The Citroën 2CV is one of those cars—you either get it or you don’t. It’s the automotive equivalent of Marmite. Some adore its quirky, no-frills design, while others scratch their heads, wondering how something that looks like a tin snail became one of the most recognised and iconic cars ever. But love it or not, the 2CV is an undeniable icon—practical, charming, and just a little bit bonkers.

A Car for the People (and Their Eggs)

Launched in 1948, the Citroën 2CV was designed to be the ultimate people’s car—cheap, simple, and able to transport a farmer across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs in the basket. This wasn’t just marketing fluff; the suspension was so soft it could glide over rough terrain with comedic levels of bounce, giving its passengers an almost magical level of comfort.

France, still reeling from World War II, needed affordable, practical transport, and the 2CV delivered. With its tin-can body, roll-back roof, and impossibly light controls, it became the perfect workhorse for post-war Europe. It remained largely unchanged for decades, with the same basic shape and construction carrying on right through to the 1990s. Over 3.8 million were built, and every single one of them had personality by the bucketload.

Power? Well… Kind Of

The early 2CVs weren’t just slow—they were spectacularly slow. The original 375cc engine produced a mighty 9bhp, meaning you could probably jog alongside it at full throttle. Fortunately, by the 1970s and ‘80s, the 2CV6 came along with a 602cc engine, pushing out a pavement-melting 29bhp. By this point, the car was actually usable in modern traffic (as long as you weren’t in a hurry).

For those who enjoy mod cons, some later models even came with rectangular headlights and, in 1981, the truly game-changing addition of front disc brakes! Those lucky enough to own a later model also got a 12v electrical system—ideal if you want to plug in a sat-nav or charge your phone while enjoying a leisurely cruise. That being said, a 2CV is best enjoyed without distractions. Forget your phone, leave the gadgets at home, and just embrace the hilarity of the drive.

Handling Like a Boat in a Storm (But More Fun)

Now, let’s talk about the handling. If you’ve never driven a Citroën 2CV before, prepare yourself—it’s got more body roll than a drunken sailor in a hurricane. The suspension, featuring springs-in-tubes, means it leans dramatically into every corner, giving the driver the unsettling sensation that they might just topple over. (Spoiler: you won’t, but it feels like you will.)

Despite the rolling, bouncing, and vague steering, there’s something utterly joyful about throwing a 2CV around the bends. It’s the sort of car that makes even the shortest trip feel like an adventure. The simple joy of driving is exactly why people love them.

Fix It with a Spanner and a Bit of Hope

One of the 2CV’s greatest selling points is its sheer simplicity. If something goes wrong, chances are you can fix it with a couple of spanners and a mildly optimistic attitude. Parts? No problem—almost everything is available, from full bodyshells to the smallest trim pieces.

And if rust has taken hold (which, let’s be honest, it probably has), at least replacing panels is easy—doors, wings, and even the roof can be swapped out in minutes. The little air-cooled engine has no fan belts to snap, no distributor to throw a fit, and no complicated systems to fail. Even the windows keep it simple—just flip them up and be done with it.

Thinking of Buying One? Here’s What to Look For

If you’re in the market for a 2CV, there’s one word to keep in mind: rust. The chassis and floors are prone to dissolving into a flaky mess, so check carefully. If you’re handy with a welder, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.

Other than that, most mechanical issues are straightforward, and parts are easy to find thanks to an enthusiastic community. Speaking of which, 2CV owners are some of the friendliest, most eccentric car lovers you’ll ever meet. If you buy one, be prepared for total strangers to wave at you or strike up conversations in car parks. It’s all part of the charm.

A Star on the Big Screen

Even James Bond couldn’t resist the allure of the 2CV. In For Your Eyes Only (1981), Roger Moore’s 007 famously drove one in a hilariously chaotic chase sequence—dodging gunfire and bouncing through the countryside in true 2CV fashion. The film’s popularity even led to the release of a special edition 007-branded 2CV, complete with stick-on bullet holes.

The 2CV: The Car That Refuses to Be Forgotten

The 2CV isn’t just a car—it’s a way of life. It’s slow, wobbly, and undeniably odd, but that’s exactly why people love it. Whether you’re driving one, fixing one, or just watching one roll its way through a country lane, it’s impossible not to smile.

For those who get the 2CV, nothing else will do. And for those who don’t? Well, more fun for the rest of us.