1986 Citroen 2CV

The Citroen 2CV was produced from 1948 until 1990 nearly 9 million examples produced. (It was produced in France until 1988, then in Portugal until 1990). They had air-cooled engines mounted in the front and powering the front wheels. The name was derived from the French deux chevaux for its replacement of a 'two horse' drawn carriage. They were the brainchild of Citroën Vice President Pierre Boulanger, and provided motorized transportation to postwar rural France. They were minimalistic, fuel-efficient, and a comfortable and smooth suspension.

Peak 2CV production was reached in 1974, with 163,143 examples sold. By 1980, this had dropped to 89,994 and by 1983 just 59,673 were built. Sales had been strong during the 1973 Energy Crisis but this faded over the years. New economy cars from Europe and Japan also played a role in the decrease of 2CV sales. Between 1986 and 1987, Citroen 2CV production fell by 20 percent to 43,255 cars. Production in France would come to an end in 1988.

The Citroen 2CV was an uncompromisingly utilitarian vehicle that was technologically innovative with unconventional looks. The simple Bauhaus inspired bodywork belied the sheer quality of its underlying engineering. It would become one of Citroen's most iconic cars.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019