I always get a kick out of seeing vintage American cars in Paris, especially considering how difficult (and brutal) the parking is there. But hey, this Charger has a loop bumper , so bring it on! Shot and posted at the Cohort by Benoît.
Cohort Outtake: An American In Paris
– Posted on January 7, 2017
I have to concur Paul. Having been in Paris last year, it really is a very cramped place. It always amazed me when people were driving SUVs around the city, as I thought they seemed kind of crazy for doing so. I even saw some first gen Chrysler 300Cs in Paris, and even I thought those cars seemed too big. Anyone who can is brave enough (or crazy enough) to drive an old school American car through the city, deserves my respect.
Usually the typical American cars are associated with massive size but there are plenty of classic American cars at a much smaller package suitable for European roads, like early Plymouth Valiant, Ford Falcon.
Or this car made in Detroit
This – on the other hand – is based on a British manufactored car, isn’t it?
This may well be the best aspect for these Chargers. I wouldn’t change one thing on the featured car. I actually gasped when this great shot popped up on my monitor.
I think this car would be better with some welding and body work. I noticed the not so visible rust on the fender and edge of door bottom. ( just can’t help myself monitoring the bottom sheet metal of cars with my eyes )
There is a certain charm to an unrestored car in good shape for its age.
Yes! Authenticity.
I don’t care much for the wheels, but I’ve never been one for the solid disc look. Replace those with some classic Magnums and we’re in business…
Looks like a Rallye. I’ve always been love/hate with the 73 refresh but this one is churning the love for whatever reason, maybe just seeing out of it’s element on tight Paris streets gives it a hell a presence and attitude I normally overlook.
I liked the quarter window treatment better on the regular ’73-’74 Chargers (but not the ersatz triple-window louvers of the SE) better than that on the earlier ’71-’72 cars.
It’s worth mentioning that, although they look identical, no sheetmetal interchanges between the ’71-’72 and ’73-’74 Charger. It’s strange since the same can’t be said for the ’71-’74 Plymouth Satellite coupe which only got a doghouse change (as well as different rear bumper and taillights) between the earlier and later models.
I noticed the sheetmetal change, it’s most apparent at the beltline on the door, which have offset creases separating the front and rear on the 71&72(similar to the 68-70), while the 73&74 are one continues line. I dislike the lack of hidden headlights, the busy taillight design and the heavy similarity the roofline has to the 71&72 Satellite. I like the 72 SE roofline treatment the best of this generation Charger
I wonder if the roof and rear window interchange between the ’73-’74 Satellite and Charger. It would explain the similarity between the two.
Whether a Parresianne lover or not, it’s always cool to see North American sheet metal show up there at any time. Personally I was, as most people likely were, disappointed with this much too long version of the gorgeous Charger predisposes when it was first introduced. Yet seeing it here on the streets of fashionable Paris brings back a lot of nostalgia and a fresh realization that Detroit, at its darkest hour, was still able to produce cars sought the world over.
Coodoos!
Great shape, great colour. They didn’t always get the decals right but this one works well.
Those wheels look like they’re missing wire basket covers.
Yes, those are really odd wheels; I don’t recognize them at all. I agree that they do look unfinished, but can’t quite figure what they are lacking.
These things must have about half a meter of empty space at the front.
Some of them do, like the Javelin, but mine is packed.
The reason for An American in Paris, is showing off your wealth.
While the odd Peugeot had a single plafonnière to illuminate the whole car, American cars had courtesey lights.
France’s fuel prices were always high, as your road tax was in the fuel price, so driving Une Américaine, you showed people you did not care about money and of course American cars were superior.
As for Parisian parking, almost each French brand car had some form of rubber on its bumpers and the plastic shield bumper was introduced on the Renault 5, while the Citroën Ami 8 had front indicators that were suspended, Peugeot’s 504 estate had a rubber rear bumper like a late MGB.
I always thought these Chargers were gorgeous in an utterly early 1970s way. Seeing one in person though, finally, made me realize how off the proportions are. Too much overhang, not enough cabin, too overstyled.
I thought the same thing when they came out, William. That opinion hasn’t changed in all this time.
One of the more fascinating tidbits is how the length of this third generation Charger, at 205″, was actually three inches shorter than the much more attractive second generation car at 208″.