THE JOURNAL
The De Tomaso Pantera. Photograph courtesy of Peter Auto
The best classic cars to rev your engine in 2016, as seen at the French Tour Auto Optic 2000.
This weekend saw the finale of the French Tour Auto Optic 2000. This annual vintage-car tour (which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year) runs from Paris to Cannes and among this year’s entrants are some of the most desirable models ever built (think Ferrari 250 SWB, Jaguar E-Type and 1973 Porsche 911 RSR). We, however, looked a little deeper at the list of entrants in search of more esoteric machines. Here we highlight five, and, in honour of tour sponsors Zenith – whose Swiss-made timepieces are, like these cars, a testimony to expert design and mechanical engineering – pick a watch that would complement each of them.
Lancia Stratos (1975)
Photograph courtesy of Peter Auto
Although readers in the US and the UK can’t even buy a new Lancia, the brand is responsible for some of the most handsome cars ever produced. The boxy Delta Integrale remains the ultimate hatchback, but this Bertone-designed Stratos is even better. A sports car that was built to go rallying it combines a muscular look with real visual flair.
ON THE WRIST
Zenith El Primero 410 Stainless Steel and Alligator Watch
This purposeful chronograph blends serious watchmaking skill with a stripped-down dial.
Alpine A110 (1970)
Photograph courtesy of Peter Auto
When this car was built, Alpine was an independent manufacturer based in northern France; these days, it’s owned by Renault, which always supplied the engines. The A110 has a shape like no other, simultaneously low, squat and curvy; its reputation relies on its charm and handling, rather than its modest power.
ON THE WRIST
**Zenith Elite 6150 Stainless Steel and Alligator watch ** Let this discreet watch’s air of sophistication contrast with the attention-grabbing Alpine.
De Tomaso Pantera (1974)
Photograph courtesy of Peter Auto
The Pantera, a radical-looking Italian sports car designed by Ghia, always made a powerful statement. Underneath that extraordinary body is a huge Ford V8 engine. Tall guys should beware of the cabin’s low ceiling height – but when the looks are this right allowances can be made.
ON THE WRIST
Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Bronze and Nubuck Watch
Given the pumped arms the driver will require to steer the Pantera, this watch’s 45mm case size should sit neatly on his wrist.
Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda (1970)
Photograph courtesy of Peter Auto
Providing a strong contrast with the bucolic French countryside, this Plymouth Hemi ’Cuda (that’s a Barracuda car with a Hemi engine) produced by the now defunct Plymouth car brand. Plymouth was closed by its parent company DaimlerChrysler in 2001, but the appeal of its muscle cars is still sufficiently strong that a new Barracuda is due to be released next year (albeit under the Dodge brand).
ON THE WRIST
Zenith Pilot Stainless Steel and Leather Watch
If the Hemi ’Cuda is showy, then let this watch’s discreet appeal provide some subtlety.
Citroën Maserati SM (1970)
Photograph courtesy of Peter Auto
The legendary DS might be the model that appeals to intellectuals (in no small part because it caught the attention of Mr Roland Barthes) but the SM is the one for petrolheads. Citroën was so set on securing appropriate engines for this GT car that it bought Maserati in 1968, giving the car an Italian V6 engine, French air-suspension system, and incomparable looks.
ON THE WRIST
Zenith El Primero 36,000 VPH Stainless Steel and Alligator Watch
With a silvery-white dial and three intersecting sub-dials, this chronograph, like the SM, is a design classic.