According to the FFVE, France has 1,000,000 collector vehicles. But which brands attract the most fans? Some manufacturers are more popular than others, starting with the tricolor brands. Renault, Peugeot and Citroën are obviously part of the Top 5.
D-25 before the doors of the Salon Rétromobile open. From March 16 to 20, lovers of old cars will meet at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris. The imminent opening of the doors of this unmissable event is an opportunity to make an inventory of the collection car fleet in France and in particular the brands most popular with French collectors.
The figures used in this article are taken from a survey of 8,228 collectors by the FIVA (International Federation of Vintage Vehicles) and the FFVE (French Federation of Vintage Vehicles). In France, there are 400,000 collectors for one million old vehicles (about 2.5% of the French rolling stock). The study covers 14,846 old vehicles, in other words models over 30 years old.
TO READ. Contest. L’argus offers you 30 places for Retromobile 2022
Citroën at the top of the favorite brands
France can count on a particularly rich automotive heritage. No one will be surprised to learn that the podium of favorite brands is occupied by our three national manufacturers. Citroën is at the top of the ranking. The Chevron manufacturer is by far the most collected brand with more than 20% of models represented in this study. Thierry Farges, well known to fans of the Retromobile Show since he was its general commissioner for several years and now takes care of the event’s entertainment, explains the phenomenon quite simply: ” It is a daring manufacturer who has upset the canons of the automobile. Citroën is a real myth “.
Whether it’s the Traction or the DS – which are among the most collected models – each represents an era and presents its share of innovations: front-wheel drive, hydraulic suspensions, power steering, pivoting headlights… But the one that still arouses the most enthusiasm is the 2CV. A popular car launched at an attractive price and which is snapping up today – for certain versions – at a gold price! The average price of a Citroën on the collector’s market is around €14,000.
TO READ. Citroen 2CV. An almost new Charleston sold for €140,000 at auction
Renault and Peugeot complete the podium
Renault takes 2and place on the podium. The diamond brand represents 10% of the most collected brands on the FIVA/FFVE survey panel. Like Citroën, the manufacturer is capitalizing on popular and versatile models such as the 4L or the R5, the 60th of which will be celebrated in 2022.and birthday. ” Collectors take a different look at these models, which have become banal due to their success, and very often want to reclaim these moments in history. explains Hugues Portron, the boss of Renault Classic. The average price of a vintage Renault is less than €10,000, according to the survey.
“According to the FIVA/FFVE study, one out of three vintage cars is a Citroën or a Renault.“
Peugeot takes the 3and place in the ranking of the brands most appreciated by collectors with 8% market share. Hervé Charpentier, Director of the collections of the Museum of L’Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS, recognizes that the manufacturer with the Lion has fewer automobile myths than the Chevrons. On the other hand, he underlines the fact that all Peugeot collection vehicles have at least one club.
At Peugeot, it is the 205 (whose GTI versions are snapping up) and the 504 that attract the most covetousness. As far as the 504 is concerned, its success is due in particular to its many variations: saloon, station wagon, coupé, convertible or even pickup. The E-Legend concept (2018) also contributed to the enthusiasm around the model. Finally, Hervé Charpentier also highlights the still very strong interest in the 203 with its lines inspired by American cars.
TO READ
- Renault. These collector’s models available from €2,500
- Peugeot. The 15 future collectors to buy urgently
- Citroen. 15 future collectors at prices (still) accessible
Volkswagen, Porsche and Mercedes
And on the side of foreign manufacturers? Volkswagen holds the rope with 5% market share. The Beetle, the Golf or the Combi are among the most popular popular models. The average price of a model from the Wolfsburg brand is around €15,000. Porsche, Mercedes and Triumph constitute respectively 4% of the old car fleet. The legendary 911 is one of the models that collectors dream of having in their garage at least once.
As for Mercedes, beyond the craze for the 300 SL which does not weaken, there is a real craze for youngtimers and their sporty AMG versions. Finally, according to Thierry Farges, car manufacturers from Eastern European countries are making a real breakthrough in the fleet of vintage vehicles. Pioneering brands like Tatra are attracting more and more French collectors.
TO READ. Used Mercedes. 15 old models that are worth seeing
