hmmm,
well i came from the same background, courtesy of my family.  My brother and I had R12s, Mum an R16 and Dad several - Dauphine, R8, 10, Peugeots (still does) and Citroens (still does). 

I made the switch about 8 years ago and have never looked back.  Then my Dad did the same only about 6 months ago after a lifetime affair with "froggy" cars.

I have had an Alfa 156, a sud, a 33, a sprint, 2 x Alfetta GTVs, have a 156GTA and a 1980 Alfetta GTV 2000.  Dad has a 105 Berlina. 

So it is indeed possible to make the switch albeit we always have and still do support the Renault engined team in F1 each year and Citroen in WRC and want an Alpine A110 in my garage.

Enjoy!