Classic Cars Record Breaking Global Gathering of Citroen 2CVs

Citroen 2CV Classic Car Convention

Sometimes, classic car conventions generate huge public interest. Over 6,000 Citroen 2CV’s are expected to converge on central France near Salbris from July 26th to 31st for the international Amis de la 2CV, which is held every two years.

Now I must digress here a little, as personally I’ve not so far understood the attraction of these vehicles and each time I hear the name mentioned, my mind is drawn to an event in my life from about 15 years ago. I remember hanging on for dear life as a passenger in a 2CV as it went round a roundabout at an alarming angle for the modest speed it was achieving. I recall leaning to the right at an equally alarming angle wondering why I had left my bobsleigh team strip at home that day. I suspect if this particular old car had achieved any greater speed, I would have been expected to climb out of the car as if competing in the Isle of Man TT side car racing. That’s if I could ever fathom out how to work the large metal bar that was attached to the door where a handle should be of course.

The fact that halfway round the roundabout the driver took a hand off the wheel to wave “hellooo” to another 2CV carrying out a similar white knuckle ride manoeuvre and (for a reason I still don’t quite understand), the stereo was blasting out the sound of owls hooting is another matter.

The Citroen 2CV does have an interesting history though. From an original concept developed in the 1930’s, this classic was on sale from 1948 right up until 1990. Nearly 4 million vehicles were produced in its long lifetime. I guess I will have to admit that this motor does deserve it’s place alongside the likes of the Volkswagen Beetle and Mini, as it too survived for a long time with very few changes to it’s basic shape, making it equally recognisable the world over.

Surprisingly, considering my roundabout experience, Citroen produced a specialist off-road version (pictured) called the Sahara as well. Aimed at oil companies, the army and the police, only 694 of these were ever built.

The popularity of the car draws some historical comparison with that of the Beetle and Mini. All of these vehicles benefitting from youth culture taking a shine to them at different stages in their automotive lives. Cynically, one could suggest that this was simply because they were all low cost vehicles (the 2CV at one point in the 1960’s cost around half that of a Beetle in Germany), but I think this is a little unfair. Youth has always adhered to the idea of “vive la difference” as well as affordability, and indeed, cheap classic car insurance is practically a given when it comes to a 2CV. The invention of the “teenager” in the sixties had given manufacturers a new area to latch on to.

The Amis de la 2CV attracts many of Europe’s best 2CV clubs, so if you own one of these vintage vehicles, and are feeling inspired by the breathtaking scenery on show in this July’s Tour de France, get in touch with your nearest club to find out more and go celebrate this quirky, much loved classic car.