Oldtimer & Classic Car News, Tips & Stories about Citroën, Peugeot & Renault

About Us

‘Der Franzose’ (The Frenchman) was founded in northern Germany in 1988, when, out of love for the 2CV, we developed the first soft-top kit for the car ever to obtain the TÜV seal of approval.

2026 Calendar - 2025 Photo Competition

We received so many beautiful photos for the 2025 calendar. Many thanks to everyone who sent in a picture! We were overwhelmed by all these great photos!

The new 2025 catalogue - Retro is Future - QR Scan App explanatory video

Simply scan with the new QR code app without installation. That's how it works!

N3 - TV: Die Nordreportage - When the ‘2CV’ needs help

Vechta, Lower Saxony. Ansgar Olberding is head of what he describes as the ‘world's largest spare parts warehouse for French classic cars’ and is currently under constant stress with his team.

RTL report: "Der Franzose": From a passion for cars to international business - in german

Our History - or - The „Club of the crazy“

I grew up in northern Germany, in the district of Vechta, a strict catholic and conservative region, but yet my hometown.

About us - the team

Ansgar Olberding and his "crazy" employees. More than two dozen employees share their passion for classic cars. Some you won't see or hear - ...

What does sustainability actually mean?

In fact, it's quite simple. It means using a product for as long as possible, so that there's no unnecessary need for new production. The question is whether it's truly sustainable to fully transition to electromobility.

Arctic Explorer on 21 hp - A lifetime experience by Ansgar Olberding

A promise is a promise! I learnt this since years and I always do my best to
keep my promises. Just like the motto "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do".
It sounds quite like a macho talk, right?

Citroën - The Story - the current retrospective of 105 years of history - in german -

The history of the iconic Citroën brand. From its foundation to the present day. Citroën was and is not just a car, Citroën is a statement, a philosophy, a way of life.

2cv wooden walker

Can you imagine it? Children rolling down the corridor with this 78 cm wooden walker (from the very first steps)

Mounting a Capote 2CV

Calendar 2025

we have received so many wonderful photos for the calendar 2025.We were overwhelmed by all those great photos!

Photo Contest 2023 - calendar 2024

we have received so many wonderful photos for the calendar 2024.We were overwhelmed by all those great photos!

My travelogue with my duck from 2022 by Christoph Saftig

This Citroen flashlight was revolutionary in design and technology,

Citroën torch from 1965!

2013 - Flashback... Der Franzose was 25... the boss told how it all started

„Der Franzose“ celebrates its 25 years – the story of the boss
My name is Ansgar Olberding, born in 1966, a child of the 80's!

Our story - from the perspective of a copywriter

This is how an advertising copywriter would have written it - rather look at the "real" story - is more exciting....

Flashback - Vintage car meeting in Vechta, Germany.

Youtube-Playlist

Ansgar Olberding gave a presentation at RETRO CLASSICS® in Stuttgart.

90th ANNIVERSARY Citroën Traction Avant International Gathering 9 - 11 May 2024

The French national club La Traction Universelle has the great pleasure to invite all your club members to this major international event that will be held in Clermont-Ferrand, Circuit de Charade, from May 9th to May 11th 2024.

Citroën - Colour spectrum 2CV, Dyane, AMI, Mehari + DS, SM

Youtube video colour spectrum for Citroën 2CV 1948 - 1990, DYANE 1967 - 1983, AMI 1961 - 1978, MEHARI 1968 - 1987, Citroën DS 1955 - 1975, SM 1970 - 1975

Citroën 2CV and Playmobil - Good things simply stay good

The iconic Citroën 2CV is now available in a Playmobil version!

My Citroën 2 CV Year of construction 1988 - Ansgar Olberding

Unfortunately only available in German

Manufrance - the sales catalogue from France

Everyone knows the catalogue Manufrance, we all have relatives, who leafed through it or were even regular customers of Manufrance.

Der Franzose Backstage

Farina takes you on a video tour

General Terms and Conditions and Client Information

Privacy and Data Protection

Shipping Costs

Shipping Costs

Accessibility

Below you will find information on the accessibility of our online services.

Legal notice - Imprint

How to change the motor oil on your Citroen 2CV - step by step

How to change the motor oil on your Citroen 2CV - step by step - Tutorial

How to change the motor oil on your Citroen DS/ID - step by step

How to change the motor oil on your Citroen DS/ID - step by step

Important information regarding Oils for vintage cars - Oil Change

Important information regarding Oils for vintage cars - Oil Change - Video-Tutorial

2CV Ölverlust - only in german -

Total HTX introduces some valuables facts about the classic car oils (Fun-Video)

Fun-Video

Ethanol fuel - new technology, new problem!

We are all delighted with the new achievements via the modern technology.

Oil - Now, it‘s gonna be greasily complicated.

Most people think that oil change is very simple - buying the oil at the filling station and fill it??

Our new "Show-Room"

men@work

There are not only supply bottlenecks when it comes to spare parts....

When the gate is delivered faster than the roof.

Trademark register entry for 'Der Franzose' EUIPO

EUIPO = EUROPEAN UNION INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE
We are now a registered and protected trademark!

Chassis - Once and forever... - Our new chassis

Finally, the troublesome subject of the 2CV chassis has come to an end! This new chassis has now been produced through collaboration between ‘Der Franzose’ and a specialist equipment construction company.

Instructions for cancellation & Cancellation form

Why does Der Franzose dispatch the smallest screw ordered in a big cardboard box?

Why can't I add something to my order, which I made just a few minutes ago? Shall I pay once again postage fees for the reorder?
You can find the answers here.

Environment, sustainability, logistics, personal data. A question of theory, but a matter of practic

In our daily handling with our customers, besides specific technical enquiries regarding vehicles, we are also being questioned, frequently about the aspects mentioned in the title.

Customer account for business customers

You have the possibility creating a trader's account on our website, hence reserved only for resellers. A registration need to be done as company for us to be able to grant you the conditions accordingly.

Photo Contest 2022 - calendar 2023

Dear friends, we have received so many wonderful photos for the calendar 2023

Photo-Competition - Calendar 2022

And our congratulations go to...

Calendar 2021 - Photo-Competition 2020

And our congratulations go to
1. Olav Strand (Norway) (300,-- €)
2. Martin Hüsgen (Germany) (200,-- €)
3. David Eichel (Germany) (100,-- €)

Photo Contest 2018

And our congratulations go to
3. M. Maurin, France - March (100,--€)
2. Ole Friis, Denmark- July (200,--€)
1. Uli Blankenhorn, Germany - May (300,--€)

OSS One Stop Shop - different prices in the delivery countries - Why

As part of the so-called "digital package", the introduction of a new VAT system with far-reaching changes for cross-border online trade with consumers is being pushed forward at EU level.

No more delivery of any parcel in the USA

Dear customers, Kindly note that due to the strict rules concerning the Product Liability Act in the United States, we are sorry to announce you that we no more deliver any parcel in the States. However, we can do further delivery in Canada and South America.

Heja Sverige.

Jag heter Anna Hülsmann och ser fram emot ditt samtal eller mejl, vardagar mellan kl.8.00 - 13.00.

The 3D Secure System.

The most important facts briefly.

Der Enten-Papa -german-

Awning - a really lightly idea.

You're gonna love it!

A dream ? - A nightmare ? Or truth?

I switch off the music as in that moment I could noticed some tears running down her eyes. She has toothache!

Bericht in der Motor-Klassik 04/2018 - German language

Sorry, currently only available in German language.

2CV buying tips - Weak points on the 2CV

This guide is intended to make it easier for you to find your dream 2CV! It relates primarily to 2CV 6 models, but can also be used for practically all other 2CV models as well.

Citroen-Pricelist 1969 - 1990 - GERMAN-

-Only In GERMAN-

The Citroen models - technology + equipment 1979

-Only In GERMAN-

Mit der 2CV-Ente durch Westafrika 2005 - von Ralf und Hans-Jürgen Hoppe -GERMAN-

SORRY - ONLY IN GERMAN-

Mehari folder - absolute rare piece from the year 1974 - in German!

Mehari folder - absolute rare piece from the year 1974 - in German!

Citroen-DS Entwicklungsgeschichte - only in german-

Citroen - Creativity in car construction - Only In German

Citroen - Creativity in car construction

TV-Clip - GERMAN-

DS 50 years DS - The anniversary brochure - only in german-

1969 - 2009 - 40 Jahre Peugeot 504 Coupe-Cabrio - only in german-

German - 50 Jahre Renault R4 - Chronologie eines Erfolges - seulement en allemand-

Zwei Downloads - R4-Umbau zum Plein-Air und Autobild 25 Jahre R4 aus 1986

Zwei Downloads - R4-Umbau zum Plein-Air und Autobild 25 Jahre R4 aus 1986

Salbris 2CV world meeting 2011 - Video

Salbris 2CV world meeting 2011

Der Franzosen-Treff 2011 - Die Ausfahrt am Samstag - Video

Der Franzosen-Treff 2011 - Die Ausfahrt am Samstag

19e Rencontre Mondiale des Amis de la 2CV Weltententreffen und Weltrekord zugleich

19e Rencontre Mondiale des Amis de la 2CV Weltententreffen und Weltrekord zugleich

Der Franzose Automobiltechnik zählt zu den besten 3,3% Unternehmen Deutschlands.

Die Agentur Hoppenstedt hat uns mit dem TopRating-Zertifikat ausgezeichnet.

The 2CV is the sweetest thing. Ever!

About chocolate people say it makes them happy because it triggers some dopamine release in the brain’s reinforcement systems. For others, the 2CV does the same.

30 Years of Citroen BX - 1982 - 2012

In October 1982 – exactly 30 years ago – the Citroën BX was unveiled at the Paris Salon. The midsize sedan with hydropneumatic suspension set new accents in aerodynamics, chassis and economy. Inside the switch satellites were integrated into the dashboard speedometer with a magnifying glass.

45 Years Mehari - The Mehari: an icon of 1968

16 May is the feast day of Saint-Honoratus. On that date in 2002, George Lucas released Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Also on the same date, this time in 1983, Michael Jackson did his first moonwalk for Billie Jean. Back on 16 May 1968, with France paralysed by the student movement, CITROËN surprised the world with the launch of the singular Méhari. More than a leisure vehicle, the Méhari stands as a symbol and true phenomenon in automotive history.

Respekt - 80er Geburtstag - Mehari-Fahrer und restauriert einen Austin Healey

Heute einfach mal ein Statement eines Kunden zu unserem Geburtstagsglückwunsch:

THE CITROËN CX TURNS 40

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1974, the CITROËN CX is celebrating its fortieth anniversary. It is remembered today as a bold, stylish vehicle with the ability to deliver creative responses to the issues of the time. The CX made its mark with advances in technology, including the turbocharged diesel engine, GTi version, and hydropneumatic suspension for new standards in comfort.

80 Years Ago – The Death of André Citroën

July 3, 2015 will mark the 80th anniversary of the death of company founder André Citroën.

30 Years of "Der Franzose" in Vechta

Some were worried that we might become adult with the time - Rest assured - we'll stay like we were!

Bericht in der Motor-Klassik 04/2018 - German language

Sorry, currently only available in German language.

2CV - Stainless steel brakes lines

Even the brake lines for your 2CV can be supplied in stainless steel! And if you’re changing the chassis, that’s naturally a good opportunity to change the brake lines as well!

Installation of shock absorbers - original Citroen error description - unfortunately only in German

Geregelter Katalysator für viele Renault-Fahrzeug -Only In German-

DS - French Selection Platter

without comment

A sensational find. Solex Carburettors

These are all original carburettors - no replica.

Extension of our warehouse

So that we have a little more storage capacity in the coming year.

The 6.000 2CV-chassis was delivered today!

98% of the sold chassis have been delivered to Germany.

GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation

If you have any questions about this problem area, please contact us. Thank you very much

Photo Contest 2017

And our congratulations go to
3. Aristide Hehner, France - September (100,--€)
2. Kay MacKenneth, Germany - October (200,--€)
1. René Golz, Germany - November (300,--€)

Tow trailer coupling for Citroen HY

The coupling is delivery with ECE checking!

Good news for us, but especially for our customers:

Good news for our Company and also for our customers: The german technical certification organization TÜV audited our head office "Franzose Automobiltechnik" and confirmed the validity of our TÜV-Certification till 2017.
Safety, quality and easy using: according to a recent survey, 88 % of intervewed persons wish a control and a certification of manufacturers by an official and indepent organization like TÜV.

Regulated CATs for the 2CV

We have had a regulated catalytic converter developed for the 2CV, in which so-called ‘controlled air inleakage’ is used as the regulator.

Rims for 2CV. We have it again.

The first 1800 rims arrived. The remaining 1700 rims come at the end of September.

only for germany- E10 - der stark diskutierte Kraftstoff - Wir sagen: Hände weg!

Wir können Ihnen nur empfehlen, ab sofort und ausschließlich den Kraftstoff SUPER PLUS zu tanken! Nur dann sind Sie auf der sicheren Seite!

We received today (24.06.2010) the first truck of a charge of original Peugeot-spare parts.

We received today (24.06.2010) the first truck of a charge of original Peugeot-spare parts.

Ignition - A strong start for your 2CV

The standard 2CV ignition system is renowned for high wear to the contacts as well as for being too imprecise and affected by the weather, especially on cars with performance enhanced engines. This situation can be remedied by simply changing the ignition system.