The Citroën 2CV Highway Patrol: A French icon in the service of law and order
This model car Citroën 2CV Highway Patrol represents an exceptional and little-known version of the famous French "Deudeuche." Transformed for road safety purposes, this 2CV sports a special livery that demonstrates the remarkable adaptability of Citroën's iconic model. This faithful reproduction is a choice piece for any enthusiast of French car model cars.
A true collector's item , this model car captures the essence of an era when the 2CV was used in all trades, including road surveillance. It fits perfectly into the world of French service vehicles and represents an authentic testament to French automotive ingenuity.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën 2CV Highway Patrol
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1960s-1970s
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Highway Patrol Special Livery
- Protective case included: Yes
The story of the real model
The Citroën 2CV was launched in 1948 with a revolutionary specification: to transport four people and fifty kilos of luggage at 60 km/h while consuming only 3 liters per 100 kilometers. This philosophy of simplicity and economy quickly made the 2CV a versatile vehicle, adopted by many trades and government agencies.
The Highway Patrol version is a testament to this exceptional adaptability . Equipped with a flashing beacon and a special livery, it was used for patrolling motorways and trunk roads. Its 425cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine produced modest but sufficient power for patrol duties, while its revolutionary suspension allowed it to travel on all types of surfaces.
This particular use of the 2CV perfectly illustrates the French spirit of the time: doing the best with the least, transforming an economical civilian vehicle into an effective public service tool . The 2CV Highway Patrol thus embodied a pragmatic approach to road safety, far removed from the luxury of today's patrol vehicles.
Citroën: Innovation in the service of automobile democratization
Founded in 1919 by André Citroën , the chevron brand revolutionized the French automotive industry by introducing mass production methods. From the outset, Citroën stood out for its innovative approach: the first European brand to adopt the assembly line, it quickly democratized the automobile in France.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the period of the 2CV Highway Patrol, Citroën experienced a period of intense innovation . Alongside the success of the 2CV, the brand developed the revolutionary DS and prepared for the arrival of the GS. This period corresponded to the golden age of Citroën engineering, marked by bold technical solutions such as hydropneumatic suspension and the flat engine.
Citroën's philosophy at this time prioritized comfort and innovation over raw power. This approach allowed the brand to create unique, instantly recognizable vehicles that left a lasting mark on the French and international automotive imagination.
An icon in the service of order
The use of the Citroën 2CV in the Highway Patrol version remains one of the most surprising adaptations of this iconic model. Imagine the scene: on the French roads of the 1960s, a modest 2CV equipped with a flashing light chasing offenders driving much more powerful vehicles! This situation, which might seem comical today, was perfectly suited to the time.
The 2CV Highway Patrol's strength lay not in its limited top speed, but in its exceptional ability to navigate areas other vehicles could not. Rutted country roads, forest paths, and rough terrain: the 2CV patrolled where conventional sedans would have given up. Its remarkable range also allowed for long patrol runs without refueling.
This particular use helped forge the legend of the 2CV as a universal vehicle. The gendarmes and police officers of the time developed a real affection for their service "deudeuches", appreciating their reliability and ease of maintenance. Some models traveled several hundred thousand kilometers without failing.
Today, these 2CV Highway Patrols are among the most sought-after versions among collectors. They symbolize an era when France relied on ingenuity rather than a show of force, a philosophy perfectly reflected in this exceptional model car.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Citroën 2CV Highway Patrol occupies a special place in the world of French model cars. It fits perfectly alongside other Citroën 2CV models to form a cohesive ensemble representing the many facets of this legendary vehicle.
For collectors wishing to explore the world of police and gendarmerie vehicles , this model car is an excellent starting point. It blends harmoniously with other French public service vehicles , offering a panoramic view of the evolution of the means implemented by the police.
Fans of French model cars will particularly appreciate this piece, which naturally interacts with classic models from 1950 to 1979. This 2CV Highway Patrol also finds its place in a thematic collection dedicated to vintage cars , testifying to the French automotive ingenuity of a bygone era.
Whether you are a passionate collector or a fan of automotive history, this model car represents much more than a simple decorative object: it constitutes a true fragment of French history, an invitation to rediscover an era where simplicity rhymed with efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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