Duck Story

alias 2CV story

The Citroën 2CV (French: deux chevaux vapeur, literally "two steam horses", or 2HP) is an economy car produced by the French automaker Citroën from 1948 to 1990. It was technologically advanced and innovative, but with extremely utilitarian and a deceptively simple Bauhaus inspired bodywork, that belied the sheer quality of its underlying engineering.

The 2CV designed to move the French peasantry on from horses and carts. It was designed for low cost, simplicity of use, versatility, reliability, and off-road driving. For this it has a light, easily serviceable engine, extremely soft long travel suspension (with adjustable ride height), high ground clearance, and for oversized loads a car-wide canvas sunroof . The car had to be so comfortable that it could carry a basket of eggs undamaged across the badly maintained rough country roads, and at least a 50 liter barrel of wine. In addition, it had to be comfortable and stylish enough to allow a family to be driven to church on Sundays or on week-end outings.

Although originally designed for French country life, these specifications, and of course its beautiful design, made the car extremely popular in the sixties and seventies with students, artists and those just looking for a an alternative but cheap convertible. The same specifications make the Duck extremely suitable for sunny, off-road holiday experiences.

It is considered one of Citroën's most iconic cars. In Holland and Germany its nickname is “Duck”, in Belgium it is called the “Goat”, and in Spain it is simply known as the “Dos Caballos” (two horses).

In 1953 'Autocar' in a technical review of the car wrote of, "...the extraordinary ingenuity of this design, which is undoubtedly the most original since the Model T Ford."  It was described by CAR magazine journalist and author, the late LJK Setright, as "the most intelligent application of minimalism ever to succeed as a car."

During a production run of 42 years between 1948 and 1990, 3,872,583 2CVs were produced, plus 1,246,306 camionnettes (small 2CV trucks), as well as spawning mechanically identical vehicles like the Ami, Dyane, Acadiane, and Mehari. From 1988 onwards production took place in Portugal rather than in France, after which 2CV production halted in 1990.

 Our Ducks have been adapted to the wishes and requirements of the 21st century and are fitted out with new, original pleasant features. They have an Ipod / MP3 connection, state of the art sound system, and a colourful sun –roof.  They are all well restored and maintained, and technically as reliable as ever.