1956 Citroen 2CV

The front-wheel drive Citroen 2CV was not a flash car; it was a practical car much like the Volkswagen beetle. The ability to remove the seats and panels created extra room for larger objects were just a few of the amenities that made this car practical. Only one color was initially offered when the car came on the scene in 1948, it was grey. In 1959, blue was added to the list of available colors, and then in 1960 yellow was added.

The engine was small and did not even include a distributor; instead, there was a coil that fired the spark plugs. It featured a tiny flat-twin unit that was air cooled and capable of producing a measly 9 horsepower. The top speed was in the neighborhood of 40 miles-per-hour but was able to travel over 55 miles on a gallon of gas. The car weighed in at 1100 pounds, had a four-speed manual gearbox, and drum brakes all-around. There was one spring on each side of the car which made up the vehicles suspension.

Mr. Flamino Bertone was the designer of this vehicle. The design was simple. The front of the car had two lights, one on each side of the vehicle that was attached to the hood of the car. The front grill had a waterfall shade with the grill-lines being horizontal. The hood was V-shaped. The rear of the car was designed so that the top could slide back by removing a few pins allowing fresh air and panoramic view.

This car was given nicknames such as the Tin Snail and the Duck. These nicknames were appropriate given the vehicles design and performance figures. Even though this vehicle may not have been visually appealing to many, the practicality made it very popular. It was inexpensive, fuel efficient, fun, and convenient. Between 1948 and 1990, 5,114,920 Citroen 2CV's have been produced.

In 1960 the styling of the car was updated. In 1958 through 1966, the vehicle was available with four-wheel drive and two engines.

Citroen's little 2CV was named the ugliest car at London's Earl's Court Motor Show. It was built primarily for sale in France's agricultural districts. French farmers appreciated its rugged, back-to-basics design; sometimes waiting two years for delivery. It was a different story in the United States, where the 2CV was distinctly out of place among the full-sized, V-8 powered sedans. The eccentric car offered innovations such as a built-in jacking system and the flexibility of movable seating surfaces. it was imported in very small numbers.

Source - AACA Museum