Midrand, 8 August 2024 – The Citroën Club of South Africa recently hosted a vibrant celebration of Bastille Day at the Vintage and Veteran Club in Johannesburg. This annual event, which aligns with the French national day, serves as a gathering point for enthusiasts of the iconic Citroën brand to showcase their beloved vehicles, spanning a remarkable history from 1914 to the present.
A Showcase of French Engineering Excellence
The event was a visual feast for automotive aficionados, with an impressive array of Citroën models on display, each representing a unique chapter in the marque’s storied history. Among the highlights was a 99-year-old 5Hp Mobile, brought by the ever-enthusiastic Citroën Club Secretary, Joyce le Roux. However, this was not the oldest vehicle on display; one remarkable car had already crossed the century mark. In total, 15 meticulously maintained Citroëns were showcased, attracting admirers from across the region.
A Journey to Van Reenen’s Pass
The festivities extended beyond the static display, as the week before, the club members embarked on the annual Citroën Club 2CV Friends Raid. This adventurous rally took them on a scenic drive to Van Reenen’s Pass, the halfway point between Johannesburg and Durban. Joyce le Roux, now 82 years old, demonstrated her enduring passion by driving her 1937 Traction Coupe the 304km route back to Johannesburg in an impressive three-and-a-half hours.
The weekend was filled with activities, including a festive “Christmas in July” celebration at the renowned Green Lantern Inn, where participants were treated to the lively sounds of Scottish pipers. The event even included some off-road challenges, as the Citroën 2CVs navigated rugged terrain in true ‘bundu bashing’ style.
The Citroën Club: A Legacy of Passion and Dedication
Founded in 1978, the Citroën Club of South Africa has seen its membership fluctuate over the years. At its peak, the club boasted 300 members, regularly hosting rallies and events. Today, the club continues to thrive with 120 members, primarily based in Gauteng. Despite the inevitable passage of time, both the members and their cherished vehicles remain steadfast in their dedication to the Citroën legacy.
“People are getting old; just like the cars, but we just keep on going, just like our cars,” remarks Joyce le Roux, one of the club’s most ardent supporters. Her love affair with Citroën began in 1960 when she was introduced to the brand through her husband. “I learned to drive in a 1951 DS,” she fondly recalls.
The couple’s connection to Citroën deepened when they moved to Walkerville, south of Johannesburg, in 1966 and began running a garage specializing in Citroën vehicles. In 2019, they joined nine other club members on a trip to France to celebrate the brand’s centenary, where they marveled at the display of Citroëns organized by their year of manufacture.
A Legacy of Innovation: From Traction Avant to C3 Aircross
Citroën’s reputation for innovation is well-documented, with many of its models achieving legendary status in automotive history. Karl Kielblock, Citroën brand manager, proudly highlights the brand’s evolution from the introduction of mass-produced front-wheel drive in the 1934 Traction Avant to the pioneering hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension system in the DS range launched in 1954.
Today, Citroën continues to build on this legacy with its modern offerings, including the recently launched C3 Aircross SUV. Kielblock suggests that Joyce should take the new C3 Aircross for a spin the next time she heads to Van Reenen’s Pass. “I’ve no doubt it will take over where the 2CV left off when it comes to bundu bashing,” he says, hinting at the possibility of showcasing the new range alongside classic models in future rallies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Citroën in South Africa
As the Citroën Club of South Africa continues to celebrate its rich heritage, the bond between members and their beloved vehicles remains as strong as ever. The brand’s history of innovation, combined with the passion of its enthusiasts, ensures that Citroën will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.
Whether through nostalgic rallies or modern-day adventures, the Citroën Club of South Africa stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of these remarkable vehicles. As Joyce le Roux and her fellow members demonstrate, the love for Citroën is not just about the cars themselves, but about the memories, friendships, and shared experiences that have been built around them.
In the words of Le Roux, “These are amazing vehicles, they are terrific. It’s not for nothing that when there was a survey of the top cars of the century, Citroën had 25 in the list!” With such a storied past and a promising future, the Citroën Club’s journey is far from over.
