Ford Vedette (1948-1954) : Une « petite » américaine pour la France

With the Vedette, Ford France offered a unique car in the French automotive landscape starting in 1948: a large sedan inspired by American designs, but conceived for the French market. Originating from a project initially envisioned for the United States before being taken over by Ford SAF, the Ford Vedette arrived in post-war France, a country still marked by reconstruction, economic constraints, and the gradual return of large family cars. Competing against the Citroën Traction 15/6, Peugeot 203, and other large sedans of the era, it relied on a modern pontoon-style design, a spacious interior, and, above all, a V8 engine, a rarity in a French car of this class. In this video, we revisit the history of the first-generation Ford Vedette, produced from 1948 to 1954: its origins, design, mechanics, coupé, convertible, Abeille, and Vendôme versions, its strengths, weaknesses, and its place in the history of Ford France before the Poissy factory became part of the Simca group. Was the Ford Vedette a truly French car, or already a small American car adapted for our roads? 📘 Find our books in the "Les Carnets de l’Automobile" series: https://www.amazon.fr/s?k=caroll+rose... 🤝 Support Les Carnets de l’Automobile: https://fr.tipeee.com/les-carnets-de-... 🎙️ Listen to the Les Carnets de l’Automobile podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cBcBlv... 📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Instagram:   / les_carnets_de_lautomobile   TikTok:   / lescarnetsdelautomobiles   #FordVedette #FordFrance #FordSAF #FrenchCar #AutomotiveHistory