The only thing I really know about cars is how to drive them. Well, sort of, at least - not taking into account the accidents and fines I have met with so far. I guess I am not that typical "cars, football and girls" kind of guy. Although I do envy them sometimes. They probably do not have to take care of Sunday morning speedshopping. I do. But this morning, my trip to the local supermarket was actually quite uplifting. There they were, almost side by side: a brand new Citroën C4 coupé, a lovely old Citroën Ami 8 and an even older Citroën DS. It was almost as if someone had put them there on purpose for everybody to stop and take a look. Apart from me, however, nobody really wanted to face the cold wind and enjoy the view. I did. Reflecting on how the line of the C4 certainly resembled that of the DS in a way. On how lucky that former soccer pal of mine is, driving a DS (as well as being able to tinker with it - another probably typical male feature I lack). On what a pity it was I did not bring my camera along. On how wonderful it will be when, some day, scientists come up with a camera built into heads, probably integrating a USB link somewhere behind our ears or so. Anyway, the result of my mind drifting away like this was that the speedshopping session was an almost record-breaking one. As well as not making it on time to the butcher's before closing. But hey, at least I drove home with a (I admit: probably stupid) grin on my face and the intention of buying a French goddess when the time comes to replace the Renault Scenic we own now. I am not sure, however, if I'll be able to convince that other, down-to-earth kind of goddess I share my bed with...
“Sunday morning speedshopping,” what a great phrase! I’m going to have to use that somewhere (with full attribution to you, of course).
Posted by: Andrea Weckerle | January 09, 2006 at 03:48 AM
Mmmm... I'm afraid that phrase has already been patented. I'll think about the fee for using it. ;-D
Posted by: Serge | January 09, 2006 at 09:38 AM
Isn't she a beauty? The DS is a classic of French automobile design. Just so idiosyncratic in every way but elegant and sexy at the same time. I very much admire what the French do with their cars, they don't always hit the mark but at least they're producing cars that aren't clones of every other German/Japanese hybrid out there.
I've also got a bit of a soft spot for the Renault 4 or the 'duck' as it was known over here.
Posted by: Sam Smith | January 09, 2006 at 10:29 AM
"how wonderful it will be when, some day, scientists come up with a camera built into heads, probably integrating a USB link somewhere behind our ears or so"
Something like this? http://www.flickr.com/photos/pubsmith/84387497/
Posted by: Sam Smith | January 09, 2006 at 04:11 PM
don't mean to disappoint you, but apparently the DS is a disaster when it comes to repairing it and keeping it in shape... I say this with pain in my heart, because it's one of my dream cars. Good luck with it, Jacky ;)
Posted by: marc | January 10, 2006 at 07:52 PM
The duck? Over here that's a Citroën 2CV (we used to drive one, a very long time ago - got married in it, even; well, we drove to town hall in it). Check it out here: www.2cv.nl.
Posted by: Serge | January 11, 2006 at 03:07 PM
Ahhh the good old 2CV, over here we called that 'the dolly'. Absolutely no idea why. Another great example of the French completely doing their own thing in automotive design. Now a bona fide classic of course
Posted by: Sam Smith | January 11, 2006 at 04:07 PM