A model car automotive legend
Solido 's 1979 gray Citroën 2CV convertible captures the essence of a French automotive legend in a 1:43 scale model. This faithful reproduction of the "Deuche" in its convertible version perfectly embodies the spirit of freedom and simplicity that made this iconic model a success for nearly forty years.
This collector's model car stands out as an authentic testimony to an era when French automobiles shone through their originality and accessibility, making this 2CV a must-have for any automotive history enthusiast.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën 2CV convertible
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1979
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Gray
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: 1819
- Protective case included: Yes
The Citroën 2CV: a French automotive revolution
Launched in 1948 at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën 2CV represented a revolutionary vision of the popular automobile. Designed in the 1930s under the leadership of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, it had to meet audacious specifications: transporting "two farmers in clogs, 50 kg of potatoes, or a barrel" at 60 km/h for 3 liters per 100 kilometers.
This 1979 convertible version reflects the model's evolution toward a more urban and hedonistic clientele. By this time, the 2CV had already won the hearts of the French and was being exported massively, becoming a symbol of the French art de vivre. Its air-cooled twin-cylinder engine and revolutionary suspension continued to offer unique driving comfort, particularly appreciated in the convertible version.
The commercial success was phenomenal: with more than 5 million units produced, the 2CV remains one of the best-selling cars in French automotive history, spanning the decades without losing its original charm.
Citroën in 1979: between tradition and modernization
In 1979, Citroën was navigating a pivotal period in its history. Acquired by Peugeot in 1976 after years of financial difficulties, the brand with the chevrons sought to preserve its technical identity while adapting to new economic constraints. The 2CV was then a pillar of the range, generating significant volumes and appreciable profitability.
This period also marked the peak of the diversification of the 2CV range , with special versions such as the Charleston and the France 3, which demonstrated Citroën's ability to continually reinvent this iconic model. The brand founded by André Citroën in 1919 thus maintained its tradition of innovation and audacity, inherited from the revolutionary Traction Avant and DS.
The year 1979 also saw Citroën prepare for the future with the development of new technologies that would culminate in the BX, while continuing to exploit the 2CV, which had in the meantime become a true social phenomenon transcending generations.
The summer of all records
The year 1979 marked a particular turning point in the history of the convertible 2CV . That year, France experienced one of the hottest summers of the century, and sales of the convertible 2CV literally exploded. Citroën dealers were taken by surprise by this unexpected demand, to the point that some customers waited several months to get their convertible "Deuche".
This frenzy was explained by a unique sociological phenomenon: the 2CV convertible had become the perfect symbol of the post-1968 generation , which aspired to a certain form of freedom and a return to simple values. Unlike luxury convertibles, the open-top 2CV democratized the pleasure of driving with the wind in its hair, accessible to a youth in search of authenticity.
The media of the time immortalized this summer fashion, with reports showing lines of open-topped 2CVs on holiday roads. This image became so iconic that it had a lasting influence on the perception of the Citroën brand, which was now associated with a certain typically French laid-back lifestyle .
Paradoxically, this sudden popularity helped transform the 2CV from a rural utility vehicle into an urban object of desire, foreshadowing its future transformation into the vintage icon we know today.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This gray Citroën 2CV convertible Solido naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to iconic French automobiles . It harmonizes perfectly with other Citroën models such as the legendary DS or the revolutionary Traction Avant , forming a coherent whole representative of the creative genius of the chevron brand.
For collectors looking to broaden their approach, this model car also provides an excellent starting point for the world of convertible cars or vintage vehicles . Its complementarity with other models of the 1970s automobile makes it a unifying element of a thematic collection.
This Solido piece will appeal to both seasoned collectors and novices attracted by French automotive history. Its reproduction quality and historical authenticity make it a safe investment to enrich a collection of French model cars , while retaining a strong emotional dimension linked to the memories that this legendary 2CV universally arouses.
