Organised by the Citroen Car Club, the weekend is open to owners of all types of French classic cars at the Stratford-upon-Avon Racecourse. The weekend focused on 50 years of the Citroen Dyane and Simca 1100, with 35 years of the Citroen BX.
One of the interesting things about the French car clubs is the interest within the clubs of more modern examples of Citroens, Peugeots and Renaults. The French still have the ability to think out of their boxes, with examples such as the Citroen C6 and Renault Vel Satis being good examples of niche modern cars that have gained a following. Owners are encouraged to simply turn up on the day and, in typical gallic fashion, go with the flow.
Simca’s have become virtually extinct in the UK, but the wide variety of remaining car have a loyal following and support.
A huge success when new, the Renault 18 was never atttacted the same adulation as the earlier 16, but this fine example was on hand to remind us how resolved the styling was for the era.
The event has been created by the Citroen Car Club, so the number of Citroens was in the majority but it also covered many of the models over the brands 100 year history, including the talented AX GT.
There were surprisingly few Peugeots on the day I attended, but this Talbot Solara represented PSA products.
The turn out was very good considering the miserable weather. This was one of two Maserati powered Citroens seen on the day.
A dead cert for classic car status, many Avantimes were bought and retained by knowing owners as soon as production ended in 2003.
A caravan makes complete sense if staying for the weekend, there’s not much fun to be had pitching a tent in the rain.
The BX GTI used the same engines as the 205 GTI and was rated as one of the best family performance cars of the ’80s.
The Matra Murena was officially imported as a RHD import and sold in small numbers when new. It’s fibreglass body and 3 abreast seating helped the car stand out.
One of a handful of air cooled Citroens at the show, this bright yellow example brought some warmth to the cold wet settings.
