Les Voitures de Paris

This vacation has been a fun one - 140 cars so far. The spots have been incredible, as always. Age and style, those old ONEC favorites, have prevailed despite the severe testing. Ah, Paris, a far cry from the first time we were here in New York, where only a few cars were photographed, and I had the courage to go beyond to find them! Yes, the good old days - but, there's no more time, reminisces are shattered by the sights of over 100 vehicles, the sun is out, the street clears, as David puts his camera to his eye - Bon soir Paris! 

Above: 1993 Mercedes Benz 180E (W124)

Starting off with a daily driven W124 Merc is no laugh. As you'll see, Parisians like to hold on to their older cars in favor of buying new ones. This is one such example. After all, why waste something perfectly fine?

Above: 2001 Renault Twingo

A first generation Twingo might be one of the cutest vehicles in my humble opinion. Look at that front fascia, and tell me otherwise! I made a goal to photograph all the Twingos that I found in France, and I walked away with a decent haul, many in different colors. Check out the Europe Bonus Content page when you're done with these to see the others. 

Above: 1988 Citroën 2CV-6 

It wouldn't be a proper trip to France without seeing, what I consider to be, the official car of France. 

Above: 1972 Fiat 500

A nugget spotted! 

Above: 1972 Citroën DS Special

Here is what I consider to be the most iconic French car, and undeniably one of the most important cars to automotive history. What we have today, what has been come to be defined as a modern car, can all be traced back to the legendary DS.  Aerodynamics, functionality, design, and even the suspension, to an extent, can be seen here. I consider the DS to be ahead of its time, among other revolutionary cars, like the Saab 99 Turbo and AMC Eagle. 

Above: Citroën 2CV

Another 2CV, this one a bit more beat up. I think I prefer it this way.

Above: 1989 BMW 520i (E34)

Truly a beautiful car. I love the selective yellow beams on this car, which makes it authentically French. 

Above: Volkswagen Golf GL Cabrio Mk. I

Nothing special here, just a Golf Cabrio Mk. I. I thought I'd photograph it because you don't see these much anymore. 

Above: 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser (J70) Tow Truck

Check this out! A J70 tow truck is something I never existed - or could exist.

Above: 1987 Volkswagen T3 Transporter

Here's something hiding in plain sight. This looks like a normal VW T3 Vanagon, but it's technically not a Vanagon. Take a closer look at the rear nameplate, and you'll see what I mean.

Above: 2010 Saab 9-3X Estate

For those that know, know. But for those that don't, the 9-3X was a one year only trim option offered in 2010, which gave an otherwise standard Saab 9-3 all wheel drive, plastic molding around the wheel arches, and a higher ride height. Saab only made a couple hundred of these, and seeing one today is an uncommon sight. That's why I was super excited to see this car, besides that it was a Saab.

Above: 1985 Peugeot J-9

This Peugeot takes the cake as my favorite French car I found. It has such a quintessential European appearance, and was a vehicle I had never heard of. 

Above: 2000 Citroën Saxo Bic Edition

In France, you can buy a car marketed after a lighter.

Above: 1995 Volkswagen Vento TDI Mk. III

Another Volkswagen with a different name from its US counterpart. This isn't a Jetta, it's a Vento!

Above: 1988 Peugeot 205

Here's another cool old Peugeot. When people use the term shitbox, this is the origin of that term.

Above: 1986 Mazda 323 GT

Last, but not least, is another beat '80s hatchback. This one isn't French, but its still uncommon. It's a Mazda 323, a car we got in the States, but have ceased to exist for several years now. I'm glad to see one lives in France.