GIVEN the acrid Franco-American atmosphere, the huge stars and stripes looked like a provocation draping the wall yesterday at the Paris classic motor show. Hanging above a 1950s Chevrolet Corvette, the scene symbolised everything that the French love about the United States — the spirit, style and energy of the home of les belles americaines, as older US cars are called. Despite the big chill between Paris and Washington, the fans were busy ogling American cars yesterday, but most were distinguishing between a fondness for things American and disapproval of President Bush over Iraq. Francois Lempereur, 28, a communications professional...