FROM a distance it could be mistaken for a new Bentley, or even a born-again Rover. With its impressive grille standing proud of the large headlights, it must have been a British classic.
Well, that's what the small group of French believed as they discussed the Chrysler 300C as it stood in a cobbled market square in a small Normandy town.
We'd decided to visit our neighbours across the Channel to shop for some of that red stuff and hopped aboard Eurotunnel to be whisked to the Continent in the 300C - an imposing semi-retro luxury saloon that looks like a cross between an old Rover three-litre and Bentley.
It's the sort of car that could easily earn a place in TV's Footballers' Wives alongside much more expensive and exotic machinery.
Whether its appearance appeals or not, you certainly can't mistake or ignore that massive 'chip-slicer' grille and the huge five-spoke alloys. Personally, I found its lines and bold frontage refreshingly different in these days of formulaic designs....and it's as American as Ma's apple pie - right to the core!
Sensibly - and with an eye on the bank balance - I'd opted for the turbo diesel version which is listed as giving 34mpg combined, more than 30 per cent better than the mighty 5.7-litre Hemi. As is usually the way, I didn't quite manage the official figure but was quite satisfied with my 32mpg average.
You sacrifice very little in the way of performance by going the diesel route. The 3.0 V6 CRD is capable of more than 140mph and will hit 62mph in little over seven seconds.
Naturally, there's an auto box and very smooth it is too. In fact most things are auto on the Chrysler. The seats are electrically raised and the door mirrors adjust at the touch of a button. The steering wheel power tilts with a built-in memory and the dual zone temperature control has automatic infra-red sensing. It is good to see that an electric sliding sunroof is available for a very reasonable £850.
The cabin isn't everyone's cup of tea. Dominated by a giant steering wheel, the dash is treated to what DaimlerChrysler call 'patented faux tortoise shell accents'. Well, I suppose they couldn't really have used real tortoise shells, but it's a feature I could have lived without.
But there are acres of space and leather seating is standard.
While the handling and ride isn't quite up there with Merc and BMW, the 300C isn't far behind and will be perfectly suitable for the vast majority of drivers who have no intention of hurling a big five-seater around as if it were a go-kart. And it is extraordinarily quiet at motorway speeds.
Best thing about the Chrsyler, though, has to be its all-American value for money. I conducted a small opinion poll among friends and most estimated its price to be around £40,000 - wrong....by almost £15,000.
Possibly even better value than the cases of Corbiere I carried back in the boot.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler 300C 3.0 V6 CRD auto
Price: £25,775
Mechanical: 218bhp, 2,987cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 5spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 7.6 secs
Combined mpg: 34.9
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 215g/km
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 7 yrs paint, 7yrs anti-rust