Daniel Pasternak © 25 July 2017 6d 3
The 2CV: the Citroën deux chevaux
When the 2CV first appeared, it surprised the world by being a car stripped to basics in the extreme, by being out of fashion with its added-on headlights, and by its low price. (In 1948 - 1950, the price of the 2CV was about US$650, about half that of a Volkswagen beetle.) Only the Citroën name stopped the car from being thought a joke.
But the 2CV had a surprising career. It received popular approval in the rural world for the go-everywhere suspension, was adored by the low earners for its unbeatable price, and loved by everbody for what it represented: a car beyond time, beyond fashion, and which knew every variation - from a 2CV 4 by 4 to the price Citroën 2cv 1948 CV cross-country car - and all the adaptations of its motor made by 2CV lovers: from tractor to pump, from buggy to motorbike.
Today, this ageless little rustic car has been loved by its millions of owners. The 2CV is a true symbol and historic monument of French motoring that draws generations of supporters, with more than 300 clubs worldwide and rallies.
Designer: Pierre Boulanger
Engineer: André Lefebre
Stylist: Flaminio Bertoni
First presented in 1938 as the Très Petite Voiture (very small car - the TPV), but production was delayed by WWII, so the 2CV was not commercially produced until 1948
Production stopped: 27 July 1990 at Mangualde, Portugal
3,872,583 2CV cars and vans made. Some claims go higher than this when variations are included.
Empty car weight: 600kg
Engine: 375cc 9hp, 65 km/h top speed
30 different berline models built
The 2CV was also made as a van (camionette/fourgonette),
and as a 4 x4 - the Sahara - with a second engine to drive the rear axle. Only 694 of these were built.
During its 42-year production, only technical parts like the engine, transmission and brake-system were updated - the body remained the same.
Daniel Pasternak © 25 July 2017 6d 3
The 2CV: the Citroën deux chevaux
When the 2CV first appeared, it surprised the world by being a car stripped to basics in the extreme, by being out of fashion with its added-on headlights, and by its low price. (In 1948 - 1950, the price of the 2CV was about US$650, about half that of a Volkswagen beetle.) Only the Citroën name stopped the car from being thought a joke.
But the 2CV had a surprising career. It received popular approval in the rural world for the go-everywhere suspension, was adored by the low earners for its unbeatable price, and loved by everbody for what it represented: a car beyond time, beyond fashion, and which knew every variation - from a 2CV 4 by 4 to the price Citroën 2cv 1948 CV cross-country car - and all the adaptations of its motor made by 2CV lovers: from tractor to pump, from buggy to motorbike.
Today, this ageless little rustic car has been loved by its millions of owners. The 2CV is a true symbol and historic monument of French motoring that draws generations of supporters, with more than 300 clubs worldwide and rallies.
Designer: Pierre Boulanger
Engineer: André Lefebre
Stylist: Flaminio Bertoni
First presented in 1938 as the Très Petite Voiture (very small car - the TPV), but production was delayed by WWII, so the 2CV was not commercially produced until 1948
Production stopped: 27 July 1990 at Mangualde, Portugal
3,872,583 2CV cars and vans made. Some claims go higher than this when variations are included.
Empty car weight: 600kg
Engine: 375cc 9hp, 65 km/h top speed
30 different berline models built
The 2CV was also made as a van (camionette/fourgonette),
and as a 4 x4 - the Sahara - with a second engine to drive the rear axle. Only 694 of these were built.
During its 42-year production, only technical parts like the engine, transmission and brake-system were updated - the body remained the same.