French entry-level classics – Appealing and affordable classic cars

Often ridiculed and even more often underestimated – classic cars from France often only fascinate students and Francophile enthusiasts, as the automotive heritage of the Grande Nation is often simply overlooked between strongholds such as Italy, England and Germany. Between German craftsmanship and Italian elegance, it’s no shame to leave the big attention to the competition. On the other hand, French manufacturers have been putting timeless classics and extravagant curiosities on the road throughout the history of the automobile. Not only because of the recent acquisition of the traditional German manufacturer Opel by the French PSA Group from Peugeot and Citroën, it is time to do away with common clichés and take a look at three timeless and currently still affordable French entry-level classics.

In addition to the large saloons such as the Traction Avant and the DS, as well as sporty models that go by the name of Alpine, there are also affordable entry-level models that are suitable for everyday use.

French entry-level classics | Citroën 2CV – A duck with the power of two horses

No article about French entry-level classics can do without the 2CV, also commonly known as the ‘duck’. The nickname, which is common in Germany and England, goes back to a Dutch author who called the 2CV ‘the ugly duckling’ when he first saw it, in reference to Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name. In Italy and Spain, however, the respective translation for ‘two horses’ prevailed, and in Vietnam the car was offered as a Dalat. It is often wrongly assumed that the sales designation 2CV refers to the power of the car in horsepower – in fact, it is a code number of the French motor vehicle tax system of the time, which also gave the 4CV and the Traction Avant versions 7CV, 11CV and 15 CV their names.

“The Duck” was presented in October 1948 and it soon became clear that Citroën director Pierre-Jules Boulanger had struck it lucky. He had allegedly had the car designed according to the criteria that it should transport four people, 50 kilograms of potatoes or alternatively a small barrel. The requirement for the suspension of the vehicle, which was as cheap and robust as possible, was that a basket of eggs had to survive the journey across a ploughed field without breaking. Despite – or perhaps because of – its minimalism and simple technology, the 2CV became a bestseller.

When production ended in 1990, almost four million cars and a further 1.2 million delivery vans (also known as box ducks) had rolled off the production line. Today, the Ente is certainly the French classic that characterises Germany’s streetscape the most and always causes twisted necks. For vehicles in good condition, prices can easily break through the five-figure barrier.

French entry-level classics | Renault 4 – Big mouth & a lot behind it

The success story of the Renault 4, known as the R4, began with its presentation at the IAA in September 1961, when the car could hardly save itself from attention – followed by a marketing coup previously considered unthinkable at Renault: 200 white R4s passed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

As the first Renault car with front-wheel drive and one of the first mass-produced vehicles with a large boot lid, the small car quickly became very popular, as it was exceptionally practical, versatile and fuel-efficient despite its low price.

The idea of a vehicle for everyone, which went back to the then Renault CEO Pierre Dreyfus, prevailed – the R4 was suitable as an everyday means of transport, as a commercial vehicle for working people and as an excursion and holiday vehicle for the whole family. The versatility of the small car is also evident from the body versions on offer: the R4 was available as an estate, panel van, buggy and pickup.

With over eight million units produced, the chances of fulfilling your dream of owning your own R4 and being able to call this affordable classic your own are good. Although 54 German Renault 4s fell victim to the scrappage scheme in 2009 and 2010, this should not have had a major impact on the available stock of the model. It can be assumed that these 54 former R4 drivers now bitterly regret this decision and mourn their former, faithful companion.

If you are looking for a charming classic from French production that is still suitable for everyday driving today, the R4 could be a good choice. Especially as the entry-level price is still below that of the Ente: You can already get in for a mid to higher four-figure sum.

French entry-level classics | Peugeot 504 – An Italian Frenchman

A French car with Italian lines by Pininfarina – it was not without reason that the Peugeot 504 saloon was named Car of the Year 1969. It was the brainchild of Aldo Brovarone, while the cabriolet and coupé were designed by Sergio Pininfarina himself. The 504 product range was later expanded to include a pickup version in order to also offer a commercial vehicle with the already proven, robust mechanics.

With over 3.5 million units sold, the 504 is one of the manufacturer’s most successful models, and it is not without reason that licence production in Nigeria was only finally discontinued in 2005. Unfortunately, the Peugeot 504 is less present on German roads than its colleagues the “Duck” and R4 – but that is precisely what makes it so exciting. The prices are roughly on a par with the R4 and 2CV, and for that you get a fully-fledged saloon.

If you want to bring the French attitude to life, the savoir-vivre, to the German road without having to dig too deep into your pockets, these three classics are a good choice.

Many repairs can still be carried out with your own means and hands, and all three candidates are also quite solid and reliable – but there are still a few things to consider when buying. As usual, the issue of rust in particular should not be underestimated. These three models are not the end of the story; other manufacturers also offer everything from dignified sedans and workhorses to small sporty bangers. The possible lack of reputation is not an obstacle, au contraire, there is the chance to buy great vehicles with charm and style at fair conditions.

Fotos Automobiles Citroën, Automobiles Peugeot, Renault Communication

Author: Jan Fröhlich

Jan Fröhlich ist Redakteur beim Classic Trader Magazin und begeistert sich leidenschaftlich für klassische Fahrzeuge. Traum-Klassiker: Mercedes Benz 300 SL & Porsche 356 Eigener Klassiker: Velo Solex 3800 von 1968 View all posts by Jan Fröhlich →