An iconic miniature in service of French heritage
This Citroën 2CV AZL firefighters red from Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon represents a particular chapter in the history of French rescue vehicles. Meticulously reproduced by Norev in 1/43 scale, this miniature captures the essence of an era when the Deudeuche faithfully served emergency services in our rural and suburban communities.
A true collectible item, this piece testifies to the remarkable adaptation of the mythical 2CV to the specific needs of local firefighter units, particularly in the Lyon region during the 1960s-1970s.
Features of the miniature
- Model: Citroën 2CV AZL Firefighters Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1960-1970
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Firefighters red
- Protective case included: Yes
The 2CV AZL in service of first aid
The Citroën 2CV AZL (Azote Lent) was launched in 1956 as an evolution of the original 2CV A. This version was distinguished by its 425 cm³ engine developing 12 horsepower, offering modest but sufficient performance for local missions. The adaptation of this model to the needs of rescue services showcases the French ingenuity of the post-war era, where each vehicle had to meet multiple needs with limited resources.
Rural firefighter units quickly adopted this economical and practical solution. The 2CV offered exemplary reliability on all types of terrain, remarkable ease of maintenance, and negligible operational costs. These qualities made it the ideal vehicle for essential interventions in municipalities where heavy equipment was not justified.
This firefighters version from Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon perfectly illustrates the time when emergency services relied on adapted civilian vehicles, before the arrival of modern specialized vehicles.
Citroën in the 1960s: innovation and pragmatism
At the time of the production of this 2CV AZL, Citroën was experiencing a period of sustained growth under the leadership of Pierre Bercot. The chevron brand was consolidating its position in the European market by simultaneously developing the revolutionary DS and refining its popular range with the 2CV and Ami 6.
The company founded by André Citroën in 1919 had built its reputation on technical innovation and the democratization of the automobile. In the 1960s, this philosophy was reflected in a pragmatic approach: offering mobility solutions adapted to all needs, including those of local public services. This strategy allowed Citroën to maintain high production volumes while diversifying its outlets.
The saga of the firefighters' 2CV
The use of the 2CV by firefighter units reveals a little-known aspect of the history of French emergency services. In the 1960s-1970s, many rural municipalities did not have fire stations equipped with specialized vehicles. The solution was to adapt civilian vehicles to the needs of first aid.
These firefighters' 2CVs were generally equipped with basic equipment: fire extinguishers, first aid kit, axe, and sometimes a small manual pump. Their main mission was to ensure a quick presence at the incident scene while waiting for heavy means to arrive from the main station. This pyramid organization allowed efficient coverage of the territory with limited resources.
The example of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon is particularly interesting because this municipality in Rhône, located in the Lyon agglomeration, represented a typical case of these localities experiencing demographic growth. The acquisition of a firefighters' 2CV testified to the municipal will to ensure a local service while controlling costs. These vehicles remained in service until the mid-1980s, gradually replaced by vans specially designed for rescue missions.
Today, these firefighters' 2CVs have become sought-after collector’s items, symbols of an era when ingenuity compensated for limited resources and where local solidarity was expressed concretely through these technical adaptations.
Complete your miniature collection
This Citroën 2CV AZL firefighters naturally finds its place in several collection themes. It ideally complements sets dedicated to firefighting vehicles and fits perfectly into a collection of Citroën 2CV in all its variants.
Collectors passionate about French automotive heritage will also appreciate this piece in addition to the French cars of the era. It interacts perfectly with other Norev models from the range, a manufacturer known for its fidelity to detail and its expertise in reproducing classics from the 1950-1979 period.
This miniature will appeal to both local history enthusiasts and fans of public service vehicles, constituting an authentic testimony of an era where creativity and pragmatism guided the organization of emergency services in France.
