The Citroën 2CV , better known as the "Goat" in Belgium and the "Ugly Duckling" in the Netherlands, is without a doubt one of the most iconic cars ever built. This French classic, produced between 1948 and 1990, grew into a worldwide phenomenon. With more than 8.8 million units (including sister models such as the Dyane, Ami and Méhari), the 2CV became a symbol of simplicity, durability and charm.
The Beginning: An "Umbrella on Wheels"
The story of the 2CV begins in 1935, when tire manufacturer Michelin acquired Citroën. The new management wanted to develop a compact, affordable car that was suitable for the rugged French countryside. Pierre-Jules Boulanger, the driving force behind the project, had a clear vision: the car had to help farmers transport goods such as potatoes or wine barrels and had to be so comfortable that eggs in a basket would not break during a bumpy ride. The result? A lightweight vehicle with a flexible chassis and a simple yet functional design.
Although Citroën had finished the prototype in 1939, the Second World War threw a spanner in the works. The final version was not unveiled to the general public until 23 March 1948. A journalist christened the car "ugly duckling", a nickname that was proudly embraced in the Netherlands.
Why the Citroën 2CV Became So Popular
The 2CV was initially supplied to farmers and healthcare workers, but French artists soon came to appreciate the car's charms. Due to the huge demand, the waiting time soon increased to three years! Thanks to its robustness, simplicity and low cost, the 2CV became one of the most beloved cars in Europe, comparable to icons such as the Volkswagen Beetle , Morris Minor , Mini and Fiat 500 .
Technical Features and Innovations
The first 2CV models had an air-cooled two-cylinder engine of 375 cc with an output of only 8 hp. In later years this grew to 602 cc and more than 30 hp, which eventually allowed the "Duck" to reach a top speed of 120 km/h (??? :-) ). Other special features were:
-
Unique gear lever : Mounted to the dashboard, with an unusual shift layout that was improved in later models.
-
Special suspension and suspension system : Provided extreme comfort even on the worst roads.
-
Manual windshield wipers : In the first models, these even worked on the speedometer!
A special variant was the 2CV 4x4 Sahara (1958-1970), equipped with two engines and separate petrol tanks. This gave it impressive off-road capabilities, but with a price tag that was twice as high as the standard version. Only 694 examples were built, which now makes it an extremely sought-after classic car.
The 2CV Today: Classic Cars, Kit Cars and Collectors Items
Although production ceased in 1990, the 2CV lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts. The car remains popular as a classic car and is still used as the basis for kit cars such as the Burton, Lomax and Hoffmann. Thanks to the simple technology and large community, the maintenance of this classic Citroën remains relatively affordable.
With nicknames such as "La Deuche" in France, "The Goat" in Belgium, "Ente" in Germany and "Tin Snail" in England, the 2CV remains a beloved classic. Whether you admire it for its unique design, simplicity or nostalgic charm, one thing is for sure: the Citroën 2CV is a timeless icon that has more than earned its place in automotive history!
