Memories of the Citroën 2CV

Sir, – The launch of the new Citroën 2CV reminded me of a memory of my aunt who travelled from Belgium in the early 1960s in her elderly 2CV.

While travelling through Mayo, she stopped to fill up. The attendant took one look at her unusual little car, clearly unable to make out the make or model, asked her with genuine curiosity: “I’ve never seen a car like it, did you make it yourself?”

My aunt must have wondered whether to be flattered that she could create such a machine or insulted that her faithful Citroën looked like a home-made contraption.

The 2CV was never meant to turn heads but they had character, charm and reliability to keep going. If the recently launched new model inspires as many conversations as the original, I am sure it will do well. – Yours, etc,

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NICKY ASHE,

Rathgar,

Dublin 6.

Sir, – In my hitchhiking days half a century ago, my heart would always lift at the sight of an oncoming Citroën 2CV. There was a good chance of a lift – not least because drivers might need assistance to complete their journey.

In one instance, a driver required an extra pair of hands to hold the 2CV canvass roof down every time a lorry passed. My role was to pull, with all my weight, on the roof, while the driver did the same, steering with his knees.

We both arrived safely at our destinations.- Yours, etc,

PAUL GOSLING,

Marlborough Road,

Derry.