The dark blue Citroën 2 CV, a faithful reproduction of the famous "Deudeuche", takes its place in this magnificent 1:18th scale miniature by Solido. This icon of French motoring, with its deep and authentic blue hue, captures the essence of this revolutionary vehicle that has influenced generations of motorists.
This collectible miniature is a must-have for all French car enthusiasts and discerning collectors, offering a remarkable level of detail that pays homage to the original with striking accuracy.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: Citroën 2 CV
- Brand: Citroën
- Scale: 1/18th
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Color: Dark blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The real model: a revolution on four wheels
The Citroën 2 CV was born in 1948 under the impetus of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, who wanted to create a popular car capable of "transporting two farmers in clogs, 50 kg of potatoes or a barrel across the fields". This ambitious project, initiated before the Second World War, aimed to motorize rural France with a simple, robust and economical vehicle.
Equipped with a 375cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine initially developing 9 horsepower, the 2CV is distinguished by its revolutionary interconnected torsion bar suspension, allowing for unique handling on all types of terrain. Its corrugated iron body and canvas sunroof give this vehicle an incomparable personality.
The commercial success was phenomenal: more than 5 million units were produced between 1948 and 1990, making the 2CV one of the best-selling French cars in history. It democratized the automobile in France and was exported worldwide, becoming a symbol of freedom and simplicity.
Citroën: innovation at the heart of its DNA
When the 2CV was created, Citroën was experiencing a period of renaissance after the difficulties of the interwar period. André Citroën had founded his brand in 1919 with the ambition of democratizing the automobile, and the 2CV fit perfectly with this philosophy. The TPV (Toute Petite Voiture) project had been interrupted by the war, but the determination of Pierre Michelin and his team made it a reality.
The chevron brand had already distinguished itself with revolutionary innovations such as front-wheel drive on the Traction Avant in 1934. With the 2 CV, Citroën confirmed its reputation as a bold manufacturer, capable of offering original technical solutions to meet the mobility needs of the time. This innovative approach is reflected today in our collection of Citroën model cars , which celebrates this rich automotive history.
The 2CV anecdote: eggs and a cap
One of the most entertaining anecdotes about the 2CV concerns the homologation tests conducted by Citroën engineers. To validate the comfort of the revolutionary suspension, they came up with a rather original test: the car had to be able to cross a plowed field at 60 km/h while carrying a basket of eggs without breaking a single one, and allow the driver to keep his hat on his head.
This requirement, which may seem anecdotal today, perfectly reflected the concerns of the time and the target audience: French farmers who needed a vehicle capable of driving on the bumpy dirt roads of the French countryside. The interconnected suspension system, a true technical feat, effectively allowed the 2 CV to "float" over the uneven terrain.
When it was unveiled at the 1948 Paris Motor Show , the 2CV provoked mixed reactions. Some journalists nicknamed it "the rolling saucepan" or "Citroën's ugly duckling." However, the public was immediately won over: the first orders poured in and delivery times quickly reached several years. This immediate popularity confirmed the accuracy of Pierre-Jules Boulanger's vision.
The 2CV quickly became much more than just a car: it embodied a French art de vivre , a symbol of freedom, simplicity, and authenticity. From rallies to trips across Europe, including cult films like "La Grande Vadrouille," it accompanied the defining moments of French society for more than four decades.
Complete your miniature collection
This 1/18th scale Citroën 2 CV Solido naturally finds its place in the world of exceptional model cars. The 1/18th scale allows you to appreciate all the details that make the "Deudeuche" so charming: the characteristic round headlights, the doors with visible hinges, or even the faithful reproduction of the stripped-down but functional interior. This piece fits perfectly into our 1/18th scale collection .
Passionate collectors of French automobiles will appreciate associating it with other icons of the era, thus creating a true miniature museum of the golden age of the French automobile industry. It harmoniously interacts with the models in our French collection and also finds its place among the automobiles of the 1950s .
This miniature will appeal to both seasoned collectors and novices discovering the world of automobile reproductions, enthusiasts of French industrial history, or those who wish to relive the emotion of their first car. Its Solido manufacturing quality makes it a lasting investment for any collection worthy of the name, testifying to French excellence in the art of automobile model cars.
