Tag Archives: French

Stylish baguette getter: 1961 Renault Dauphine

Up for sale here on Craigslist is super rare 1961 Renault Dauphine. The Dauphine was France’s answer to the VW Beetle in the 50’s and 60’s. An 845cc rear mounted water-cooled engine is mated to a three speed floor-shifted transmission and delivers a whopping 27 horsepower. Never designed to cruise the interstates, the Dauphine is much more at home in-town and is an awfully stylish way to get to the bakery or cafe. Recent work includes a machined head and head gasket, new water pump, new fuel pump, cleaned and coated fuel tank, new fuel lines and filter, new brake shoes on all wheels, new wheel cylinders, new brake lines and a carburetor rebuild. The Renault runs, drives and stops. The body is in good shape although the paint shows some wear. The headliner, passenger seat and rear bench are in good shape but there is some tearing in the driver’s seat. The frame and rockers are all sound. The floor boards have surface rust but the only holes are on the passenger side (see pictures). Clear title. $3500 or best offer.

Feel free to email with questions or to set up a time to check it out. The Renault is in Athens.

Hard to find: New French style 5 3/4″ Round Amber Headlights

http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/4205149643.html
Check out this posting on Portland’s Craigslist for sets of  5-3/4 inch round Amber headlights. The seller has multiple sets and $40 seems very reasonable. Nationwide shipping is $15 so we’re going to order up a few sets for that true vintage French fog light look!

French TVT-92 in the UK

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300950799697?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Here’s a clean example of one of the first widely used carbon frames in the pro peleton. This TVT-92 isn’t branded as something else which wasn’t as common in those days. The Dura Ace 7401 7-speed groupo looks clean and the rest of the build is period correct. Find this one on eBay in Leicestershire, UK with a reasonable Buy-It-Now price of $771.

1970 Citroën DS21 in South Carolina

http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/3976618367.html

The Citroën DS oozes french style from the bullet rear indicators shooting off the roof line to the single bladed steering wheel  right down to the brake bubble in lieu of a pedal. Unfortunately the overly complex system of hydraulics can ooze just about as much. This ’70 DS21 is said to be a good driver and it sits well which indicates that the suspension hydraulics may be in good nick. It looks good in pale yellow with the black roof although the interior will need to be redone. Find it on Craigslist in Columbia, South Carolina for $5900.