Essential Part of the French Way of Life 1955 Citroen 2CV Van An Umbrella on 4 Wheels When Pierre Boulangers started plans for what became the Citroen 2CV he was looking for an inexpensive “Umbrella on 4 Wheels” to take farmers to and from market. During WWII Citroen executives hid the plans and prototypes so well from the Germans that they disappeared so it wasn't until 1948 that the first 2CV was produced. Despite ridicule from the press and even though the only color available was gray, there was almost immediately a three year waiting list. In production for 42 years almost 4 million were sold. The Tin Snail That's what the English called it. The Germans weren't as kind, labeling it the “Lame Duck”. The name 2CV was French shorthand for 2 horses, its tax rating. Actually in 1955 the engine was upped to 424cc. increasing the horsepower to 12 with its air-cooled motorcycle-inspired power plant. Yes, that's right...12 horsepower. French comedians joked that plans to pass another car on the road had to be made months in advance. But the almost 80mpg., 39 mph. top speed Citroen 2CV peoples car remains a cultural icon to this day. Model Feature • Opening Hood • Opening Doors • Working Steering • 2 Cylinder Engine in All Its 12 Horsepower Glory • Suicide Doors Open Showing Single Seat for Driver • Precision Die-Cast Replica • 8 Inches Long • 1:18 Scale