Joyeux Anniversaire! Citroen’s 2CV Celebrates 60th Anniversary at Retromobile
We've heard the "keep it simple, stupid" mantra time and time again, but we'd argue that the Citroen 2CV was the most extreme application of that credo in the automotive world (heck, even the earliest Volkswagen Beetles had a fuel gauge). That said, it worked - the deux cheveaux won the hearts of not only the French people, but many across continental Europe and even South America, serving as a surprisingly reliable workhorse for many.
Although the very last 2CV rolled off a Portuguese assembly line in 1991, 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the tin snail's launch at the 1948 Paris Motor Show. Although Citroen is mum on any official celebration (we'll bet a few examples make their way to the company's stand during October's Paris show), the jovial folks at Retromobile - the gigantesque celebration of all things automotive - will be celebrating all this week.
From what we understand, devotees of the 2CV are celebrating with their vehicles at the show, but one lucky visitor may win a tour of Paris in a chauffeured 2CV. If that's not haute couture, may we interest you in a Louis Vuitton-trimmed Tuk Tuk?
Until more photos emerge or Citroen announces any plans for an official celebration, have fun with our gallery filled with advertising images from the 2CV's six-decade-long lifespan. Salut.
+ Inside Line: Citroen 2CV, Classic Entry-Level French Car, Turns 60
Comments
Ducati Minor
Love the images. Citroen deserves more notice in the United States. The 2CV was one of the great postwar people's cars.
Greg
Your early VW Beetle had a fuel gauge? My Mother's 1956 had a lever on the firewall instead of a gauge. When you ran out of fuel (hopefully not during a dangerous passing maneuver, which might last two weeks on a slight incline) you bent down and turned the lever to dump the 1 gal reserve into the main tank.
Then the really exciting part began: how long would Mom try to go on that gallon before finally filling up? Oh, the wild and crazy times you could have even with no power and little handling!
Charley Cleaver
Same with my mom's 1957 Bug. No fuel guage. In fact I don't think they were installed until 1960-61.
fantasyfreddy
one of the coolest, if not the coolest, car in world history!
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