Why the Mini was created in 1959
The Mini was born from a practical need: four real seats, low fuel use and maximum space in a very short car.
The Les Caramagnols Blog
Find the articles published around our classic car pages, walks, villages, heritage and local life. Each article extends a main page on the site and explores one precise subject in more depth.
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Published articles
Louis Renault, rue Lepic and the Type A: how the marque took shape
The rue Lepic episode is more than folklore. It already sums up the Renault method in 1898: prove a mechanical solution on the road before turning it into a commercial argument.
The Aronde 1300 Flash engine: what it really brings to Simca
In 1956, the Flash engine gives the Aronde 1300 extra presence more than absolute transformation. That well-placed gain helps Simca prolong the model’s success.
Stepped grille and monocoque shell: how to recognise a Simca 9
The Simca 9 is first identified by its front end and overall coherence. To avoid confusing it with later Arondes, one should read a set of simple but matching clues.
The complete history of the Austin marque
From Longbridge in 1905 to the fading of the badge in the 1980s, Austin reflects a large part of Britain’s popular motoring history.
