Words: Nathan Chadwick
Photos: Manufacturers
Affordable French classics with charm, character and lightweight driving fun.
The French have always favoured light weight and innovative approaches to traversing its road network. Here are ten French fancies that shed the weight, which means you can spoil it all after a little too much bread, cheese and wine…
Citroën 2CV (1948-1990)
The Citroën 2CV is a beautiful exercise in the less-is-more philosophy: air-cooled 602cc flat-twin, a weight of around 600 to 650kg and long-travel torsion bar suspension, inboard front brakes and a roll-back roof that delivers comfort and simplicity in equal measure. It is famous for sipping fuel and shrugging off rough roads, and parts support is excellent. Later disc-brake models stop more effectively, while earlier cars feel even lighter on their feet. Although it is not fast, the 2CV remains utterly characterful and easy to maintain.
Renault 4 (1961-1992)
The Renault 4 features inline four-cylinder engines ranging from 747cc to 1108cc, front-wheel drive and a kerb weight of 650 to 720kg – think of it as a 2CV with a hatchback. The umbrella gear lever frees up space, the flat load bay is highly practical and the hardy mechanicals are easy to service. Later 1108cc GTL models cope better on A-roads without losing the car’s trademark floaty ride. Light steering and narrow tyres provide playful grip at everyday speeds. Honest, simple and very usable, it’ll have you dreaming of opening your own vineyard after just a short drive.
Citroën Dyane (1967-1983)
The Citroën Dyane used the familiar 602cc air-cooled flat-twin, front-wheel drive and weighed around 600 to 650kg, and was intended as a tidier, slightly more refined sibling to the 2CV, with a squarer body and a more practical tailgate. The interlinked suspension gives the same supple ride, while the light build makes it eager at low speeds. Later cars gained 12-volt electrics and better interior trim. If you like the 2CV’s engineering but prefer greater practicality and reduced wind noise, the Dyane is a clever choice.
Citroën Ami 8 (1969-1978)
Powered by the same air-cooled 602cc flat-twin and weighing between 660 and 700kg, the Citroën Ami 8 added a larger body, improved ventilation and better seating to the A-series formula. It retained long-travel torsion bars and the signature Citroën waft, yet it cruised more quietly than a 2CV. Estate versions are particularly practical, with light controls and simple upkeep making them highly affordable to run.
Citroën GS and GSA (1970-1986)
The Citroën GS and later GSA introduced hydropneumatic suspension to the compact car sector. With air-cooled flat-fours from 1015cc to 1299cc, front-wheel drive and kerb weights of 870 to 950kg, these cars offered a magic carpet ride with sharp roll control. All-round disc brakes, aerodynamic bodywork and a revvy flat-four made them more capable than expected on twisting roads. The GSA added five-speed gearboxes and hatchback practicality. Despite their complexity, parts support is good and maintenance is well understood. Distinctive and lightweight, the GS and GSA remain classic Citroëns in the truest sense.
Renault 8 (1962-1973, non-Gordini)
Think of the Renault 8 as a budget 911- rear-engined with four-cylinder engines between 956cc and 1108cc. Okay, that’s stretching things a little but weighing just 780kg to 850kg, it offered swing-axle handling, willing engines and four-wheel disc brakes on many models. The rear weight distribution delivered strong traction and playful balance at modest speeds. The upright cabin provided excellent visibility and good space. Standard Renault 8s remain affordable compared with the more sought-after Gordini versions, yet they deliver the same period French feel with just a hint of Monte Carlo rally fervour.
Renault 12 (1969-1980)
The Renault 12 was offered with 1.3 and 1.4-litre four-cylinder engines, front-wheel drive and a kerb weight of around 900 to 940kg. Hugely successful worldwide, it was lighter than it looked and proved extremely robust. Its simple MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion-beam rear made it comfortable, while the long gearing provided relaxed cruising. Parts are easy to source as they were shared across other Renault models.
Peugeot 304 (1969-1980)
The Peugeot 304 featured 1.1 to 1.3-litre four-cylinder engines, front-wheel drive and a kerb weight of 850kg to 930kg. Its crisp Pininfarina styling, revvy alloy-head engine and sweet gearshift blended well with light steering and supple suspension, so it flows beautifully on back roads. Available as saloon, estate, coupé or cabriolet, it combines everyday usability with French flair. Cabriolets and coupés add style without necessarily exceeding the £25,000 budget if you find a tidy example.
Peugeot 404 (1960-1975)
The Peugeot 404 used 1.5 to 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines with rear-wheel drive. Although weighing around 1050kg, it felt lighter thanks to its steering and gearing. It was rugged yet refined, with a supple ride and reliable engines capable of high mileage; later models had front disc brakes too. The 404 was as comfortable in town as it was on long journeys and had proven durability in rally and safari competition – which means it should deal with corrugated UK roads with suitably French insouciance.
Matra Bagheera (1973-1980)
The Matra Bagheera was a mid-engined sports car based on Simca running gear, with 1.3 to 1.4-litre inline-fours. Weighing 900 to 980kg, it used a fibreglass-clad steel monocoque and introduced a unique three-abreast front seat layout. The handling was sharp, the styling pure 1970s wedge and the cabin practical for a sports car. Rust in the steel frame is the main concern, so weigh up a rotten resto project carefully, though parts are available through specialists. Distinctive and affordable, the Bagheera remains a fascinating lightweight French sports car.
Which lightweight French classic would you pick, or have you owned one of these gems yourself? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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