Where and when?
We finally manage to cross our calendars in October, before the cold hits the region. But we didn't escape the rain, before enjoying the Vercors passes in the dry, shod with Michelin XWXs with a design reminiscent of the TRXs but with a modern rubber compound. Biker attire is not required like on board a Caterham without a windshield, but wearing glasses is vital and wearing a helmet is recommended. As for shoes, it is better that they are thin.
The pitch
Once upon a time there was a car enthusiast who excelled in international radio remote control championships for 20 years and who always liked to drive differently. This pushed him to import Caterham, Wiesmann or Westfield on an isolated basis… The French administration therefore does not scare him! Hervé Valliet has not made it his job, however, since for 40 years he has been running the SORI family business of fine sheet metal work based in Tullins (38) and specializing in tool storage (2,500 points of sale in France). It works with steel, aluminum and stainless steel, and is aimed primarily at professionals. However, individuals are spending their wallets to equip their garage… As we understand them! Between the experience acquired by importing sports cars and the resources offered by SORI, the business manager took action in 2016, initially with a heavy sports car powered by a large engine. But faced with the constraints of approval and pollution, he decided to position himself in the niche market of light roadsters. He created the brand in 2019 by “ennobling” his name and wanted to offer maximum sensations without becoming a delinquent, while maintaining real ease of driving. The name pays homage to the Mugello circuit and the number attached indicates the power per tonne, like the Caterhams.
Premier regard
The 375F Mugello plays the retro card to the fullest, drawing inspiration from the competition of the 50s/60s: Ferrari shark nose, hollowed-out wheel arches from the Maserati 250F, inverted gills from the 250 GTO, spoked rims. The double boss pays homage to the great Italian coachbuilders and hides a real lockable 300 liter trunk! The batrachian lighthouses obviously evoke the English inspiration Seven. The composite bodywork is manufactured not far from the assembly plant, at MG Composites in Vercors. If the height is equivalent to the English one, the length explodes with + 70 cm, as does the width with + 25 cm. The result is sure to turn heads, draw thumbs and phones, always with a smile.
The increase in size logically benefits habitability and the installation does not require the flexibility of a gymnast. The superb upholstery favors softness over lateral support. It contributes to the deliciously vintage atmosphere, in the same way as the wooden steering wheel, the rocker controls (including the indicators) or the dials (specific to the brand). The little technophile touch – invisible – comes from the optional audio installation using the smartphone via Bluetooth. No screen in sight. Driving assistance point: brakes, steering, trajectory correction. Once installed and harnessed (simple belt, phew!), the driver enjoys a breathtaking view of the long hood framed by the round headlights. The mini windshield or, if you prefer, the large wind screen protects the occupants up to 100 km/h. In case of bad weather or a cold snap, there are doors, a hood and even heating (optional). But we won't even have any use for it, despite a downpour at the start of the test.
Numbers (and some letters)
Before detailing all the secrets of this French miracle, it is useful to point out that everything was imagined in-house. Let's start the overview with the framework which could handle up to 400 hp according to its designer. This is an aluminum bathtub made from laser-cut aluminum sheets, folded, assembled by mortise-tenon type interlocking (technique originating from wood) then welded (TIG). The front/rear aluminum cradles are bolted to the central cell for easy repair. The alignment between these three elements is verified by laser. The suspension consists of a double wishbone (steel) and combined adjustments (your choice). Thanks to the ingenuity of Hervé Valliet and the heritage of model making, the triangulation is easily adjustable via polyurethane rings replacing traditional silent blocks.
Another crucial element, the choice of engine required patience and great meetings. If the prototype produced in 9 months housed a 1 liter turbo Fiat (120 hp) thanks to a partnership with Milano Racing, the production model is based on a Peugeot block following a fundamental meeting on the stand at the Epoqu'Auto show at the end 2019. Attracted by the project, a team from Michelin will shake up the history of the brand, by providing tires and valuable contacts at its ally Peugeot, ready to provide the complete file necessary for approval… This which represents a budget of €1,000,000. The Isérois thus has access to two engines: three-cylinder turbo 1.2 liter or four-cylinder turbo 1.6 liter. The price being similar and the first interested parties demanding power, he opted for the four-legged 225 hp equipping the 508 or DS7. Due to the depollution, the positioning is enhanced, hence the presence of a large scoop on the hood. The stainless steel exhaust (optional Club) includes a catalyst, a particle filter and is divided into three (purely aesthetic choice) before returning to the oblong silencer. Rest assured, this block tickles the eardrums… Mounted longitudinally, the 1.6 liter turbo is coupled to an optional 6-speed gearbox and a self-locking system, both of Mazda origin (solid distribution network). With only 680 kg announced dry, the feather would be satisfied with 4''6 to go from 0 to 100 km/h and would manage to reach 230 km/h.
The extra thing
Made in France, without hesitation! Hervé Valliet succeeded in making his dream come true by relying on local subcontractors and a French engine manufacturer. If the Mugello does not revolutionize the concept of the light roadster, it offers a unique and deliciously retro vision.
The complainer, what does he say?
He grumbles because the investment of around €100,000 remains heavy and you have to wait a year on average to get your ultra-exclusive toy back.
On the road
From the outset, the Mugello is distinguished from a Caterham by its smooth operation. The mechanics prove to be very smooth and the 300 Nm arrive very early, which requires metering the throttle in the first gears. It's certain, semi-slicks would change the situation but we would have to give up on this progressive, old-fashioned sway. The 1.6 liter direct injection slams generously at idle then the eardrums are flattered by the grunts at the intake before delighting in the metallic timbre of the stainless steel exhaust at mid-range. Even if the flights stop early (6500 rpm), the playing field is more than sufficient to have fun before touching the small lever. A treat! Handling this optional 6 gearbox just requires getting used to the brutal clutch. Over the miles, the 375F surprises with its conciliatory suspension filtering. On the other hand, body movements are less channeled than on board a Caterham. Be careful, we must put things into perspective, we are talking about a feather with astonishing reactivity and balance. This progressiveness combines perfectly with the grip of the Michelins and materializes at the limits of grip by a little understeer (desired on this model dedicated to customer testing) then oversteer which is easy to control, being supported by the self-locking system ( optional). No need to panic about the lack of help! The brakes just require anticipation in the rain and grip but less than on board a Caterham. The steering feels heavy only at low speed. Whatever the case, this Frenchwoman quickly becomes a drug, never hard, cut out for muscular grand touring.
On the track
We did not have the opportunity to bring the Mugello to Magny-Cours. Even if this is not its primary vocation, it could shine there with a pneumatic fitment and more radical adjustments. Hervé Valliet has the solution and it is called Grand Prix, celebrating the 5th anniversary of the first Devalliet model. This results in a single-seater look (two-seater possible on request) with a nose, specific ventilation grilles and 17-inch steel rims covered with Michelin Pilot Sport 5. On board, the wooden steering wheel disappears in favor a thicker rim covered in leather. The engine/box/differential assembly remains unchanged and the work has focused on the running gear, which is more distinctive: longer wishbones, repositioned pivot axes, lowered trim, specific shock absorbers/springs, larger anti-roll bars, brake discs increased. The mass thus drops by 50 kg (630 kg dry) and acceleration would gain a tenth from 0 to 100 km/h (4 »5). Deliveries of the 5 planned examples will begin in 2026 and the price starts at €118,940. Motorsport will not fail to time this version more dedicated to the track at Magny-Cours.
Prices
The Devalliet Mugello 375F starts at €88,400, which may seem unreasonable given the restricted use of such a nib. But the investment is worth it considering the raw thrills and exclusivity. Only a muscular two-wheeler can offer you more. In addition, the French penalty for 2025 stands at €360! Hervé Valliet relied on the success of his company SORI to accomplish his dream and is not chasing profits for this project which he would sell at cost price. Currently, fifteen examples have already hit the road and fifteen others are in the pipeline. A rare French pearl that is also pleasant for less than €100,000, you have to admit that it makes you think…
