Last month, our mascot Roger decided to travel back in time for you. Going 50 years back to rediscover life in 1972. A journey that has already begun, and quite well, since he ended up buying a Citroën DS in the first part (discover it here). Now he sees life in color with his new car, just like television channels that switched to color in 1967.

Moreover, the small screen is making its way into homes. The 1970s are the era of personal television. Next to these cathode-ray tube sets is the iconic Tam Tam stool that children adore. Made of plastic and in bright colors, it’s a real hit. Macramé, the craft of making lace with knotted threads, also became a decorative item. Interiors were anything but subdued, but it seems the 70s are making a comeback. If there’s one piece of furniture that stood the test of time, it’s the comfortable Camaleondo modular sofa created by Mario Bellini that year. Bellini also contributed significantly to automotive design, having been a consultant for Renault for 5 years.

A decidedly modern fashion that opened up to the world, and for the first time, the French, including Roger, discovered American fast food with the first McDonald's established in Créteil on June 30, 1972. "What a strange way to eat with your fingers!" murmured Roger, stained by the ketchup from his hamburger.

Why not order a McDonald's meal before watching the Olympic Games on TV with friends?

Sporting Competitions in 1972

The Winter Olympics kick off the festivities in Sapporo, Japan, but France doesn't shine much, bringing home only one silver medal and two bronze. It's not until the summer and the tragic Summer Olympics in Munich that France brings back 13 medals, including two gold. Always remarkable events that attract more and more spectators.

In France, the final of the French Football Championship inaugurates the brand new Parc des Princes stadium on June 4, 1972. 44,000 supporters witness the historic double of Olympique de Marseille. A little pastis to celebrate?

Not far from the Parc des Princes, another sporting venue hosts the Roland-Garros tournament. The Frenchman Patrick Proisy loses to Spaniard Andres Gimeno, who remains, to this day, the oldest winner of the tournament at 34 years and 10 months old.

The Triumph of Matra at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Above all, Roger loves cars and roaring engines. He continues his journey in 1972, heading to Sarthe for the 40th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. An incredible edition marked by the historic double win of Matra with the MS670s driven by Pescarolo/Hill and Cevert/Ganley. Their 3.0 V12 engines still resonate in the ears of the participants. A sound that can spark a passion. François Cevert would unknowingly compete in his last full F1 season, finishing 3rd in the overall standings.

A passion that drives Roger to continue his tour of French automobiles with the 17th edition of the competition of the same name, which banned prototypes from its regulations. The Matras that won in 1970 and 1971 make way for a Ferrari 365 GTB4 driven by the famous Jean Claude Andruet.

Driver found in second position in the French Rally Championship at the wheel of an Alpine A110. In fact, it's another A110 that wins the season in the hands of Darniche. The legend of the berlinette was already established. On the international level, the last season of the International Championship for Makes takes place. The Alpines are no longer there, and Lancia wins this edition.

Literature in 1972

Cars are already starting to be criticized by some, with a protest in Paris against the place of cars in urban areas and the creation of riverside expressways. History repeats itself, as we all know!

Watch YouTube video: 1972: They protest against cars in Paris! | Archive INA

An awareness that is developing, notably concerning the preservation of the environment surrounding humans. The first Earth Summit takes place in Stockholm, and the Club of Rome's Meadow report, discussing "the limits to growth," hits the bookstores.

A book that might be found under the Christmas tree on December 25, 1972, along with the latest essay by Simone de Beauvoir "Must We Burn Sad?" For younger readers, the magazine Picsou, named after the famous Disney character, makes its appearance. Enough to find all the adventures of Mickey's gang. The people from Gers undoubtedly prefer Donald Duck accompanied by potatoes and a good glass of wine...

Being a Child in 1972

For the less literary, the big man with the white beard could deliver a whole array of toys that made us dream all year long. There were those who tore up the catalog to paste the pieces onto a list, others who preferred to circle the toys. When you're little, you want to imitate mom and dad.

There were play kitchens, costumes of all kinds, weaving looms, and pedal cars. You could spend hours drawing on the Etch A Sketch or playing with functional phone replicas and walkie-talkies like in the latest Bruce Lee action movie. The luckiest received the latest electronic novelties. The small projector camera that allowed projecting Tintin's adventures, Goldorak, or Lucky Luke. The Holy Grail, the brand new Polaroid released in 1972, revolutionizing photography with its instant photo printing module. Perfect for photographing your collection of small cars and garage/service station. Norev, Majorette, Dinky Toys, or Solido, there were all sizes and colors. Roger hesitates, for his son, between the Alpine A110 and the Citroën SM from Solido. The static dolls, those that walk or talk, also found their way under the tree. We were just as happy to receive a large multi-game case, a Monopoly, or the electronic edition of Battleship. Roger is hit and sunk in B4!

Finally, Roger already has life-sized toys with a magnificent Sizaire and Naudin that he restored over 5 years. After spending 5000 hours on it, outside of his job as a grinder, it was time to have fun with it, and that was done in 1972 by participating in the first d'Artagnan rally with the Tacot’s Club Gascon. A club that mainly gathered pre-war cars and of which Roger is one of the co-founders. It's the beginning of an adventure that still lasts today.

Tacot's Club Gascon Website

The French finally end the year in front of the brand new color channel, C3, which broadcasts for the first time on December 31, 1972.

Spare Parts for 1972 Cars