The Citroën 2CV – a cute little car with rounded shapes, playful headlights and a linen roof – was built between 1948 and 1990. This iconic model has mobilized generations and remains a cult classic to this day.
But did you know that this legendary car has been given a nickname in different countries? From 'Ugly Duckling' in the Netherlands to 'La Deuche' in France and 'Tin Snail' in England – each nickname tells a piece of automotive history.
Where does the name 'Ugly Duckling' come from?
When the 2CV was presented at the 1948 Salon de l'Automobile in Paris , reactions to its minimalist design were rather lukewarm. A Dutch journalist cynically exclaimed: "The swan has been given an ugly duckling."
The remark was a nod to the Citroën logo, which featured a swan. But in the Netherlands the name 'Ugly Duckling' caught on immediately and became a nickname.
A car built for farmers and rough terrain
Citroën designed the 2CV as an affordable car for the French farming community . The requirements were remarkable:
✔ Two French farmers had to fit in it
✔ 50 kg of potatoes and 50 liters of wine had to be transported
✔ The trunk had to be big enough for a sheep
✔ The suspension had to be so smooth that a carton of eggs would not break during the ride
The result? A car that was perfectly suited to the wild French landscape and that earned a special place in the hearts of many.
The 2CV in Belgium and beyond
In Flanders we also call the 2CV 'het geitje' or 'wippertje' - referring to its spring character and climbing capabilities. But this charming car also got unique nicknames in other countries:
📌 Netherlands – Ugly Duckling
📌 Belgium – Goat, Rocker
📌 Friesland – De Pyk or Einepyk (Duck)
📌 Germany – Ente (Duck)
📌 German-speaking Switzerland – Döschwo (phonetic spelling of 2CV)
📌 France – La Deuche, Deudeuche
📌 England – Tin Snail
📌 Czech Republic – Kachna (Duck)
A piece of music history: Annie MG Schmidt and the 2CV
To promote the 2CV, the famous Dutch writer Annie MG Schmidt wrote the song 'Het Ugelijke Eendje' in 1959. Everyone who bought a 2CV received a free single of the song . Those who only wanted the record could order it for fl. 0.36 - a nice bit of retro marketing!
The end of an era
In 1990 Citroën finally stopped production of the 2CV . In total, more than 5.1 million units were built. But although production has stopped, the 'ugly duckling' lives on in the hearts of classic car enthusiasts worldwide.
Do you have a favorite nickname for the 2CV? Let us know in the comments! 🚗💨