Rare 1959 Deutsch-Bonnet HBR-5 (w/ startup)

A rare blue 1959 Deutsch-Bonnet HBR-5 Coach arriving at and leaving Cars and Coffee at Crystal Cove Shopping Center. Established in 1938 by Charles Deutsch and René Bonnet, Deutsch-Bonnet (DB) was best known for building lightweight sports cars and racing cars. The HBR-5 was the French company's most successful model with several hundred examples built. It was powered by a Panhard two-cylinder engine. This example, chassis no. 1028, was raced extensively in the early 1960s and underwent a three-year restoration by its current owner.

Never heard of Deutsch-Bonnet? Neither had I before seeing this car. French cars have always been quite obscure here in the States, so when it comes to smaller or now-defunct brands, it's no surprise that even many car enthusiasts are stumped. A friend of mine who saw this car insisted that it was a Panhard until he checked the logo. At least he got the powertrain right!

To be honest, I still don't know much about this car or brand. But I have a feeling this is one of very few Deutch-Bonnets in the U.S., and it's probably one of the best-kept examples too, thanks to its owner's dedication despite the immense challenge of finding information and parts. His collection also includes other little-known French cars such as a Simca 8 Sport and a Matra-Bonnet Djet. In places like Crystal Cove where classic Ferraris and Porsches can be regularly found, it's nice to see something truly out of the ordinary!

What is your favorite vintage French car company? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!