That's right. A 2CV. Well, two 2CVs to be exact.
My first was bright red; my second, just like this one. They weren't new of course, but I did love them; perky, cheerful, cheap; plus, you couldn't speed in them as they didn't go fast enough. What was not to like? Fellow 2CV drivers all waved to each other; people either loved them (usually women) or hated them (nearly always men). No one seemed to be indifferent to them. Marmite cars.
My first was written off by number one son soon after passing his test ( they crumpled like paper bags on impact); my second fell apart. Nowadays. they are rarely seen, as Citroen stopped making them some years ago.
Soon, we are to have driverless cars. Presumably, they don't really need passengers, either. We'll be able to sit at home while our modern, characterless machines go for little spins all by themselves...
I saw one just the other day, in North Norfolk. Is it true that 2CV stands for 'deux chevals', or 'two horsepower'?
ReplyDeleteIt's "deux chevaux", yes :-)
DeleteMeike said it, Tim. They're not very powerful!
DeleteThere's one around here with 2CV as license plate. They rattle so when you're inside but they do have a personality.
ReplyDeleteER, they do not rattle! They make a very distinguished sound. You can hear one coming from miles away.
DeleteI have always admired them. They are great in snow.
ReplyDeleteAdrian, I've been told they were designed to carry four people plus a basket of eggs across a ploughed field. I never actually tried that, but I can believe it.
DeleteMy 2CV was that classic French blue. I suppose driverless cars will herald the end of driving licences; no driver, no licence.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good thought, CM.
DeleteIn German, the 2CV is affectionately nicknamed "Ente" (duck), similar to VW's "Käfer" (beetle). You don't see many of them around anymore, that's true. Sometimes I see one parked in a nearby road, a green one, with a yellow sticker of a duck on the back.
ReplyDeleteMeike they were very popular. I've no idea why they are discontinued. So sad. I'd love another.
DeleteThey are certainly cars with character! Rather sad that there are so few about these days x
ReplyDeleteVery sad, Teresa. They were very comfortable, too with nice high seats. Easy to get into.
DeleteI, too, saw (and photographed) one recently that was in daily use and reasonable condition. Oddly most of their admirers that I know are male (the ladies regarding them as far too uncomfortable).
ReplyDeleteGB, I found mine very comfortable. But in a high wind they had a tendency to blow all over the road, which could be unsettling.
DeleteSorry if I am repeating myself again, but my comments aren't appearing. It's either our computer or Google. Anyway, they don't make character cars anymore do they? We had a Ford Popular. Hubby fiddled with it until it had a heater so I didn't have to wear my fur boots and duffle coat. They were the days!
ReplyDeleteMy husband rigged up a car radio in mine. Very Heath Robinson, but it worked. Kind of.
ReplyDeleteThose were the days...