Wacky tribute to Citroen 2CV

Citroen's iconic 2CV was a mould-breaking car in its day, so it's perhaps fitting that the kooky contraption you see here -- conceived as a modern-day interpretation of the former -- doesn't exactly conform to any established norms.

Coming 60 years after the original saw the light of day, this concept is the handiwork of French designer David Portela, who figured that since the VW Beetle, Mini and Fiat 500 have been revived for the 21st century, why not the 2CV?

"The forms I have used are very simple, almost geometrical, surely inspired by the original car, but also by the aeronautical world," Portela was quoted as saying on WorldCarFans.com. "They are a blend of the 1940-1950 style and futurism."

Portela suggested a working version of the car would be around 4.2m long and powered by a hybrid or flex-fuel engine to bolster its eco-friendly credentials.

Citroen itself has had no involvement in conceiving the outlandish looking keg on wheels pictured here, but Portela is hopeful (and so are we, for that matter) the 2CV theme will be rekindled at some point.

"I don't know if Citroën is working on a new 2CV, but after VW Beetle, Fiat 500 and the new Mini, this could as well be the next resurrection..." Portela said.

History buffs may recall that the original 2CV (an acronym for deux chevaux vapeur, literally "two steam horses") was a low-budget car produced by Citroen from 1949 to 1990, and it generated a cult following in the latter part of its lifespan.

Designer Pierre-Jules Boulanger's brief was to come up with a low-priced, rugged "umbrella on four wheels" that would enable two peasants to cart 100kg of farm goods to market at 60km/h, in clogs and across muddy unpaved roads if necessary.

What's more, the 2CV was not to consume more than 3L/100km, and it needed to be capable of driving across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs it was carrying (which explains the remarkably supple suspension).

Amusingly, Boulanger later also had the roof raised to allow him to drive while wearing a hat.

The 2CV's success can be gauged from the fact that 3,872,583 examples were produced during its 42-year lifespan, plus 1,246,306 camionettes (small 2CV trucks), as well as spawning mechanically identical vehicles like the Ami, Dyane, Acadiane and Mehari.

The 2CV, along with the VW Beetle and Mini, was one of the few vehicles that managed to stay relevant for several decades without altering its basic design. Vive la difference, indeed...

To comment on this article click here