In the Clermont-Ferrand region, Jean-Luc, Joël, Michel, Jacques, and Gilles enjoy gathering around their 2CVs, a shared passion for this automotive icon. As they say, “When you’re in a 2CV, you can’t help but smile.”
Jacques’ inner courtyard houses six cars, all 2CVs that appear to have just rolled out of the factory. When I arrive, I’m welcomed not by a car dealership but by a group of friends. Gilles, Jean-Luc, Michel, Jacques, and Joël share laughter as they lean against their beautiful cars, whose paint glistens as it did on the first day. This is a group that enjoys spending time together, having fun, and most importantly, discussing 2CVs.
When talking about cars with enthusiasts of the 2CV, we certainly don’t bring up the smell of leather or the power of the engine: a maximum of 100 km/h, just one rear-view mirror, no speedometer, no airbag, and no radio or air conditioning, but a friendly face. And that’s what counts: “This isn’t just a car… it’s a way of life,” Jean-Luc emphasizes. This phrase is well-known among 2CV fans, especially Jean-Luc, who is the co-author of this famous saying that appears on the windshields of 2CV admirers: “This statement resonates with people because it’s true. This car isn’t just meant for driving; it’s meant to be experienced.” Gilles adds: “For most people, a car is merely a means to get from point A to point B, lacking enjoyment in the ride. The 2CV is different. Driving it is a joy.” Joël chimes in: “Even better, our 2CV brings happiness to others. When they see us driving around town, they wave and want to take pictures. It genuinely charms everyone.”
In this circle of friends, each has a unique love for the 2CV: Jean-Luc knows its history inside out, Gilles has learned how to make it look as pristine as ever, Jacques connects with other enthusiasts, while Michel and Joël simply enjoy driving and caring for their cars. They all fell in love with this legendary vehicle in their own way. It certainly wasn’t the roar of the engine or its power that captivated them; it was much more profound than that. Gilles recounts his first encounter with the 2CV: “During my time as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to repair a few 2CVs. A friend of mine had a newer model and often brought it to me for service. Every time he got in, he wore a smile. He was truly happy. That experience was a revelation. I wanted to feel that joy while driving, too.” Since that moment, that smile has lingered on Gilles’ face. After retiring, this bon vivant now drives only a 2CV. To him, no car can compare to this classic: “You see people in other cars, and they look bored and monotonous. In a 2CV, we can do nothing but smile. This car brings me joy.”
Gilles found what makes the 2CV special: “It’s a simple car with a nice engine; you don’t need to rev it hard. It’s not a sports car; it’s a dependable vehicle for daily use,” Gilles jokes. “In the countryside, you don’t need a Ferrari.” He adds: “In my garage, I have a 240hp Mercedes. Every time I take it out, it’s a hassle. So now, it stays in the garage; I prefer the 2CV.” While Gilles fell in love with the 2CV by chance, Jacques chose to commit to it: “I’ve always had a 2CV at home. My parents drove Citroëns. The first car I got after getting my license was a 2CV. I owned four in a row throughout my life. I strayed a bit at one point but quickly returned to my first love. As soon as I came back to Auvergne, I bought one, then two, then three, then four… until my wife said that was enough.” Jokingly, Jacques mentions that since he can’t collect larger cars, he finds solace in miniature versions. He showcases over 1,200 of them at home, arranged like trophies.
Since the 2CV is to be experienced rather than merely discussed, Gilles offers a little ride in one. Sitting in the back seat, I feel as though I’ve been transported to a vintage film: somewhere between Truchaud and Louis de Funès. He encourages me to try driving this ‘chaise longue’ on wheels. Reluctant to take on the persona of the famous Corniaud, I hesitate but ultimately agree.The gear lever, handbrake, and steering wheel are all different. Everything has to be relearned, essentially putting me through a unique driving test in a 2CV without my realizing it.
The first 2CVs owned by these enthusiasts date back to the 70s and 80s, but the car’s history is much older. It began in Puy-de-Dôme, just a few kilometers from Clermont-Ferrand. Jean-Luc, the group’s resident 2CV expert, knows this background well. He narrates: “In 1934, Citroën came under Michelin’s control. Pierre Boulanger had been working there since he lived on Avenue Carnot in Clermont-Ferrand at the time. After Michelin took over, Boulanger was appointed head of Citroën and moved to Lempdes.” He recounts how the idea for the 2CV emerged: “Tradition holds that Pierre Boulanger was driving through a village near Thiers on a market day and ended up in traffic behind people with carts, donkeys, and horses. He realized they needed a vehicle to help them sell agricultural products, ideally one that could be easily driven by women, enabling them to sell while their husbands worked the farm instead of lingering at the bistro.” Jean-Luc punctuates this with humor. Gilles adds: “François Michelin drove his own 2CV. That’s not just hearsay.”
Jean-Luc continues: “The goal was to create a reliable and economical car for rural communities. It needed to be adaptable enough to serve doctors, postmen, veterinarians, priests…” “And even nuns!” jokes Michel. Indeed, satisfying rural communities was the ultimate objective, leading to a very specific set of requirements: it had to transport four people and 50 kg of potatoes across rough terrain. It was in 1948 that the 2CV was first revealed to the public at a car show. A year later, it was officially on the market, embarking on the remarkable journey we recognize today.
Nearly 80 years after its inception, this car remains a high-tech marvel for these 2CV enthusiasts, especially in its post-war version. As a true aficionado, Gilles elaborates on the remarkable technology concealed beneath this metal structure: “When you turn while driving a 2CV, it’s the front wheels that pull the car into the turn. These are known as front-wheel drive vehicles. In contrast, most cars at that time were rear-wheel drive, meaning the rear wheels propelled you forward, causing the car to go straight when you steered. Today, however, most cars are front-wheel drive, so the 2CV was ahead of its time, more than half a century ahead!” assures Gilles.
Another unique feature of the 2CV is its engine. “Almost all 2CVs have air-cooled engines. This has its benefits; they’re less prone to breakdowns since they lack radiators and hoses, and there’s no coolant to freeze. Sure, they’re a bit noisier, but we prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness.” It is precisely this simplicity that has drawn in enthusiasts: “They can be easily restored and maintained. The original parts are accessible, and now, we can build a new 2CV from scratch,” Gilles assures. For a working 2CV, expect to spend around “5,000 euros,” according to him.
In Jacques’ yard, these cars, now over 30 years old, have accompanied these 2CV lovers on countless journeys. Their endurance, despite the passage of time, continues to astonish Gilles: “They are indestructible! It’s astonishing that even over 30 years after production ceased, they are still used for trips and adventures. You can’t say the same for other cars from that era. In 2023, you won’t see a Renault 16 or a Simca 5 making a 500 km trek through the desert.”
In 2023, the 2CV remains incredibly popular. With over 70 years under its belt, it continues to be the favorite French car among the French . It still captivates audiences today, even among the younger generation. “When my kids were little, they always asked to ride in a 2CV,” Jacques recounts. “Then as teenagers, they’d say, ‘Oh no, what is this outdated car?’ Now, even my children want their own 2CV.” What continues to charm people about the 2CV is its simple, practical nature. Gilles has noted: “Initially, my son preferred modern cars. However, as a shepherd, he realized they weren’t practical at all. So he took a spin in the 2CV and discovered it was perfect for carrying his gear and nets.”
These five 2CV enthusiasts are doing their best to keep the legend alive: “We keep it alive by driving it. The day it stops running will signal the end of the 2CV.” Thus, through their 2CV Friends Club , Jacques, president of the regional branch, is striving to preserve the memory of this iconic car: “We organize meetings, rallies, and trips… Our primary goal is to share as much information as possible with novices eager to discover the 2CV.”
Celebrating the 2CV: A Journey into the Heart of an Automotive Legend
In the Clermont-Ferrand area, Jean-Luc, Joël, Michel, Jacques, and Gilles love to get together around their 2CV. A passion they share for this automotive legend. As they say: “On board the 2CV, you can only smile.”
The Brotherhood of the 2CV
Six cars sit in Jacques’ inner courtyard. All 2CVs look as if they just rolled out of the factory. When I arrive, it’s not a car dealership that welcomes me but a group of friends. Gilles, Jean-Luc, Michel, Jacques, and Joël laugh together, leaning on their beautiful cars whose paintwork shines like the first day. This group enjoys getting together, sharing good times, and most importantly, discussing their beloved 2CVs.
The Art of Living: More Than Just a Car
When we discuss cars with lovers of the 2CV, we hardly mention leather smells or engine power: a maximum speed of 100 km/h, a solitary rear-view mirror, no speedometer, no airbag, no car radio, and no air conditioning—but a warm and friendly face. As Jean-Luc aptly points out, “This is not a car… but an art of living.” This motto is famously known among 2CV enthusiasts and resonates deeply with them. Jean-Luc, the co-author of this phrase, believes it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the 2CV: “This car is not just there to be driven but to be lived. It is an experience to be lived.”
Gilles adds, “For most people, a car is just a way to get from A to B. They don’t enjoy driving a car. A 2CV is different. You enjoy driving it.” Joël passionately reiterates, “We make people happy with our 2CV. As soon as they see us driving in town, they wave at us; they want to take a photo. It really seduces everyone.”
The Unique Allure of the 2CV
Each friend in this group has a unique love for the 2CV: Jean-Luc is a historian, Gilles has a talent for restoration, Jacques connects with other enthusiasts, while Michel and Joël enjoy indulging in the experience of driving. It was not the roar of the engine that won them over, but rather the distinct charm of this automotive icon. Gilles shares his first encounter with the 2CV: “During my career as a mechanic, I repaired a few 2CVs. A friend had one, and every time he got into it, he had a smile. That was a revelation for me—I wanted to experience that happiness while driving.” Since then, the smile has never left his face.
For Gilles, this connection runs deeper: “People in other cars are dull and monotonous. In the 2CV, we can only smile. This car makes me smile.” Jacques reveals a lifelong devotion: “I’ve always had a 2CV at home. It was my first car, and after a brief betrayal with other cars, I couldn’t resist its allure.” His obsession has even led to a collection of over 1,200 miniature versions of the 2CV at his home—trophies of his unwavering passion.
A Drive Like No Other
The friends invite me for a ride in a 2CV to truly understand the experience. As I settle into the back seat, it feels like being transported into a classic film. Gilles encourages me to take the wheel. The gear lever, handbrake, and steering all require a different approach—it’s a special driving lesson I didn’t expect!
Historical Roots and Technological Marvel
The history of the 2CV goes back further than the 70s and 80s models cherished by these enthusiasts. Jean-Luc shares its origin story, beginning in Puy-de-Dôme near Clermont-Ferrand. “In 1934, Citroën came under the control of Michelin, and Pierre Boulanger was appointed as the boss of Citroën. The idea for the 2CV was born from a vision to create an accessible vehicle for farmers,” he explains. It aimed to help rural people transport their goods efficiently and affordably.
Specifications and Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed | 100 km/h Maximum Speed |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Engine Type | Air-Cooled Engine |
| Payload | Four passengers + 50 kg of cargo |
| Year Released | 1948 (Public Presentation) |
The 2CV was presented to the public for the first time in 1948 at a motor show. It captured the hearts of the masses—especially those in rural areas. Gilles notes that, despite its humble beginnings, “this vehicle remains a high-tech jewel in post-war innovation, offering simplicity and functionality.”
The Enduring Popularity of the 2CV
Nearly 80 years since its inception, the 2CV continues to be celebrated. As Gilles shares, “It is indestructible! It’s remarkable that more than 30 years after production ceased, it remains in use for travel and adventures.” The car has purportedly become the French people’s favorite automobile.
The legacy of the 2CV transcends generations: “When my kids were little, they loved riding in a 2CV. As teenagers, they thought it was old-fashioned, but now they want one,” Jacques reveals. The 2CV’s practical and charming nature captivates even the youngest enthusiasts. Gilles finds that modern cars often lack the utility of a 2CV, especially in rural settings.
Keeping the Legend Alive
This group of friends is committed to keeping the 2CV legend alive through their 2CV Friends Club. Jacques, the club’s president, emphasizes the importance of community: “We organize meetings, raids, and trips to spread awareness and appreciation for the 2CV.” Their ongoing efforts ensure that this beloved car continues to bring smiles to faces, embodying its motto: “We keep it alive by making it run. The day it stops running will mark the end of the 2CV.”