In the mid-1930s, Pierre Jules Boulanger decided to create the first “popular” car. His intention was clear: he wanted a vehicle with simple comfort, accessible to as many people as possible, therefore “cheap”, and capable of transporting several people and their luggage over all types of terrain.
To turn his dream into reality, he enlisted the services of André Lefebvre as engineer, and Flaminio Bertoni, known as “Golden Fingers”, as stylist. This team gave birth to one of the greatest automotive myths of the century: the Citroën 2CV.
The traction project having been given the code name PV (petite voiture), the minima car was given the code name TPV (très petite voiture). There’s no shortage of creative minds at Citroën. They were given carte blanche!
In 1948, the decision was made to present the car at the Paris Motor Show in October, but it remained a complete secret until the inauguration. And it was a shock! It’s the first time we’ve seen a vehicle of normal dimensions, with four real seats, so stripped down, so utilitarian if not old-fashioned, with its headlights and suspension so soft. Impossible to see the engine, the front hood is sealed. All we can say is that it’s a 375 cm3, twin-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engine, and that it consumes four to five liters per 100 km. It is also specified that mechanical starting does not require batteries.
From December 1960 onwards, a change of tone: new 5-rib hood, air intakes on both sides and a new grille entirely redesigned in light alloy.
The legendary Citroën 2CV, also known as the DEUCHE, had made a name for itself, going everywhere in all weathers. The press was full of praise for its comfort, ease of use and robustness.
