As a driver, or owner you really didn’t want to see one of these, it meant an expensive time ahead. Fortunately in all the years I drove, I never needed one.
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This one looks interesting, is it a genuine Nicolas?
Unlike you, I did had the “pleasure” of seeing these vehicles turn up, first experience with one was in Vesoul actually. Was loaded with a Komatsu stone crusher, and whilst climbing the hill (when coming from the East), it levels out a bit and then it gets steep again, caught out a lot of drivers, and when I shifted back to get up to the last bit, I noticed I didn’t had any traction any more. Turned out that the half shaft snapped. After making a few calls, an old Berliet turned up, and when the mechanic was done with hooking up he asked me what the weight was, about 65t I said, and I looked worringly at the Berliet. Aah, he said, and just smiled and climbed into the cab, and off we went, just like that! I remember the roar of the engine to this day! Upon return to the yard, I spoke to the regular driver of the Scania, and as he heard what happened, he assured me that it wasn’t my fault, as it happened to him too 3 times already.
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Never seen this model before! An unique and rather ugly look.
Much better looking were the models fitted with the Berliet Relaxe cab.
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It’s a Barrieros isn’t it? I think Dodge / Chrysler took them over. The Dodge 300 had a Chrysler engine and were dubbed ‘Barrieros Dodges’. 
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Yes, Barreiros indeed. Taken over by Chrysler who produced the serie 300 (type C38T). Later bought and badged by Renault. The las mdels even had a Renault cab. Here are a few of them.
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That one is lovely, remonds my a bit of the ERF Sabrinas, and would qualify for the nickname too I reckon.
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A friend of mine, lives near Dole, who is a retired Onatra driver that could be him in younger days except for the plate. Not sure he would be based that far south. Did they have many depots in France?
Mais oui! They had over a thousand trucks in the '70s. Did a lot of dangerous goods, especially chemicals. Also did Middle East. Big company.
I’ll send him the photo and ask. 
I fully agree with you! It looks a bit odd indeed.
It might have been discussed on here before, but what happened to Onatra in the end? Did they went bankrupt or did another party took them over?
A very classic outfit, this Berliet TR 12. Registered in 1975, but probably dates back to 1970.
I would have considered myself privileged to have had the opportunity to have driven either of those vehicles .
Unfortunately however , and in retrospect , It would appear that my destiny was to spend a full half of my lifetime piloting British manufactured garbage up and down the cart tracks that passed for roads in this country .
Such is life , … if I’m being philosophical .
Mais … dommage .
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