This 1958 Citroën 2CV AZLM in bordeaux, reproduced by Norev, is a precious testimony to one of the most iconic cars in French automotive heritage. This miniature captures the very essence of the "Deuche" in its elegant bordeaux livery, a hue that emphasizes the popular and charming character of this revolutionary vehicle.
A true collectible item, this faithful reproduction allows car enthusiasts to relive the blessed era of the Trente Glorieuses, when the 2CV embodied the democratization of the automobile in France and accompanied the social transformations of the post-war period.
Miniature Features
- Model: 2CV AZLM
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1958
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Bordeaux
- Manufacturer: Norev
- Protective box included: Yes
Description of the Actual Model
The 1958 Citroën 2CV AZLM represents the culmination of the early evolutions of the 2CV, launched ten years earlier in 1948. This AZLM version (AZ Luxe Modified) benefits from notable improvements compared to the earlier models, including a more powerful 425 cm³ engine developing 18 horsepower, as well as enhanced interior finishes.
This 1958 model is distinguished by its technical innovations: the adoption of a new, even softer suspension system, improvement of the heating system, and introduction of new body colors, including this refined bordeaux that contrasts with the more austere shades of the early years. The removable roof remains one of the major assets of the model, allowing for a quick transformation into a convertible.
With its growing commercial success, the 1958 2CV confirms its place in the hearts of the French, quickly becoming a symbol of accessible mobility and a laid-back art of living that will mark several generations.
History of Citroën in the Late 1950s
In 1958, Citroën was going through a period of rebirth under the leadership of André Citroën and then Pierre Bercot. The brand with the chevrons, bolstered by the success of the 2CV and the Traction Avant, consolidated its reputation as an innovator with bold technical solutions that challenged the automotive conventions of the time.
This period corresponds to the golden age of the French automotive industry. Citroën, heir to an avant-garde tradition since its founding in 1919, continues to surprise with vehicles that prioritize comfort and accessibility over sheer performance. The brand's philosophy, embodied by the 2CV, aims to democratize the automobile by offering simple, reliable, and economical solutions.
The year 1958 also marks the beginnings of the development of the future DS, which will revolutionize the automobile a few years later, confirming Citroën's ability to anticipate market expectations while preserving its unique technical identity.
The 2CV and May 68: Symbol of a Generation
The 1958 bordeaux 2CV would become, a decade later, one of the emblematic vehicles of the May 1968 events. Its bordeaux color, initially chosen for its bourgeois elegance, took on a whole new meaning when it became the preferred mode of transport for protesting Parisian students.
Unlike flashy American cars or austere German sedans, the 2CV embodied an alternative philosophy: simplicity, economy, and above all a certain form of resistance to nascent consumerism. Its ease of maintenance allowed a cash-strapped generation to drive for next to nothing, while its open roof invited spontaneous getaways.
Contemporary journalists reported that during the demonstrations, the 2CVs served as link vehicles between the various university campuses, their owners not hesitating to cram six or seven people into the spartan cabin. The legendary robustness of the suspension allowed it to cross makeshift barricades without damage.
This anecdote perfectly illustrates how an industrial object can transcend its primary function to become a cultural symbol, transforming a simple economical car into a banner of a generation that dreamed of changing the world.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Norev 2CV AZLM naturally finds its place within a collection dedicated to Citroën 2CV, where it can accompany the various iterations and evolutions of this legendary model. It harmonizes perfectly with other miniatures from the 1950s to recreate the automotive atmosphere of this pivotal decade.
Passionate collectors of French automobiles will appreciate pairing it with other Citroën models from the era, including late Traction Avants or the first revolutionary Citroëns. This piece also integrates beautifully into a thematic collection devoted to French cars or classics from 1950 to 1979.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a nostalgic amateur, this bordeaux 2CV is a prized piece that accurately evokes a time when the French automobile shone with its originality and technical audacity, captivating both history enthusiasts and lovers of fine mechanics.
