Citroën 2CV

De Citroen 2CV, is also known as the (ugly) duckling. The abbreviation stands for 'Deux Chevaux Vapeur', which means two horsepower, a measure of power and used for the calculation of French road tax.

The 2CV was produced between 1948 and 1990. During that period, about 4 million were built. This number rises to 5,3 million if the so-called delivery vans are included, and to over 8,8 million when the sister models are included. Dyane, AMI en Mehari are included. The appearance of the 2CV was designed by Flaminio Bertoni. Various kit cars were built based on the 2CV, including those by Burton, Cygnus, Deauville, Le Patron, Lomax, Voglietta, Hoffmann, and Vanclee.

2CV

Deux chevaux, Umbrella on four wheels

Following the takeover of Citroën by tire manufacturer Michelin and the death of André Citroën, the new management of Citroën decided in 1935 to develop a small car suitable for the rugged French countryside: the TPV, or Toute Petite Voiture. Pierre-Jules Boulanger, who led the project, described the goal as 'an umbrella on four wheels'.

Based on market research, it was decided that it had to be a vehicle capable of transporting two farmers with 50 kilograms of potatoes or a barrel of 50 liters of wine. The car had to be so comfortable that eggs in a basket would not break when driving over a piece of plowed land. Other requirements were that the car had to be economical, reliable, inexpensive, and easy to operate: a farmer's wife had to be able to drive it to the market. The farmer, wearing his Sunday hat, also had to fit inside so that he could go to church by car. The appearance of the vehicle was not considered important.

Originally, only one headlight was installed for cost-saving reasons. However, after a prototype was hit during a test drive because the oncoming driver mistook it for a motorcycle, the model was fitted with two headlights. A car was developed that met most of those requirements, but it was certainly not yet ready for production. Citroën planned to present a prototype of the car at the Salon d'Automobile in October 1939, but the Salon was cancelled due to the Second World War.

After the Second World War

After the war, and following another thorough modification of the original design, the car was presented to the press and public on March 23, 1948. A journalist is said to have nicknamed the little car the "ugly duckling," and this name has become a badge of honor in the Netherlands.

In the early stages of production, the 2CV was supplied primarily to farmers (the primary target group), healthcare providers such as general practitioners, and well-known French artists (free advertising). French rural dwellers were immediately enthusiastic, causing waiting times to rise to three years. The Netherlands was the first export country for the 2CV in 1952. However, the car sold poorly here initially, likely due to its appearance. Later versions, just like elsewhere in Europe, became cult vehicles. The (Ugly) Duck can count itself among automotive icons such as the Volkswagen Beetle, the Morris Minor, the Mini, and the Fiat 500.

Citroen 2CV6 CLUB S6 1987 with some personal touches

Nowadays, the 2CV is popular as a second car. Since only about 8500 2CVs are still operational in the Netherlands, the price for a perfectly preserved or restored example has risen to around €15.000. However, parts are relatively cheap, and due to the low weight (560 kg), road tax is low or, because of its age, not required. Affordable insurance is offered through various 2CV clubs.

Design and interior

In terms of design, the 2CV was a lesson in minimalism. Designer Pierre-Jules Boulanger prioritized functionality: no unnecessary luxury, only what was needed. The body featured simple, corrugated sheets that were easy to press, the fenders were mounted separately, and the roof consisted of canvas that could be rolled up. This way, you had a convertible in a few seconds and could extend a ladder or hay bale.

The interior was at least as basic. Instead of thick seats, you got canvas hammocks that were surprisingly comfortable, and the dashboard was little more than a speedometer and a switch or two. But that was precisely the charm: the 2CV was not a status symbol, but a faithful companion.

Later, variants with more luxury appeared, such as heating options (yes, really, that was once an upgrade!) and upholstery that resembled a chair more than a camping chair. Yet the 2CV always remained true to its basic philosophy: simplicity above all else.

2CV Sahara

Model variants

Over the years, countless versions appeared:

• 2CV A (the very first one, from 1948)
• 2CV AZ and AZL (with more power and a bit of luxury)
• 2CV 4 (with 435 cc engine)
• 2CV 6 (with 602 cc engine, most popular version)
• Order versions such as the AK and AZU
• Special editions such as the Charleston, Dolly, Spot, and Sahara (with two engines!)

2CV Sahara

The 2CV 4×4 Sahara, later called the 2CV Bimoteur (1958–1970), had an extra engine and gearbox at the rear, mounted in reverse. Both gearboxes were operated simultaneously using a gear lever located between the front seats. Separate fuel tanks and two ignition switches were provided for both engines under the front seats. The spare wheel was mounted on the front of the bonnet.

Thanks to the selectable four-wheel drive, the car possessed enormous off-road capability, but at double the price of the standard 2CV. Only 694 examples were built. Many were used by the Swiss Post as delivery vans. Today, they are sought-after classic cars.

Interior of the 2CV

2CV AK400

The Citroën 2CV AK400 was a delivery van with a chassis that closely resembled that of the standard 2CV. The engine and interior of the AK400 also closely resembled those of the 2CV. The "delivery duck," as it was popularly known, was primarily intended as a commercial vehicle for transporting goods. Most of the AKs still on the road were later converted into small campers. In addition to the AK400, there were the AK250 and AK350. The number represented the payload capacity.

Citroën AK-400

Competitors

The 2CV took on cars like the Renault 4, the Fiat 500, the Austin Mini, and the Volkswagen Beetle. All small cars that made millions of people mobile, but none had the same air-cooled stubbornness as the 2CV.

Rumors suggest that Citroën plans to release a retro version of the 2CV, just as Volkswagen produced the Volkswagen New Beetle, BMW the retro version of the Mini, and Fiat the new Fiat 500. To date, however, Citroën has consistently denied that it will bring a retro 2CV to market. The Citroën 2CV was produced in Paris until 1989. Production eventually ended a year later at a Spanish factory in Vigo. Nearly 4 million units were built.

De Citroen Dyane It was presented in 1967 as the successor, but the 2CV remained in production until 1990. In practice, the Dyane became more of an addition than a replacement. The true successor in Citroën's range was the Visa, but it lacked the romance of the 2CV.