Citroen 2CV…French logical design!

Posted on by

Citoren 2CVVolkswagen Beale was developed by Dr. Porsche to be the basic of basic at that time. What about Citroen 2CV?

Believe it or not, 2CV was the composition of French technology…..I am not joking !!

The project started in 1935 to make a vehicle French farmers could replace their cattle or horses.

But, because of the WW2, the project completed in 1948.
When this was first introduced….people just laughed about it. It is unique looking today….but even 60 years ago, it was unique or funny looking.

VW beetle looked much more normal…or even Renault 4CV or Peugeot 203 from Frence looked way more normal….but 2CV was quite logical design….believe it or not….

VW body was rounded to make the surface area small to consume less sheet metal.

  • Citroen was trying as flat as possible to make it easy. The lines on bonnet is to make it strong.
  • All the glass is flat…..it is cheaper and does not have expensive winding mechanism. Frond door glass folds up.
  • The roof was “canvas top” which you can fully open to carry big things, use less sheet metal and make top lighter= lower down center of gravity. Also it is good to release the interior noise coursed by the noisy air cooling engine.
  • Shock absorbers are mounted under floor to save interior space and there are only 2 of them! Front and rear are connected together.
  • Believe it or not….it is Front wheel drive which is 10 years earlier than Mini and all others like VW were rear engine which does not have enough luggage space.

Now you know how logical this design is…..

Due to the logical design, the floor is fully flat and for the size of the body it was amazingly roomy inside.

The seats made by pipe and straps just like simple beach chair….there is no adjustment or anything…but it is comfortable enough. Modern seat designers really should experience this seat. Hi Toyota! I am talking to you !

On early model, wiper was driven by Speedometer cable !!!
This means it is speed sensing wiper over 60 years ago!! This also means wiper does not work when you stop. Don’t worry…. In this case, you can use wiper manually.

Everything was unique and also quite logical….that is why I really like this car.
They did not design to be cute or anything.

I  always say logical design is beautiful.

This excentric car was made until 1990 but they had to retire because of emission control and safety standards.

Go Back>>

Leave a comment