France has been a pioneer and lynchpin of the automotive industry since French military engineer and inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot built the world's first full-size and working self-propelled mechanical land-vehicle, the “Fardier à vapeur” in 1770. It was, effectively, the world's first automobile, though many point to it as more of a wagon than a car.

Steam-powered wagons were sold in France and the United States until the late 1910s, but as steam was replaced a century earlier, by the internal combustion engine, demand declined steadily. The French played a part in that, as in 1807, Francoise Isaac deRivaz invented a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine with electric ignition and described it in a French patent. In 1808, he fitted it into a primitive working vehicle often referred to as “the world's first internal combustion powered automobile”.

Fifty-two years later, engineer Jean Joseph Étienne Lenoir developed what is considered by many to be the first commercially successful internal combustion engine, and in 1863, the Hippomobile, with a hydrogen-gas-fueled one cylinder, internal combustion engine, made a 3-hour test drive from Paris to Joinville-le-Pont at a top speed of 9 km per hour.  

In 1884, Édouard Delamare-Deboutteville built and drove the first gas oil-powered 4-stroke internal combustion four-wheeled vehicle, but some of the vehicles exploded during use and they never went into production. Within a few years, several manufacturers got into the game including Panhard (now owned by Renault Trucks Defense) and Peugeot. De-Dion-Bouton, Delahaye, Bollee and Renault all got into the market before the turn of the century.

By 1903, France was the top auto manufacturer in the world, producing nearly 49 percent of the world’s total. In the first half of the century, Hotchkiss et Cie, Delage, Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, Aviona Voisin, Citroen, Talbot-Lago (which later became Simca, which built Fiats), Amilcar, Salmson (later bought by Renault), Matford (which built Fords), and other French auto manufacturers were launched.

From 1950 to the present, French auto manufacturing ceased its leadership position in production and most manufacturers were restructured, absorbed, merged or ended production. However, new players emerged including Facel Vega, Alpine, Matra and Venturi, and several foreign car builders put up manufacturing facilities in France. Of more than 400 auto manufacturers that have been in business in France, historically, today, there are about 20 French car builders remaining, and the top car manufacturers include Renault, Peugeot, Citroën / DS, Alpine and Bugatti.

Along the way, French cars have been exciting and have made history on the world’s tracks and streets. There have been many along the way, and there are some awesome current-model automotive works of art and power on the road today, but paying homage to the past, here are some of the more memorable wheeled-wonders born in France.

Citroën

Often called an umbrella on wheels, the 1948 Citroën 2CV was built as an affordable urban commuter. With innovative engineering and strengthened corrugated bodywork, the vehicle was part of a tax program that taxed owners based on horsepower, so 2CV, at 9 hp, was actually called the "two tax horsepower" since it only had two taxable horses.

The 1955 Citroën DS replaced the Traction Avant at the top of the Citroën line-up in the mid-’50s, and was outfitted with the revolutionary hydraulic suspension Citroën began testing in 1954 on the Traction Avant’s rear axle. It was innovative, architecturally alluring, comfortable and high-tech for its era.

The Citroën GS was an aerodynamic pioneer from 1970-1986, gaining a fastback hatch in 1978. The front-engine, front-drive, four- or five-door, five-passenger family car was technologically advanced, with class-leading comfort, safety and aerodynamics.

Renault

The Renault Megane may have captured the European “hot hatch” movement. Since 1995, the Megane has been comfortable at ralleys and at home. It won the hearts of those who see it as a daily driver and it won British and European racing championships.

The Renault 12 was a mid-size family car praised for its spacious, comfortable interior, styling, performance and low fuel consumption. In 1970, a high-performance Renault 12 Gordini model was introduced, equipped with the all-aluminum 1565 cc block from the R16 TS that was fitted with two double-barrel Weber carburetors and five-speed gearbox. The car achieved a top speed of 115mph.

The Renault 18 was produced between 1978 and 1994, and was intended as a replacement for the Renault 12. The 1981 Renault 18i was available in the US as either a sedan or a station wagon. Power was delivered by an inline overhead-valve four-cylinder displacing 100.5 cubic-inches and offering 81 horsepower. They had a four-speed manual transmission with disc brakes in the front and drums at the rear.

The Renault 5 Turbo was a 160hp rally competitor. Designed with aluminum body panels to save weight, later Turbo 2 Models in the 1980s got steel panels. The Renault 5 Turbo kicked off a hot hatchback revolution and the R5 Turbo inspired the Clio V6 Trophy model.

Alpine

Alpine merged with Renault Sport in 1976, but before that, Alpine put out the A110 as technologically advanced evolution of the A108. With a mid-engine configuration, the rear-wheel-drive A110 was a winner on the track, winning at Monte Carlo and several French ralleys, and was an eye-catcher on the road. Brought back in 2017, today’s version is a 288hp show-stopper.

Bugatti 

Where do you start and end when talking about Bugatti? From its founding in 1909, it gained a rep for design beauty and race championships. Today’s Bugatti – Chiron and Veyron -- feature cutting-edge design, tech and power. But looking to the past, Bugatti earned its cred with many models.

The Bugatti Type 35 was the most successful of the Bugatti racing models, winning more than 1,000 races including 351 races in 1925-26, going on a run in which it averaged 14 race wins a week,  and capturing the Grand Prix World Championship in 1926. The Type 35 set 47 records in those two years and it remains one of the most recognizable racers ever made, thanks to its innovative alloy wheels with inboard brakes. Introduced in 1924, the Bugatti Type 35 was light, reliable, fast and elegant, producing 90hp with the Type 35 and 135hp with the Type 35B.

The Bugatti Type 51 was a track star and a celebrity finder … Jay Leno has one.

The original Type 51 was launched in 1931. Its engine was a 160 hp, twin overhead cam evolution of the supercharged 2.3-liter single overhead cam straight-8 found in the Type 35B. The obvious external differences of a Type 51 include the supercharger blow-off outlet situated lower in the bonnet’s louvered section than in the Type 35; one piece cast wheels instead of bolted-on rims; twin fuel caps are behind the driver and the magneto of the 51 is off-set to the left on the dash.

The Bugatti Type 57CS Atlantic racer was built as a Touring car from 1934 to 1940. It sported a square-bottom horseshoe grille. The sides of the engine compartment were covered with thermostatically controlled shutters. It was a taller car than most for the era and it produced 135hp.

There are so many French works of automotive art that deserve spotlighting, we’ll have to save some for next time. They include, but are not limited to the 1959 Panhard PL 17, 1956 Facel Vega Excellence, 1962 Simca Coupe 1000, 1991 Venturi Coupe 260, 1947 Delahaye 175 and a collection of Peugeots from the 1987 205 GTI Rallye to the 106 Rallye and 406 Coupe, as well as many more from the badges of yesteryear to the supercars of today.

You can see a full display of 1980s-era Renaults and French cars galore, as well as a comprehensive assortment of international vehicles at the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals at the Carlisle, PA Fairgrounds, May 14-15. The event showcases more than 2300 unique and stunning vehicles from around the world as well as domestics, kit cars, motorcycles, trucks and high-end performance rides. 

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years. </I>

Seldom do we have the opportunity to meet an individual who, upon spending time with them, leaves an indelible impression. Rarer too, is that person who’s path to becoming a household name has just begun. 

If Kat Redner isn’t someone you already associate with fast cars and television, mark this down, it will be.

“I’ve been around cars my whole life” Kat tells us. “The main reason I got into cars was because of my family. My dad has been restoring cars ever since I was born which is cool because my papa had a ‘66 Mustang convertible that my dad and he restored together.”



“I think that is why we are a Mustang family and probably the reason we all have Mustangs” says Kat. “One of my favorite and earliest memories was when I was about seven and my dad and I took a daddy-daughter trip to the Ford Nationals in Carlisle. It was my first ever plane trip and we made a whole vacation out of it.

Dad rented a Mustang and we went to Hershey Park and the Carlisle all Ford Nationals where I got my first Ford Mustang poster” Redner recalls with a giggle. “I put it on my wall as soon as I got home” and like her dad, she was hooked.

Today, Kat saddles up in her ’08 Mustang “which I call My Little Pony” she laughs. “But my dream car has always been a ’67 fastback. I've loved the ‘ 67 fastbacks and had been looking for one at a decent price for the longest time when my mom located one on line.



I was lucky enough to have saved up the money to purchase the car and we flew out on my mother’s birthday and brought home my night mist blue factory “S” code 390 fastback. I absolutely love it” and fittingly, with no shortage of helping family hands to correct some minor issues and tidy up the new addition to her stable, Kat regularly puts “Ellie” through her paces. 

Blazing her own path

Wise beyond her years, Kat acknowledges the future of the automotive hobby depends on new generations sharing experience, telling the stories and driving it forward. Perhaps more than any other, Kat Redner eagerly accepts that challenge. 



“I really like meeting people and speaking with them” Kat tells us. “I’d like to improve my skills working on the cars because I don’t think I’m where I should be in that area, but I am improving. 

I love driving my car and attending events in the area but I believe ultimately, I would love to do something like Cristi Lee does. To have my own television show or work on a show with other talented women.” 

To that end, the multi-platform journalism major and self-proclaimed car nut brings one of the most unique skill sets to her workbench. Whatever preconceived notion perpetuating women in the field is quickly shattered by Kat’s impressive list of accomplishments. 

The already ridiculously talented Redner recently added journalist, video production and television host to her jaw dropping resume, and did we forget to mention, jet car racer? 



That’s right friends, while this rising star appreciates the stance of a classic muscle car and the artistic lines of a sweet exotic, it will take more than talk to earn the respect of a woman who routinely launched herself, a quarter mile at a time, at speeds approaching 300mph!

 “I consider myself super ambitious” she says almost shyly. “I want to do everything which is good and bad sometimes but there are so many things in life I feel like I have to get done right away.”  I know my parents were probably terrified because their little girl had never raced anything before and was now jumping directly into a jet dragster which can reach speeds of 300 miles per hour but they always supported me."

“I'm not going to lie I was terrified when I first started” admits the 23 year old, “I mean who wouldn't be, but I think that nervousness is almost a good thing when you're racing because you're always on the edge, you're always concentrating and you're always focused.”

It’s with that same laser focus Kat has successfully transitioned from behind the wheel to in front of the camera. “I would say my experience in racing would definitely be a strength because I had the opportunity to meet and speak with people all over the country and build relationships.”

Kat adds “I believe women in motorsports are appreciated now more than ever because we have to know and understand every part of the car from top to bottom” which instantly earns Redner credibility and trust. 

“Believe it or not” says Kat, “I was always pretty shy. It wasn’t until the last five years or so that I really saw myself coming out of my shell. If you can find something that you're really passionate about you’ll really start to open up and that's exactly what I did! 

I have a love for cars and I think if you love what you're doing you can speak about it so much better. I’ve had some great mentors and people I look up to encourage me to follow mine and I hope one day I can be that person for the next little girl who has a dream.” 



Currently, this amazing young woman is looking forward to sharing great stories on Discovery’s Destination America channel and reminding the next generation who will undoubtedly look up to her, to “be kind and always believe in yourself.”

Always a winning formula.

Photos and text courtesy of JP Emerson and JPEmerson.com, automotive writer and host of the JP Emerson Show podcast.  

About the Author:  JP Emerson is an award winning author & journalist whose bylines appeared in many of the most popular automotive magazines in the country. JP covers classic muscle cars and the people who own them with real stories from real owners relating everything from ownership, car shows, music, road trips and what everyone has in common regardless of brand.

The Blue Oval returns to the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds June 4-6 as part of the Carlisle Ford Nationals, presented by Meguiar’s.  Returning to its normal early June dates in 2021, the car show weekend brings Ford lovers together to celebrate all things Ford, from the most basic of marques like the Escort to the extravagant like the Ford GT.  In addition, Ford Nationals weekend gives you the past, present and future of the brand with nearly 100 years of production adorning the National Parts Depot Showfield. 

While the event starts on June 4, there will be cars and vendors on-site as early as Wednesday, June 2.  From car corral/for sale vehicles being parked in the car corral to vendors setting up within the automotive flea market to Featured Display vehicles getting parked indoors or under tents, everyone is chomping at the bit to get the fun up and running.  In addition, at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center, Ford will be setting up its showroom and test drives for all to enjoy.

As special guests go, the Carlisle Ford Nationals is pleased to welcome up and coming race car driver Hailie Deegan.  Deegan, a Ford Racing Development driver, is the daughter of famous racer Brian Deegan.  The younger Deegan might share her dad’s last name, but she’s successfully carved out a name of her own since 2012.  Deegan started racing at the age of eight and to date, she is the ONLY female ever to compete in the Lucas Oil Off Road Series and in 2016 she was named the circuit's Driver of the Year.  Last year, in her first ARCA start of the season, she finished fourth at Daytona.

Deegan may be a humanly special guest, but the vast array of special displays and celebrations are guests of another sort.  In addition to the great showcase of cars on the NPD Showfield, special themes and displays will anchor the indoor buildings.  Ford weekend welcomes its first-ever Comic-Car Con.  In addition, the Pinto gets a 50^th celebration as does the Big Horse Mustangs (’71-’73).  There’s also a Stroppe Reunion and the annual Ford Nationals Select display within Building Y.

Competitions and wheels in motion are also a big part of the fun.  All weekend there’s autocross, with ride-alongs from Gateway Classic Mustang, the Real Street Shootout Friday night and open runs by way of the Cumberland Valley Corvette Club on Sunday.  There’s even a rolling exhaust contest where the sounds of the machines echo throughout the grounds.  Ford (the company) also turns heads with their new vehicles on display as well as product walkarounds from their expert team on the midway and the stage. 

Yet another great weekend aspect is the Manufactures Midway and automotive flea market.  On the midway, some of the top companies in the hobby are set up showcasing and selling new products, while A&A Auto Stores is onsite handling installs of exhaust systems.  If new or aftermarket isn’t front and center for shoppers, the automotive flea market is a prefect way to find original and classic parts, while also offering collectibles, merchandise, practical items and more.

Carlisle Events is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleEvents.com.  While on the web, be sure to apply for special displays, register to show, or purchase discounted spectator tickets in advance of the event or call 717-243-7855 to learn more today.

There are many great charitable organizations that support the military.  It doesn’t matter if it’s financial, social, physical or emotional support, working with active military and veterans has become the primary focus of many groups spanning decades.  One such group, the Rescue 22 Foundation (and those it supports) stands to benefit from an upcoming car auction and the sale of a limited-edition Ford Mustang.

The auction, powered by Carlisle Auctions of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, takes place April 22-23 at the Carlisle Expo Center and happens in conjunction with Spring Carlisle, an automotive flea market event held at the neighboring Carlisle Fairgrounds (April 21-25).  On Friday, April 23, Carlisle Auctions, in conjunction with Sisson Pre-Owned of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and the Rescue 22 Foundation will sell the car at no reserve with 100% of the sale benefitting the foundation.

As noted, the car was a limited-edition build.  According to Garry Sisson, namesake of the dealership, there were just 30 built and the only way for them to be obtained was to be an active, deployed service member.  This car is #9 of 30 from the 2015 run and was originally obtained by Sisson as stock, with the intent to sell it.  That all changed; however, after a conversation with Brandon Rumbaugh, a friend of his, who lost his legs in Afghanistan.  Brandon, who has a foundation of his own in Uniontown, inspired Mr. Sisson to do something more.  That more ultimately translated to a raffle where for $50 per entry, someone would win this car on Christmas Day 2020, with all raffle proceeds going to the Rescue 22 Foundation.

But with a winner, how is this car now at Carlisle?  According to Mr. Sisson, when the name was drawn on Christmas Day, it happened to be a local (to western PA) wounded combat veteran who was, ironically enough, on the list for a service dog from the Rescue 22 Foundation on January 7, 2021.  Knowing the value of the foundation, the winner donated the car back to Sisson Pre-Owned who in turn, connected with Carlisle Auctions to facilitate this sale on April 23.

The Rescue 22 Foundation has been frequently mentioned, but who/what are they?  According to Executive Board Chair Angela Connor, “the Rescue 22 Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides the highest quality task trained service dogs to our nations combat veterans.”

This is not the first time this car has been at the Carlisle Expo Center.  As part of the 2020 Fall Collector Car Auction, Mr. Sisson displayed the car to promote his original raffle, which by the way, raised nearly $100,000. 

“It’s not often that a car this nice can be sold twice with monies benefitting the same great organization,” noted Director of Auction operations Tony Cline.  “We are excited to work with Mr. Sisson, the Rescue 22 Foundation and our great bidder base to raise money for this rare and extra special car on April 23 at approximately 4 p.m.”

Carlisle Auctions is COVID-19 compliant and follows current guidelines suggested by state officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  A detailed Health/Safety Measures summary is available on CarlisleAuctions.com.  While on the web, be sure to learn more about the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, consign to sell, or as noted, register to bid and view committed consignments.  There are THREE WAYS to bid on this or any other car; in person, on the phone or online.  Learn more online or call 717-960-6400 today.

All vendors, past and present, are treasured Carlisle Events family members; and all have played a huge part in the 47-year history of the event company. They have been part of the foundation of the Carlisle Events story since the beginning.

On September 26, 1974, Bill Miller Jr. and Chip Miller (no relation), founded Carlisle Events for “car guys and girls just like them,” on the rented Carlisle Fairgrounds, when “Post War '74” took place. It was the first car event promoted by the company, and in a year notable for its gas lines and inflation, nearly 600 vendors set up in more than 800 spaces, and 13,000 spectators paid the $1 admission to sample their wares.

Those 600 vendors and 800 spaces gave grown considerably since, and along with loyal attendees, the vendors remain family members, and the lifeline that continues to drive Carlisle Events’ success.

Tim Demark, Carlisle Events Vendor Manager said, “All 3000 vendors in 8200 vendor spaces today, and all vendors historically, as well and all of our customers – past, present and future -- are instrumental in our enduring success and in our tapestry, and have been key here since the beginning.”

As each member of the vendor family is considered essential by Carlisle Events and all have stories that make historical and entertaining reading, each one could be the focus of a fun and enlightening story. However, in the interest of keeping this an article, and not a book, here are a few stories included as an illustration of what drives the original vendors to continue year after year.

Prior to Carlisle Events' emergence, anyone interested in restoring or showing 1950s‐ or 1960s‐era cars had few options. Over the past 47 years, Carlisle Events and the 82-acre Carlisle Fairgrounds have become a Mecca for collector car enthusiasts all over the world. The presenter of 11 automotive events annually, Carlisle Events shows and flea markets in Pennsylvania and Florida attract more than 100,000 visitors each year.

When Carlisle Events began, Bill Miller Jr. and Chip Miller, who became friends through a mutual interest in cars of the 1950s, began attending car shows and swap meets, where like-minded individuals would hunt for parts and accessories to restore their vehicles, and saw a need for more events that focused on more than simply pre-WWII automobiles.

Bill Miller Jr. said, “Back in the day, the Antique Auto Club in America held one big event and there were a number of small local events held. Chip and I went everywhere, talked to vendors and handed out fliers. Back then, anything that wasn’t 35-years-old or older wasn’t considered antique and wasn’t presented. We were in our 20s and liked 20-year-old cars, so we established the market on post-war vehicle shows with ‘Post War ’74.’ But it was the vendors, then and now that allowed us to proceed and grow.”

Miller said that early on, “Old Cars Weekly and Hemmings Motor News were instrumental vendors who supported us and helped build a niche for us and for them. They mingled with vendors to learn from them and to sell subscriptions. They provided great coverage and helped establish this new market.”  

Miller continued, “In the beginning, our vendors were guys who were restoring cars and they brought extra parts here to clean out their garages or to swap parts for money to buy parts for their ongoing projects. Over time, that evolved, as many of these people grew to understand that parts that are hard to find could be reproduced and sold at shows or by mail order. Our first vendors largely were folks and enthusiasts rather than business people FOR enthusiasts, and the business has evolved to that scope today.”

Miller added that the original vendors also helped event growth and support, as they achieved good business, and helped promote events by word of mouth and by handing out fliers at their shops and within mail order shipments.

Dianne Vaughn, who, for nearly 38 years served as promotions manager, facilities director and director of customer relations of Carlisle Events, said that there are 36 of the original vendors still selling their wares at the events and promoting the shows today.

While Vaughn and Miller have stories about nearly all of them, they gave a shout out to an original vendor who has passed.

Miller said, “We lost Dennis Carpenter recently. From the beginning, he sold antique Ford parts and had grown his business from a pop-up tent to huge tents selling reproduction parts.” Vaughn added, “He passed away over Thanksgiving and he is already missed.”

Vaughn and Miller reminisced about a few original vendors and smiled when they spoke of Chuck Begley. Miller began, “Begley sold a little bit of everything. He is still here, and very knowledgeable.” Vaughn summed up, saying, “He is always on top of the market and he has a part for everyone.”

Miller thought back and said that many early vendors helped prepare the venue, even helping place location discs in the ground at appropriate vendor and car display spots on the field. He said, “Craig Hollar is one of the original vendors that helped with disc layout back in the day and continues to vend at some of the events to this day in Building Y.”

Miller brought up the many original vendors who have introduced subsequent generations them to the events, “There are so many multi-generational vendors still with us …S&S Sales comes to mind. They sold tools here and have expanded into car tires and through multi-generations of their family.”

Vaughn also recalled multi-generational vendors and for example, remarked, “Richie DiFabrizzio sold OEM Chevy parts and was big into VW in the beginning. He and his dad sold here every show and we watched his sons grew up. It is the neatest thing when contacts and their families become our family. We often see three generations of vendors and when they bring their grandchildren to start a fourth-generation with us, it makes us smile.”

“These small businesses have grown, but most are still family businesses, and they keep the family atmosphere at Carlisle, which is still a family-owned business, “added Vaughn. “The vendors have shared their families with us and created an atmosphere in which we all knew each other’s lives. That atmosphere has remained the same.”

Miller expanded on the family feel, saying. “Our vendors and our attendees consider us family as well. They hold weddings here on our stage. Some have named their children ‘Carlisle’, for the love of the hobby, and their business has grown from swap vendor to full business BECAUSE they loved the hobby.”

Over the years, the events, the markets and the vendors have adapted to current trends. Miller said, “The vendors are more professional than they were in the beginning. Swap meets were not sophisticated business, and today, vendors realize that they may have only sold Pennzoil back in the day, but now they may need to sell tires, memorabilia, parts and a variety of targeted items to do business. I talk to vendors and they know what they need to do. Their product sophistication is so good now that, while they may have sold everything they owned, in the ’70s, they now have full facilities stocked up before and after the shows.”

Another difference between then and now, according to Miller, is repro parts. Miller said, “The parts sold here used to be all original. Our vendors learned that original parts are still valuable, but remanufactured and new repro parts mean business and sales.”

If there is one thing Miller and Vaughn say they have learned about their vendors since the beginning, it is, and they agree.  ”Car people are good people. They make life fun.”

Be part of the vending fun April 21-25 at the fairgrounds as part of Spring Carlisle 2021 presented by eBay Motors!  The fun starts at 7 a.m. and continues through the weekend.  In addition, Carlisle Auctions offers a two-day collector car auction, April 22-23 at the neighboring Carlisle Expo Center.  The auction starts at 12 p.m. daily.  

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.