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08/11/2022 2:30 pm
1948 was the debut of the Citroen 2CV that was conceived to motorize French farmers still using horses and carts. Its unique suspension made it capable of tranversing freshly plowed fields.The early versions (like this FM '51 model) featured a full length canvas 'sun roof' top that extended to the trunk to allow for larger cargo. The 2CV air-cooled "Traction Avant" 2 cylinder 375cc engine produced 9 horsepower connected to a 4 speed transaxle. It was lightweight at 1323lbs employing thin metal stampings corrugated for rigidity. Michelin produced its first radial tire specifically for the 2CV. It was produced in many variants all the way to 1990, and is regarded as important in design as the ModelT for its many innovations. I liked one quote that read: " the most intelligent application of minimalism ever to succeed as a car" and "a car of "remorseless rationality"".
Tony Perrone and David Green reacted
08/11/2022 3:12 pm
This was the perfect French farmer’s car. Could go anywhere, off road and on with an incredibly gentle ride. No broken eggs. If you got stuck (rare), you could lift it out of trouble. Also, almost impossible to tip over. While it is no speed champion, I can attest that it is a pleasure to drive. Thank you one again for another fine photo essay, Rich.
Rich Sufficool and Tony Perrone reacted
08/11/2022 3:34 pm
I just saw one of these (1:1) in Prague. So ugly it's cute. Wish I had bought the FM model. Click on pic for a clearer image.
This post was modified 3 years ago 5 times by Mark Sweeney
Rich Sufficool and Tony Perrone reacted
08/11/2022 4:34 pm
Hachette et al make countless versions of it in 1/24. Heres a 1964 example that I'm after, at a cheap price, for my French Post Office backdrop.
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