Wasn't the opposite considered when relationships cooled between France and West Germany in the early sixties? Or at the least using the German prototype for a hull mated with the French prototype turret that led to the AMX-30?
Yes, you are right
Zaskar24, I have read that also.
I've also read:
-The French turret was a better layout than the original Leopard 1 turret layout, but this discrepancy changed with the Leo 1A3 turret design;
-The French 105mm gun was better (although I'm under the impression that this was in comparison to the then 90mm gun that the Bundeswehr stipulated - as opposed to the Royal Ordnance L7 105mm that would be used);
-The German's were willing to consider the French turret and gun in an effort to save to cooperative program from failing.
At the end of the day, I think it's very evident that the Leopard 1 design was superior in most aspects when compared to the AMX-30.
Perhaps one should keep in mind, Post-WWII, a vast majority of French military program was geared towards export and not just the French military wants and needs.
As for the Israeli AMX-30, I think the reality was both the Leopard 1 and AMX-30 wouldn't have been heavily protected enough according to IDF doctrine - hence their continues reliance and perseverance with the Centurion as their main MBT till the advent of the Merkava.
Alas, it is 'WhatIf' and I should crawl back into my hole. 😉
Look forward to what you bring to the topic
Zaskar24MAD