Les Archives Du Collectionneur : Classic Car & Motorcycle Repair Manuals
The French company ETAI provides technical documentation for numerous car manufacturers and suppliers to the automotive industry. Since 1946 it also publishes various professional magazines, including the Revue Technique Automobile. Each issue of this technical publicatrion contains a complete maintenance and repair manual for a specific car type.
Especially for owners of vintage cars and classics, ETAI publishes the series "Les Archives du Collectionneur". These workshop manuals are based on documentation material that appeared in earlier editions of the Revue Technique Automobile. They provide information about history, model changes, adjustment data, debugging, maintenance and repair.
Publisher: ETAI, Antony (F)
Size: 27 x 21 cm (10.6 x 8.25 in), paperback, 54 à 404 blz
Language: These books are only available in French.
Automatic transmissions: Because special tools and adjustment equipment are required, the overhaul of automatic transmissions (specialist work!) is not covered in these books, but they usually provide instructions for replacing the ATF fluid and adjusting the controls. Click here for specific books about automatic transmissions.
Wiring diagrams: The manuals from the series "Les Archives du Collectionneur" contain clear wiring diagrams.
What information do these manuals provide?
Each volume of the series "Les Archives du Collectionneur" is based on the original editions of the Revue Technique Automobile. Described are maintenance and repair of the engine, clutch, gearbox, front and rear axle, wheel suspension, wheel hubs, brakes, steering and electrical system. Complete with wiring diagrams. Often there is also information about the history and model changes.
A volume of the series "Les Archives du Collectionneur" usually contains the following chapters:
History
Use and maintenance
Engine
Clutch
Gearbox / differential
Front axle / drive axles
Steering
Rear axle
Front and rear suspension
Hubs and brakes
Electrical system
Miscellaneous
Detailed technical data
Practical advice (repair)
Engine
Clutch
Gearbox / differential
Front axle / drive axles
Control
Rear axle
Front and rear suspension
Hubs and brakes
Electrical system
Model changes
Wiring diagrams
ADC manuals describe maintenance and repair in detail.
The manuals from the series "Les Archives du Collectionneur" contain clear wiring diagrams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the technical data in these manuals?
The technical content in "Les Archives du Collectionneur" is sourced directly from the historical archives of Revue Technique Automobile (RTA). Because RTA has been a professional automotive resource since 1946, these manuals provide authentic, period-accurate instructions that were used by mechanics when these classic cars were new.
Are these manuals available in English or other languages?
No. These books are published by ETAI in France and are only available in the French language. They are highly valued by international collectors specifically for their original French technical terminology and diagrams, which are essential for authentic restoration.
Do these manuals provide information beyond just mechanical repairs?
Yes. Unlike many standard workshop manuals, "Les Archives du Collectionneur" often includes a dedicated section on the history of the vehicle and a chronology of model changes. This makes them an excellent resource for collectors who want to verify the originality of specific parts or features for a particular production year.