Old Vehicles, Two and Four Wheels - Part 59

Along with the WW II ceremonies last weekend, Chasseneuil was the venue for two small parades of historic motor vehicles, organised I believe to recognise the 8 May opening of the Chasseneuil by-pass a few years ago.

The first parade was of Citroen 2CV cars and the second was of motor bikes of various ages. The dreadful weather was the reason, I suspect, that the numbers on parade were so low, there being only 10 or so of each form of transport.

As a foreigner, it was easy to recognise the 2CVs, which, quite rightly, have global appeal. Apart from the two or three British and Japanese bikes I noticed, the others were presumably French or Belgian and not familiar to me. However, it is a joy to see all these well cared-for old motors out on the road, and a rare opportunity, as for much of the year, they are locked up in garages and barns, out of view of and enjoyment by the general public.

Having owned, cleaned, polished and paraded a number of classic cars in South Africa (with a much better climate) in the past, I remember only too well how reluctant I was to venture out in the rain with them. Those brave souls who went out with their cars and bikes on Sunday deserve applause, not only for turning out, but also for the effort of cleaning and drying their vehicles, which they would have had to do when they got home.

I hope to see them again soon in better weather, but here are a few shots of them in Sunday’s downpour.