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101 Cars: Citroen 2CV
Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com   
06/28/2008 - 07:16 PM
Charlotte, North Carolina
 
The 2CV got France moving again after World War II. (Photo: Philip Greenspun) ยป More Photos

The 2CV - or "deux che vou" as they are lovingly referred to - may be thought of as France's basic transportation icon that is no less important than the Model T, the Mini, or the VW Beetle. It was as simple as motorized lawn furniture, with an air-cooled two-cylinder engine, front drive, and a style like nothing else. A radio would be an extravagant option on a 2CV. It is slow, noisy, and its plebian suspension lowers the threshold of what can be described as "handling." But the 2CV got France moving again after World War II: More than 3.8 million were sold, as they were produced from 1948 until 1990. And they have a fierce and loyal following today.


Specifications
Engine: 375-cc OHV two-cylinder
Horsepower: 9 (no typo), although displacement had grown, and output had more than tripled to 28 by 1979
0–60 mph: How much time do you have?
Top Speed: What's your hurry?
Price New: Almost $1,000 (1948)
Value Now: Rouch runners start at around $5,000 in the United States; nice ones can be $10,000-$15,000; fully restored examples with upgraded frames and mechanical updates will be $20,000 and up.
Citroen 2CV Photos



Claim to Fame

A 42-year production span, a face like a duck, and being French


Soundtrack

The theme song from Revenge of the Pink Panther; in this film, Inspector Clouseau drives one dubbed the The Silver Hornet.


Perfect Passenger

Dyan Cannon, whom Clouseau was attempting to seduce. And she never looked better than in this mid-1970s spy spoof.


Behind the Wheel
You can still rent them in France.


Did You Know?
There is a 24-hour endurance race in Europe strictly for 2CVs.


The Perfect Drive
Up and down the Champs Elysees; because you'll be in France, everyone will smile at you, and you don't have to go very fast.



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