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Written by Tom Ford
A lollopy, characterful, ancient Citroen that has become legend. Produced between 1948 and 1990 (yes, that really is 42 years of production), the 2CV (deux-cheveaux or two horses") was originally conceived in the late Thirties as a rugged, useful, affordable car. Famously, it was designed with very specific requirements, including being able to carry four people and 50kg of goods at 30mph, across muddy and unpaved roads if necessary. In fact, it was suggested at the prototype stage that the 2CV should be able to carry a basket of eggs across a ploughed field without whipping up an interior omelette, and also manage something like 80mpg while doing so. That"s one hell of a design brief, and yet, after quite a few prototypes, Citroen actually managed it.Unveiled at the Paris Salon on 7 October 1948, it also - during the decades of production - evolved a cult following akin to a religion. It might not be particularly luxurious or safe when you compare it to modern vehicles, but there"s a real depth of thought in its pared-back design that means it has charm few cars can match. Character? A 2CV is right up there with an original Mini or Fiat 500.
Date written: 17 Mar 2018
More of this article on the Top gear website
ID: 11211
A lollopy, characterful, ancient Citroen that has become legend. Produced between 1948 and 1990 (yes, that really is 42 years of production), the 2CV (deux-cheveaux or two horses") was originally conceived in the late Thirties as a rugged, useful, affordable car. Famously, it was designed with very specific requirements, including being able to carry four people and 50kg of goods at 30mph, across muddy and unpaved roads if necessary. In fact, it was suggested at the prototype stage that the 2CV should be able to carry a basket of eggs across a ploughed field without whipping up an interior omelette, and also manage something like 80mpg while doing so. That"s one hell of a design brief, and yet, after quite a few prototypes, Citroen actually managed it.Unveiled at the Paris Salon on 7 October 1948, it also - during the decades of production - evolved a cult following akin to a religion. It might not be particularly luxurious or safe when you compare it to modern vehicles, but there"s a real depth of thought in its pared-back design that means it has charm few cars can match. Character? A 2CV is right up there with an original Mini or Fiat 500.
Date written: 17 Mar 2018
More of this article on the Top gear website
ID: 11211
