In the long history of motoring, that of the Citroen 2 Cavalli is a case in itself. Few, very few other cars have managed to make their essentiality a winning card, and in any case they are all derived from his school. Like the Volkswagen Beetle, the Due Cavalli also went through the last century almost entirely. Today it is a special vintage car: it feeds throngs of enthusiasts all over the world, who meet in very entertaining rallies, in which very often highly customized specimens stand out. Unthinkable for other models ...

Produced in five million copies, it was and still is the symbol of those who travel against the tide.

 

In presenting the 2CV that you can rent from Slowhills, we briefly retrace the history of this glorious automobile.

This was the directive requested of André Lefèbvre for the realization of the first prototype. Before the Second World War, a car was needed to sell to French peasants, capable of carrying a basket of eggs across a plowed field without breaking a single one. The result was on the one hand disconcerting (Quattroruote tried it in the 1950s: the reporter could not believe his eyes for the cheapness of certain solutions), but on the other it was brilliant: an incredibly low fuel consumption twin-cylinder engine, which dragged a large but light body. Hood from windshield to rear bumper, and long travel suspension that would have made anyone seasick but made this car impossible to tip over.

 

The prototypes, called TPVs, were destroyed during the war so as not to end up in the hands of the enemy. Three were saved, spared by the Citroen technicians, who secreted them in an attic. The Germans unfortunately discovered them, but luck would have it that they remained where they were: in the eyes of the Germans, that insignificant little car was nothing compared to their Volkswagen.

 

But they were wrong. After the war, Due Cavalli finally saw production, and made a huge contribution to the motorization of France.

 

During its very long career, which ended in 1990, there were numerous Citroen models that saw the light using elements of its mechanics and its floor. We remember among all the Mehari, the Dyane, the Ami 6/8, and the van versions.

Driving the Citroen 2cv requires some small attentions which we summarize here.

 

The driving position is very compact, the steering wheel is almost horizontal, and the "umbrella" gearbox requires some practice, but we will explain how it works during the test ride. You get used to it quickly, and what's more, it's also comfortable to use: you'll never find yourself having to take your shoulders off the seat back to engage gears. Ergonomics of yesteryear ...

 

The performances are those of the past, that is ... slow. But you have to take into account that this car, even if it allows you to maintain a cruising speed close to the maximum one, is not designed for sprints, but to go slow.

 

The braking of the 2cv is good. Our 2cvs, one white for weddings and one orange for tours in Tuscany, have front disc brakes. There is no brake booster, but the limited mass makes you feel the lack of it.

 

The main peculiarity is the roll when cornering: we suggest getting familiar with it gradually, it is better to approach the first corners slowly, to learn how to set the trajectories. In the end you will see that it is not difficult ... indeed, it is extremely fun!

 

We propose to rent this white Citroen 2CV to organize tours in the province of Siena, or as a car to rent on your wedding day: a very original way to get to the altar, and to make an unforgettable day even more unforgettable!