2CV

The Citroën 2CV, commonly known as the 2CV, is a lightweight, economical car produced by the French manufacturer Citroën from 1948 to 1990. The name Deux Chevaux refers to its modest tax horsepower rather than actual power. Designed to provide affordable, simple transportation for rural and urban buyers alike, the 2CV became one of the most recognizable and longest-running models in Citroën’s history, with production totaling several million units.

Technically, the 2CV is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive car powered by a small air-cooled two-cylinder engine. Its design emphasized low cost, ease of maintenance, and a soft, forgiving ride suitable for unpaved or poorly maintained roads. The body is compact and utilitarian, and the suspension system was tuned to deliver a smooth, long-travel ride. The interior is minimal and practical, with flexible seating and cargo arrangements to maximize usability in daily life.

Variants and legacy include a range of passenger and commercial versions, such as the Berline and various light commercial forms. The 2CV’s simple mechanics and pragmatic design influenced later European small cars and left a distinctive cultural imprint, particularly in France and other parts of Europe. Despite its gradual replacement by newer models in the 1980s, the 2CV remains an iconic symbol of postwar automotive optimism and practical engineering.