French tips for traveling to Lapland

Christmas is approaching. And while it's well known that Santa Claus doesn't drive a French classic, there's nothing stopping you from going to see him in Rovaniemi, Lapland... and in a vintage car! So, we've selected a few local classics that will allow you to stray off the beaten path to go see him !

The Renault Colorale

In the 1950s, France was still very Colonial and Rural. You take those two words, mix them, and you get the name of the car that will be designed for this segment! Presented at the Paris Motor Show, this rustic car boasts a nice volume. Designed for all tasks, it comes in sedan, station wagon, or even pickup versions. You can also order it with four-wheel drive, even though initially the engine was somewhat outdated. The adoption of the engine from the Renault Frigate was good news.

In any case, it's a good car for tackling challenging roads.

The Renault Sinpar

If the brand Sinpar mainly converted truck chassis into 4x4, 6x4, or 6x6, it made a name for itself with cars of the brand. Renault. The first foray comes with the Goëlette, for the army. Then, there will be Sinpar systems, allowing cars to temporarily switch to four-wheel drive, on the Renault 4 from 1962 onwards. The same system will equip the Plein Air, Rodéo, and Renault 6 and another will end up on the Renault 12. As a result, you will have real off-road vehicles, if needed, that are undeniably easier to use than a Colorale !

The Peugeot Dangel

If Renault had Sinpar, at Peugeot It was Dangel that was called upon to convert its cars into four-wheel drives. The company is more recent, as it actually only started in 1980. The Peugeot 504 is then at the end of its life, but the Alsatian brand will take advantage of the release of the Pick-Up to offer its first 4x4 conversion. The 505 will also be able to receive the system, and they will even consider 205s, 305 and 309 that will not reach the production stage.

The Peugeot P4

We don't think about it. But in the range Peugeot there was the P4. Originally intended for the tricolor armies, but also for export to allied countries, the Peugeot P4 is actually based on a Mercedes G-Class! We're talking about it here because the P4 was also offered in a civilian version. However, it was expensive and underpowered. As a result, this version was a true commercial failure. In any case, it will take you to see dear Santa Claus without any problems !

The Méhari 4x4 (or not)

The Méhari was already a good all-terrain car. Let's not forget that before being a beach car, it was primarily a utility vehicle! This derivative of the Dyane (and not the 2CV) had a small engine but could rely on its lightweight.

And then, as if that weren't enough, in 1979, when the Méhari was 10 years old, a 4x4 version was introduced. This version remained very rare (1200 units produced) and it is not a permanent 4x4. It is truly comfortable off-road with a reducer that needs to be engaged, and it can even lock its differential (to be avoided on the road). Add 4 independent wheels and you have a vehicle to go visit Santa Claus... provided you are as bundled up as he is !

The 2CV Sahara

Before the Méhari 4x4, the two-cylinder of Citroën has already been found on an off-road vehicle. It is on the 2CV Sahara. This car did not use a system to switch to 4x4 but instead employed two engines! The second engine, placed at the rear, eliminated the trunk. The venture lasted 6 years, but the car was so complicated and expensive that it only found 693 buyers !

Another thing: in this case, you might want to ask Santa Claus to bring it to you because the price sometimes exceeds €100,000! Yes, even though it's a Deux Chevaux, it's not exactly accessible to everyone.

The Matra Rancho

We are not going to talk about a 4x4 here but rather a more classic adventurer. The Matra Rancho is closely derived from the Simca 1100 VF2, the family's van. It is equipped with the "big" Poissy engine of 1442 cm³ and some elements from the 1100 Ti. In short, it's a combination that targets a segment above the utility vehicle. Although it was not designed as an off-road vehicle, its look has sometimes categorized it as such. However, it will never have four-wheel drive.

You can always try going to Lapland with a Rancho, but it won't be the easiest of the vehicles mentioned here.