Sugar's Bitchin' Rides

I can't imagine owning a car in Paris--too much traffic, too little parking, too many strange intersections, and too many better public transit options. But tons of people do, usually newer, fuel-efficient or electric small- to mid-size models.

I have noticed that electric options seem to be bumping up some vehicle sizes to near-US levels for minivan/crossover models (e.g., the massive Volvo XC90 will get a direct replacement in the EX90). If true, that will be a bummer for the supply chain of batteries and all the carbon-intensive rare-earth materials that go into making them--but still a better option than the swarms of cheap, dirty, leaf-blower-powered scooters that vastly outnumber passenger cars in Paris (in the streets and on the sidewalks) and that currently enable many Parisiens' order-on-demand lifestyles.

But some gearheads (or cheapskates) over here are getting the most out of their older model cars. As long as I don't have to drive or ride in them, I can appreciate that.

Panhard CD, circa 1963

Mini Mark IV, circa 1970s

Porsche 968 CS, circa 1993

Citroën Traction Avant, circa 1930s

Fiat van, circa 1960s

Fiat 500 R, circa 1970s

Mini Mark VII, circa 1990s