The Citroën 2 CV AZAM bordeaux by Norev
This stunning reproduction of the Citroën 2 CV AZAM in its elegant bordeaux livery captures the essence of the iconic French "Deudeuche." Meticulously crafted by Norev, this miniature showcases the golden age of the French popular automobile and is a true gem for any car enthusiast.
A true collectible, this miniature appeals to both nostalgics of French cars and discerning collectors seeking authenticity and refinement in their acquisitions.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Citroën 2 CV AZAM
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1956-1967
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Bordeaux
- Protective case included: Yes
The real model: A popular automotive revolution
The Citroën 2 CV AZAM represents a significant evolution of the original 2 CV, launched in 1956 to meet the expectations of customers seeking more comfort. This "Improvement, Zoom, Layout" version - hence the acronym AZAM - brought significant innovations such as an enlarged rear window, more comfortable seats, and a redesigned dashboard.
Powered by the same air-cooled 425 cm³ two-cylinder engine generating 18 horsepower, the AZAM retained the essential qualities of the 2 CV: simplicity, robustness, and economy. Its monocoque chassis and interconnected torsion bar suspensions provided a unique road handling, particularly suited to the French roads of the time.
The commercial success was immediate, as the AZAM version contributed to further democratizing the automobile in France and played a role in the rise of motorization among the middle classes during the Trente Glorieuses.
Citroën in the 1950s-60s
During the time of the AZAM, Citroën was undergoing a period of intense innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and later Pierre-Jules Boulanger. The chevron brand was revolutionizing the French automotive industry with forward-thinking concepts, combining technical audacity and a social vision of the automobile.
This philosophy was embodied by the simultaneous development of the 2 CV for the popular classes and the revolutionary DS, launched in 1955. Citroën demonstrated its ability to cover the entire French automotive market, from the most accessible French cars to the most sophisticated. This dual strategy allowed the brand to consolidate its leading innovative position in the hexagonal market while exporting its models to many countries.
The anecdote of the 2 CV AZAM
The most enjoyable story of the 2 CV AZAM is its official presentation at the Paris Motor Show in 1956. Citroën engineers, eager to demonstrate the improvements made, organized a spectacular demonstration comparing the old 2 CV to the new AZAM.
An automotive journalist from that time reported that André Lefèbvre, the chief engineer of the project, had the two versions installed side by side in the exhibition hall. Visitors were invited to sit alternately in each model to appreciate the gains in comfort and visibility. The exercise turned into general confusion when several visitors, charmed by the simplicity of the old version, explicitly asked to order "the old one" instead of the new!
This anecdote perfectly illustrates the emotional attachment that the original 2 CV already evoked, but also the paradoxical success of Citroën: to create an improved version while preserving the authentic spirit that made the "Deudeuche" charming. The AZAM ultimately became a bridge between tradition and modernity, embodying the gentle evolution of a French automotive symbol.
Complete your miniature collection
This Citroën 2 CV AZAM bordeaux naturally finds its place at the heart of Citroën miniatures, alongside other icons like the DS or the Traction. It fits perfectly with other models from the 1950s and is an essential element of any collection dedicated to French classics.
Collectors passionate about the Norev universe will appreciate the exemplary finishing quality of this reproduction, which harmoniously integrates with the manufacturer's other creations. This miniature appeals to both fans of popular cars and specialists in 1/43 scale, offering a perfect balance between historical authenticity and miniature excellence to enrich any serious automobile collection.
