Modern Corgis have gone a number of ways. Some are highly detailed collectors items and then there is this range which shows 'landmark' cars of the 20th Century. However the quality is that of a robust and basic toy, not a display piece for a mature collection.

We are grateful for this model because it gives us a good view of the early Citroen when it really had to manage with 2 horsepower. This first generation 2CV had a 400cc horizontally opposed air-cooled twin cylinder engine. The gearbox is in front of the engine and the front wheels are driven. The front brakes sit inboard on the gearbox leaving very low unsprung weight - just like the rear axle on my Jag 420.

The suspension travel is very long. All four wheels are mounted on swinging arms, not unlike a motor cycle and on each side the front and rear arms share a single spring located horizontally behind the sills. This unusual arrangement together with the excellent wheel articulation and the high ground clearance and flat underside of the car make the 2CV a natural off-roader. It has large wheels and is very light which helps too.

While being laughed at as underpowered and having flimsy bodywork - the 'tin snail' - this car was tough as old boots with a very strong chassis and go-anywhere driveability. It had a small engine because that was all it needed and after the war petrol was scarce. In short it provided the rural French peasant with a tool to use on his farm, to transport his family to church and to take his produce to market (all the seats can be removed easily with sliding bolts)

I know all this because I used to own one and it was excellent.

---

Modern Corgi Home	Collection Home	Site Home
page last updated: 30 August 2011		Page Added 24January 2009