Which way to Paris? Tina Van Curen & Chuck Forward's 1939 Citroen Light 15 knows the way.
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Just as the rat rod movement can be seen as a reaction against the over-built technological marvels on today’s magazine circuit, The Best of France & Italy is the antidote to the Pebble Beach syndrome.
Tina Van Curen, the determined and enthusiastic co-coordinator of The Best of France & Italy, recently gave VeloceToday a little history and insight into this unique event. The most recent edition of the show was held November 5th, a sunny, 85-degree, fall day at Woodley Park, not far from the heart of Los Angeles.
Tina, and her co-organizers (or disorganizers, as Tina puts it) Chuck Forward, Sam Williams & Merkel Weiss are responsible for putting on arguably what is one of the best car shows on the West Coast, European or otherwise. And if it’s not the best, it’s definitely the most eclectic.
Mixing French & Italian cars, with an emphasis on cars of less than 3 liters displacement, the event has a distinct “bring what you got” feeling. From Dydia Delyser & Paul Greensteins 1935 Peugeot 302 (runs! stops!) to Jim Hull’s immaculate Chapron-bodied Delahaye, all French & Italian cars are welcome.
Starting with 65 cars in their inaugural 1995 event, the show has grown substantially, to over 400 cars this year. Judging from the number of transporters at this year’s event, it has grown in stature as well. Although, as Tina puts it, “there are two types of cars that arrive via truck; those that are incredibly rare & restored and those that don’t run.”
It’s the range of cars that give the show its real flavor. The organizer’s goal is to provide a venue for cars that you otherwise wouldn’t see, no matter what the condition, meet intriguing people and talk to others who appreciate them. A very simple goal, really. But likely only possible in Los Angeles with its broad diversity and car-friendly weather.
As one of the only, if not THE only, shows in the USA that prominently features French cars, there is always a strong selection of unique and wonderful French cars on display. And this year was no exception. Besides Hull’s Delahaye, the 1938 Peugeot Eclipse 402 embodied all great things French. Scott Bose of Hollywood Picture Cars recently acquired this Pourtout-bodied, Poulain-designed masterpiece. There were rows of 2CVs and their variants, truckette’s & Meharis. A brace of immaculate Renault Caravelle’s were tucked behind the Facels. Not to mention the eight Renault R5 Turbos. DS series cars were also prominent. Tina fingers pre-war Talbot Lagos as her favorite French car, but the DS series Citroens run a very close second.
Chuck, as former president of the Citroen club, was originally responsible for the high concentration of French cars. With no other public venues in which to show the cars, there has continued to be a strong turnout. The large number of Citroens was particularly striking and certainly the highest concentration since your last trip to France. In particular, DS cars remain highly popular in the LA area. Their quintessentially French style has always appealed to the artsy crowd. Hollywood-types are not immune to their charm and with the proper mechanic, these non-car people frequently become converts.
Ultimately, it’s exactly this effect that the organizers are looking for. By exposing people to these vehicles, interest and enthusiasm are built and the cars are saved from the junk pile.
Recently VeloceToday has been featuring the editor’s eBay finds; however, anyone really looking for an interesting car merely needs to come to the next event. Cars for sale are an integral part of the show. As long as it’s done tastefully, it’s ok with the organizers. No for sale signs larger than the car, thank you. Raul Vasquez had a Vespa 400 and Siata Spring available. Joe Scobey’s highly original ’69 Fiat 850 Sport Coupe – which required a mid-trip adjustment along the 101 – would make a great driver/restoration. One participant had a board-full of Citroens for sale, or, how about a partially restored Fiat 600 or 1953 Topolino?
If the cars alone aren’t sufficient proof that the event is a must, those in attendance surely prove the point. We spotted Tom Shaugnessy sifting through the swap meet area looking for treasures. Jay Leno made his nearly annual appearance, in a Topolino, no less. Richard Cole was there with his 100,000 mile + Daytona coupe. Bruce Meyer, Ed Niles, Alan Bishop, Steve Feig, Chris Obert (in his Multipla all the way from Santa Cruz), Raymond Milo and countless others – the southern California French & Italian car Mafia comes out in force for this show.
Looking forward, Tina believes that the event will keep its wonderfully quirky nature, even as it continues to grow. No judging, admittance charges or corporate sponsors are in the plans. If it’s third-party approval that you’re looking for, this show is not for you. But if you’d like to spend an enjoyable day in the park, viewing a wide selection of French & Italian cars and talking to their enthusiast owners, there’s no better time or place.
The next edition takes place November 4, 2007 and Tina & co-disorganizers look forward to seeing you there.
Recently restored, one off, 1938 Peugoet Eclipse 402 owned by Scott Bose,
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Dydia Delyser & Paul Greenstein's 1935 Peugeot 302 survivor.
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Jim Hull's beautiful Chapron-bodied Delahaye
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Jumping to the 60s, after the depletion of the French Luxury car market, we find Shin Yoshikawa's
delightful 1965 Panhard 24CT.
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The Bob Klemme Matra Djet of 1966 was a promising sports car but never officially made it to the US.
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Bruce Milner's Matra M530 of 1969.
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Multiple CX and DS-series Citroens anchored the extensive Citroen line-up, second only to the Alfas in attendance!
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The firms of Matra and Talbot merged and the result was cars like Shin Yoshikawa's Talbot Matra.
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Fiat expert and parts dealer Chris Obert holds court.
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More than 100 Alfas entered the show, but this 1750 Boattail Spider was spotted in the partking lot!
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Raul Vazquez's cute 1961 Vespa 400. Note full-length sunroof.
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1954 Abarth 207A Boano, powered by an Abarth modified Fiat 1100cc engine.
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1954 Chrysler Ghia GS-1 Show Car.
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A mint, unmolested Fiat 600D.
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Raul Vazquez's 1967 Siata Spring, based on the Fiat 850 platform.
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Joe Scobey's 1969 Fiat 850 coupe.
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