Citroën 2 CV color tests
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 colour test car miniature represents one of the most iconic models of French motoring in its experimental prototype version. Faithfully recreated at 1:43 scale, this collector's piece captures the very essence of the famous "Deudeuche" during its development phases, offering car enthusiasts a unique glimpse into French industrial history.
Aimed at seasoned collectors and automotive history buffs, this miniature replica is a must-have for anyone looking to enrich their collection of legendary French vehicles. Its remarkable level of detail and refined finish make it a prestige piece that naturally takes pride of place in the finest display cabinets.
The Citroën 2CV was born in the 1930s under the leadership of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, then managing director of Citroën. The brief was revolutionary for its time: create a people's car capable of carrying "two farmers in clogs, 50 kg of potatoes or a barrel across the fields". This radically different philosophy would give rise to one of the most innovative vehicles of the 20th century.
The test prototypes that inspired this miniature featured cutting-edge engineering: interconnected torsion bar suspension, an ultra-light corrugated sheet metal body and an air-cooled twin-cylinder engine. These experimental versions often wore special liveries that allowed Citroën engineers to quickly identify the different development phases during road trials.
Commercial success was immediate from the car's launch in 1948. With more than 5 million units produced until 1990, the 2CV became the symbol of automotive democratisation in France, transforming the mobility habits of several generations.
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the brand with the double chevron quickly made its mark through its pioneering spirit and revolutionary technical solutions. In the 1940s, when the 2CV was being designed, Citroën was going through post-war reconstruction and looking to redefine its business strategy around the concept of an affordable people's car.
Under Pierre-Jules Boulanger, the company developed a unique industrial philosophy in Europe: producing technically advanced vehicles that were also economically accessible to the greatest number. This approach stood in stark contrast to the competition of the day, positioning Citroën as the manufacturer of democratic innovation. The post-war period offered the brand an opportunity to win over a rapidly expanding market: the motorisation of the French countryside.
This visionary strategy allowed Citroën to establish itself durably in the segment of French people's cars, creating a unique brand identity built on technical originality and social accessibility.
The history of the Citroën 2CV test prototypes holds a fascinating anecdote that perfectly illustrates the spirit of secrecy and innovation reigning at Citroën. In 1939, on the eve of the Second World War, several nearly finished prototypes were hastily hidden on a farm in the Paris region to keep them out of the hands of the German occupiers.
These test vehicles, recognisable by their special development liveries, remained concealed for the entire duration of the conflict. Some examples carried specific colour codes allowing engineers to quickly identify the technical changes being tested: suspension systems, body variants or experimental engine configurations. This visual coding method was revolutionary for its time and bears witness to the scientific rigour applied to automotive development at Citroën.
After the Liberation, the rediscovery of these prototypes allowed Boulanger's team to resume work immediately where it had been interrupted. This continuity in development partly explains why the 2CV could be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show as early as 1948, just three years after the end of hostilities. The coloured test versions from this period are today regarded as privileged witnesses to this French industrial epic.
This anecdote also reveals the strategic importance this project held for Citroën: the company was prepared to take every risk to safeguard the future of its most promising innovation, aware that it had a model capable of revolutionising the European automotive industry in the post-war era.
This Citroën 2CV colour test car miniature naturally fits at the heart of a collection dedicated to iconic French vehicles. It pairs perfectly with other Citroën models from the same era, notably Citroën miniatures and replicas of the Traction Avant, creating a cohesive ensemble representative of the golden age of French automotive innovation.
Collectors passionate about industrial history will particularly appreciate how this piece complements French miniature cars from the 1940s and 1950s. It also makes an excellent starting point for exploring classic models from 1950-1979, a period of automotive democratisation of which the 2CV was one of the most striking symbols.
This replica appeals as much to seasoned collectors as to newcomers eager to discover French motoring history. Its exceptional documentary value makes it a reference piece for understanding the evolution of French industrial design, while its high-quality craftsmanship ensures optimal preservation over the decades. Fans of vintage vehicles will find an authentic testimony to an era when technical boldness outweighed purely commercial considerations, making every innovation a genuine social revolution.
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.