History originally published in Sport Compact Car November 1998; republished by the author Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Sure, Bill, but would it sell? When Renault began importing its new econobox in 1976, they use their current practice of numerical model designation and called it the “5.” A […]
1957 Simca Vedette Versailles: Nee Ford, Simca’s star of the 1950s
History/driving impressions originally published in AutoWeek March 27, 1995; republished by the author Two of the least frequently noted developments regarding automobiles in France were (a) it becoming illegal to honk one’s horn in Paris except in extreme emergency and (B) Simca’s purchase of Ford of France lock, stock and manufacturing plant in 1955. Simca […]
Citroen 2CV long-term test: Zero to 60 in a new, pre-‘ 68 Deux Chevaux
New-car review originally published an AutoWeek June 10, 1985 I know why celebrities wear dark glasses: Being noticed has its advantages, but after a while all the attention becomes annoying. I know. I’ve driven a Citroen 2CV. I had the 2CV, alternately called Deux Chervaux and “The Duck” by Citroen freaks, on loan from importer […]
1989-1991 Peugeot 405 Mi16: Last date
History originally published in Sport Compact Car January 2001 If looks could kill, the Peugeot 405 Mi 16 could be the love of your life. The Peugeot (say poo-joe and you’re close) 405 Mi 16 is as taut, lean and sexy as a four-door, three-box sedan could be. It debuted in 1988 as Europe’s Car […]
Renault 8 Gordini: Semi-rhapsody in blue
History originally published in AutoWeek April 16, 1984 Saying “Gordini” in France is like saying “Shelby” in America. Not only do both names mean automotive performance, but if you don’t stretch the analogy too far, there are similarities between the careers of the men behind the names, Amedee Gordini and Carroll Shelby. Each had begun […]
Fulfilling Francophiles: Peugeot’s gone, but French eccentricity lives on in a Citroen XM gray market
Originally published in AutoWeek, October 26, 1992 Citroen XM; photos by John Matras Unique is an overworked and often improperly used word, so we won’t use it to describe the Citroen XM. The XM is, however, the only French automobile currently being imported into the United States and it is, well, different. As you’d expect […]
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