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The French certainly have a flair when it comes to motoring. Choosing a Top 10 of French classics is a near-impossible task, with the likes of Renault, Peugeot and Citroën competing against each other as well as lesser-known gems.

So, we’ve picked out 10 examples of great cars from the post-war era up to the 1980s that still hold huge appeal for motoring enthusiasts today.

Disagree with our choices? Vive la différence! Contact us today to get classic motor insurance for whichever French motor appeals to you.

 

1. Citroën 2CV

Few cars have won so many hearts as the Citroën 2CV. Quirky, distinctive and downright cute, “the tin snail” was one of the first cars that made motoring affordable for large numbers of people and sold almost four million models.

Launched in 1948, its design had begun much earlier but was interrupted by World War II. It was unveiled at the Paris Show to much bemusement, but quickly became the star of the show.

Under the bonnet, the car boasted a two-cylinder boxer engine. It had one windscreen wiper and one taillight and could muster a top speed of 40mph. It came in one colour – grey. Yet the company was immediately inundated with orders.

Incredibly, despite numerous updates, there was only ever one generation of the 2CV – but it stayed in production until 1990 and inspired other Citroën models such as the Dyane and the Bijou.

Quite something for a car whose initial design brief was that it must be able to carry a basket of eggs over a ploughed field with no breakages!

2. Renault 4

So how did Citroën’s rivals respond to the all-conquering 2CV? By launching a car that could do everything the 2CV could do – and better.

At least, that was the aim of the Renault 4, which was just that little bit bigger, faster and easier to drive than the 2CV.

It was launched a full 13 years later in 1961, by which time more people were living in cities, the French road infrastructure had dramatically improved, and motorways were being developed. Nonetheless, it was still capable of handling a potholed farm track!

Importantly, its four doors plus hatchback made it a convenient family car. Over the course of its 30-plus year history, eight million were sold in France, more than any other French car to date.

Does it look quite as distinctive as the 2CV? Probably not, but that does have the advantage of making it almost ageless. If you’d like to own one today, remember to get classic vehicle insurance.

 

3. Renault 5

For a stylish upgrade to the Renault 4, do consider the Renault 5. Launched in 1972, it was a pioneer supermini – and quickly found a ready market of motorists looking for smaller cars. In fact, it was the best-selling car in France between 1972 and 1986, with more than 5.5 million produced.

The Renault 5 shared the longitudinal engine and torsion bar suspension layout with its predecessor but had a monocoque structure. At launch, there was a choice of engines: 782cc or 956cc.

Not only was the Renault 5 one of the first superminis, but the later Alpine version - or Gordini, as it was known in the UK – was a ground-breaking hot-hatch.

In 1980, Renault introduced a rally version: the Renault 5 Turbo. It’s really quite a different car, with real-wheel drive and a 160hp rear-mid-engine. As well as boosting sales of the regular version, this supercharged vehicle won several races, including iconic rallies such as Monte Carlo.

Whichever version you choose, you’ve got a real little gem of a car. Make sure you protect your investment with insurance for your classic car.

 

4. Peugeot 404

The great thing about the Peugeot 404 was not its looks or specs. It was its durability and flexibility.

The unassuming four-door saloon and estate versions were launched in 1960, and embodied practicality. Sensible French motorists bought them in their droves, and why not? Most people need value-for-money cars that get them safely from A to B, rather than anything that’s going to win a design award.

Thanks to their robustness and reliability, they became popular as police cars and taxis in France and elsewhere, including some African and South American countries. Those same qualities make the Peugeot 404 a wise buy today, and here at Lancaster we can help you find the classic motor insurance to match.

However, the 404 also developed into some rather more exciting cars, including very elegant coupé and convertible versions.

Then there was the diesel record car of 1965. This prototype with a 2.2-litre engine was built to prove that diesel wasn’t just for trucks: it could power passenger cars, too.

After setting a few records on a racetrack in France, including covering 5,000kms in 31 hours, Peugeot proved its point. Sales of diesel Peugeot 404s took off – a real game-changer in the passenger car market.

5. Simca 1000

If you were in France before the 1980s, you would have seen a marque that was almost unheard-of in Britain. At the time, Simca was one of France’s ‘Big Four’ car manufacturers, along with Renault, Peugeot and Citroën. In their homeland, Simcas were bestsellers.

The Simca 1000 was introduced in 1961 as a small, four-door, rear-engine saloon car. While its boxy shape might not be to everyone’s taste, Simca also introduced an exceedingly stylish coupé in 1962. It looked sporty – but its 944cc engine meant that its top speeds did not live up to its appearance.

The range was superseded in 1967 by the Simca 1100. Simca itself was sold to Chrysler in the 1960s, and from that point onwards, the cars were sold in the UK mainly under that badge.

So, if you love rarity value and a dash of French flair, a Simca could well be the car that sets your pulse racing. Before you take to the roads in your eye-catching motor, remember to make sure it’s covered by classic car cover.

 

6. Renault 16

Back in the days before SUVs, MPVs, child seats and seatbelts, it was common to see multiple children squeezed into the back of estates and saloons. The soundtrack to any lengthy journey would be that of children fighting!

Enter the Renault 16, a car whose spacious interior made it the perfect fit for the slightly larger-than-average family. There was even a generous boot for all those wellies, shopping, dogs – or additional kids. In safety terms, this was a different era!

Launched in 1965, the Renault 16 was one of the very first hatchbacks. Buyers quickly took to the concept, thanks to its practicality. The interior was luxurious for the time, too, making this a cut above its competitors in the large family car market.

Engineering-wise, it was advanced, with front-wheel drive and an aluminium engine. Its column-mounted gear stick took some getting used to but made for a more spacious front cabin.

The Renault 16 was voted European Car of the Year in 1965. Production ceased in 1980, by which time almost two million had been sold – many in the UK, where it was one of the first popular imported cars. But if you manage to find one today, you’ll be doing very well indeed.

7. Citroën GS

So how did this French car manufacturer usher in the 1970s? With the ground-breaking Citroën GS.

This classy number filled the gap in the Citroën range between the budget 2CV and the executive DS models – that is, the highest volume segment of the market.

It not only brought a touch of luxury to the mass motoring market but was also was technologically way ahead of its time for its class of vehicle.

It had hydro-pneumatic suspension, an air-cooled flat-four engine, and inboard disc brakes at the front and the rear.

Design-wise, it was beautifully aerodynamic, with both saloon and estate versions available. Marketing in the UK compared its sleek lines to those of an aircraft and promised: “The GS will shake your neighbours – but not your family.” Adverts proudly proclaimed, “You’d never guess one of the designers was a computer.”

Hard to believe that this streamlined beauty was introduced a full half-century ago.

A variety of limited editions and upgrades were produced over 16 years, but there was only ever a single generation. If you get your hands on one, make sure you protect your purchase with classic insurance.

 

8. Monica 560

While the Citroën GS might feel luxurious to the average French family, there was a gap in the high-end market for vehicles that were made in France. Naturally, a wealthy patriot decided to build his own.

Industrialist Jean Tastevin and his collaborators spent several years designing and building prototypes of the Monica, named after his wife, Monique.

This grand tourer had a Chrysler V8 engine, leather upholstery and was said to have a top speed of 150mph. It was introduced in 1973 at a price of 164,00 French Francs – just below the cost of a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.

Monsieur Tastevin had planned to build around 400 cars a year at his factory in Balbigny, Loire. However, he had not reckoned with the 1973 oil crisis, which led to strict speed limits in France and a drop-off in interest in high-performance cars.

The factory closed in 1975, and the Monica 560 became a brief, but fascinating, chapter in motoring history. The number of prototypes and production models is disputed but could be as low as 30.

There are thought to be just a few Monica 560s in Britain today, and we can’t tell you how excited we’d be at Lancaster if you contacted us for classic insurance for one of them!

 

9. Peugeot 205 GTi

Up until 1983, Peugeot had a reputation for producing somewhat dull small cars. The arrival of the 205 was a game-changer – not just for the marque, but for the world of superminis.

Slightly larger than competitors such as the Fiat Uno, it took some time for the 205 to become established. But once it took off, it never looked back, and today, the GTi is acclaimed as a modern classic.

So what’s special about the 205 GTi? It’s aerodynamic, fast to accelerate, quick to brake, and a dream to drive. Top speeds were initially 115mph, rising to 128mph after the engine was upgraded to 1.9-litre in 1986. There’s also a popular 1.6-litre model.

The Peugeot 205 was named ‘Car of the Decade’ by CAR magazine. It’s also regarded as one of the very best hot hatches ever, in competition with the Volkswagen Golf GTi. So, if you like a car that both looks beautiful and drives wonderfully, the 205 could be for you.

These are light cars known to crumple in accidents, and today the roads have become dominated by bigger, heavier vehicles.

As collector’s items, however, the 205 GTi is highly prized – make sure you get yours covered with classic vehicle insurance through Lancaster.

10. Citroën CX

In the 1970s, Citroën really was at the top of its game in terms of the cars in its range. This 1974 executive car still feels somewhat space age today, and its ride comfort is second to none.

It kept much of the GS technology, including its hydraulics, and added Varipower self-centring steering. In 1977, a GTi Turbo and then later a Turbo 2 were introduced, and these high-performance models are highly sought after today.

Financial woes meant that Citroën had to merge with Peugeot in 1976, though the marque continues to this day. 

 

Get a quote from Lancaster today

Just like French wine, a French classic car can be a great investment as well as an enjoyable experience. To protect your purchase, you’ll need classic car insurance.

At Lancaster, we can arrange cover that includes benefits such as discounts for car club members and limited mileage, static show and historic rally cover, and free EU cover for up to 90 days.

Our 24-hour claims helpline makes it easy to get assistance whenever things go wrong.

Get a quick quote at Lancaster today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.