Citroën 2 CV Bitter Lemon
Scale 1/43
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This Citroën 2CV Bitter Lemon miniature in 1/43rd scale captures the essence of the iconic "Deudeuche" in its most memorable advertising version. Faithfully recreating this exclusive collaboration between Citroën and the Bitter Lemon soft drink brand, this collector's piece will delight fans of French motoring and lovers of vintage advertising. Every detail of this French model car reflects the craftsmanship and care taken in reproducing this iconic model.
This miniature replica is a must-have for any collector keen to preserve France's automotive heritage. It perfectly embodies the popular spirit and ingenuity of Citroën, while recalling an era when promotional vehicles travelled the roads of France to promote brands.
Launched in 1948 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën 2CV was born from a revolutionary brief: to create a car capable of "carrying two farmers in clogs, 50 kg of potatoes or a barrel across the fields". This forward-thinking philosophy addressed the mobility needs of post-war rural France, where the car remained an unaffordable luxury for most of the population.
The 2CV revolutionised the car industry with its radically different design. Its air-cooled twin-cylinder engine, interconnected torsion bar suspension and ultra-light monocoque body made it a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle. These technical innovations, combined with a particularly attractive price, democratised car ownership and profoundly transformed French society. Production ran for forty-two years, from 1948 to 1990, a testament to the lasting relevance of this automotive concept.
The 2CV's commercial success went far beyond French borders. Exported around the world, it became the ambassador of the French art de vivre. Its mechanical simplicity, legendary robustness and endearing character won over generations of motorists, making this "Deudeuche" far more than just a car: a genuine cultural phenomenon.
André Citroën founded his company in 1919 with a clear ambition: to mass-produce cars using American industrial methods. A pioneer of mass production in Europe, he revolutionised the French car industry by adapting Fordist techniques to the European market. This innovative approach immediately positioned Citroën as a bold manufacturer, capable of offering accessible vehicles without compromising on quality.
Citroën's history is marked by a series of remarkable technical innovations. From the Traction Avant in 1934, the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car, to the DS in 1955 with its revolutionary hydropneumatic suspension, the chevron brand constantly pushed technological boundaries. This culture of innovation also shone through in its bold marketing strategies, notably the use of colourful promotional vehicles that toured France promoting various partner brands.
During the development of the 2CV in the 1930s and 1940s, Citroën went through a period of rebuilding after the financial difficulties of the 1930s. The TPV project (Très Petite Voiture, or Very Small Car), the 2CV's forerunner, embodied the brand's determination to win back the mass market. The strategy paid off: the 2CV quickly became one of the best-selling models in French automotive history, consolidating Citroën's position among Europe's major manufacturers.
The story of the 2CV Bitter Lemon perfectly illustrates the creative spirit of the 1960s and 1970s, an era when advertising made massive inroads into public space. Bitter Lemon, a carbonated drink with a distinctive taste launched by Schweppes, sought to win over the French market with an original marketing strategy. The collaboration with Citroën to turn 2CVs into mobile promotional vehicles fit perfectly into this forward-thinking approach.
These promotional 2CVs, sporting Bitter Lemon's signature yellow livery, roamed French roads, turning every journey into a promotional campaign. The visual impact was striking: the bright colour stood out against the usual sobriety of cars of the period. This vehicle-based communication strategy foreshadowed modern street marketing techniques, demonstrating the modernity of this advertising approach.
The association between the 2CV and Bitter Lemon also reveals the evolution of French mindsets. In a society undergoing rapid modernisation, these vehicles embodied openness to new consumption habits and forms of communication. The 2CV, a symbol of traditional rural France, became a carrier of advertising messages for cosmopolitan products, perfectly illustrating the socio-cultural shifts of this pivotal period.
Today, these 2CV Bitter Lemon cars are sought-after collector's pieces, a reminder of an era when advertising creativity and automotive heritage came together to create one-of-a-kind objects. Their miniature reproduction helps preserve this collective memory, giving collectors the chance to own a fragment of this French advertising history.
This 2CV Bitter Lemon miniature holds a special place in the world of French automotive replicas. It fits perfectly into collections dedicated to Citroën 2CV models, offering a rare and sought-after advertising variant. Its distinctive livery also makes it an ideal complement to collections of promotional vehicles, illustrating the history of communication through the automobile.
Fans of French cars will especially appreciate this piece within the broader context of French model cars. It harmoniously pairs with other iconic models such as collectible Renault models or Peugeot miniatures, creating a complete panorama of the tricolour automotive industry.
This 1/43rd scale replica appeals as much to experienced collectors as to newcomers eager to discover the world of model cars. Its accessible nature and charming history make it an ideal entry piece for exploring 1960s models and 1970s models, golden periods of French automotive and advertising creativity.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.