like the new interface!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-10423956371318571202014-08-21T04:54:00.000+02:002014-08-21T04:54:53.820+02:00Restoring Memories.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A recent visit home saw me rifling through hundreds and hundreds of old family photographs. Pictures of vacations and Christmases and family and friends and beloved pets and bad haircuts and worse clothing had my little sister and I laughing and reminiscing. Equally interesting were some of the old photographs my father had taken of his various automotive projects and treasures. The best find was a series of shots of his restoration of a true classic, a 1960's Ford Thunderbird!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6AY0i2EmQuxOpvU9y17p8WuCR2RIykpcP8ifQVdzQdVYywvmdlU6w0ze9aQS8pa28_2qt0tHCVVYvTrkpbGKSRgMRCGEUa4PmYPoGSVIsaGN66ixALeFGJGaIW6jABGvXYkCZJ_EEhct/s1600/IMG-20140821-01386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6AY0i2EmQuxOpvU9y17p8WuCR2RIykpcP8ifQVdzQdVYywvmdlU6w0ze9aQS8pa28_2qt0tHCVVYvTrkpbGKSRgMRCGEUa4PmYPoGSVIsaGN66ixALeFGJGaIW6jABGvXYkCZJ_EEhct/s1600/IMG-20140821-01386.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkDctsih44zjNgntnyr4-8j_W0mIc2G9fFy0EE3HV1YUSGvGDaVuzu1r4mm2W7cjiHxqmczqlv6zSCZg9db8ac1oMQdjMgasech9lXHOIvl0B_XwaciUJ2_ldcL9rKW3oaekYn1Oa1EfM/s1600/IMG-20140821-01387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkDctsih44zjNgntnyr4-8j_W0mIc2G9fFy0EE3HV1YUSGvGDaVuzu1r4mm2W7cjiHxqmczqlv6zSCZg9db8ac1oMQdjMgasech9lXHOIvl0B_XwaciUJ2_ldcL9rKW3oaekYn1Oa1EfM/s1600/IMG-20140821-01387.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I remember hearing about this car, but was too young to remember it when he restored it. I had no idea from what condition he had started, but I can see by the pictures that some major work took place to get it back into showroom condition. Unfortunately I do not recall any of the details of the car, but checking online I found out that it was a third-generation model, made from 1961 to 1963. This long and sleek convertible was painted a rich shade of red and had a white folding top and matching white interior with red accents.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ixOHj7WJEWpSSKO4nDpM2yFZBhcfZWag_Oh060h1Tz4CjElk6Z_ne6Mxy0Ve73gUw_MS0i4yfoy1fxcBKtpjYGMouzRh-UYEXQo3VTSPB7lO9FkD7sKWYIaBB9oFprixd2ymovzuuQgY/s1600/IMG-20140821-01388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ixOHj7WJEWpSSKO4nDpM2yFZBhcfZWag_Oh060h1Tz4CjElk6Z_ne6Mxy0Ve73gUw_MS0i4yfoy1fxcBKtpjYGMouzRh-UYEXQo3VTSPB7lO9FkD7sKWYIaBB9oFprixd2ymovzuuQgY/s1600/IMG-20140821-01388.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAGymKqJzOo2kzrLWmSRbK7lLducOnygrCt80NUTMJWz7i087QjmFJpIPMbwktl5cOiR4x0T4s_tNw96X3xIAlYYqyDIRVmG2C9eNk00VMYseHfwqf65r8LuSKUknJfc1xIYJ-cjWy5Cg/s1600/IMG-20140821-01389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAGymKqJzOo2kzrLWmSRbK7lLducOnygrCt80NUTMJWz7i087QjmFJpIPMbwktl5cOiR4x0T4s_tNw96X3xIAlYYqyDIRVmG2C9eNk00VMYseHfwqf65r8LuSKUknJfc1xIYJ-cjWy5Cg/s1600/IMG-20140821-01389.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to the pictures it was clearly a very thorough restoration. The drivetrain was out of the car at some point, and the rear quarter panels saw some serious patching. My dad always enjoyed sanding an old car; he would spend hours going over the curves and creases to get them perfectly smooth, and the beautiful finish suggests that he took the same pleasure with this Thunderbird. He seems to have taken alot of pride in this project, as I don't recall ever seeing so many pictures of one of his restorations. As a matter of fact, I'm a little miffed to see that there are more of this car than there are of my science fair projects and kindergarden macaroni artwork...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The interior and roof were obviously completely revamped as well, because the end result looks nothing like the starting state! The 1961 to 1963 Thunderbird convertible really is a legendary car. It carried on some of the traits of the original model, but stretched and streamlined the lines. One of the most interesting features was the famous tonneau cover; these fiberglass panels sat over the rear seats and created a 2-seater feel and look. As with most cars of the era, the engine was a V8 and the transmission was a stout 3-speed automatic. The T-Bird was more of a boulevard cruiser than a sports car, and I think that it really had the look to fit the role.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHA4oRbuweN2ckljRSrEbxDkae9Yw2g_gMKSgr1rf-vV7sGegcf9JU6hqDvkAhRk2VUcLhPs4ckNsSwGCqRyzC5D7hyphenhyphenzmTHulWsrh9CQvX_GYBnYGLop6tgN5k2S0orQEMAx0ZjEWOjXU/s1600/IMG-20140821-01390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHA4oRbuweN2ckljRSrEbxDkae9Yw2g_gMKSgr1rf-vV7sGegcf9JU6hqDvkAhRk2VUcLhPs4ckNsSwGCqRyzC5D7hyphenhyphenzmTHulWsrh9CQvX_GYBnYGLop6tgN5k2S0orQEMAx0ZjEWOjXU/s1600/IMG-20140821-01390.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQUByGU0lkZ7G4BgrJbZTIkQPoWP1hIan3wlwVdlxCVpj9ze1uwtzVRmceWe_VMehDSYA6vVCf2BSBhztljShhJ5nhr8VyIByDjlxXMV5ZQaLjuS4H6KCWVxoz9YyMrznkjJqps_vaZ3Y/s1600/IMG-20140821-01391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyQUByGU0lkZ7G4BgrJbZTIkQPoWP1hIan3wlwVdlxCVpj9ze1uwtzVRmceWe_VMehDSYA6vVCf2BSBhztljShhJ5nhr8VyIByDjlxXMV5ZQaLjuS4H6KCWVxoz9YyMrznkjJqps_vaZ3Y/s1600/IMG-20140821-01391.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the years I remember my dad talking fondly of his red Thunderbird, and I am so happy not only to see pictures of it, but to be able to share it with other automotive fans that can appreciate such a wonderful restoration!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com5Cobden, ON K0J, Canada45.6273519 -76.882360545.6051444 -76.922701 45.6495594 -76.84202tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-32419114816084351482014-08-18T04:50:00.002+02:002014-11-18T12:40:57.736+01:00You Can Have Any Colour Taxi You Want, As Long As Its A Santana.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First automotive impression of Shanghai? Lots of taxis. Lots and lots and lots of taxis. It's all you see. And they're all the same. VW Santana sedans, by the dozens, hundreds, thousands. There were several different generations, some of which were designed specifically with China in mind (they later ones were even called the Shanghai Santana Vista). Apparently China was the largest single market for the rather large VW sedan, and as I noted was very popular as taxis, but also as police vehicles.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIZ7jwVsJlop3Z2kedndxdAFt5cL1fYi0rV9mLEJDkadIsUs1h0dR93Qcj6px71GaDNYZZI_BAapYlRcqirDHmZnjOgzDGeX_L5HVoYAH2GlRy2X-OxvOnoP8ztqDHUp4Q7a2ZjlXEfUm/s1600/IMG-20140727-WA006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIZ7jwVsJlop3Z2kedndxdAFt5cL1fYi0rV9mLEJDkadIsUs1h0dR93Qcj6px71GaDNYZZI_BAapYlRcqirDHmZnjOgzDGeX_L5HVoYAH2GlRy2X-OxvOnoP8ztqDHUp4Q7a2ZjlXEfUm/s1600/IMG-20140727-WA006.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFb_GFyy-7loG9GhBFgRmZnqEUFBNOxv2q5SZxP1T7Ipr1RcfeOlBYviETYQp2QmeBjdhXRjj8U9uHtPj5fZ-cmqgdXKrCr5KMroSYOyWiAd-FehmHb5EijIU9a9hFptK5a5v7IjYC-42/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFb_GFyy-7loG9GhBFgRmZnqEUFBNOxv2q5SZxP1T7Ipr1RcfeOlBYviETYQp2QmeBjdhXRjj8U9uHtPj5fZ-cmqgdXKrCr5KMroSYOyWiAd-FehmHb5EijIU9a9hFptK5a5v7IjYC-42/s1600/front.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IhWQn5UD-tm8oOXa_AcY4Q4E8XRxhdMQBBrzNYlCJrdSAAXs_fhMSbxj0x6oOJ7_V87SDWzskkorXQzhyphenhyphen4DfqCeBF3y9a48rbFhf24SPsqoDdXayBpx3B0rbsbFvXzhVFW9c0b-mPQfh/s1600/IMG-20140727-WA004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IhWQn5UD-tm8oOXa_AcY4Q4E8XRxhdMQBBrzNYlCJrdSAAXs_fhMSbxj0x6oOJ7_V87SDWzskkorXQzhyphenhyphen4DfqCeBF3y9a48rbFhf24SPsqoDdXayBpx3B0rbsbFvXzhVFW9c0b-mPQfh/s1600/IMG-20140727-WA004.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bNCBtNN4989tESJAgcMguoD-zQFJtSIbleVX-HcadJT8aVHAvDzkyZEnQjCzrhZ0lflokW6xteaIgLRiSRiJz2OHOC5BXoURvrUKNhNWFTgvLn70L0_ZWkcYIdn6Gepj8xG9TgAULX9J/s1600/IMG-20140727-WA012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bNCBtNN4989tESJAgcMguoD-zQFJtSIbleVX-HcadJT8aVHAvDzkyZEnQjCzrhZ0lflokW6xteaIgLRiSRiJz2OHOC5BXoURvrUKNhNWFTgvLn70L0_ZWkcYIdn6Gepj8xG9TgAULX9J/s1600/IMG-20140727-WA012.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Seeing the same car over and over and over can be boring, but at least the taxis come in many different colours. You really have the whole rainbow here. They are typically grey on the bottom, roof and bumpers, with colour across the hood, trunk and doors. It certainly breaks up the monotony of an otherwise boring and style-less car, and brightens the streets of Shanghai.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Think I'll head out and explore the city a bit now. It's nice to know that if I get tired I can easily hail a taxi, and can even pick the colour I want!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Shanghai, Shanghai, China31.230416 121.47370129.493447000000003 118.891914 32.967385 124.05548800000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-36315565673172582422014-08-01T18:29:00.000+02:002015-07-14T08:59:13.590+02:00A Non-Automotive Ode To France.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With just over 24 hours left before I leave France, I felt like sharing my thoughts and impressions. While this has nothing to do with cars, I felt that a blog entry was the best forum to use, so those that are only interested in cars can stop reading now. Excuse me for this blatant misuse of automotive internet real-estate...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The past couple of days have been eye-opening. I am so excited about my next journey (to Shanghai, China), that I failed to predict the difficulty I would have leaving this place I have called home for the past eight and a half years. Wanting to go somewhere else does not necessarily mean you don't want to be where you are, and that's the case right now.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEvwTz6C6GLMczkafAQXcf2wWDjZ8e8LW5NfdgBpK3ROTdPTQU2VYIq3qHnuBeh3z1FPcYVQpTtNFi6o3UPFOrw2plWO_g5lPNChyphenhyphenAcT_6PrMTQMyDuYM5TnLQAmyqPWzW3Prv_5LNpSh/s1600/Vindrac-Alayrac-20130809-03007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEvwTz6C6GLMczkafAQXcf2wWDjZ8e8LW5NfdgBpK3ROTdPTQU2VYIq3qHnuBeh3z1FPcYVQpTtNFi6o3UPFOrw2plWO_g5lPNChyphenhyphenAcT_6PrMTQMyDuYM5TnLQAmyqPWzW3Prv_5LNpSh/s1600/Vindrac-Alayrac-20130809-03007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's so much to love about this country. I live 150 km north of Paris, and have travelled extensively in France, so I have a good appreciation of the different regions of 'the Hexagon'. Most of my travels I have done by car (hey look, an automotive connection!), which is a fantastic way to truly discover a country. My house is in the department of Aisne in the region of Picardie, a very rural area loaded with history (what part of Europe isn't?!?). This region was touched heavily by both World Wars, and there are traces of it even today. There are beautiful old castles and cathedrals and churches, and old cities and towns with cobblestone streets and tired old stone buildings. Even the smallest of villages usually has an old church or ruin that seems normal here, but would be a historical monument anywhere else.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
France is a fantastic place to live if you like food, wine, cheese and cars (there they are again!). It really is a gastronomic culture, and while not everyone eats top French cuisine every day (France is one of McDonald's biggest markets after the US, FYI), if you want to taste a variety of traditional and avant-garde cuisine, you can find it all here. I know that the French didn't invent wine, but they certainly have mastered it, and while I am certainly no expert, I appreciate a nice bottle of wine much more since I moved here. Add to that Champagne, a good bottle of which is an event all its own. Even before coming to France I considered myself a cheese fan, but the choices here are nearly unlimited, and one interesting insider tidbit is that the smelliest ones aren't necessarily the ones with the strongest taste! And the cars! The current crop of French cars, from Renault, Citroen and Peugeot, are competitive and attractive, but it's the historical models and brands (including Talbot, Alpine and Panhard) that really managed to catch my attention.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SEZxqipAUC6QXCDH7ktdW6_HOl8ZyMuxLlQrCpmx_mIjb7mU1BJ4i2c0ZIXrvE4ogPsFC78lKXxi4QWIcZqb4o7F_GLva_w-MejQPOErOmaBy2rZXn5uJHMTX8ayo7Kdiggz9WU1WoXS/s1600/DSCN8768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SEZxqipAUC6QXCDH7ktdW6_HOl8ZyMuxLlQrCpmx_mIjb7mU1BJ4i2c0ZIXrvE4ogPsFC78lKXxi4QWIcZqb4o7F_GLva_w-MejQPOErOmaBy2rZXn5uJHMTX8ayo7Kdiggz9WU1WoXS/s1600/DSCN8768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But it can't always be 'La Vie en Rose', can it? No, it can't. France is a frustratingly complex country. The rules, the traditions, the bureaucracy... they can all be tricky to read, difficult to manoeuvre, and angering to have to accept. I have countless examples of the mind-boggling complexity and paradox that is the French way of doing things...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few years ago I had to mail in an official document to the government. I knew that I was supposed to send it by registered mail (to have proof that it was sent by the right date in case it got lost), but I was rushed before leaving on vacation and simply sent it by regular mail. The French postal system (La Poste) is very reliable at getting letters to their destination quickly (when they're not on strike; more on that later...), so I knew it would be okay. I was more than a bit perplexed when I returned from vacation and saw that a letter had been sent back to me. It stated that because I had not followed the rule, they could not accept my document. I recall standing there dumfounded, picturing the scene: an overworked public servant (because they're all apparently horribly overworked here) opened my letter that had arrived on his desk, as planned. He took it out, saw that it was the document he was waiting for, but also noticed that it wasn't a registered letter. He then prepared a response notifying me that my document could not be accepted because it had not been sent with the guarantee that it would arrive on his desk, put that in an envelope, added a 0.54 euro stamp, and had it mailed to me. Ummmm...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNGQ_V_52fpaQ0GgXqLu2ZIS6yWxKAEPck7K8XqmZWSOlaGg3bTScASDESfMAj6Hksu1VIjimdiyd3MeBoJSP7WmzqrqXkm8vkX8YEV1IiRcaYJEfzi4Ja07WbLsw0KunBXWPZm_V80Iu/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140801-01155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNGQ_V_52fpaQ0GgXqLu2ZIS6yWxKAEPck7K8XqmZWSOlaGg3bTScASDESfMAj6Hksu1VIjimdiyd3MeBoJSP7WmzqrqXkm8vkX8YEV1IiRcaYJEfzi4Ja07WbLsw0KunBXWPZm_V80Iu/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140801-01155.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Or how about a few years back when I applied for my 10 year working Visa? For 5 years I had been renewing my Visa every year (according to the rules), and was therefore eligible for the 10-year version. I prepared all of the documents (there were many!), made an appointment, and filled in the paperwork and was told to wait a few months. A few months passed, then a few more, then a few more. After around 10 months I called and was finally able to get through to someone. She told me that my application had been 'filed'. Refused? No. Delayed? No. 'Filed'. I asked what that meant, and she said that it had been a busy year, no one had had the time to process the request, and that the best option was to start again with a new request! I heard her rummage through a file folder and she said that she had my file in her hands. I asked politely (because you have to remain VERY polite; these people have an incredible amount of power over you, and they know it) if there was any way she could simply put it on the 'To Do' pile, and she said no, that it would be easier to start again. Easier for who?!? I then asked if she could mail me the file folder in her hands so that I could simply mail it back to her, since it was complete and exactly what I would send her if I started over, and again she said no. Start over. Merci, au revoir. Grrrr...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A third example you ask? Just today I went to pick up my last 1-year Visa. It was actually processed quickly (I applied for it just two weeks ago), which was a nice change. The fee was 106 euros. For income tax, property tax, speeding tickets (oops!), France has fantastic, modern, one-click online methods of paying. It's really very easy and super efficient. For Visas? Now that's another story. You have to go buy 'Fiscal stamps'; they look exactly like postal stamps for mailing letters, but are in different denominations and are a form of currency. Where do you go to buy these? Why your local tabacco shop, of course! Logical, right? I think that years ago most (if not all) 'Tabacs' sold them, but nowadays it's getting harder and harder to find one that does, even though they're an official payment method that you need for many different types of official transactions. After my third try this morning I had a friendly tobacco vendor tell me that I could also buy them at the nearby Tax Center, which made a bit more sense. But then I watched as the woman behind the counter had to go take out 4 different file folders, carefully rip off four different denominations (90 + 10 + 5 + 1 euros), and note each one in a little chart, take my 110 euros, then give me change... and realised that it is not surprising that official transactions can take ages in France, and that public servants claim they are overworked! Arrrrgh...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-tPI5Pf6adADX_JFXQJxQKXZt_z1xCrN7XwqTWHe2OQGTxwenf1HMCHbJ9sOICz6We4mkNjj2QMVF3ZAvwGhWu4YJFJHufWA0crJidx1p0ossyB1d1dhyphenhyphenk_IfU2YMx-PH11rvrbPN8k5/s1600/IMG-20140801-01150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-tPI5Pf6adADX_JFXQJxQKXZt_z1xCrN7XwqTWHe2OQGTxwenf1HMCHbJ9sOICz6We4mkNjj2QMVF3ZAvwGhWu4YJFJHufWA0crJidx1p0ossyB1d1dhyphenhyphenk_IfU2YMx-PH11rvrbPN8k5/s1600/IMG-20140801-01150.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enough of the complaining! That can also be considered a French trait; 'raler', or complaining, is an art form in France, and I seem to have picked it up. Even with these frustrating moments in day-to-day life, there is still so much to be said for this country. Over my nearly nine years here I have made many wonderful friends: people of different ages, with different origins, and from different regions, but all kind and caring and likeable. I was a bit of a novelty at first in this rural area, with my broken French and horrible accent, but it generally seemed to be a positive thing. I leave behind many friends and some new family, and while I will obviously keep contact with as many as possible, it is difficult to realise that they won't be part of my everyday life anymore.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's life though, isn't it? "C'est la vie"! I am glad to leave still in love with this place. I have always said to myself that I didn't want to wait until I hated a place before leaving it; to be so sick of it that it was a relief to pack up and go. This is the exact opposite situation. I leave very excited about the future, but a tad nostalgic about the past eight and a half years of my life. There was lots to learn (Do I use the formal 'Vous' with someone, or the informal 'Tu'? Am I supposed to shake hands with the people I know, or do I do the French 'bise' (kiss)? Are ALL stores closed between 12h and 14h? Why do I have to put a bar in the middle of my number 7 (
<s><span lang="EN-CA" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7</span></span></s> ) so that people won't confuse it with a number 1? Am I legally required to go out and wait for the breadman in my nightgown and slippers like the 'mamies' in my village?), but then again that's part of integrating and appreciating a new culture.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And to finish off, another paradox. I was annoyed to have to go pick up my Visa this morning. This has to be done at the 'Préfecture' (the local government office, usually in the largest city of the department). In my case it is in Laon, around 40 minutes away. I was grumbling as I headed off, knowing that I would have to take a number and sit for an hour in a hot, noisy waiting room to be called. My grumpiness melted away as I hit the road, though. It's a lovely drive through green countryside, with a couple of hills and turns to make the ride more interesting. As I approached Laon (a city that I have visited often and know well) there was a detour because of a car accident, so I ended up approaching the city from a different direction than usual. At one point I caught a glimpse of the skyline in the distance... and was thankful for the convoluted French bureaucracy system. If I had been able to click a few buttons on a website and go to my local mayors office to pick up my Visa, I wouldn't have seen this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8CClKrrg65ifSRX-YC7EwU1flbFCvajmC2SraKKW1wu7My7QAttBx_f1iFlz_wkbP31pX8jMvAr6qafBI7y04lnuLnV8pxfWw_SsM1KHTimIJrPtbuCmVLBOPfL8gXpLQOgBFxEyZsj7/s1600/Laon-20140801-01149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8CClKrrg65ifSRX-YC7EwU1flbFCvajmC2SraKKW1wu7My7QAttBx_f1iFlz_wkbP31pX8jMvAr6qafBI7y04lnuLnV8pxfWw_SsM1KHTimIJrPtbuCmVLBOPfL8gXpLQOgBFxEyZsj7/s1600/Laon-20140801-01149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Laon is a very old city perched on top of a large hill. The cathedral (Notre Dame de Laon), built between 1150 and 1155 (no typo there!) is the most impressive I have seen, and inspired other cathedrals in France, including Notre Dame de Paris (maybe you've heard of it??). In the end I was very thankful to have had the opportunity to visit it one last time, and the wait at the Préfecture (it was barely 30 minutes in the end) wasn't nearly as painful as I expected.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi622GH6n-1JRiS4WNEddriM-APwD0ioVtL3lRLKfJFkQG1zjZazrL7Ua-M9pkcgIwJKpg_bjzQf1NHRYdRPUNxINzv2EMLtqMqX667frTGQ7uWkqQVdMOm3Sqs-XB3LbkMzFIB2ccDlrIr/s1600/IMG-20140801-01151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi622GH6n-1JRiS4WNEddriM-APwD0ioVtL3lRLKfJFkQG1zjZazrL7Ua-M9pkcgIwJKpg_bjzQf1NHRYdRPUNxINzv2EMLtqMqX667frTGQ7uWkqQVdMOm3Sqs-XB3LbkMzFIB2ccDlrIr/s1600/IMG-20140801-01151.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ81MEql1ymYTzHMmXVA2jPk2pv1iR0sTErx5sv_6RNRKNDk3yajZgICmpoxn9dZKZEdBBVCoOo0BkRa0_kj9ft0UvA4vtzTLU9EqOoLpkHdmahqz45kmgi9Hce5TKkCXqK5wovmAUNYN/s1600/IMG-20140801-01152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ81MEql1ymYTzHMmXVA2jPk2pv1iR0sTErx5sv_6RNRKNDk3yajZgICmpoxn9dZKZEdBBVCoOo0BkRa0_kj9ft0UvA4vtzTLU9EqOoLpkHdmahqz45kmgi9Hce5TKkCXqK5wovmAUNYN/s1600/IMG-20140801-01152.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tomorrow I will travel by train into Paris early and visit with a few friends before heading to the airport. More than likely I will go have a bite to eat at a Parisian brasserie, and the server will be rude and grumpy and annoyed at having to serve me. And I wouldn't want it any other way! Then I will trudge off to the airport with my bags and wait as my flight is delayed because the air traffic controllers have planned a strike tomorrow (another French pastime; there are yearly strikes with the Airlines, Post Office, and Railway, to the point that it's nearly comical!). And I wouldn't want it any other way! I'll sit and wait patiently as people around me fume and complain and argue with the hapless airport staff ("Mais ce n'est pas possible! C'est scandaleux!"). And I wouldn't want it any other way. So much in France is wonderful and unique and exceptional and loveable, that even the things that aren't somehow seem charming and adorable in the end.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I raise a glass to this life-changing experience! When you cheers a drink in France you have to look the person in the eye; it's a sign of respect (and goes back to when if you wanted to poison someone you put the poison in your glass and sloshed it into theirs when you did a cheers; most people couldn't look their intended victim in the eye), and it says alot about the character of the French. They are honest, and blunt, and sincere, and caring, and respect their traditions because it is their traditions that built this wonderful country.<br />
<br />
Santé, la France, je t'aime!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP-9h1KNpU749mZGXVAS56T9OOPqCq7wbJYi6cfxhNGguoa5f4v0gq75z44WIM9c5Q09syoUV_ZNtp0u86Smt_KmhnvzV7LLj3s09yJmRzMlG-YhWi1QCfd9NSePUhTZnZcmDbiKbmxS8/s1600/Castanet-20130809-03065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgP-9h1KNpU749mZGXVAS56T9OOPqCq7wbJYi6cfxhNGguoa5f4v0gq75z44WIM9c5Q09syoUV_ZNtp0u86Smt_KmhnvzV7LLj3s09yJmRzMlG-YhWi1QCfd9NSePUhTZnZcmDbiKbmxS8/s1600/Castanet-20130809-03065.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1France46.227638 2.213749000000007134.9722085 -18.440547999999993 57.4830675 22.868046000000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-27634322259497404322014-07-28T23:43:00.000+02:002014-07-29T00:19:38.393+02:00Abbecourt Auto Show.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I like to think it was organised as a farewell party just for me. As I finish my last week of work in France and slowly finish packing my things for my big move to China, I am thankful that I got one last (actually it was a first as well!) auto show in... and believe it or not, it was in my tiny village of Abbécourt!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a few weekends ago; just after breakfast on the Sunday morning I heard the distinct sound of old cars sputtering up the street. I live on a very tiny street with no through traffic, and hearing old car after old car make its way up the street really caught my attention. I ran to the window just in time to see the last of the old relics head up out of view. Assuming they were gone, I got on with my morning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii30FqtNhkIp9UlyJu8uVBE7koRpPdHfSp1kZm-jRQD3XR7FCPTZ2lqnwgoqHooMi1UdI6cD8yhSoTAR86C0AgA03ydx2xk8KmxOUwe-TWTEDW8oagYWdaWvIpbvws5f8QzP5P18U4izHQ/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140713-01067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii30FqtNhkIp9UlyJu8uVBE7koRpPdHfSp1kZm-jRQD3XR7FCPTZ2lqnwgoqHooMi1UdI6cD8yhSoTAR86C0AgA03ydx2xk8KmxOUwe-TWTEDW8oagYWdaWvIpbvws5f8QzP5P18U4izHQ/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140713-01067.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A short time later my visitor (a Canadian friend who was visiting) and I headed out. On a whim I drove up the street to in front of the Mairie (the town hall), and lo and behold, the cars had all stopped for a mini show and shine! I was in heaven! We jumped out of the car and joined the handful of people looking over the hardware. As an anecdote, the owners heard us speaking English, and when they tried their best to talk to me about their old cars in broken English I didn't have the heart to tell them I spoke French, so I played along! It's amazing how you can make yourself understood when you're passionate about something...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In total there were 10 cars: certainly not an international auto show, but still worth a peek for a couple of old car fans. There was a customized yellow Beetle, and a tidy Renault 4L, and a nifty Renault Rodéo 4x4 buggy. There was also a very clean and original Simca 1300 sedan in green with a tasteful black vinyl roof. On the more eccentric side there was a Mega Convertible, which the owner told me was a plastic-bodied, partly take-apart-able beach bomber based on a Citroen Ax platform. I had never seen one before, and probably won't again!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVy_2pz5_kuX4-L3iLJeDvFO_JP7VUsbTDwlw-sj3y3GBQnlfsIE2Z-_lJYzt1C8Oan9JaFEYeOBgQUPtLABUJWndlsx7rA1gWNzPE5VoOmHlV8F5M0iVzpvm842hu3yPm9W6CiWzsTih/s1600/beetle+4L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVy_2pz5_kuX4-L3iLJeDvFO_JP7VUsbTDwlw-sj3y3GBQnlfsIE2Z-_lJYzt1C8Oan9JaFEYeOBgQUPtLABUJWndlsx7rA1gWNzPE5VoOmHlV8F5M0iVzpvm842hu3yPm9W6CiWzsTih/s1600/beetle+4L.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM-9M8YzEJCOi79Zy0pU94eBb1oyS1yix_R4TxW8lVsPHi3D56MWGtlV81_opqfCEI4aKpExSkCGpzXWKsZt-gq3bIFwRXhAhe0SSZN11hgAt0cyo_JrUpEquwnyel7p8QTYF9sGRtB6A/s1600/rodeo+1300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM-9M8YzEJCOi79Zy0pU94eBb1oyS1yix_R4TxW8lVsPHi3D56MWGtlV81_opqfCEI4aKpExSkCGpzXWKsZt-gq3bIFwRXhAhe0SSZN11hgAt0cyo_JrUpEquwnyel7p8QTYF9sGRtB6A/s1600/rodeo+1300.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvxpmw7YaW_rCRrA9fiXEJ-xdxQQS7BwVk2UjtvTnmOsRKI2_JO0R-KrwaZafo5Pe3CX-7y1nO-QtUAMWCjNeF0r3mjz_yRZssD2ofXlQw-BxnUReRvre6q67umtq9lFZpySDy23ougP2/s1600/mega.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvxpmw7YaW_rCRrA9fiXEJ-xdxQQS7BwVk2UjtvTnmOsRKI2_JO0R-KrwaZafo5Pe3CX-7y1nO-QtUAMWCjNeF0r3mjz_yRZssD2ofXlQw-BxnUReRvre6q67umtq9lFZpySDy23ougP2/s1600/mega.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The three most interesting cars were also amongst the oldest. First there was the Panhard CD coupé. This long, wide and low sports car had a Jaguar feel to it, but with some touches all its own. To be sure I wouldn't call it downright beautiful, but it certainly had a charm to it! The protruding front bumper and oddly square headlights (relative to the curves of the body) spoiled the look bit, but when viewed the rear the Panhard was every bit a sleek road machine. Built from 1963 to 1966, only 159 copies were built, making it one truly rare car!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZhMNuNCIWYRh4MaXRPfqvCVRGrBIffRu7OS11uR0TIYBJLKNg2kEJ6hspLeABBPGdkqP0hfT7zzU0Jvh_KXn8OSHgaJNTAPPIp1vDV7Kt7ORJNI2gow3fLbX-ZUqDrT9sqpcL7AjS-Ii/s1600/Autreville-20140713-01053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZhMNuNCIWYRh4MaXRPfqvCVRGrBIffRu7OS11uR0TIYBJLKNg2kEJ6hspLeABBPGdkqP0hfT7zzU0Jvh_KXn8OSHgaJNTAPPIp1vDV7Kt7ORJNI2gow3fLbX-ZUqDrT9sqpcL7AjS-Ii/s1600/Autreville-20140713-01053.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rKjWeMmZ2jfpn9lz_NJSRMQJmqJ0RsizuxFRr8k_zDpHYHs5YZK_rpoBKesQecBatKOIVjNu-a3diOxL0-lCWB1mYqFTQW1Kub9IoNpuyDRe8A9-oLcN0jVFXllm0Wd1JREAEyCRjzAz/s1600/panhard+front+++back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rKjWeMmZ2jfpn9lz_NJSRMQJmqJ0RsizuxFRr8k_zDpHYHs5YZK_rpoBKesQecBatKOIVjNu-a3diOxL0-lCWB1mYqFTQW1Kub9IoNpuyDRe8A9-oLcN0jVFXllm0Wd1JREAEyCRjzAz/s1600/panhard+front+++back.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another beauty was a big black Panhard-Levasseur 6CS. This massive closed-carriage, produced from 1930 until the end of the decade, represented the peak of production and success for Panhard, which wouldn't last past the 1960s as an automotive manufacturer. This lovely 6-cylinder coach remains as a pristine example of one of the most storied French luxury brands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysOm9L7QwTJpuObiClwvAih3RfpQhei0_QrFNDJGMAPh1bpqsUCTP6kIJdgq2zgj2UitAHxpN0HL8QvxzEI7rwVl0qFcq89Eno2igQwXrDmH46mzUc9gBngWZmmmUQc_crj7uYcYFSi3m/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140713-01044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysOm9L7QwTJpuObiClwvAih3RfpQhei0_QrFNDJGMAPh1bpqsUCTP6kIJdgq2zgj2UitAHxpN0HL8QvxzEI7rwVl0qFcq89Eno2igQwXrDmH46mzUc9gBngWZmmmUQc_crj7uYcYFSi3m/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140713-01044.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHK9fJ99BZrxcRcTGVeCiXMGV1nZ0l9g3aRB6C4-Ili3V-P6NDddUgwLrkb5oKxF-oHRMX5DNbPyKdGWl920dal4YJOwGybrHfm3lDhQcURsvEa3NIwV0F_v_P1z6UlknBwaUkXWcy0w/s1600/panhard+back+and+engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZHK9fJ99BZrxcRcTGVeCiXMGV1nZ0l9g3aRB6C4-Ili3V-P6NDddUgwLrkb5oKxF-oHRMX5DNbPyKdGWl920dal4YJOwGybrHfm3lDhQcURsvEa3NIwV0F_v_P1z6UlknBwaUkXWcy0w/s1600/panhard+back+and+engine.jpg" height="150" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And the best for last! My absolute favourite of the little mobile troupe was a cute little Simca 5 from 1937. The curvaceous blue and black coupé had just the right lines. The long sloping hood and massive fenders, grille and headlights made the small car look bigger than it was. The two doors opened suicide-style, allowing easy access into the cramped cabin. Car fans will know that this car was perhaps better known as the Fiat 500 Topolino, but it also had a succesful career under the Simca name, the French outlet for Fiat back in the day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKspp7A3Xd9AH_3_RlgF0Y9JcH3A1wE0QGi_gjJanGdNal7CK2P_aJ1lNniPJJXxsjmn3a5C5Lifv7Mo3OPsEXAIoY6AfRm2mle600e19T2UFh9rPd_NtATnq4ilY9B2mlwyW6JrHReQx/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140713-01065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKspp7A3Xd9AH_3_RlgF0Y9JcH3A1wE0QGi_gjJanGdNal7CK2P_aJ1lNniPJJXxsjmn3a5C5Lifv7Mo3OPsEXAIoY6AfRm2mle600e19T2UFh9rPd_NtATnq4ilY9B2mlwyW6JrHReQx/s1600/Abb%C3%A9court-20140713-01065.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eMF3DFf2ZY-4NmZ3Ev7PJKkJh68KdaxFq0OOjslmOkPU_DTPZLNyNq3x_LwUVtMOu04dnUWhkwKg-fsRnOq9bCcF2_KI0Dp-ygGgyQj4EfAMmcibiCAdjWWZAO3MUK7zQMGW0Sjzam8a/s1600/simca+front+++back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eMF3DFf2ZY-4NmZ3Ev7PJKkJh68KdaxFq0OOjslmOkPU_DTPZLNyNq3x_LwUVtMOu04dnUWhkwKg-fsRnOq9bCcF2_KI0Dp-ygGgyQj4EfAMmcibiCAdjWWZAO3MUK7zQMGW0Sjzam8a/s1600/simca+front+++back.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The front-opening hood, inboard radiator at the firewall, brake light with 'Stop' script, manually operated side marker lights, and rear deck spare tire cover were all interesting and unique features that caught my attention on this beautiful little car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshqVGDlyqwzKhqXCo9Di-DQaXH0cpvpZVLEsRUWvQQPEp4QBn0M8iPa2rwjHLUB8Dc0MBjsIk_t8Jcw_0x4KIPazgrZBJfxXsQNKpHkGXE_v2m9WX-HxFJs_KCfblroMFv8zTTx_3kCNb/s1600/simca+front+++engine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshqVGDlyqwzKhqXCo9Di-DQaXH0cpvpZVLEsRUWvQQPEp4QBn0M8iPa2rwjHLUB8Dc0MBjsIk_t8Jcw_0x4KIPazgrZBJfxXsQNKpHkGXE_v2m9WX-HxFJs_KCfblroMFv8zTTx_3kCNb/s1600/simca+front+++engine.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTRqRUffC6Tyykg6xvuYUil8ljNjNHqFJr8RS7pjMtw-c3eHAghNc7Fsy4iKd5vSRdOh9QzeRUKbHoo5kiplA3YSWF6A_dhD7qAZ95NNOzvl4NqSnc03jAn0S6x8Nf9azd4Z-dN1hkdRH/s1600/simca+badge+++brake+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTRqRUffC6Tyykg6xvuYUil8ljNjNHqFJr8RS7pjMtw-c3eHAghNc7Fsy4iKd5vSRdOh9QzeRUKbHoo5kiplA3YSWF6A_dhD7qAZ95NNOzvl4NqSnc03jAn0S6x8Nf9azd4Z-dN1hkdRH/s1600/simca+badge+++brake+light.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Quite the nice send-off if you ask me! I'm very excited about my opportunity in China, and am sure that I will find a whole new bunch of cars to drool over (and blog about), but I am already feeling nostalgic about all the fantastic automotive adventures I've had in France. Luckily I have a folder full of photos that I will pull out from time to time to remind me of all there is to see here!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com202300 Abbécourt, France49.596071 3.179800999999997749.554905500000004 3.0991199999999974 49.6372365 3.2604819999999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-31759427773536557152014-07-16T19:56:00.000+02:002014-07-16T19:56:21.094+02:00104 Gun Salute.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It may have happened over three years ago, but I still would like to request a moment of silence for my dearly departed Peugeot 104. After two years and over 30,000 kms of flawless service, my 104 was retired to that big wrecking yard in the sky after a nasty little road accident.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hadn't been in France long when a local car caught my attention. I drove by it almost daily, and was always curious about this strange miniature hatchback. My curiosity got the best of me in the end, and I stopped to see the make and model. It was a 1987 Peugeot 104 Style Z, the 3-door coupe version, and I was in love. A quick peek online led me to one for sale in Paris, and after a first visit and test drive I returned with 600 euros cash in hand and drove it home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYuxcERZVAFEFxAuUrjB2PbQ2UvAu7p3GzXDA0GdFq8E9cVc3fXGQWdtHT3rEXFb8czWzB6pn2S5KMeFL8smT8XzPKztZufXQwOU3uPolpeVFD06IKPp1aXnoI0xWc0n4iKEkHrjc6LJ0/s1600/104+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYuxcERZVAFEFxAuUrjB2PbQ2UvAu7p3GzXDA0GdFq8E9cVc3fXGQWdtHT3rEXFb8czWzB6pn2S5KMeFL8smT8XzPKztZufXQwOU3uPolpeVFD06IKPp1aXnoI0xWc0n4iKEkHrjc6LJ0/s1600/104+side.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most of my coworkers thought that I was nuts, and wondered why someone 188 cm (6'2") tall would want such a tiny car. I explained that having grown up with large cars in Canada, I was more amused and intrigued by some of the tiny models that existed in Europe. The tough little 104 ran like a top, with the characteristic muted growl from the X-type Peugeut 1.0L engine. The only issue was starting in damp weather, but that was easily solved with a replacement distributor cap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4hnyiGJD7jWJeJb_93U-iRV9l5y2obCZ4VrNJ5yf9lRwAwM779CIcXEYnQMWBWQJLWuIi7p2V4ZsAcuCwn7Xm0xFGVdFkIFbPHmZw7ZXnywCafRFEkvIumVGcIyyO5wbbh0rZHvZn9aK/s1600/car5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4hnyiGJD7jWJeJb_93U-iRV9l5y2obCZ4VrNJ5yf9lRwAwM779CIcXEYnQMWBWQJLWuIi7p2V4ZsAcuCwn7Xm0xFGVdFkIFbPHmZw7ZXnywCafRFEkvIumVGcIyyO5wbbh0rZHvZn9aK/s1600/car5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The 104 was a willing partner for all sorts of roadtrips, including a rather imposing 1000km, 10 hour trip from Paris to the Pyrenees mountains for a ski holiday, and back again a week later. Three adults and their luggage and assorted odds and ends equated to one cramped trip, but it was a rather memorable journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then came that fateful Sunday; it was a typical lazy afternoon drive with no destination in particular planned. Where the 104 did end up, however, was embedded into the side of a small van that did not pay attention to a stop sign and crossed the road at exactly the wrong moment. Luckily neither myself nor the other driver were hurt. The side of his van was nicely caved in, but he was able to drive off. The poor Peugeot, however, wasn't.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5puQ69sQLIOC7aiR4QRVqfngj96farxUqKdTKrIIEVS2Uui2QH40YzYhNn1DPorURIhzHQmVyn6YfMmMQfOcLGc5GjTytYmQHlgs_RgVyYoogX7svkCPxROy4wuarNkWNWkqZ6T3f1tw-/s1600/DSCN2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5puQ69sQLIOC7aiR4QRVqfngj96farxUqKdTKrIIEVS2Uui2QH40YzYhNn1DPorURIhzHQmVyn6YfMmMQfOcLGc5GjTytYmQHlgs_RgVyYoogX7svkCPxROy4wuarNkWNWkqZ6T3f1tw-/s1600/DSCN2926.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VI-ssC00bfEclGMhxqugz705CjS8wmt05mNlOmSVVIyOL3dEY_6hhxDwZM1Pe2wQSjtTzIqGEKtsSxgAKocXT7KZSMG6TrhxsrY9HOBnw5O5SOTihiO5gzLkpAulU3I0Nll2YZV767Yn/s1600/DSCN2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VI-ssC00bfEclGMhxqugz705CjS8wmt05mNlOmSVVIyOL3dEY_6hhxDwZM1Pe2wQSjtTzIqGEKtsSxgAKocXT7KZSMG6TrhxsrY9HOBnw5O5SOTihiO5gzLkpAulU3I0Nll2YZV767Yn/s1600/DSCN2931.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The accident had ruptured the radiator, and the coolant had leaked out. Even if it hadn't, the front right wheel had been shoved back, and the car wouldn't roll. It had to be yanked onto the back of a flatbed tow truck and carted unceremoniously back to town. I was a bit insulted that the tow-truck driver wasn't more compassionate ("Well she's a write-off for sure, an old piece of junk like that!"), and that he didn't radio ahead for a police escort, or at the very least a trumpet solo as she was pushed off at the garage, but I bit my tongue. Not everyone can appreciate such a fine automobile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgENy5iM1VTEFl8ogcWwGAO4HJCCljyxKHCsZ8WA2bmMvhWKKVK9QANPNk8RocVtFqbV5wj9PiarVZcIRMhHwOPY66xVip2rMweNhkdmPr-l41lcN54N_f0__vd9Hn1oPdWPk6XO8XP2kq/s1600/DSCN2934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgENy5iM1VTEFl8ogcWwGAO4HJCCljyxKHCsZ8WA2bmMvhWKKVK9QANPNk8RocVtFqbV5wj9PiarVZcIRMhHwOPY66xVip2rMweNhkdmPr-l41lcN54N_f0__vd9Hn1oPdWPk6XO8XP2kq/s1600/DSCN2934.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I recall correctly, the insurance adjuster quoted around 4,000 euros to repair it, which clearly wasn't going to happen. I ended up getting 750 euros, which was more than I had originally paid, so I guess I could consider myself lucky. When I look back at these pictures, though, I can't help but miss my first French car. It's a bit late, but I'd like that 104 gun salute now, please...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>NB: one fond memory of the 104 was when the exhaust pipe broke; mostly people would consider that a bad thing, but not me...</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theautomotiveattic.blogspot.com/2014/05/a-rally-nice-exhaust-note.html" target="_blank">A Rally Nice Exhaust Note.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Folembray, France49.543055 3.292574000000058749.460640500000004 3.1312125000000588 49.6254695 3.4539355000000587tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-62389391907942139592014-07-08T19:43:00.000+02:002014-07-20T10:03:15.051+02:00Concrete Proof.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All of the time I spent reading those Hardy Boy books as a kid paid off last weekend! I did some super sleuthing, and made a very interesting automotive discovery. Okay, so it's a bit of a stretch to call it automotive, but it was close. And it is also a bit of a stretch to say that it was sleuthing, as I was given the approximate location of the vehicle, but it still felt like a bit of an adventure.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My new auto-obsessed friend, Antoine, who has more cars and stories than anyone I know, told me about a few old car and truck wrecks in the area. One legend that particularly caught my attention was of a dump truck that had slid off a winding road and rolled to the bottom of a steep hill. At the time (decades ago), it was deemed too expensive to try and have it removed, so it was left to rot away. He didn't mention what had happened to the driver, so I want to assume that he got out okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After hearing this story, I knew that I would have to go and check it out, especially since it was only about 30 kms away. The following day was a sunny Sunday, and I was happy to have an excuse to go on a little automotive-related mission. Antoine had given me the approximate location, at the end of a twisty road that runs up a very steep hill just after the village of Vezaponin.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(As an aside, this just so happenes to be along a stretch of my favourite road, which I have written about previously: <a href="http://theautomotiveattic.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-favourite-road.html" target="_blank">My Favourite Road blog entry...</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq6qoZ3VoH0mA8tk0CeBX3URViAlrPI9671UMlHSYKgjkP6ZyV4AOd9Cf6kgR180iiFuVzmP6p3c5xfbFTLo8y-pVRQut3AQxNrm2k8z6VEgGbfUdC36n-i9jEwIdyfddnAaGYytsXmfc/s1600/IMG-20140622-00897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbq6qoZ3VoH0mA8tk0CeBX3URViAlrPI9671UMlHSYKgjkP6ZyV4AOd9Cf6kgR180iiFuVzmP6p3c5xfbFTLo8y-pVRQut3AQxNrm2k8z6VEgGbfUdC36n-i9jEwIdyfddnAaGYytsXmfc/s1600/IMG-20140622-00897.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
At the very top of the hill I was able to park, and walked back down to scan for the truck. The trees and undergrowth were so thick that I was sure I wouldn't find it, but after a few passes up and down a flash of yellow way down at the bottom of the ravine in the first big corner caught my eye. Forget a pot of gold, I had found the yellow cement truck of Vezaponin!<br />
<br />
It was there. And looked impossible to get to. Just behind the guardrail the hill was nearly vertical; there was no way to climb down without climbing gear. I found a little path a few hundred meters away, and headed down hoping to be able to loop back. No such luck. The trees and brambles and thorns were so thick that there was absolutely no way to get through. I hesitated leaving, but wasn't willing to give up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx62fa5NM4hY-qG1doOo-x9UBH-6BE0PkFlmEMWKasEssrjhfTEIazRW5o9-6rJ00Z_YbAqs2t1_kp1u4Q2PrX1lKh5bJlc0GTj98xyerm_6PolEa46PmVT5negR3L8setDIgZQruXOo-v/s1600/IMG-20140622-00928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx62fa5NM4hY-qG1doOo-x9UBH-6BE0PkFlmEMWKasEssrjhfTEIazRW5o9-6rJ00Z_YbAqs2t1_kp1u4Q2PrX1lKh5bJlc0GTj98xyerm_6PolEa46PmVT5negR3L8setDIgZQruXOo-v/s1600/IMG-20140622-00928.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I went back down the road to where I could see the truck. The path straight down was clear enough, but it was going to be difficult to get a foothold. A few small, well-placed trees looked promising, so I started half climbing, half sliding my way down, grabbing tree after tree (much like a monkey, I have to admit) to slow my descent. I pictured myself falling to the bottom and breaking my leg, and wasn't convinced that there was cell-phone service at the bottom of the ravine to call for help. The bottle of water and pack of gum in my pockets wasn't really going to help me survive months stranded at the bottom, so I knew that I had to be careful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the end it was less dramatic than I pictured, and I got to level ground with only a few scrapes. I had to push my way through some more trees and thorns, but there it was, in front of me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPDlhFeUgV3-yQCpxm3lyD6MGH0VrrjSfod3gyDd6Bje6sTI2OsoQS4ltbaErRo4eWI5tzoKuwnTmdvdEwpWCItvgekb5Z4SBnd70iTqfR6xiwmnFv-9rVQRI4ab2RqjptOAJzqXK6xrr/s1600/IMG-20140622-00929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPDlhFeUgV3-yQCpxm3lyD6MGH0VrrjSfod3gyDd6Bje6sTI2OsoQS4ltbaErRo4eWI5tzoKuwnTmdvdEwpWCItvgekb5Z4SBnd70iTqfR6xiwmnFv-9rVQRI4ab2RqjptOAJzqXK6xrr/s1600/IMG-20140622-00929.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cement truck had apparently been there for several decades, which was believable considering the state of it. The tumble down the hill had twisted the cab to to the point that it was nearly unrecognizable, but the huge rear cement drum was more or less intact. At some point someone had come and removed the drivetrain, as no trace of the engine, transmission, or wheels was left.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gShvmuPiD6nUIQRZWBFbAaK4i4rehwP8xhcYuTrUV0fP0VVqR1HWNkNvHqaSZcIlYdC6mxP_hoHU-c_18mc5iT-9KRiWrQNqEMBWLnzzOG0wbUguQm36IFR4gLqaxaS2Rxs94Yu6eyhF/s1600/IMG-20140622-00905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gShvmuPiD6nUIQRZWBFbAaK4i4rehwP8xhcYuTrUV0fP0VVqR1HWNkNvHqaSZcIlYdC6mxP_hoHU-c_18mc5iT-9KRiWrQNqEMBWLnzzOG0wbUguQm36IFR4gLqaxaS2Rxs94Yu6eyhF/s1600/IMG-20140622-00905.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLkZS7q10iaLRURT5oFTEO2H07XFXw5KrtDKGtbboZSnUwc8HCO3vJBw-ogevJEjx1SLw4zxeSOzFpcNv8pMP2mP04IA_mCrxSGCU1qrBHXrO8UKWSUEZ_Sb9vsZUqvApXoZdMUN-D8nr/s1600/IMG-20140622-00911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLkZS7q10iaLRURT5oFTEO2H07XFXw5KrtDKGtbboZSnUwc8HCO3vJBw-ogevJEjx1SLw4zxeSOzFpcNv8pMP2mP04IA_mCrxSGCU1qrBHXrO8UKWSUEZ_Sb9vsZUqvApXoZdMUN-D8nr/s1600/IMG-20140622-00911.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjD3si7Af1S4xNZv99ELaYuCfx7MI2t-DoY-Zu2IvayYmIvXvcY0VtsicJ6OjYmNOgB9GXXGn3Q9TYPbP1dBMZBft-OMpBgJk06DPPOt56fbDrTNz5a6WSHZWgXKygPUaYPblAWHESR4Q/s1600/IMG-20140622-00916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjD3si7Af1S4xNZv99ELaYuCfx7MI2t-DoY-Zu2IvayYmIvXvcY0VtsicJ6OjYmNOgB9GXXGn3Q9TYPbP1dBMZBft-OMpBgJk06DPPOt56fbDrTNz5a6WSHZWgXKygPUaYPblAWHESR4Q/s1600/IMG-20140622-00916.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
After close inspection I could make out the remains of the drivers seat and the dashboard. I could also see some of the roof and the door panels, and bits of the front end, bent under the rest of the cab. I could make out an 'H' logo in a star, but did not recognize it. A quick bit of research revealed that it belonged to Henschel, a German manufacturer that built heavy trucks (including cement trucks) from the early 1900s up until the end of the early 1970s, when the truck division was purchased and absorbed by Daimler-Benz. It is not clear exactly which model this poor yellow wreck was, but it would appear that it was probably a Hanomag-Henschel, perhaps from the late 60's or early 70's. The truck was so damaged that I couldn't positively identify the model, but my best guess is that it looked something like this, but with a cement mixer on the back:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p27uQ0btFg09DpVa1y9dy5b6D-4JrG89Zq8ZCJZu-b5wGjxZuxwDavObe3lqozVgu3n3KGXxCNXxSd7K2k_dr9kU25UX6jU6PWfgrvAzuY7MJdm_FpTOGNYGUHJPY-RnugfoXmWAtRy-/s1600/henschel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2p27uQ0btFg09DpVa1y9dy5b6D-4JrG89Zq8ZCJZu-b5wGjxZuxwDavObe3lqozVgu3n3KGXxCNXxSd7K2k_dr9kU25UX6jU6PWfgrvAzuY7MJdm_FpTOGNYGUHJPY-RnugfoXmWAtRy-/s1600/henschel+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
There is something interesting about seeing this cement truck slowly rusting away. It will take a very long time, but eventually it will disappear into the ground. Only a few bits of plastic and glass will remain as a trace of this yellow monster. It was easier than I expected to get back up the hill; I retraced my steps and pulled myself up using the trees.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JDDjc6wKaKVxf1hf9v7jmZmP5RX5xWUeG5QAB6tQOR2gJhlreB7MRLJdq7ihV7U0txwqPdUA4mrXbnHBKjATIcDRhWMorcw4mYVti5eYCdT6YmBvCe6lPvGuwoDD3LHlUr1cGPyh9ZBP/s1600/IMG-20140622-00915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JDDjc6wKaKVxf1hf9v7jmZmP5RX5xWUeG5QAB6tQOR2gJhlreB7MRLJdq7ihV7U0txwqPdUA4mrXbnHBKjATIcDRhWMorcw4mYVti5eYCdT6YmBvCe6lPvGuwoDD3LHlUr1cGPyh9ZBP/s1600/IMG-20140622-00915.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I can't wait to go see Antoine and show him these pictures! With luck he'll know of another treasure hunt I can head out on! I was tempted to take a souvenir, but decided against it in the end. The truck isn't mine, and it's best to leave it untouched for the next automotive adventurer who wants to rediscover this wreck.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Vézaponin, France49.458512000000013 3.229946000000040849.417234500000013 3.1492650000000406 49.499789500000013 3.3106270000000411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-46647024441869042552014-07-01T21:45:00.006+02:002014-08-19T08:35:45.674+02:00An Ode To Fiero.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We all like marking milestones, and today I mark my 100th blog entry. I've really enjoyed sharing my stories, and am happy to see a small but seemingly interested group of people to share them with. I have a head full of other stories and a folder of pictures to go with them, so I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.<br />
<br />
As I look over what I've written up until now, one thing shocks me: I have yet to mention my favourite car! Those that know me well can guess what it is... and there's even a hint in my email address (paul8488). I owned one in 2003, and while it didn't last very long (engine failure was a known problem with some of the early models, and mine was no exception!), I still consider it my favourite car.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHhkF9OsNMf7qXUtokWqxi1-dDFzwZvDGAdP7uw2DXxdJj8s3iGQN1zQWNUJwvD1RsPdrJENsYEbbMoxXU0O_V7PTzRi4A9Zeel1hzDW-VlTcTUFcX731xiVsaNpP1Buf05h_tvlVKF4q/s1600/IMG-20140818-01359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHhkF9OsNMf7qXUtokWqxi1-dDFzwZvDGAdP7uw2DXxdJj8s3iGQN1zQWNUJwvD1RsPdrJENsYEbbMoxXU0O_V7PTzRi4A9Zeel1hzDW-VlTcTUFcX731xiVsaNpP1Buf05h_tvlVKF4q/s1600/IMG-20140818-01359.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Enough suspense, my childhood dream car that remains to this day a
smile-inducing mash-up of steel, plastic, rubber and glass is the
Pontiac Fiero. North Americans are usually familiar with the Fiero,
though rarely for the right reasons. The 2-seat, rear-engine sports
coupe is often the butt of jokes, and the irony of the "O, fire" anagram
still stings 26 years after it went out of production (after a 1984 to
1988 production run).<br />
<br />
But first the good stuff. The Fiero project started at the end of the
1970s, and has become a bit of a legend for fans. Apparently Pontiac
wanted to create their own 2-seat sports car, but the Corvette people at
Chevrolet (another GM brand) didn't want competition to their iconic
coupe. The Fiero project eventually got approval, but only after Pontiac
agreed to build it as an economical commuter car, and on a very tight
budget.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUNeiHMOJ_0LYq-aiV2jQzfdXmFXF431nfZaUN35WezZkFZzMUPqNIzEcmXeZeUsOALkt9GKmCuPWsA6UWolrKRHU_U7ZzFXGe8CSvyIdj_OFbuCpyQG3OFVQMynBKoywwIi93Vw_w7pW/s1600/fiero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUNeiHMOJ_0LYq-aiV2jQzfdXmFXF431nfZaUN35WezZkFZzMUPqNIzEcmXeZeUsOALkt9GKmCuPWsA6UWolrKRHU_U7ZzFXGe8CSvyIdj_OFbuCpyQG3OFVQMynBKoywwIi93Vw_w7pW/s1600/fiero.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_XeNyGluPapd5QRVGWXOAyAa9xFqApNuB0tUCQ38juM3O-mAIz7UoS7tuUfYpsXoCuJYznKw02GoiPf5R5XfADCBztm-S-QFlOxWEpaMHHbZcBih3mHjnjAt84VH8jEiJbGuHtyuT9Wh/s1600/fiero+rear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_XeNyGluPapd5QRVGWXOAyAa9xFqApNuB0tUCQ38juM3O-mAIz7UoS7tuUfYpsXoCuJYznKw02GoiPf5R5XfADCBztm-S-QFlOxWEpaMHHbZcBih3mHjnjAt84VH8jEiJbGuHtyuT9Wh/s1600/fiero+rear.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A clean-sheet car wasn't possible, so Pontiac had to pick and choose from the GM parts bin where they could to save development costs. The rear engine and drivetrain was from an exisiting front-wheel drive platform at GM, and was simply moved to the rear of the car. The front suspension and wheels were taken from another exisiting car. Where Pontiac did spend their money was on the design of the ultra-modern spaceframe and plastic body, which would be copied on future GM models, and truly was a revolution at the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
When the Fiero finally hit the streets, it was an attractive, stylish little car with several hidden compromises. The performance didn't match the racy looks, as the only engine available at first was a lightly modified 2.5L 'Ironduke' 4-cylinder with less than 100 horsepower. The handling wasn't up to snuff either; while the car was entertaining to drive thanks to the low center of gravity and weight of the engine just behind the cockpit, the borrowed low-grade suspension bits didn't offer any precision, or a particularly inspired feel. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx2S_3K3v39sqvmA_f8W1yBNVOcUQ1wO8_CKdlp9clxezs4y5OVie1CeDmkrhkkm-guMh9YGtZ-dlTpfN0ba99pnJ6SAF_PYOSxeFZ5CguSHCUj0xEPBUMispaMEqfTCUYm1pfcXRKjU4/s1600/fiero+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx2S_3K3v39sqvmA_f8W1yBNVOcUQ1wO8_CKdlp9clxezs4y5OVie1CeDmkrhkkm-guMh9YGtZ-dlTpfN0ba99pnJ6SAF_PYOSxeFZ5CguSHCUj0xEPBUMispaMEqfTCUYm1pfcXRKjU4/s1600/fiero+ad.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then there were the fires. Time has blown the story up (no pun intended), as in the end the fire rate of the Fiero actually wasn't significantly higher than the industry average. The spectacular nature of the fire's however, and the fact that it happened on a newly introduced model, painted the Fiero as a fiery deathtrap from the start, and it was never able to fully shake that reputation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Several different models were produced over the five years it was built, from the base 2M4 4-cylinder model to the Ferrari-like GT version with fast-back style looks and a more powerful V6 engine. While I was happy with my 2M4 (for the short time I had it), to this day I dream of a red GT...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkG3N40sURfBsvbs1_Mz1m0NLZQQALe2tEVZtFvpL1krGkmydvap7SEVzdyPe72XOcFA7y15rP7yxAUrvygSvOfvjiqJH6xcDuLPVIc2x0S-_7xgF_RijPldmJ4zP08PN3rrNXzvZYZpZ/s1600/fondecranbiz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkG3N40sURfBsvbs1_Mz1m0NLZQQALe2tEVZtFvpL1krGkmydvap7SEVzdyPe72XOcFA7y15rP7yxAUrvygSvOfvjiqJH6xcDuLPVIc2x0S-_7xgF_RijPldmJ4zP08PN3rrNXzvZYZpZ/s1600/fondecranbiz.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Someday, someday. Most people dream of exotic sports cars or collectible convertibles, but not me. If I was to put a poster up in my bedroom today it would be the same one I had up 25 years ago, the flawed but charming Fiero.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hopefully for my 200th blog entry I'll be able to share pictures of my own Pontiac Fiero GT!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<i>EDIT: I found a picture of my actual Fiero that I added to the post; this was before the era of digital photos, so it's always nice to find old photographs; even if the quality is a bit lacking!</i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com3Canada56.130366 -106.3467709999999956.130366 -106.34677099999999 56.130366 -106.34677099999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-13742457228300639742014-06-27T18:52:00.001+02:002014-06-27T18:52:10.464+02:00Broken Breakdown.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
A broken down car on the side of the road isn't necessarily an uncommon or shocking sight. One in the state of this Renault, however, certainly is. A few weeks ago I noticed this grey Laguna on an on-ramp to a local highway. Naturally I was curious, and stopped to take a closer look and take a few pictures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82T07cPEd_aM9ZHTEXyWo3nSgsjMo7aCZiyr8lqmYbOHOxm7cpzF0I2gqeMi019dKVG4VL1cOXJvduCFU6dAWbA_n1UAycztXfHKl9NicgfhEFiexVgdYAoHF_XniFJgvf_XtLzeVaGOi/s1600/Gauchy-20140607-00668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82T07cPEd_aM9ZHTEXyWo3nSgsjMo7aCZiyr8lqmYbOHOxm7cpzF0I2gqeMi019dKVG4VL1cOXJvduCFU6dAWbA_n1UAycztXfHKl9NicgfhEFiexVgdYAoHF_XniFJgvf_XtLzeVaGOi/s1600/Gauchy-20140607-00668.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apparently I wasn't the only one who had noticed it. There were no clues as to why it had broken down, but it had clearly suffered greatly during its stay on the side shoulder. Many parts had been removed (headlights, taillights, grille, hubcaps), and the rest of the car had been smashed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F-W9vwSInjxKBQJnplLqI-l8IQNyYncyf1prD9tYz_3U7zjzpYBiWdficqvrgxUCxHP1GJQEg08-Ibt4Lnq8SRAJAg55cHt25z4nD3jCHHQn0i6MO9qpWFpLvtRzhSq6HglFzwDnWajh/s1600/Grugies-20140607-00666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4F-W9vwSInjxKBQJnplLqI-l8IQNyYncyf1prD9tYz_3U7zjzpYBiWdficqvrgxUCxHP1GJQEg08-Ibt4Lnq8SRAJAg55cHt25z4nD3jCHHQn0i6MO9qpWFpLvtRzhSq6HglFzwDnWajh/s1600/Grugies-20140607-00666.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The windshield and side and rear windows had been shattered, and someone had clearly taken a baseball bat or crowbar to each of the body panels. Even the inside of the car had suffered, as the dash, door panels and seats had been ripped, torn and beaten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xqoUiDzGpChOzelTCnnAhnk9SrZgfv_spwNWqr3U3pcThSI8lexJVPKI6lelOtY4Wg8iwB5AVyefBhzQblm_Gsbseiw-QgUyaiVtCDTpXU-spGIPfVKoTStpycY_Oc5L1lqAhS2VHt6h/s1600/Grugies-20140607-00667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xqoUiDzGpChOzelTCnnAhnk9SrZgfv_spwNWqr3U3pcThSI8lexJVPKI6lelOtY4Wg8iwB5AVyefBhzQblm_Gsbseiw-QgUyaiVtCDTpXU-spGIPfVKoTStpycY_Oc5L1lqAhS2VHt6h/s1600/Grugies-20140607-00667.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was disappointed to see the car in this shape, and consider it a silly waste. Even if the car had suffered engine failure, the rest of it appears to have been in decent shape before its savage beating on the side of the road. The engine could certainly have been fixed or, worst case, replaced. As it is now the car is good for the scrap yard, as every single body panel, window, and interior bit needs to be fixed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Breaking down on the side of the road is already a big enough pain, but I can't imagine coming back the next day and seeing this. I am going to think twice about letting my car run out of gas in the future, if this is what is waiting for it on the side of the road!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Gauchy, France49.825494 3.285468000000037149.7845175 3.2047870000000369 49.8664705 3.3661490000000374tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-44043939508627261162014-06-22T17:09:00.000+02:002014-06-22T17:09:36.138+02:00Practical Nudity.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The looks of a car, especially something like a sports roadster, are very important. While the ride, handling, performance and quality all have to be aligned, it is the design of the car that is going to attract the attention of the buyer. It usually isn't possible to dissociate the visual aspect of a car design from the rest. Except in the case of the Z1. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIjpljimxilhprSPWkpFCZskFrLGQBAd31PWpM1_A_gftjvRl8y61RKbJza_5lPBkS-1uL65tADR3rLSuEa6S6PzB6XaDJKenP6N8tpr8mO4d1eYdL4R1sb5oX9xk61afs03189nLvdXi/s1600/20130526_131010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRIjpljimxilhprSPWkpFCZskFrLGQBAd31PWpM1_A_gftjvRl8y61RKbJza_5lPBkS-1uL65tADR3rLSuEa6S6PzB6XaDJKenP6N8tpr8mO4d1eYdL4R1sb5oX9xk61afs03189nLvdXi/s1600/20130526_131010.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The BMW Z1 was an uncommon, untraditional roadster. A 2-seat convertible, it didn't have regular doors that swing open, but instead had very hill sills and low doors that dropped down into them. The goal with this design was to harken back to British-style roadsters with simple canvas doors, and it could actually be driven with the doors open, as the high sills offered the necessary legally-required crash protection.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Few would call the Z1 (built from 1989 until 2001) outright beautiful, even by 1989 standards. It's not really curvy, not really angular, and doesn't have a particularly graceful profile. But the beauty in this car appears when you strip it down to its birthday suit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEFLuA3zfOOlq5W0HuW70iM4CkRn1bQOlXfPPPjkJTKPqfpxtTAVo7cqW4-IpWaZ4BljRxxi3VLaDLTXB4zemEnKM10wO_LwkRwr2WqMRwCeiv_mJte1PlGDoMactWeND42xY5yrH-6wn/s1600/20130526_131026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEFLuA3zfOOlq5W0HuW70iM4CkRn1bQOlXfPPPjkJTKPqfpxtTAVo7cqW4-IpWaZ4BljRxxi3VLaDLTXB4zemEnKM10wO_LwkRwr2WqMRwCeiv_mJte1PlGDoMactWeND42xY5yrH-6wn/s1600/20130526_131026.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Z1 chassis was a marvel of engineering at the time, and a test-bed for BMW. Lessons learned from the Z1 project would be applied to future BMWs for years to come. The body was almost an afterthought. The plastic panels could be removed, and the car could still be driven (according to BMW at the time, the whole body could be removed and replaced un under an hour). The backbone of the car was a sturdy welded steel chassis designed specifically for the Z1.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Function over form. BMWs offbeat little roadster has been forgotten by some, and those that do remember it don't do so because of its timeless beauty or elegant styling. It wasn't particularly fast, and wasn't the all-out best handling roadster of the era. It was rather expensive too, given the performance. What made this car stand out then and still does today is what you see when you undress it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>NB: I don't have any of my own pictures of the Z1 undressed, but a friend has some photos and even a video showing the prototype Z1 in all its naked glory. Check them out at:</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://testdrivejunkie.com/1987-bmw-z1/" target="_blank">Testdrivejunkie BMW Z1 link</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Europe54.5259614 15.255118700000025-13.804102099999994 -149.97925629999997 90 -179.51050629999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-46012008966077339302014-06-16T22:21:00.000+02:002014-06-18T19:51:18.726+02:00Lonely Old Garage.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just as there is something oddly charming about an old abandonded car, I am always drawn to old abandonded garages. While I would certainly prefer to see small local fix-it shops continuing to repair old cars and help keep them on the road, these old relics have a special appeal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6AhmODDxbjvQZiuxFF5YpImB-6JmIzSQoYNTi2P-zdO9E0xq-KkyPQPERLPZM8s_vd1srp-1dR4z0wpujl8h-fycm-RCS5282DIYXWy5qhtd2D-GCKXp2dL7zK4HGinbYwstdYOqHffh/s1600/Chauny-20140608-00669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh6AhmODDxbjvQZiuxFF5YpImB-6JmIzSQoYNTi2P-zdO9E0xq-KkyPQPERLPZM8s_vd1srp-1dR4z0wpujl8h-fycm-RCS5282DIYXWy5qhtd2D-GCKXp2dL7zK4HGinbYwstdYOqHffh/s1600/Chauny-20140608-00669.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This garage is close to where I live, and I have driven by it countless times over the years. I finally stopped to take a few pictures this past weekend. This garage had also been a service station, as evidenced by the broken gas pumps out front. The building and pumps may not be ancient, but they certainly are from at least a few decades ago, and haven't been in use for quite a while.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5oKiPss89fhofIDYesTIfFpGbyhFYuX2gDcnZNs_q8UqTKgoBxtYo0N93PVH5Ak35eCeLpgQYDWJAKdrYA-yCUSHdvbvuiXJOhuJ9TiYIzKB_wFSY9eZwAbLgnhskblxWAnS6OQod_rm/s1600/Chauny-20140608-00670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5oKiPss89fhofIDYesTIfFpGbyhFYuX2gDcnZNs_q8UqTKgoBxtYo0N93PVH5Ak35eCeLpgQYDWJAKdrYA-yCUSHdvbvuiXJOhuJ9TiYIzKB_wFSY9eZwAbLgnhskblxWAnS6OQod_rm/s1600/Chauny-20140608-00670.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a small tidy house right next door that appears to belong to the same owner, and the grass around the shop is kept trimmed. I spied an old car inside, but otherwise the garage looked empty. The 'Toutes Marques' sign above the building explained that the garage serviced all brands.<br />
<br />
The old, worn-out gas pumps still had their prices labelled in French francs, which were phased out in favour of the euro by 2002, so this station certainly hasn't seen any action in at least 12 years. As a dreamer I like to think that someone will someday open up this garage again, but I know that it's not very likely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokgZKfmccA7yuYG0vpV5_pLDmkZZ7Ko2lequN4O-141sAalUy0akJBAGXKxnQCmbgYeOhBGMBPQGuyeYqwHJd6AchHG-v3B0YQ-IOSJ43U_5bZ6jBW3SvqAIIfnh3mpekioblCQoR2SEc/s1600/Chauny-20140608-00671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokgZKfmccA7yuYG0vpV5_pLDmkZZ7Ko2lequN4O-141sAalUy0akJBAGXKxnQCmbgYeOhBGMBPQGuyeYqwHJd6AchHG-v3B0YQ-IOSJ43U_5bZ6jBW3SvqAIIfnh3mpekioblCQoR2SEc/s1600/Chauny-20140608-00671.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While there will always be a call for small automotive repair shops to take care of old collectible cars, the days where people stopped by their local shop for general repairs is gone. The complexity of new cars means that they need to be serviced in specialised shops and dealerships, and a small, traditional garage like this one simply doesn't have its place in the modern automotive world. As for the gas pumps, just a minute further down the road is a modern gas station that belongs to a major chain. There's little room left for the small guy in the modern automotive service world!<br />
<br />
Still, I hope that this building and its pumps will stand for years to come, as a nostalgic reminder to a different motoring era.<br />
<br />
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com202300 Chauny, France49.615576 3.219421000000011249.533277 3.0580595000000113 49.697874999999996 3.3807825000000111tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-27012740846173781802014-06-06T23:00:00.001+02:002014-06-06T23:00:49.911+02:00Car4Play?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lesson learned. Sometimes being a cheapskate doesn't pay off. I thought that I would solicit some advice on what would make a nice small, entertaining car. There are some appealing, attractive small cars available in France, and I enjoy their tossable nature, and thought that some general input would help me decide which one might be the best choice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I found a website where I could post a question, but it was pay-per-word. My original question of "What is the most entertaining small car available?" seemed a bit wordy and pricey, so I tried to distill it down to the essence of what I wanted to say. I came up with "Car4Play?"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lets just say that I got lots of responses... but not really the ones I wanted... and a few suggestions that I had never even heard of before...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvR3rcWvEW0e3o_ePB5kK_-ZKx8e61jiSzmg3tGouGZj5itLokZTvghQX_Zu-x_68yrDo3T3AhWAoqzFt7bagtHn0db082m0Mq2flwP5GLxe5hmf7T0GBARedAShJR_8KP4gksB4G7etb/s1600/cooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvR3rcWvEW0e3o_ePB5kK_-ZKx8e61jiSzmg3tGouGZj5itLokZTvghQX_Zu-x_68yrDo3T3AhWAoqzFt7bagtHn0db082m0Mq2flwP5GLxe5hmf7T0GBARedAShJR_8KP4gksB4G7etb/s1600/cooper.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Back to the point. Since it came out in 2001, the 'New' Mini Cooper has been a favourite of mine. I even got to do a test drive at an abandonded airport near Toronto, Canada when it was released, and absolutely loved the go-kart feel to it. I know several people that own a Mini, and all seem to agree that the driving experience lives up to the looks. It certainly is a little tight inside, and should probably be considered a two-seater with two extra seats in back for show, but as far as small fun cars go, it's pretty well the benchmark.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oUmEjtZk94uEKesUAp9vHDnCs7BDEtDbOhbcSsdo9JvuXkKAbicW24fh6kkGwLtIBWCoJ91GqSpYcTrMMvuDZOT3F8KvI2DoUmA3zasvFivKXyJG3aByvXJBSdQ16e8Gm8yhu9IxWjH5/s1600/DS3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oUmEjtZk94uEKesUAp9vHDnCs7BDEtDbOhbcSsdo9JvuXkKAbicW24fh6kkGwLtIBWCoJ91GqSpYcTrMMvuDZOT3F8KvI2DoUmA3zasvFivKXyJG3aByvXJBSdQ16e8Gm8yhu9IxWjH5/s1600/DS3.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One look at the Citroen DS3 is proof that Mini was the target. Citroen based their mini-chic model (introduced in 2010) on their mass-market C3 car, but turned the style dial up to 10. Park it next to a Mini and you'll see that Citroen went for the same youthful, customizable look... there are countless body and roof colour combinations, stickers, and other finishing touches. The DS3 has been a hit for Citroen, and it always turns my head. A couple sporting versions exist, but even the base model is a decent drive. It certainly isn't a hard-carving sports car, but for its price range, the DS3 handles well enough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0f4goxj4f6fqqxZwsnIwSOdIPng4LoCSCYZ1azZpDvfitDaH-e3wtvaCgzekFfh0CedLUlhqFZ0Yn4Y8wheNTqKd1vKT01ofsaayrXu6AeKITOEAG6ZFoY4nWC09wxb-ewKByntOtyXy/s1600/adam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0f4goxj4f6fqqxZwsnIwSOdIPng4LoCSCYZ1azZpDvfitDaH-e3wtvaCgzekFfh0CedLUlhqFZ0Yn4Y8wheNTqKd1vKT01ofsaayrXu6AeKITOEAG6ZFoY4nWC09wxb-ewKByntOtyXy/s1600/adam.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Opel wanted a piece of the pint-sized toy car market, and certainly wasn't getting it with their competent but mundane Corsa small car, so they came up with a much more swoopy and attractive coupe called the Adam. Certainly inspired by the success of the DS3, Opel copied their strategy and focused on the upscale look and customization options, so that each owner can personalize their car they way they like. The similarities to the DS3 continue to the driving experience; the Adam is no more a sports car than the Citroen, but it's small size and slightly improved suspension (relative to the Corsa) makes it entertaining in the twisties.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhDc4zYEkpWQgXQZ0PpSkyOKRLtoctUle4MTDfPyziAugUOrhBu8vvJhI315cW0j2dBZWUiP3oQMuFExCXaKapGae-i8NnW-HeE4M35ZE42aI8i8aD8LBAqAR0CagkBKvR1nrkibuGv1F/s1600/mito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhDc4zYEkpWQgXQZ0PpSkyOKRLtoctUle4MTDfPyziAugUOrhBu8vvJhI315cW0j2dBZWUiP3oQMuFExCXaKapGae-i8NnW-HeE4M35ZE42aI8i8aD8LBAqAR0CagkBKvR1nrkibuGv1F/s1600/mito.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To round out the list, I wanted to include the Alfa Romeo Mito. Several other entertaining small cars exist (like the Audi A1 and Fiat 500), but the Mito is a standout to me thanks to its beautiful design. It is the oddball of this group, as it doesn't offer the personalisation options (colours and trims bits and add-ons), but it still manages to look fun even at a standstill. The base model is more looks than performance, though the Mito can at least keep up with the others, and encourages the driver to look for the longest, curviest route possible to get from point A to point B.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lots of choices! I still haven't convinced myself to switch my current car, but when I do I want it to be a small 3-door with a 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission. All four of these cars fit the bill, and can be had with similar performance and handling. Pricing starts around 11,000 euros for the Adam, 12,500 for the Mito, and climbs to around 16,000 for the DS3 and Mini. A bit of a spread, but to get comparable equipment levels the price difference shrinks, to the point that it wouldn't be the deciding factor for me. All four cars push the 'fun' button for me. None are designed for maximum acceleration or handling, but in my opinion, that actually makes them all the more fun to drive: you really have to work to wring the most out of them. In the end it would probably come down to looks, thought that's still a toss-up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I might need some more help. For my next poll I think I'll have to find a better question than 'Car4Play?', though... </div>
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1France46.227638 2.213749000000007134.9722085 -18.440547999999993 57.4830675 22.868046000000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-32785561126310025912014-05-22T20:32:00.000+02:002014-12-02T13:07:11.363+01:00A Rally Nice Exhaust Note.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Can't afford a proper rally car? Wait for your muffler to fall off! It worked for me a few years back. Come on, admit it, all we really want is the sound of a rumbly, grumbly engine! It can make any car seem like the coolest rally car, ready for hitting jumps and taking tight corners. It somehow adds 50 or 60 extra km/hour to the feel of your boring daily commute.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqts6pXxVMJc9Nwuz7djVcBNC8QHLjSMjtsJJoxtwNkL57Ij6n58zF7dREVKhIl9g92kYf9EFXtQogtI3AfWLG9_kcp0E9pR8H4rLIkNJCoCLDyIRh3CL4DoLSEdUsQG8zcFmaKtLgtvjZ/s1600/HPIM9266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqts6pXxVMJc9Nwuz7djVcBNC8QHLjSMjtsJJoxtwNkL57Ij6n58zF7dREVKhIl9g92kYf9EFXtQogtI3AfWLG9_kcp0E9pR8H4rLIkNJCoCLDyIRh3CL4DoLSEdUsQG8zcFmaKtLgtvjZ/s1600/HPIM9266.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A short video I had recorded reminded me of the time a few years back when the exhaust pipe of my Peugeot 104 broke off, right at the header. I knew that I had to get it replaced quickly, as such a noisy car attracts the police (not to mention the extra pollution it creates), but I did manage to get a few runs in with the full sound of the engine blasting towards the firewall.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4o57c7bNJFZSc7B3AFyGQDocJq_x57mKFWbi_ZAfvLW6NWbL_qXfO2jyxXc-qudFDHXbRzbQf0VxU2aXzipi7Uy0YFkdiCFhOP05xAktFAwiUXZnnaLrBaerCdTRQ4nXBzQDwNAJeHV-/s1600/HPIM9268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4o57c7bNJFZSc7B3AFyGQDocJq_x57mKFWbi_ZAfvLW6NWbL_qXfO2jyxXc-qudFDHXbRzbQf0VxU2aXzipi7Uy0YFkdiCFhOP05xAktFAwiUXZnnaLrBaerCdTRQ4nXBzQDwNAJeHV-/s1600/HPIM9268.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This engine I speak of was Peugeot's well-loved 'X' engine. It earned the nickname of 'suitcase engine', as it laid nearly flat in the engine bay of the cars that used it, and separated into two halves when disassembled. It was eventually available in multiple displacements and power levels, though mine was the original small 1.0 litre, 45 hp version.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
45 hp, not really the power of your typical rally car. With the exhaust in place, the 104 sounded, well, like it might have 45 hp. But yank off that exhaust and you got this:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwy27EjNH_U5yomQTBc0aOAOAKn_frEDpoPd7QEowVVxqAcwlieSllbig88AzJa59guXH2FkgFzPlj-u756ww' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pretty impressive if you ask me! The backfires when decelerating were a nice plus! Shortly after I took this video I removed the header and had the pipe welded back on, and I went back to being a mild-mannered commuter. But I kept in mind the knowledge that a roaring beast was lurking under the hood...<br />
<br />
</div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Guivry, France49.646273 3.118872000000010349.6051505 3.03819100000001 49.6873955 3.1995530000000105tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-76763317872899904212014-05-15T19:40:00.001+02:002014-05-15T19:40:10.102+02:00Sign Of The Times, Past Tense.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the course of the past year I have written about many automotive discoveries I have made. I love learning about old car brands and models that I don't know. One brand that I had heard of before but didn't know anything about until I moved to France was Talbot. Created at the start of the 1900s, Talbot was an automobile company from the beginning. Unlike many early 20th century automotive manufacturers that started out building other industrial products and switched to cars later, Talbot was always automotive.<br />
<br />
Talbot went through many changes and evolutions over the years, forming part of a three-brand group (Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq) from 1920 to 1935 before being bought out by British group Rootes. This lasted up until the end of the 1960s, when Chrysler took over Rootes, combining Talbot with Simca for their European operations. Talbot was one more time bought out, by Peugeot in 1978, but by then it wasn't much more than a brand name as opposed to a manufacturer in its own right.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxQ8QCj3r2RCwLkbQKGTZdAfWiaEr3ca8R98v38qj9ZiCbI6oeupnHuLzFu3orYgEIZ-3-8Jt5I4JqOdMG53UgQlRPpHuOFqVasC694FvrrCUQSXhmvRTK0re3LTYECOZmetL379FXZI-/s1600/IMG-20140502-00423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxQ8QCj3r2RCwLkbQKGTZdAfWiaEr3ca8R98v38qj9ZiCbI6oeupnHuLzFu3orYgEIZ-3-8Jt5I4JqOdMG53UgQlRPpHuOFqVasC694FvrrCUQSXhmvRTK0re3LTYECOZmetL379FXZI-/s1600/IMG-20140502-00423.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Automotive historians will remember some great Talbot models from the early to mid 1900s, such as the beautiful Lago luxury coupé, but the current generation probably only remembers a few rather forgettable rebadged Talbot cars like the Horizon and Samba, if they remember any at all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjWHvvTKt35KrnhtXllp8_9ZYyevzXlwYCurQhtiJ9lzjAuc66Hwecwx33nkPjDjg4vCkzyGsEW5-ntGMYEbRJSzZXDBkQo0y7fHr2NbraPDgHFfoxszayx0_ZMj4Zr67TqdeYw2AN3pM/s1600/Pierremande-20140502-00424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjWHvvTKt35KrnhtXllp8_9ZYyevzXlwYCurQhtiJ9lzjAuc66Hwecwx33nkPjDjg4vCkzyGsEW5-ntGMYEbRJSzZXDBkQo0y7fHr2NbraPDgHFfoxszayx0_ZMj4Zr67TqdeYw2AN3pM/s1600/Pierremande-20140502-00424.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
That's why I was pleased to run across this sign in front of an old garage in the region. The Talbot sign with its 'T' logo was a bit weathered and dirty, but still standing out by the street for all to see. There probably aren't many Talbot's that pass through the garage, but fans of the old brand surely enjoy a hint of nostalgia when they see this sign. There were also signs advertising Michelin tires and Finagaz propane which were equally weathered and authentic.<br />
<br />
No car fans likes to see their favourite brands disappear, but I am glad that these signs remain to jog my memory and remind of of cars that have come before.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com102300 Autreville, France49.585142 3.240378999999961749.543966999999995 3.1596979999999615 49.626317 3.3210599999999619tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-86622715693619207092014-05-10T19:37:00.000+02:002014-05-11T00:06:53.430+02:00Cockadoodledoo!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
France, I love your Chardonnay and your Castles, your Culture and your Cars, but there is one thing that you got wrong: "Cocorico"! That is the sound the rooster makes in France, or so they say. As a native English speaker, I firmly insist that the rooster most certainly does not cry 'cocorico' in the morning, but instead 'cockadoodledoo'...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVpPIkeUlKdR_b09yyXi6Neuxi51RDcnlqZO4Xp3WB6leRpGUXASGE9eqJTjaRo5oY4FieXms74UXeiUbq0Jg3bAPzFibIdTI0IoxJZb4TihoVbLlZpMJqRDr8BXBbEL3sxn6J-KBU5X4/s1600/IMG-20130719-02710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVpPIkeUlKdR_b09yyXi6Neuxi51RDcnlqZO4Xp3WB6leRpGUXASGE9eqJTjaRo5oY4FieXms74UXeiUbq0Jg3bAPzFibIdTI0IoxJZb4TihoVbLlZpMJqRDr8BXBbEL3sxn6J-KBU5X4/s1600/IMG-20130719-02710.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thankfully, the French do a better job of making legendary cars than naming the sounds of farm animals. I have written about the Citroen 2CV several times in the past; one can't be an automotive fan in France and not fall under the spell of the fantastic '2-chevaux' (2-horse(power)) and its unique and uncopied silhouette. Exposed round headlights, wide, curved fenders, and a long sloping back are but a few of the wonderful details that make this car stand out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtF4fBuwmNoE7GqZBzjlnkbG39ejKv7hAaND5p_QPlxdtDY5WLnHufmP6ifBMqLvr-J-UYzNEt3t3FIBjbZBTmVCLnU4CHZGVDcRwv2evnLVo_RNtEmcOuogyy3AtPMDayuJw1Aa_2Oq7/s1600/IMG-20130719-02708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtF4fBuwmNoE7GqZBzjlnkbG39ejKv7hAaND5p_QPlxdtDY5WLnHufmP6ifBMqLvr-J-UYzNEt3t3FIBjbZBTmVCLnU4CHZGVDcRwv2evnLVo_RNtEmcOuogyy3AtPMDayuJw1Aa_2Oq7/s1600/IMG-20130719-02708.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right from the beginning it was regarded as a highly innovative car, and played a huge role in allowing rural people in France to join the driving class. Its simple, rugged structure and construction meant that it would last for a long time and was easy to fix, and the high ground clearance, front wheel drive traction, and suspension with long travel made it an excellent choice for less than perfect roads and country lanes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIafVSuT1nX7fpKSTTzSQSaPLpnhFEAOaD-dy4byj7pzxBB0iuE4B9MZ3WyIxus2CYyJamYMhMAlxXdUDigLERSw4keYPfxhf8kn6TCW-uk8tg1gHitE9i78RYRmt9EZCalQxjcXDYmmq/s1600/IMG-20130719-02709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIafVSuT1nX7fpKSTTzSQSaPLpnhFEAOaD-dy4byj7pzxBB0iuE4B9MZ3WyIxus2CYyJamYMhMAlxXdUDigLERSw4keYPfxhf8kn6TCW-uk8tg1gHitE9i78RYRmt9EZCalQxjcXDYmmq/s1600/IMG-20130719-02709.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many different models of the 2CV existed over its production run that started in 1948 and ended in 1990. One of my favourites is the lovely Charleston model, with its two-tone paint:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theautomotiveattic.blogspot.fr/2014/02/daily-driver.html" target="_blank">2CV Charleston</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another excellent model is this Cocorico version. Prepared after France's semi-final qualification in the 1986 world cup of football (soccer) in Mexico, it had a less than successful introduction when France was eliminated. Originally planned with football-shaped logos, these were replaced with more generic 'Cocorico' labels. Not only is this the cry of a French rooster, it is also a sort of national-pride rally call, and suited the 'bleu, blanc, rouge' colours copied from France's flag.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61-mVSKBlJh2u4Nftv6SlzolTd4xK5ifsccXbQZMPvjTLWWFHG_W8jIqRFJr93ZOYMnqIzoy-KUL-D8LzT7KmMLkUHG1rs0EcxMDutuohnsuR9N5hdL52maeeILgyeikeN6g8npm8UMaN/s1600/IMG-20130719-02707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61-mVSKBlJh2u4Nftv6SlzolTd4xK5ifsccXbQZMPvjTLWWFHG_W8jIqRFJr93ZOYMnqIzoy-KUL-D8LzT7KmMLkUHG1rs0EcxMDutuohnsuR9N5hdL52maeeILgyeikeN6g8npm8UMaN/s1600/IMG-20130719-02707.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This beautifully restored version belongs to a fellow Canadian that I work with. He purchased the Cocorico in a rather sorry state a few years back, and toiled over it in his garage to fully restore it to all its original glory. I even had the privilege of taking it for a test drive, and absolutely loved the noise, feel, and even smell of this piece of automotive history.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm just thankful that the horn doesn't blast 'COCORICO'!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Guiscard, France49.657427 3.052042000000028649.6163135 2.9713610000000283 49.6985405 3.1327230000000288tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-86703463373443566102014-05-07T00:56:00.000+02:002014-05-10T08:48:55.229+02:00I Spy With My Little Eye.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What is that playing peek-a-boo round the corner of that building? Why yes, it IS an old car! Whenever I am out my car radar (cardar?!?) is always on. This past weekend it was a familiar wagon shape that caught my eye, sitting in the weeds in a courtyard of an apartment building. I ventured in for a quick peek, and got a look at a car I have always liked, a Lada 2104 wagon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DRPNvLE4V0JhpoJYzRvnYlHx0Pq5waj_IRVCWkfeg8WwfHSgpTWmcPfDDwnWz2Iq3BRsTVj78jplShBO8fBuDmON-lh3C-7THjomk9DnhEX-fn0ihN2aDmH_F9De9TW9yYD3IesBbZs6/s1600/Laon-20140504-00462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DRPNvLE4V0JhpoJYzRvnYlHx0Pq5waj_IRVCWkfeg8WwfHSgpTWmcPfDDwnWz2Iq3BRsTVj78jplShBO8fBuDmON-lh3C-7THjomk9DnhEX-fn0ihN2aDmH_F9De9TW9yYD3IesBbZs6/s1600/Laon-20140504-00462.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This legendary-in-its-own-way car
was known with many names over its 30+ year lifespan, depending on the
engine size and country of sale. Actually determining what specific
model this is has turned out to be very difficult, as there were so many
versions, but it appears to be an early to mid 80's wagon. I was always
attracted to the slope of the rear end, and it has some decidedly
old-school design elements, especially in the rear fender and hatch
area.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This
isn't surprising, as this Lada was based on an even older car, the Fiat
124. The 2104 was built by Russian automaker AvtoVaz, but carried the
Lada Riva or Nova names in most of Europe. Basic, simple and tough, this
car (and its sedan version, the 2105) sold well over 3,000,000 copies,
and is generally known today as the Lada Classic. It was produced right
up until 2012 for the home Russian market, having left the rest of
Europe at the end of the 1990s due to tightening emissions restrictions.</div>
<br />
<br />
Another relic, another photo, another story. I will continue to keep my eyes peeled for these abandoned gems! If anyone knows more about the Lada 2104, feel free to share! I like to think that there are a few people out there who also play the 'I Spy' game with these humble legends.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Laon, France49.564133 3.619889999999941249.481753999999995 3.4585284999999413 49.646512 3.7812514999999411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-72305771384336140682014-05-01T23:58:00.004+02:002014-05-01T23:58:50.531+02:00Brissonneau et Lotz.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It isn't every day that I discover a different old car that I have never heard of before, but that was the case this week. And as far as discoveries go, this was a wonderful one. While I didn't get to see it in person, I was very happy and rather intrigued when I received several photos the other day. It was of a lovely blue roadster in Paris. I certainly couldn't guess what make it was, but luckily I could read a name on the back: Brissonneau.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80xI1zUQQ7kN55n5rJ0W2sq17ukB26N2PuqMKwEfQ4k_GGe5GbSQNWkY7NlqeY1WV7gb2Ec3j4WlWre5cWwHFyij2bPDFp0UuBm8CZAd1sfjTLpNg3dQzvbXV1Iyumpyo7MPr4gS39BmG/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80xI1zUQQ7kN55n5rJ0W2sq17ukB26N2PuqMKwEfQ4k_GGe5GbSQNWkY7NlqeY1WV7gb2Ec3j4WlWre5cWwHFyij2bPDFp0UuBm8CZAd1sfjTLpNg3dQzvbXV1Iyumpyo7MPr4gS39BmG/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another name on the front of the car was visible, but the fancy script made it impossible for me to read. I tapped 'Buissonneau' and 'roadster' into Google, and was able to discover a whole new automotive manufacturer that I have never before heard of: Brissonneau et Lotz!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAnbOHo2qJMQcSOnVTkQRetkkgwxgtdb_KVz-jAy9xqfRTme7azSnIOVKX2HO7QAC1Vhl3g1AhIFsKKh-Cdn56N7XoIxNa_4PqTkwc1SO0dEKjVImi7OZYeu9JSwQjalGw8ddXP1uzUbF/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAnbOHo2qJMQcSOnVTkQRetkkgwxgtdb_KVz-jAy9xqfRTme7azSnIOVKX2HO7QAC1Vhl3g1AhIFsKKh-Cdn56N7XoIxNa_4PqTkwc1SO0dEKjVImi7OZYeu9JSwQjalGw8ddXP1uzUbF/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
'Buissonneau et Lotz' was a train and subway car manufacturer that has origins all the way back to 1878 (that's not a typo!), and ceased to exist almost 100 years later, in 1972 , when it was split up and sold to other businesses. It would seem that this company was quite well known for the train business, but their single foray into the automotive world has nearly been forgotten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhQXaM0UohQ0glPsG-4j4InjRIzQhhvzpg238pQPiMU3Uj6c3dNpRO-jXOLJCREtIqqBdUoVsDIHzuOrw8pfp2ZF-82TJcAkOZZbqzVzTT3z0Ne6RZikKGuxzto7niCSkIBe2sEqhSf2U/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhQXaM0UohQ0glPsG-4j4InjRIzQhhvzpg238pQPiMU3Uj6c3dNpRO-jXOLJCREtIqqBdUoVsDIHzuOrw8pfp2ZF-82TJcAkOZZbqzVzTT3z0Ne6RZikKGuxzto7niCSkIBe2sEqhSf2U/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA000.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This small roadster first appeared in 1956, and lasted until 1959. Only 250 copies of the plastic convertible, called Louis Rosier (after the race car driver of the same name who helped design the car) were produced. It was based on the utilitarian Renault 4CV, and as a result didn't have the power or handling to match the sporty looks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB-NXqaRcVrxZ2C2xI9RATxKyZapZcHalLHA_7R8DgfCx06istWBnVvT6OLGxg5o2G7kyNjR7cgT56_e2uFbONe25mmVQWugi72IW4rYl3cn7yYrRElWVoDqAAAYkne93qzfWj_qZNXE9/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB-NXqaRcVrxZ2C2xI9RATxKyZapZcHalLHA_7R8DgfCx06istWBnVvT6OLGxg5o2G7kyNjR7cgT56_e2uFbONe25mmVQWugi72IW4rYl3cn7yYrRElWVoDqAAAYkne93qzfWj_qZNXE9/s1600/IMG-20140429-WA003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still, those that are aware of this car love it, and only a handful of drivable examples exist today: one website suggests that only around 20 restore-able models exist today, and that possibly only 2 are currently restored! Apparently the slippery handling (the Louis Rosier apparently earned the unfortunate nickname of 'real bar of soap' due to its weak grip and unimpressive road-holding abilities!) kept it from ever really catching on and entering the history books, but I'll take a learning experience when I can, especially when it's this attractive!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would love to hear from anyone who has seen one of these before, or knows anything about this fantastic bit of nearly-forgotten automotive history! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com5Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.6894645 2.0294984000000178 49.0237635 2.6749454000000177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-50666073247080487292014-04-23T15:52:00.001+02:002014-04-23T20:26:25.866+02:00End Of The Road.<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A car fan likes to think that there's hope for all old, abandonded automobiles, but at a certain point they're just too far gone to save. That is the case of this tired, sad, ventilated Peugeot 204 I saw this past weekend. It was parked off to the side of the road near where I live, and I stopped to take a peek.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPOBOp4ngBclJSfjn70T0fyUlm5JJA7teTzfmbH60DMCDDMWHTT5E1m0Zmmyc0lIincHJfLDMvhs-k5xW7lEDQLw0anEuBpPJMf6iXuj2umlNqyVHampgIeMQL80bd4UjlBqqRp3YZnXu/s1600/Autreville-20140421-00368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPOBOp4ngBclJSfjn70T0fyUlm5JJA7teTzfmbH60DMCDDMWHTT5E1m0Zmmyc0lIincHJfLDMvhs-k5xW7lEDQLw0anEuBpPJMf6iXuj2umlNqyVHampgIeMQL80bd4UjlBqqRp3YZnXu/s1600/Autreville-20140421-00368.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh820UZRq-tDQdmVbI87r0T1d1G7O1VLgTTdm9h-Ri-CUkiEKgvRyW-REwMBOonjVOPrEOkT8nkd0eKAyMl8L3o0-SUU7NONB5_rINjHOJRPACfKjcfOaTlKIYp8J2zZU6XR6dmT6BQDx/s1600/Autreville-20140421-00370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh820UZRq-tDQdmVbI87r0T1d1G7O1VLgTTdm9h-Ri-CUkiEKgvRyW-REwMBOonjVOPrEOkT8nkd0eKAyMl8L3o0-SUU7NONB5_rINjHOJRPACfKjcfOaTlKIYp8J2zZU6XR6dmT6BQDx/s1600/Autreville-20140421-00370.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I may be an optimistic guy, and a softie for old cars, but even I have to admit that this one had kicked the rusty old bucket. The 204 is a favourite of mine; it was available in coupe, convertible, wagon, and sedan versions, like this example. Produced between 1965 and 1976, it was wildly popular in Europe, selling over 1.6 million copies in its lifetime. Rather progressive for its time, it had a transversally-mounted FWD drivetrain, front disc brakes, and 4-wheel independant suspension. That might be common today, but for the era, the 204 was a rather advanced car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDeLZf4s3HSm3oMBZDZBqWLjSh3PDQMYRMODcO0UavgRUgy9_04wYTZIKqMOHQ6Xrnpcw67YLun2DXdaRKzytlHO2ZPl880w6rrAISxFHnIh1l6co4WwPBX2vCuKwb3kYBrbHGOR5CoBl/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDeLZf4s3HSm3oMBZDZBqWLjSh3PDQMYRMODcO0UavgRUgy9_04wYTZIKqMOHQ6Xrnpcw67YLun2DXdaRKzytlHO2ZPl880w6rrAISxFHnIh1l6co4WwPBX2vCuKwb3kYBrbHGOR5CoBl/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00374.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfflUgA25zfzK_Egly9az2OhPeh7Kx_h3Qqv9-03EVfRzSnDTRJ82JO4NG7ZBi8Sfig34BSq4MCXC6-G7Mlom2w_54vDdROdV19sm3tTKYjUbXwz0_iWrQLeeiZ_uMfLqrlacFZwutKvV/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfflUgA25zfzK_Egly9az2OhPeh7Kx_h3Qqv9-03EVfRzSnDTRJ82JO4NG7ZBi8Sfig34BSq4MCXC6-G7Mlom2w_54vDdROdV19sm3tTKYjUbXwz0_iWrQLeeiZ_uMfLqrlacFZwutKvV/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00372.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxH2drit8KcCNaxEEXnRx-d9iBQwoQpbih-ADBPnKmOLcvKYaz21Z_48xbQTn82VWL43_u7otwJ-gSUy6TwmOxgtg94q8hk3wEWwJHl9D0ndWCiLET2nBi6H2V-ipUZWPAypkVxpS1YQk/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxH2drit8KcCNaxEEXnRx-d9iBQwoQpbih-ADBPnKmOLcvKYaz21Z_48xbQTn82VWL43_u7otwJ-gSUy6TwmOxgtg94q8hk3wEWwJHl9D0ndWCiLET2nBi6H2V-ipUZWPAypkVxpS1YQk/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00379.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As with any car, time takes its toll, and this one appears to have spent at least the last few years sitting in a field somewhere. Every single body panel was heavily rusted, along with the chassis and suspension bits. The motor was still in place, and appeared more or less intact, but most of the interior had been stripped out. The tires were torn, the chrome trim was tarnished, and the hood and headlights were missing. This car had one trip left to take, but sadly, it was out behind the shed (or wrecking yard) to be put out of its misery...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclhfg2DFo2_WOeGbFMIMcjWfp3_M9JuNktlUP8ZW_NUG3RHLm_x98ljKkKZ6WHnmcaIrvaBdhR1j39Cqu2NmDGciF7nh1IiLnIAPRLsYBRgIncD2LGr8gFVz000gNR0Hf3hbqUI6-Z7l1/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclhfg2DFo2_WOeGbFMIMcjWfp3_M9JuNktlUP8ZW_NUG3RHLm_x98ljKkKZ6WHnmcaIrvaBdhR1j39Cqu2NmDGciF7nh1IiLnIAPRLsYBRgIncD2LGr8gFVz000gNR0Hf3hbqUI6-Z7l1/s1600/Chauny-20140421-00376.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The following day I drove by and it had been hauled up onto a flatbed tow-truck, and the next morning it was gone. If there's a car heaven, this 204 is certainly enjoying a dip into an anti-corrosion bath and a little TLC!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com102300 Chauny, France49.615576 3.219421000000011249.533277 3.0580595000000113 49.697874999999996 3.3807825000000111tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-20386263330340958082014-04-19T02:14:00.001+02:002014-05-11T20:25:09.070+02:00Wooden You Know It.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A car I saw tonight reminded something I had mentioned a few months back. It was a comment I had made on a blog post about the Austin Mini Countryman, a nifty little extended version of the original Mini:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theautomotiveattic.blogspot.fr/2014/02/buoy-oh-buoy.html" target="_blank">Buoy Oh Buoy</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Seeing that old original model with the wooden detailing had me wondering how the modern version would look with the same treatment...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IpRK9J7tB8NpBFUJbVygq-z2y0wPFE1_rDsiW4wpjXeJv6GA38oh9wtYpT6QVIQ-Lvn2ovhnD6NZ-ZLVFFQy0_zgWyfRIAgovA3S3RaWBRR2MyH_8JuMwdcDxhJUmWKkA1MVN47jCehI/s1600/Amiens-20140418-00361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IpRK9J7tB8NpBFUJbVygq-z2y0wPFE1_rDsiW4wpjXeJv6GA38oh9wtYpT6QVIQ-Lvn2ovhnD6NZ-ZLVFFQy0_zgWyfRIAgovA3S3RaWBRR2MyH_8JuMwdcDxhJUmWKkA1MVN47jCehI/s1600/Amiens-20140418-00361.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, so it's not exactly the same thing. This stretched modern Mini Cooper is called a Clubman (the Countryman name is used for a different small crossover model), and this brown one that I saw had stickers instead of the real wood additions of the original. Up close the effect is quite disappointing, where there is no doubt that they are simply stickers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eT7aWtzJ53weToxe2BKWPBEOHMqNGvlfURihtJ3GqasuV3evUPJMDs4zq4hekYsX6J7XLVKWFBD1jE-vZGtcj-K32KLBNN8KfW-br3KNMnCikJQAiOXAkrHo_6zmdtxV-pZ67hczn16i/s1600/Amiens-20140418-00362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eT7aWtzJ53weToxe2BKWPBEOHMqNGvlfURihtJ3GqasuV3evUPJMDs4zq4hekYsX6J7XLVKWFBD1jE-vZGtcj-K32KLBNN8KfW-br3KNMnCikJQAiOXAkrHo_6zmdtxV-pZ67hczn16i/s1600/Amiens-20140418-00362.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
From a distance, however, once can more or less picture what a proper 'woody' would look like, and I think that it would be a nice addition to the Clubman, especially in this dark brown color. With some actual thin wood paneling with a bit of texture, I really think that this new Mini could pay homage to the original. I can't be the only one who thinks that, so I will continue to keep my eyes peeled for my next Mini sighting...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>EDIT:</u><br />
<br />
A friend sent this photo of a REAL woody Clubman, and I quite like it! I don't know how much it might cost, but it's fun to see that an option exists:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXamoN8731aiKUD5y8ayfTF6rL4JZUfYvTFoMPObWdZuZHbVUTteDVrow7baGRrqkfv2N7Gns-HcEhmPgyUQsxlvr35b1xw4mjhHqg7kIbeZLXJvQ_O5kbSOunIUwrBNMdh20s2ObRZSX/s1600/real+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXamoN8731aiKUD5y8ayfTF6rL4JZUfYvTFoMPObWdZuZHbVUTteDVrow7baGRrqkfv2N7Gns-HcEhmPgyUQsxlvr35b1xw4mjhHqg7kIbeZLXJvQ_O5kbSOunIUwrBNMdh20s2ObRZSX/s1600/real+wood.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This modification may not be to everyones taste, but I applaud this wink to the history of Mini and their excellent wood-clad version.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com160400 Noyon, France49.580166000000013 3.000722900000027949.580166000000013 3.0007229000000279 49.580166000000013 3.0007229000000279tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-56294019766390779842014-04-13T18:32:00.001+02:002014-04-13T18:33:51.057+02:00Blurred Lines.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes you only have a few seconds to grab a picture. In those cases you have to decide if you take the time trying to focus properly and risk missing the shot, or snapping as quickly as possible and risk having a blurred picture that you can't make out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Such was the case when a gorgeous orange Renault Alpine zoomed past me Friday night. A very rare bird, I wasn't going to let this one go without a snap or two. I was able to catch up to it at the following traffic light, and when I came to a full stop (safety first!), I grabbed my phone and lined up for a picture. I knew I didn't have much time before the light changed, but of course my camera auto-focus didn't want to cooperate. I snapped anyways:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9YeuvxI8DfAq4yGi4NPwMXjpnwmtyNERJIFIXZVlO3CJPFARWNkw4Zm95IRpRmLlG5F0t6HkYkGYwq2aZPKl94KBKvx6gWHOsTS8Kj21zrxtsT7o7KT5rjqEkyV56XnKPqU2EEm7iUy/s1600/IMG-20140411-00341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixz9YeuvxI8DfAq4yGi4NPwMXjpnwmtyNERJIFIXZVlO3CJPFARWNkw4Zm95IRpRmLlG5F0t6HkYkGYwq2aZPKl94KBKvx6gWHOsTS8Kj21zrxtsT7o7KT5rjqEkyV56XnKPqU2EEm7iUy/s1600/IMG-20140411-00341.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well that didn't work! You can't see much from this blurry picture, but it was a beautiful Alpine A130. This model of Renault's ultimate sports car was produced from 1971 to 1985, first available with a 4-cylinder engine until 1976, and then with a more potent V6 for the rest of its life. It has fat, bulging fenders, a pointy, sharp spoiler, and massive wide tires. Definitely not your everyday sight, and definitely worth a second try at a clearer picture:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1jKJV2DRGympkEEQoDTC3Gas5ocoZuGzIqDWUwuQ2UEJkpXF-vAGz418wPEvUtVYqAiN8DYNE3fZOERxfpImEZkazmbAQN8RgFtf44srvAbhCOJjPZoDr_MFSpxVdVhTe0_JQdpSpOyg/s1600/Paris-20140411-00342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1jKJV2DRGympkEEQoDTC3Gas5ocoZuGzIqDWUwuQ2UEJkpXF-vAGz418wPEvUtVYqAiN8DYNE3fZOERxfpImEZkazmbAQN8RgFtf44srvAbhCOJjPZoDr_MFSpxVdVhTe0_JQdpSpOyg/s1600/Paris-20140411-00342.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Argh! Closer but blurrier, you can barely tell that it's a car! Which is very unfortunate, because it really is a looker. From its beginning in 1955 until its end in 1995, Alpine was a producer of pure, unadulterated sports coupes and convertibles. Renault has even announced plans to produce a new Alpine supercar, and showed the A110-50 concept car in 2012.<br />
<br />
The light turns green, the cars start to move... come on camera, one more shot of that fantastic rear end:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxmtFLBJblabRh-K6mCM5OfwqSJUO_6iugE1nw9Tu8v3uPeq9E4WB9c9LMlqFirBXU49Eb497QCFc6hc890w_P7wIJ6xnG3WkIHJbt07eOykl6UQ7Ytcc1Ih4VpGC5XbQT-6xiynLDVfp/s1600/Paris-20140411-00343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxmtFLBJblabRh-K6mCM5OfwqSJUO_6iugE1nw9Tu8v3uPeq9E4WB9c9LMlqFirBXU49Eb497QCFc6hc890w_P7wIJ6xnG3WkIHJbt07eOykl6UQ7Ytcc1Ih4VpGC5XbQT-6xiynLDVfp/s1600/Paris-20140411-00343.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
Success! Okay, so it isn't a magazine quality picture, but you can at least make out the curves and bulges of the legendary A130, and even read the name written across the back. Once the car in front had left, the Alpine roared off, and there was no hope of catching it again. It became a blurred line off in the distance, and while I would have loved to get a better view of the rest of the car, I'll satisfy myself with these rapid-fire pictures I managed to grab.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com3Porte des Lilas, 75019 Paris, France48.877165 2.406419000000028123.355130499999998 -38.902174999999971 74.3991995 43.715013000000027tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-7727035589604467602014-04-04T18:01:00.000+02:002014-04-04T18:01:23.119+02:00Beet It!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are many different road signs indicating all types of dangers you can encounter (slippery road, icy bridge, truck crossing, sharp curve, railroad, cow crossing, and on and on...), but I'm pretty sure that the one I saw this week was one of the more original:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4WBBqHnNT66Vazkj3pstdI14cZWN0ulGcnbeqDE-aHB0v644Df6hOAQtRjC1E0XuWhNvjYUFkPv8xWwl1TkrBo1J7S_Y78Lvdk_URtQKkXaYoVolE7NthEGm1AWq_0swyw3VaMbJnn3_/s1600/Quierzy-20140331-00301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4WBBqHnNT66Vazkj3pstdI14cZWN0ulGcnbeqDE-aHB0v644Df6hOAQtRjC1E0XuWhNvjYUFkPv8xWwl1TkrBo1J7S_Y78Lvdk_URtQKkXaYoVolE7NthEGm1AWq_0swyw3VaMbJnn3_/s1600/Quierzy-20140331-00301.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This particular sign is only a few minutes from my house. Even though I have lived in the same place for over 4 years, I somehow didn't notice this sign before, or if I did, it didn't register. For those that don't speak French, if you Google 'betteraves', you will learn that it means... beets!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, apparently the biggest danger on this quiet, narrow country lane is
beets! According to the pictogram on the sign, one risks a beet-related
spin-out in this curve. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi5Zj4drkI8_QephIHlNqCOgJR-_Ih3nBZeEY2tEnkBmhqpDtrnNIYUIUFmEK3CwC-zcVA4MxetOR8K35bn2mWZ1_fuWyoQPN9MSxM-joqW9CQzmuRRZq4ibLtF_dAoDwr6CycLdQo2S-/s1600/Quierzy-20140331-00300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDi5Zj4drkI8_QephIHlNqCOgJR-_Ih3nBZeEY2tEnkBmhqpDtrnNIYUIUFmEK3CwC-zcVA4MxetOR8K35bn2mWZ1_fuWyoQPN9MSxM-joqW9CQzmuRRZq4ibLtF_dAoDwr6CycLdQo2S-/s1600/Quierzy-20140331-00300.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To be fair, beets are grown all over the region, and there are several processing plants in the vicinity. It is reasonable that they would warn people that slow-moving beet trucks and tractors share the roadway, and that they often leave slippery muddy tracks. However, instead of a 'Slow-Moving Beet Truck' or 'Slippery Due To Beet-Mud' sign, the local authorities clearly went for simplicity in installing their 'BEETS' sign.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So no one fear, as I head out to work today I will have my eyes peeled for sneaky little beets, hiding in the tall grass, ready to jump out at me...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
(And for fans of the American TV show "The Office", I looked but did not see a sign for 'Schrute Farms' nearby...)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com102300 Chauny, France49.615576 3.219421000000011249.533277 3.0580595000000113 49.697874999999996 3.3807825000000111tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-10437186532500737252014-03-30T23:17:00.000+02:002014-03-30T23:17:18.069+02:00A Rancho By Any Other Name.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I was digging through some old photos I had stored in a folder on my computer, and came across a rather interesting vehicle I had almost forgotten about. I remember exactly where I saw it and stopped to take pictures, even thought it was around 6 years ago. It really caught my attention at the time, and since then I don't think that I have seen another one.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN43zTYlTHFaUYIqDRb4nSFWl2IELPYjw9GtNhXuprQS5lcL0k17uhcnfBFWbTYPTSB-lF9_4s7OhXlz7BEdocKG5Oova7sNQ9PifGyIwN7hQKTBXPN95QWCGOfNtbueD7C2xjG11Q1cTH/s1600/talbot+matra.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN43zTYlTHFaUYIqDRb4nSFWl2IELPYjw9GtNhXuprQS5lcL0k17uhcnfBFWbTYPTSB-lF9_4s7OhXlz7BEdocKG5Oova7sNQ9PifGyIwN7hQKTBXPN95QWCGOfNtbueD7C2xjG11Q1cTH/s1600/talbot+matra.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The name 'Talbot Matra' was plastered across the front and 'Rancho' across the back, so it was easy enough to look it up online. What I found out is that a little over 55,000 units were produced between 1977 and 1983. It was created as a partnership between the two automakers Simca (originally a Fiat brand created specifically to build cars in France) and Matra (a diverse French industrial company that included an automotive division).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYlBcXZ-lGKmrW4lSpUTsTmzQcvAE57l0Mo4eTK5VgcqsD1HIVJbI6tnGiZuzr_H_hU5LmctLVaW_qO4eKMkAEZ-K9VFU12Eu59vRtbIHcOB9M3iMPVY1gP5cI0hMpTJZvC6sXod4Ck5F/s1600/DSC02505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYlBcXZ-lGKmrW4lSpUTsTmzQcvAE57l0Mo4eTK5VgcqsD1HIVJbI6tnGiZuzr_H_hU5LmctLVaW_qO4eKMkAEZ-K9VFU12Eu59vRtbIHcOB9M3iMPVY1gP5cI0hMpTJZvC6sXod4Ck5F/s1600/DSC02505.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But wait, why does this vehicle (more on it later) have the name Talbot-Matra on the hood? Talbot was another French brand that started back in 1903, and existed up until 1992 (albeit after an 18-year hiatus in the 1960s and 1970s).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
How many names does one vehicle need???</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In
the end it is easy enough to understand: Matra Automotive (which would
become affiliated with Renault from the mid 1980s until the mid 2000s, before folding)
worked with Simca (which at the end of the 1970s was no longer part of
Fiat and was instead a Chrysler brand) to build this new 3-door sport
utility vehicle (before the SUV craze even existed). It used a Simca
platform, Chrysler-Simca motor, and a unique rear compartment designed
by Matra... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eaPu7W1LWjU0lvrRmVHt7kwM-oiZxpqU1_nuIdDpBpZuxbRNl2nxbgTZazZ4TrmVHtGVy0tfyhSsFKO2rF3cIR7SRAvUeC9MpAzodLiFLH2birYMP10tPkegW5-_7rl4IzIBADoQLgOe/s1600/DSC02500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eaPu7W1LWjU0lvrRmVHt7kwM-oiZxpqU1_nuIdDpBpZuxbRNl2nxbgTZazZ4TrmVHtGVy0tfyhSsFKO2rF3cIR7SRAvUeC9MpAzodLiFLH2birYMP10tPkegW5-_7rl4IzIBADoQLgOe/s1600/DSC02500.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, so not so easy. And it gets even messier! Right around the time the Rancho hit the streets, Chrysler Europe collapsed, and the Simca name was sold to PSA, the parent company of Peugeot and Citroen. The Matra-Simca Rancho would exist for three years before PSA decided to axe the Simca brand name, and resurrect the Talbot name. The cobbled-together utility vehicle was then sold until the end of its short life as the Talbot-Matra Rancho.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I even have the mathematical formula, if that helps...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>(((FiatSimca-Fiat)+</i></b><b><i>Chrysler)/Chrysler)+((Matra*PSA)*PSA^(-1)) {where Simca-->Talbot} = Talbot Matra</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Voila! Clear as mud, right?<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEcNYwilbsYFh497NelMnmv04hMpjMGBgsxXWwVqV_ubazRQbMtXVjwGm8jWqUWmYV-r1cMZQyuz6BVVe33-i4Bkc8l4FwGMfExMXoGtom0VQQSlPCx2OrWMcA4b2SdDd-M6ZYI5nRZyD/s1600/DSC02504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEcNYwilbsYFh497NelMnmv04hMpjMGBgsxXWwVqV_ubazRQbMtXVjwGm8jWqUWmYV-r1cMZQyuz6BVVe33-i4Bkc8l4FwGMfExMXoGtom0VQQSlPCx2OrWMcA4b2SdDd-M6ZYI5nRZyD/s1600/DSC02504.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Identity crisis aside, the Rancho has a bit of a cult following. It is not as collectible as the Renault Rodeo, Citroen Mehari, VW Thing or Mini Moke topless beach buggies, but still has enough of a unique, rugged look and quirky appeal to earn its place on an automotive fan's wall of fame. It lacked a 4x4 system (it was front-wheel drive like the Simca 1100 it was based on), so it wasn't a true off-road vehicle, but it still had decent ground clearance and some Jeep-like touches (roof rack, external spare tire, spotlights) that appealed to those that like to get their vehicle dirty on the weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sorry for the headache, but I hope that you all find the Rancho and its name evolution history as interesting as me!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com2Gilocourt, France49.2919399 2.8797809999999849.2505249 2.7990999999999797 49.3333549 2.96046199999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-15431052218607127112014-03-27T07:36:00.002+01:002014-03-27T08:21:52.599+01:00Perpendicular Parallel Parking.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's a good chance that you won't find this in your drivers education handbook. You will find perpendicular parking (when you pull your car into a spot that is at a right angle to the flow of traffic), and you will find parallel parking (when you pull your car into a spot that is in the same direction as the flow of traffic)... but perpendicular parallel parking (aka PPP)?!?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg655tl3EcoLjXMog9f-mL-guhWuwE0QCThNFT2gn3Omr1CjuX2GwdPvU4WBDap9htB3Qa4Q1vnHaD604sB-vQse955oW8zFDeghOHiDmZN72izXu7-WN0knQ1Nr9bXsDfFP1Gf0Bc-hEn/s1600/Twizy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg655tl3EcoLjXMog9f-mL-guhWuwE0QCThNFT2gn3Omr1CjuX2GwdPvU4WBDap9htB3Qa4Q1vnHaD604sB-vQse955oW8zFDeghOHiDmZN72izXu7-WN0knQ1Nr9bXsDfFP1Gf0Bc-hEn/s1600/Twizy.jpg" height="235" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Only drivers of the Renault Twizy or Smart TwoFour should even attempt this. I saw this Twizy 2-seater jammed in between two vehicles a few months back, and was reminded of the advantage of such a tiny car in the city. In this case, the spot was so narrow that I don't even think a Smart would have fit... and if it had, it would have been impossible to open the doors. The advantage of the Twizy is that the optional doors are of the 'scissor' type, and therefore don't require any space to the side to open.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the past I have already written about the Twizy, and while I consider that it has some pretty serious shortcomings when compared to regular small cars, there are also many benefits, including this obvious parking one.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theautomotiveattic.blogspot.fr/2013/06/plug-me-in.html" target="_blank">First Twizy write-up</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theautomotiveattic.blogspot.fr/2013/06/shut-up-and-drive.html" target="_blank">Second Twizy write-up</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://theautomotiveattic.blogspot.fr/2013/07/renting-twizy-is-ezy.html" target="_blank">Third Twizy write-up</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So next time you're parking in a city in Europe, don't forget to leave a little space for those PPP people! They'll certainly appreciate it!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.6894645 2.0294984000000178 49.0237635 2.6749454000000177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-51007182436608188272014-03-02T23:33:00.001+01:002014-03-02T23:33:21.153+01:00Will You Take Visa For Your Visa?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What's that I see? A goofy old car sitting off by itself at a funny angle in the main square in town with a sign in the window? That wouldn't be an old car for sale, lonely and cold, calling my name? Why yes it is!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1GO8Y2GQh7KBo-ZJfAgrAwHUWHg86Te0shVWLehVNzcr6KvMtCvat8V3Afa9WXMSZ0tVL7coaV_NMPkp_y-gC_UD5iKOI8jOMEFAkB8dIRDlv3QBnxL8XC0ROT05rVUeHmO0tRCSmb0W/s1600/Crisolles-20140227-00196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1GO8Y2GQh7KBo-ZJfAgrAwHUWHg86Te0shVWLehVNzcr6KvMtCvat8V3Afa9WXMSZ0tVL7coaV_NMPkp_y-gC_UD5iKOI8jOMEFAkB8dIRDlv3QBnxL8XC0ROT05rVUeHmO0tRCSmb0W/s1600/Crisolles-20140227-00196.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was last Thursday night after work that I happened across this latest find, as I pulled into the parking lot at the grocery store. My bread, eggs and cheese would have to wait. The Citroen Visa is becoming a rare sight on French roads, and even from a distance it was clear that this wasn't some junkyard beater. It was far from perfect, and some of the paint had no shine left, but it was a very sound old car.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvYoghyphenhyphenq26-kPmIPaXJZyKp1x846-qMOZS7tIGMn44RplCRb3mPYR04XOI5LfC1Qq6bpDJwDnlu1Pbmrko8xgMHh04MN6EA64_okJ_-W5mwpC0xKe522MgKb-c7s2thNVF3qkU1VmwYUk/s1600/Le+Plessis-Patte-d%27Oie-20140227-00204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvYoghyphenhyphenq26-kPmIPaXJZyKp1x846-qMOZS7tIGMn44RplCRb3mPYR04XOI5LfC1Qq6bpDJwDnlu1Pbmrko8xgMHh04MN6EA64_okJ_-W5mwpC0xKe522MgKb-c7s2thNVF3qkU1VmwYUk/s1600/Le+Plessis-Patte-d'Oie-20140227-00204.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
As I approached, I saw that I was not alone. Another guy was walking around the car, checking it out. We chatted a few minutes, and agreed that it was in very good shape, with no traces of rust on the body or chassis. The Visa replaced the Ami small car in Citroen's lineup in 1978, and was produced until the AX replaced it in 1988. In those 11 years over 1,250,000 examples were produced.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lqu305CQq9nfURNUC6vC8kmxpTfG7fOeHMi88BuLb7gtMKJhIIsj4zWnTEwCEXhGn6g0L0BJV2V13ztCqePcQyno3xCNMNaOhqJdSbjhnnaCJL-NiyKDK3Zpw9X9ZCU-Z290_LHJIzhx/s1600/visas.jpg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Lqu305CQq9nfURNUC6vC8kmxpTfG7fOeHMi88BuLb7gtMKJhIIsj4zWnTEwCEXhGn6g0L0BJV2V13ztCqePcQyno3xCNMNaOhqJdSbjhnnaCJL-NiyKDK3Zpw9X9ZCU-Z290_LHJIzhx/s1600/visas.jpg.png" height="166" width="320" /></a></div>
This little green Visa needs a good polishing and a repainted hood. The bumpers and moldings down the side have faded from black to almost white, and could use some TLC. The interior was nearly spotless, though the seat covers hid the state of the seats. The odometer showed just over 100,000 kms, so it probably spent a good part of its life parked in a garage, away from the elements. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCwZCSrGbH5olHKYVMWllZuIciuZJ3_keNMphgAfDQeSrpxQku07Yp8SphqnUlfBYHY6Hgr54G_glRMDO-awX8xsZnuu6t6bZhaON5uRbbV2TAuXVykyWwTbW9aBJJonTS-RbUPmh0NN0/s1600/Le+Plessis-Patte-d%27Oie-20140227-00198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCwZCSrGbH5olHKYVMWllZuIciuZJ3_keNMphgAfDQeSrpxQku07Yp8SphqnUlfBYHY6Hgr54G_glRMDO-awX8xsZnuu6t6bZhaON5uRbbV2TAuXVykyWwTbW9aBJJonTS-RbUPmh0NN0/s1600/Le+Plessis-Patte-d'Oie-20140227-00198.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When I arrived at work the following day, a coworker I ran across told me that he had seen a car that would certainly interest me. Before he could tell me what it was, I pulled out my phone and showed him these pictures of the Visa! It was of course the car he had seen, and he said that he could easily picture me driving such a strange classic.<br />
<br />
Against my better judgment I took down the number, and will have to call this week, just to find out a bit more. I shouldn't tempt myself when I know how weak I am against such charming old cars... maybe I will cancel my Visa first...</div>
<br />
<br />Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com1Guiscard, France49.657427 3.052042000000028649.6163135 2.9713610000000283 49.6985405 3.1327230000000288tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3933815733639627609.post-79131054276446895502014-02-23T20:56:00.001+01:002014-03-29T10:44:24.998+01:00World Car Fans: Nigeria.<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the fun parts of running a blog is checking the statistics, and seeing who is visiting. I truly enjoy sharing my automotive stories, and don't do it just for the clicks, but as anyone can imagine, it is always satisfying when a story catches peoples attention. This particular blog platform, Blogger.com, allows me to see how many people have visited and where they are from. It also shows me what stories people are reading, and which ones don't particularly interest them. I can check for the past day, week, month, or all-time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRG1GkIweH_wjpchZdUlB6e2f8xasEB5igANevHEL3eIe_ON9T8msUgvjy1oDorvLAEgODkBXojn7DNWaQpWBgR7tqS_Dk6cuq295ma1kXpM5lsXbEMQkSXzhyphenhyphenhsk1wvGvTqVt32e3HAk/s1600/stats.jpg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRG1GkIweH_wjpchZdUlB6e2f8xasEB5igANevHEL3eIe_ON9T8msUgvjy1oDorvLAEgODkBXojn7DNWaQpWBgR7tqS_Dk6cuq295ma1kXpM5lsXbEMQkSXzhyphenhyphenhsk1wvGvTqVt32e3HAk/s1600/stats.jpg.bmp" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Analysing this information helps me to know what kind of articles people enjoy reading, and which ones don't interest anyone. Over the past little while I have noticed many visits from several different countries that I know little about. Specifically, I realised that I didn't know anything about their automotive cultures or industries. I decided to research a little bit and see what I could dig up. Today I thought I would start with one country that has caught my interest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Nigeria:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only do I know nothing about the automotive situation in Nigeria, I have to admit I don't know anything at all about the Western African country. With a population of over 170,000,000 people, it is the 7th most populous country in the world. As far as I can determine, there never has been a Nigerian car brand. Peugeot and Volkswagen have factories in the country, and beginning in April 2014, Nissan is expected to start producing a 4x4 vehicle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I found an interesting website, the NAC (National Automotive Council of Nigeria), that makes it clear that Nigeria is making an effort to create a strong and viable auto industry. In 2012 over 100,000 new cars were imported, mostly from Asia and Europe, but more interestingly, over 300,000 used cars were imported. While I couldn't find any full statistics, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry sedans are apparently very popular, along with older Mercedes models. The Korean brands Hyundai and Kia are also popular.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qTgrpowX-09V3YH3Pcfg01kptDVN1HxYFvgrT9S3jH-jRUH1lz2Km1TI6aVLxTtS0CXLyyblj4B_ziQ5UvsL3c48BUyk8UXYs5HZ3Zryu-8qTWp0fECrHyJgAk9tOPWsbes5OlmS9jNV/s1600/nigeria.jpg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qTgrpowX-09V3YH3Pcfg01kptDVN1HxYFvgrT9S3jH-jRUH1lz2Km1TI6aVLxTtS0CXLyyblj4B_ziQ5UvsL3c48BUyk8UXYs5HZ3Zryu-8qTWp0fECrHyJgAk9tOPWsbes5OlmS9jNV/s1600/nigeria.jpg.bmp" height="165" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One interesting tidbit I came across was the fact that it is very common for Nigerian car fans to give their cars a nickname! The squat, broad Accord from 1995 was called 'Bulldog' for its looks, for example, while the 1992 Camry that had gotten bigger and heavier than the previous version earned the less than flattering nickname 'Orobo', which means 'Fatso'!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A huge auto parts importation and distribution market exists in Nigeria. It makes sense that if there are going to be a huge number of old cars on the road, people will need to repair them, so this auto parts market helps the population keep their cars running. I have a soft spot for automotive fans who like to get their hands dirty and take care of their own auto repairs, so I can very much appreciate a country with such an active used-car culture!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another day I'll look at into another country, but for now I'd be very curious to hear from any of the Nigerian readers that follow my blog if they have any corrections or additional automotive information to share!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13342387989854458478noreply@blogger.com0Nigeria9.081999 8.675277000000051-6.7730055 -11.979019999999949 24.9370035 29.329574000000051