Spotted: A VW golf pickup ready for battle

John Ross Harvey spotted this extra-funky Citroen Dyane. Built between 1967 and 1983, the Dyane is a car that could only come from France. Based on Citroen’s iconic, ultra-simple 2CV, the Dyane featured a number of upgrades, but stayed true to the 2CV’s less-is-more philosophy.

Early versions of the Dyane came with a 425 cc engine that produced 21 horsepower. In later models, the engine was bumped up to 602 cc and 32 horsepower. Even the most powerful versions were leisurely machines: in a 1969 road test, the Dyane topped out at 110 km/h, and took more than 30 seconds to reach 100.

Steve van Esch spotted this Citroen 2CV, the predecessor of the Dyane. The 2CV was introduced in 1948, and remained in production for more than 40 years. With its simple shape and tough, rudimentary mechanical components, the 2CV was designed around the needs of a country devastated by the second World War. The 2CV was cheap to buy, and its soft, long-travel suspension made it ideal for roads ripped apart by artillery shells and steel tank tracks.

French cars have a style all their own – as witness this Citroen DS21. With its unique profile, self-adjusting pneumatic suspension and faired-in rear wheels, this is a Gallic fashion statement on wheels. Dave Normandale spotted it in Winnipeg.

The Citroen SM was made for only five years, from 1970 until 1975. But it left an indelible mark on the world of automotive style. The SM was noted for its aerodynamic shape and advanced features, which included height-adjustable suspension and headlights that were linked to the steering system. Kevin Roy spotted this SM outside Angelo’s, a Toronto repair shop that specializes in exotic machinery.

Steve Van Esch spotted this Hercules moped in Ontario. Until a few years ago, mopeds were confined to the European market, but rising gas prices and changing tastes have created a new market here in Canada. Hercules was a German manufacturer best known as the creator of the first Wankel-powered motorcycle offered for sale to the public.

With its olive-drab paint and burly front bumper, this VW Golf pickup has a definite Afrika Korps vibe. Kevin Roy spotted it in Toronto.

Most Bentley owners choose silver, white or black. But there’s always the Purple Haze option. Kevin Roy spotted this one in Toronto.

Some cars die so others might live. Like this Duster, which apparently had its front end cut off so it could be grafted onto another car that needed the sheet metal more than this one did. Steve Van Esch spotted it in Arthur, Ontario.

The traditional police cruiser is a Ford Crown Victoria or a Taurus. Or you could go with a Smart Car. There’s no back seat to load perpetrators in, and high-speed pursuits aren’t recommended, but it should be excellent for parking enforcement. Pat Dell spotted it in Manhattan.