The Iconic Citroën Deux Chevaux

Few cars in the history of motoring have remained relevant and competitive for so many years as the Citroën 2CV. (Note: most of the following text is quoted from Wikipedia.)

The iconic model was introduced in 1948 and stayed in production until 1990. For many (or even most) Europeans in the sixties and seventies it was their very first car.

The early design brief was for a low-priced, rugged "umbrella on four wheels" that would enable two peasants to drive 100 kg (220 lb) of farm goods to market at 60 km/h (37 mph), in clogs and across muddy unpaved roads if necessary. Most famously, it would be able to drive across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs it was carrying.

Citroën unveiled the car at the Paris Salon in 1948. It was laughed at by journalists, but the 2CV was a great commercial success: within months of it going on sale, there was a three-year waiting list, which soon increased to five years. At that time a second-hand 2CV was more expensive than a new one because the buyer did not have to wait. Production was increased from four units per day in 1949 to 400 units per day in 1950. The highest annual production was in 1974. In all, a total of 3,872,583 2CV sedans were produced.

Over time, the car was marginally modernised, but the model never changed until its last day of production. Several special versions were launched, such as the Sahara, an original four-wheel drive 2CV with two engines — one in the front and one in the back. Only 694 Saharas were built. Another popular model was the 'camionette', a small truck.

Although new 2CVs haven't been made for 17 years, many of them are still around, and happily cruising the roads of Europe.

Citroën 2CV – Still going strong

Today, the 2CV is mostly a collector's item. It's fairly easy to find one on eBay, for prices varying between 500 and 10,000 euros, but a rare 2CV Sahara can fetch as much as 40,000 euros.

Those who own a 2CV are proud to show their car off at shows, and during club meetings. Below you'll find a nice collection of 2CVs, which stand out from the rest. Many images were borrowed from this Flickr set, with over 8,000 (!) photos of the 2CV.

From my personal archive. Left: my parents' 2CV, early 1960's. Right: my own 2CV, 1969.

A British mechanic spent six months turning an aged Citroen 2CV into a cubist work of art inspired by Picasso's Portrait of Dora Maar.

This 2CV Pick-up is a one of a kind custom built by a wood worker. It is made of pine and oak. It took him almost 2 years to complete the project in his spare time.

The improbable Bondmobile, used in the 1981 movie For Your Eyes Only, with Roger Moore as James Bond.

A six-wheel 2CV van. Unknown origin.

The 2CV has always had a canvas roof, but with this stunning cabriolet you get even more fresh air.

This 2CV looks set to compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Ready for take off. But did this 2CV ever fly?

The boot extender was a clever accessory, which more than doubled the luggage space. It was also popular with people who wanted to sleep in their 2CV.

Another way to create more space: a 2CV stretched limousine.

Is one 2CV not big enough? Take one and a half.

Towing a trailer American style.

For most people the 2CV bas big enough to carry anything.

In many countries the 2CV was nicknamed "The Duck". Now you see why.

The Citroën 2CV Cogolin was designed for the French fire brigade, allowing to drive the car in both directions on narrow roads, where turning was impossible, and reversing too awkward.

The Citroën 2CV Sahara had a second engine in the back, so the spare wheel had to be moved to the bonnet. With its 4-wheel drive and low weight, it was a formidable offroad car.

Videos

How to get 22 people in a 2CV.

Zero technolgy. A parody of the famous Citroën Transformer ads.

The unfair battle between a 2CV and a jetliner.

A 2CV commercial, year unknown. How to have a happy wedding picnic with a few 2CVs.

2CV Crash test. The car stands no chance, but the passenger compartment stays remarkably intact.

Make your own

Get your scissors and glue ready: the Paper Model Directory has hundreds of links to ready-to-print paper models of virtually every car model ever built. Of course, the 2CV is one of them. Shown above is the exclusive Citroën 2CV Sahara. Click here to find the model you want to build yourself.

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