A record-breaking global gathering of Citroën 2CVs is set to take place next week (July 26-31) at the 19th International Amis de la 2CV, an event expected to attract over 6,000 iconic econocars.
Held every two years, the event attracts 2CV owners and enthusiasts from all over the world who come together to celebrate one of Citroën’s longest-running success stories. The 2011 event, involving many of Europe’s 2CV clubs, promises to be the biggest yet.
In the setting of a 150-acre site near Salbris in Central France, four pre-war prototype 2CVs will be on show alongside the contemporary Citroën REVOLTe concept - a chic city car combining luxury and technology, inspired by the 2CV’s distinctive silhouette.
The prototype (TPV Project) Citroen 2CV, above, dates back to the 1930s, and, according to vintage documents, was created to "transport four people and 110 pounds of potatoes at a top speed of 37-38 mph." Most of the 250 prototype 2CVs, except for four, were destroyed before WW II started. Three were hidden to keep them from falling into enemy hands, while Michelin stored the fourth.
The 2CV, left, was unveiled at the 1948 Paris Motor Show and went on to enjoy a fantastic run, with 5,114,940 units sold between 1948 and 1990, 1,246,335 of them vans. The 2CV is the largest volume production vehicle in Citroen history and is often referred to as deux chevaux (two horses). It was originally taxed as a two-horsepower car.
A wealth of activities will be taking place on and off site at the gathering, including a 2CV “disassemble-reassemble” competition. Road routes will be provided for those wishing to explore the local region and a small number of 2CVs will be on hand for those wishing to discover, or rediscover, the feeling of driving this automotive legend.
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For more information on the Citroen 2CV legend, please vist,
http://cult-legends-the-world-of-cars.blogspot.com/2011/03/citroen-2cv-1948-1990.html
http://www.autoconcept-reviews.com/cars_reviews/citroen/citroen-2-cv-1939/cars_reviews-citroen-2-cv-1939.html