• Citroën is celebrating the 75th birthday of its iconic 2CV
• Over 5 million 2CVs were produced from 1949 to 1990
• The 2CV started as the ‘TPV’ project in 1936, aiming to create a versatile and economical car for the masses
• The 2CV has become an icon known for being popular, comfortable, simple, robust, and affordable
• Its unique body shape and versatility contributed to its success over several decades
• On October 7th, a celebration will be held at the Citroën conservatoire, featuring eight iconic 2CVs

 

Citroën is commemorating the 75th anniversary of its most iconic car, the 2CV. The 2CV was designed at Citroën’s design office in Paris and underwent testing at the La Ferté-Vidame facility. It was publicly unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on October 7, 1948. Throughout its exceptional career, a total of 5,114,969 2CVs were produced, including 1,246,335 2CV vans. The final 2CV rolled off the assembly line in Portugal on July 27, 1990, 42 years after its launch.

 

THE ORIGINS OF THE 2CV: THE ‘TPV’ PROJECT

 

The ‘TPV’ (Toute Petite Voiture or very small car) project was initiated in 1936 to provide an affordable and versatile car for people with low incomes. In 1937, the first roadworthy prototype of the TPV project was created. Weighing only 370 kg and equipped with a single headlight, it could carry up to four people and 50 kg of luggage, reaching a top speed of 31mph. Its remarkable comfort allowed it to transport a basket of eggs across a plowed field without breaking any of them.

 

250 pre-production models were meant to be unveiled at the 1939 Paris Motor Show, but the outbreak of World War II prevented this. Most of the built models were destroyed, with only four secretly kept at the Citroën Test Centre.

 

A LEGENDARY CAR THAT HAS BECOME AN ICON OF THE MOTORING WORLD

 

When production began in July 1949, the 2CV featured a 9 bhp, 375 cc, air-cooled, flat-twin engine, capable of reaching a top speed of 31mph. Citroën’s creation revolutionized the car industry, offering a versatile and affordable vehicle.

 

Its distinctive body shape and appeal as a people’s car quickly made it popular. Its success was also due to its wide range of uses, removable benches, lightness, agility, comfort, and economical running costs, making it the most popular car in France. By 1950, there was a high demand for the 2CV, resulting in a waiting list of up to 6 years.

 

Its avant-garde spirit and innovative technologies ensured its presence in the automotive world. The 2CV is a timeless model that has become a social phenomenon, embedded in popular culture and sought after by collectors worldwide.

 

Even today, the 2CV can be seen on roads with various nicknames such as ‘Flying Dustbin,’ ‘Tin Snail,’ and ‘Ugly Duckling.’ These nicknames reflect the popularity and iconic status of this historic model.

 

SEVERAL VERSIONS AND EPIC JOURNEYS AROUND THE WORLD

 

There were ten special editions of the 2CV, launched in France and other European countries. These included models like the Spot, Charleston, and Cocorico. The 2CV underwent several changes over its lifetime, including the introduction of the 2CV van (2CV AU) in 1951 and the 2CV AZ in 1954, equipped with a 12 bhp engine and the famous centrifugal clutch.

 

Thanks to its durability and easy maintenance, the 2CV became the vehicle of choice for adventurous journeys. It successfully completed challenging trips like the 10,252-mile Paris-Kabul-Paris Raid in 1970, the 8,388-mile Paris-Persépolis Raid in 1971, and the 4,970-mile Africa Raid from Abidjan to Tunis in 1973, all organized by Citroën.

 

EIGHT ICONIC 2CVS PHOTOGRAPHED FOR THE OCCASION

 

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, eight iconic 2CVs from Citroën’s collection were photographed at the Citroën Conservatoire, showcasing their unique styles:

• The 2CV 6 by Hermès, dressed by Hermès inside and out, was exhibited at the 2008 Paris Motor Show for the 60th birthday of the 2CV.
• The 2CV 6 Spécial, one of the last 2CVs produced at the Levallois plant in 1988
• The 2CV Spot, Citroën’s first special edition, featuring two-tone upholstery and bodywork by stylist Serge Gevin.
• The 2CV A, one of the prototypes built in 1939 for the Motor Show, saved from destruction and kept at the Citroën Conservatoire.
• The 2CV A Berline (1950), identical to the one revealed by Pierre Boulanger at the opening of the Paris Motor Show in 1948.
• The right-hand-drive 2CV A, manufactured in Slough (UK) from 1953, making it the oldest British 2CV in Europe. It had a sheet-metal boot and opening rear windows.
• The 2CV AZU, a 2CV van produced from 1954 to 1978, with a spacious load capacity and rear ‘cupboard’ doors for easy loading.
• The 2CV 4 x 4 ‘Sahara’, featuring four-wheel drive and two engines, enabling it to tackle gradients of over 40 percent in the sand.