Paul’s Classic Cars in Normandy

Creances, 50710, France

The tour I’m offering isn’t a museum or a collection, but a place brimming with a passion for cars where you can admire classic cars, and more if you’re interested! Founded in 2011 by Paul Ancelin, Paul’s Classic Cars is located in Creances, a small Norman village on the west coast of the Cotentin Peninsula. With a permanent inventory of 240 to 250 cars and over 300 annual sales, Paul’s Classic is a major player in the classic car market, with a particular fondness for convertibles and roadsters. Currently, two large showrooms house the cars for sale. A planned expansion involving a third showroom will provide more space for the cars in stock.

Let’s talk about those little British cars

Having fallen in love with post-war British roadsters, Paul Ancelin quickly became a specialist in these cars, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, MG, Triumph… Although located just a stone’s throw from England, most of the cars sold here come from the United States. Surprising, but ultimately quite logical, since American soldiers stationed in Great Britain had been charmed by these small, lightweight convertibles, high-performance and fun to drive, which were very different from the heavy, bulky American cars. Upon returning home, they contributed to the success of British manufacturers across the Atlantic, with the U.S. being their primary market. They also offer the advantage for a French customer of having left-hand drive.

Consequently, Paul’s Classic showroom always features a wide selection of classic models, including Austin Healey, Lotus, MG (Midget, MG A, MG B, MG C), Morgan, and Triumph TR2 through TR6, as well as more “exotic” or rare cars such as Marcos, Reliant Scimitar, and TVR, along with a few Jaguars (authentic or beautiful replicas of the Type C or Type D), and even Rolls-Royces and Bentleys. As for replicas, there is also a selection of Cobras.

German, Italian, American…

As the business grew and in response to customer demand, Paul’s Classic expanded its selection to include other brands and newer models. German: BMW, Porsche 356 or 911, Mercedes (notably the SL 190 or “Pagoda” 230/250/280), VW Beetle or Kombi… Italian: Alfa, Fiat, Lancia, as well as Ferrari and Maserati have joined the fleet, broadening customer choice and the range of budgets.

Sourcing vehicles in the United States also allows to offer American classics such as the Corvette, Mustang, Viper, or Charger, as well as vans and pickups… For something far more exotic, Paul’s Classic also regularly offers a few Clenets, Excaliburs, or other brands that emulated the style of the grand Mercedes convertibles of the 1930s, with exuberant lines, some might say kitsch. With replicas of prestigious American cars from the same era, such as the Cord, this still accounts for about ten sales a year…

Full-Service

With a team of about fifteen people and a fully equipped workshop, Paul’s Classic Cars offers a wide range of services for the preparation, maintenance, and even complete restoration of classic cars: mechanical work, bodywork, painting, upholstery… While sales and delivery can be handled on-site, it’s also possible to find the gem of your choice remotely and have it delivered anywhere in France (or even abroad). Paul’s Classic also has a selection of classic cars available for rent, including MGs, Mustangs, and Mercedes… to treat yourself for a weekend!

Racing

Paul Ancelin successfully races classic cars (European Peter Auto Gentlemen’s Challenge Championship, pre-’66 category in 2025 in an Austin Healey), and he wanted to share the joy of classic car racing with amateur drivers. Paul’s Classic therefore offers a comprehensive service including registration and car rental, an on-site support team, coaching, and even lodging and meals, a turnkey package!

For any petrol head, a visit is a must during a trip to Normandy; you’ll meet a team of passionate people, and who knows, you might just fall in love with one of these beautiful classic cars!