Poissy, January 30, 2023 – The result of a partnership between Citroën and Playmobil, whose unmissable toys have been enjoyed by families for almost 50 years, the eminently recognisable and world-famous Citroën 2 CV Playmobil is back in the fold 75 years after the launch of the legendary car.
So, whether you are a younger or older child, an enthusiast, a collector or simply curious, come and visit the Citroën stand at the Retromobile show, from 1st to 5th February in Paris… and discover the 2CV Playmobil, which will undoubtedly be a collectible one day.
Citroën 2 CV Playmobil – A pleasant nod to the past
Presented as a preview at the Retromobile show, a new version of the legendary 2CV is available from Playmobil with a revolutionary set of technical specifications. With zero CO2 emissions thanks to its muscular propulsion, a contained mass of 302 g and a length of 284 mm, the Citroën 2 CV Playmobil will happily transport young and old alike, from 5 to 99 years old, into the wonderful world of Playmobil, stimulating their imagination or their childhood memories.
Designed to be accessible and robust, intended for the countryside but equally at ease in the city, the 2CV symbolises a colourful and vibrant era – even a whole art of living. In fact, it has even been a film star on occasion. This good cheer is evidenced in the sky-blue colour of the Playmobil 2CV and in the accessories that complement it: a farmer with his geese, his pig and his milk jugs evoking the countryside, a driver in a sailor’s outfit with a laid-back hippie look and finally a policeman – a nod to the character of a famous staff sergeant in a popular French film. And thanks to a sheet of repositionable stickers, everyone can customise their 2CV Playmobil.
1948 – The birth of the legendary 2CV
Although the reception of the 2CV was mixed when it was first unveiled to the public in 1948, it marked the beginning of a wonderful adventure which ended in 1990. During the 42 years during which it was in production, the 2CV was constantly evolving – modernising and adapting to changes in lifestyle and infrastructure – but without ever losing sight of its original purpose: to be a car that was simple to manufacture, affordable and easy to maintain.
The 2CV was powered by a small twin-cylinder engine that had a highly recognisable sound. With its 375 cc 9 hp engine, the very first 2CVs valiantly reached speeds of 60 km/h. Developments followed in quick succession, resulting in a final version with a 602 cc 29 hp engine, which pushed the final production 2CVs to a record top speed of 115 km/h.
The long life of the 2CV was marked by numerous changes in design and equipment. Among a long list, a number of major and notable developments mark the history of the 2CV: in 1957, a boot lid was introduced to replace the canvas that one used to have to roll up; in 1964, the rear-hinged front doors were abandoned and replaced by front doors that open in the right direction; in 1966, rear windows were introduced; and then in 1967, the Ami 6’s dashboard was adopted. In 1960, a very special version, the four-wheel-drive 2CV with two engines, one at the front and one at the rear, also marked the history of the 2CV, bringing it into the world of all-terrain vehicles. The van version of the 2CV was launched in 1951 and the final models could carry payloads of up to 400 kg.
The 2CV is a minimalist car, but that is not to say that it is not playful. It is very much a car of its time, as shown by the limited editions that have enriched its history. Remember: the Spot with its orange and white livery, the Charleston with its rounded two-tone bodywork, the blue-white-red Cocorico, a nod to the 1986 football World Cup, the Dolly with its retro look, the France 3 with its sailor look to support the yacht of the same name which competed in the America’s Cup in 1983, or the yellow 007 with its black “bullet hole” adhesive motifs inspired by the James Bond film “For your eyes only”.
The 2CV, of which 5,114,969 were produced (including 1,246,335 vans) managed to win over all sectors of the population throughout its 42-year history. Little by little, with such a rich history and such longevity, the 2CV has become a legend. A legendary vehicle that simply exudes sympathy, the 2CV has today come to embody a certain notion of happiness… of a carefree and happy life.
