“1956 Citroën 2CV – Flickr – skinnylawyer” by skinnylawyer from Los Angeles, California, USA – 1956 Citroën 2CV. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
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32. Citroën 2CV 1948–1990 France
The Citroën 2CV is a front-engine, front wheel drive, air-cooled economy carmanufactured by Citroën between the years 1948-1990. In French the 2CV is called “deuxchevaux” which means ‘two horses,’ or the “deuxchevaux-vapeur,” meaning ‘two steam horses.’ Citroën Vice-President Paul Boulanger’s conception was introduced at the 1948 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile. The auto featured a distinctive full-width, canvas, rollback sunroof, which was ideal for large loads. This helped market the car towards French farmers, many of whom were still using horse and carriage. The car had a minimalist design but innovative engineering which made it reliable and affordable. The ‘umbrella on wheels,’ as it was sometimes called, was a dependable, low-cost vehicle that offered both a smooth ride and work capabilities.
*Car of the Century Finalist
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