One of the things we love most about being based at Beaulieu is having so many fantastic motoring events right on our doorstep. Every year, Simply French brings together a wonderful mix of quirky classics, sporting favourites and elegant French machines, and this year's event certainly didn't disappoint.
With temperatures that felt more like the south of France than Hampshire, it was the perfect day for owners to dust off their pride and joy and head to Beaulieu. Hundreds of enthusiasts filled the National Motor Museum grounds, creating a colourful celebration of French motoring.
As you might expect, Citroën stole the show when it came to numbers. There were plenty of cheerful 2CVs, Dyanes and Amis, each with its own personality. Beautiful Traction Avants, elegant DS models, futuristic CXs, XMs and C6s all made an appearance, alongside family favourites like the GS, BX and Xantia. There were plenty of newer Citroëns too, although a few visitors noticed that the much-loved SM and the ever-popular HY van were missing this time around.
Peugeot's display offered something for everyone. A charming 1950s Peugeot 203 stood proudly alongside a rather unusual camper conversion based on a 504 pick-up, while one of the stars of the day had to be the gorgeous Pininfarina-designed 504 Cabriolet. Fans of Peugeot's performance cars were equally well looked after, with everything from the legendary 205 GTI through to the 106 GTI, 306 GTI, 207 GTI and 208 GTI on display. There was also a great selection of RCZ coupés, proving Peugeot has produced some real head-turners over the years.
Although Citroën dominated the event overall, Renault also had a fantastic showing. The Renault Classic Car Club brought along a wonderfully varied display that demonstrated just how diverse the marque has been over the years. Alongside much-loved classics such as the Renault 4, Renault 10 and Renault 16 were several colourful Twingos, plus examples of the pioneering Scénic and spacious Espace, both of which are now becoming recognised as modern classics. Modern Renault Sport models added a bit more pace to the line-up, while a whole section of the showground was filled with Renault Trafic and Master camper vans, highlighting just how popular they've become with camper enthusiasts. Some real rarities also caught people's attention, including the fun Renault 5 Rodeo, the dramatic mid-engined Clio V6 and the striking Renault Sport Spider.
Alpine fans weren't left out either. There were plenty of the latest A110 sports cars to admire, sitting alongside the much rarer A610 V6, while the new electric A290 gave visitors a glimpse of where the famous French sports car maker is heading next. Nearby, a handful of Matras, including the Bagheera, Murena and Rancho, provided a reminder of another wonderfully distinctive French manufacturer.
Of course, one of the best things about events like Simply French is spotting the cars you weren't expecting to see. A lone Simca 1301 estate turned plenty of heads, while one of the oldest vehicles at the show was a delightful 1938 Rosengart LRN2. Built under licence using Austin Seven mechanicals, it was especially fitting considering Beaulieu's annual Austin Seven Rally was taking place elsewhere on the estate at the same time.
At the end of the day, visitors chose a beautifully restored 1990 Renault 5 GT Turbo as their People's Choice winner. It was a popular result that reflected just how strong Renault's showing had been. Renault camper vans also claimed the remaining podium places, rounding off a successful day for the marque.
More than anything though, Simply French is about enjoying great cars in great company. Whether you came for the engineering, the nostalgia, the quirky styling or simply to spend a sunny day surrounded by like-minded enthusiasts, there was something to make everyone smile.
If you're visiting Beaulieu for one of its many events, why not pop in and say hello? Here at Vintage Tyres, we're always happy to chat about classic cars, offer tyre advice or simply admire whatever you've arrived in. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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