The dark green Citroën 2CV: a French icon in model car
This **magnificent model car of the Citroën 2CV** in its authentic dark green livery captures the essence of the most iconic French popular automobile of the 20th century. Reproduced with remarkable attention to detail, this collector's item faithfully represents the "Deuche" that marked the history of the automobile and accompanied generations of French people in their daily adventures.
A true **collector's item** for car and French history enthusiasts, this model car is a must-have for anyone who wants to celebrate the ingenuity and revolutionary simplicity of Pierre-Jules Boulanger and his team at Citroën.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën 2CV
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: Model representative of the 1950s-1990s
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Dark green
- Protective case included: Yes
The story of the real model
Officially launched in 1948 at the Paris Motor Show, the **Citroën 2CV** was actually the result of a secret project initiated in 1935. Pierre-Jules Boulanger, then director of Citroën, had defined a revolutionary specification: to create a car capable of "transporting two farmers in clogs, 50 kg of potatoes or a barrel, at 60 km/h, for 3 liters per 100 kilometers". The objective was to motorize rural France and democratize the automobile.
The 2CV stood out for its **bold technical innovations**: interconnected coil spring suspension, a canvas sunroof, removable seats, and above all its mechanical simplicity, which allowed for easy repairs. Its 375cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine initially developed 9 horsepower, sufficient for its modest but effective ambitions.
With more than **5.1 million units** produced between 1948 and 1990, the 2CV became much more than a car: a cultural and social phenomenon that accompanied the modernization of France during the Trente Glorieuses.
Citroën in the years of the 2CV's creation
In the immediate post-war period, Citroën was undergoing a period of reconstruction following the financial difficulties of the 1930s and the German occupation. The chevron brand, founded by André Citroën in 1919, had already made automotive history with the revolutionary Traction Avant of 1934, the first mass-produced car with front-wheel drive.
Under the leadership of Pierre-Jules Boulanger, Citroën developed a unique philosophy: to create **innovative and accessible** automobiles. This vision would be realized not only with the 2CV, but also with the DS in 1955, confirming the brand's ability to revolutionize the French automobile industry. The company, partially nationalized after the war, benefited from state support to develop a truly popular car.
This prosperous period of **French innovation** in the automobile industry was characterized by a constant search for original technical solutions, making Citroën a unique laboratory of ideas in the global industry.
The anecdote of the "umbrella car"
One of the tastiest anecdotes about the **Citroën 2CV** concerns its first public tests at the 1948 Motor Show. Visitors, accustomed to conventional automobiles of the time, were so confused by the 2CV's appearance that they immediately nicknamed it "the umbrella car" in reference to its canvas roof. The automotive press of the time was not kind: "Do we have so little steel that Citroën is giving us a body made of boiled cardboard?" some magazines could read.
Yet this apparent simplicity hid remarkable ingenuity. The engineers had designed a car so light and rugged that it could cross a plowed field with a basket of eggs on the back seat without breaking a single one—a real-life test carried out by Citroën to demonstrate the effectiveness of its unique suspension. This performance was due to the interconnected suspension system, which allowed the wheels to individually adapt to the unevenness of the terrain.
The 2CV quickly became the **symbol of newfound freedom** of the 1950s and 1960s. It accompanied the first paid holidays, weekends in the countryside, and especially May 1968, when it became the emblem of protesting youth. Its ease of maintenance—an engine could be changed with a simple set of wrenches—made it the ideal companion for penniless students and bohemian artists.
This **humble yet revolutionary** automobile still inspires manufacturers today who seek to create simple, economical, and durable vehicles. Its legacy extends far beyond the automotive world to touch upon the French art of living.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This dark green Citroën 2CV is a natural fit for any collection dedicated to iconic French automobiles. It blends perfectly with other model car Citroën models, including Citroën model cars from the same era, such as the DS and the Traction Avant, forming a triptych representative of French innovation.
Collectors passionate about **popular cars** will appreciate combining it with other French icons such as the Renault 4CV or the Renault 4L , creating a showcase of democratic French motoring. This model car also fits admirably into thematic collections dedicated to the 1950s or French cars .
Whether you are a **seasoned collector** or a fan of automotive history, this model car 2CV represents a heritage investment in the memory of French automobiles. It will appeal to both 1/43rd scale model car enthusiasts and those nostalgic for vintage cars , building a bridge between generations and automotive passions.
