On 7 October next, the most famous French car, the one that conquered the world and continues to be loved wherever it goes, will celebrate its 75th anniversary: the Citroën 2CV. Voted this year as the French people's favourite car, the legendary German car is celebrating its anniversary by meeting its fans at the Conservatoire de la Marque.
Everything has already been said about the Citroën 2CV, which has had an exceptional career, with more than 5.1 million units produced during its 51 years on the market. Born as the TPV in 1936, the concept of what would become the 2CV was to offer an economical and versatile car accessible to the working classes. In 1937, the first rolling prototype of the TPV project saw the light of day. It weighed only 370 kg and had only one headlamp (legislation at the time did not require two). It was a vehicle capable of transporting four people and 50 kg of luggage at a maximum speed of 50 km/h, all in maximum comfort. 250 pre-production models were due to be unveiled at the 1939 Paris Motor Show, but this was cancelled due to the declaration of war. The models already produced were therefore destroyed, except for four which were kept in secret at the Citroën test centre at La Ferté-Vidame.
Production began in July 1949, a few months after its presentation at the Paris Salon on 7 October 1948. The Citroën 2CV was a small car with a 9 hp air-cooled 375 cm3 flat-twin engine and a top speed of 50 km/h. Its unique silhouette and appeal quickly won over a large proportion of the population, who were won over by its versatility with removable seats, its lightness, its agility and its comfort, all of which made it a great success. . Without forgetting its extremely economical character, which would make it the popular car par excellence, with such success that delivery times reached... 6 years in 1950.
Its avant-garde spirit, with technologies that were very advanced for their time, would allow it to remain part of the automotive landscape for many years to come. The 2 CV is a timeless model that has become a real social phenomenon, bringing together collectors from all over the world and often seen on our roads.
The 2 CV is also a name that is known all over the world in different ways, in fact, the fame of this model will earn it different nicknames. Some of the most popular are "Deuche", "Deudeutsche", "Ugly Duckling" and many more. This variety of nicknames shows the popularity of this historic and iconic model.
On the occasion of this anniversary, eight iconic and striking 2 CVs from the Citroën Conservatory were exceptionally photographed with a particular artistic angle:
The 2 CV 6 by Hermès, dressed by the house of Hermès inside and out, was exhibited at the 2008 Paris Motor Show on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the 2 CV.
The 2 CV 6 Special, one of the last 2 CVs produced at the Levallois factory in 1988
The 2 CV Spot, the first Citroën special series of 1,800 units with two-tone upholstery and bodywork based on the design of stylist Serge Gevin.
The 2 CV A, which is one of the 250 prototypes made in 1939 for the Motor Show which was canceled due to the Second World War. One of four vehicles remaining at the Citroën Conservatory.
The 2 CV A Berline, from 1950, identical to that unveiled by Pierre Boulanger at the opening of the Paris Motor Show in 1948.
The 2 CV A with right-hand drive, manufactured in Slough in Great Britain from 1953. It has a sheet metal trunk and opening rear windows. To this day, it is the oldest British 2 CV in Europe.
The 2 CV AZU, a 2 CV van produced from 1954 until March 1978, it has a large load capacity and rear “cabinet” doors which facilitate loading.
The 2 CV 4 x 4 “Sahara”, equipped with four-wheel drive and two motors which can overcome slopes of more than 40 percent in the sand.
Finally, the Citroën Conservatory will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the famous 2CV and, to mark this memorable anniversary, seventy-five 2 CVs restored and maintained with passion by private collectors, will gather at the Citroën Conservatory in Aulnay-sous-Bois. Visitors will have the opportunity, on Saturday October 7 from 10 a.m., to discover these gems of automotive history and to talk with their owners.
The event is open to the public and will be an unforgettable day for Citroën enthusiasts, classic car lovers and the curious. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Conservatory, which houses almost 250 emblematic models of the two chevrons brand, offering a fascinating insight into the rich history of Citroën.