Citroen 2cv Charleston
After the death of André Citroën and the takeover of the company by tire manufacturer Michelin, the new management of the car manufacturer Citroën decided in 1935 to develop a small car suitable for the rugged French countryside: the TPV, or Toute Petite Voiture. Project leader and driving force Pierre-Jules Boulanger described the goal as "an umbrella on four wheels". Based on market research, it was decided that it should be a vehicle that could transport two farmers with 50 kilograms of potatoes or a barrel with 50 liters of wine. The story also goes that it had to offer the possibility to bring a sheep in the car. The car had to be so comfortable that eggs in a basket would not break if the car were to drive over a piece of plowed land. Other requirements were that the car especially economical, reliable, cheap and easy to operate: a farmers wife had to be able to drive it to the market. Also, the farmer, wearing his Sunday hat, had to fit in so that he could go to church by car. The appearance of the car was not considered important. Serial production of the 2CV began on July 11, 1949. In the beginning, it was mainly supplied to farmers (primary target group), care providers such as general practitioners and well-known French artists (free advertising). The French rural people were immediately enthusiastic, which increased the waiting time to three years. In 1952, the Netherlands was the first export country for the 2CV. However, in the beginning the car was sold poorly in the Netherlands, probably because of its appearance. The last 2CV was produced on July 27, 1990. Later versions, like elsewhere in Europe, became cult vehicles.