Citroën vans. It was originally a 2CV.
Citroën's first front-wheel drive small van 2CV AT, was unveiled at the 1950 Paris Motor Show and entered the market in 1951. It immediately became a bestseller, after three generations (AZU, AK and AKS), in 1978 it was replaced by Acadiane... French vans will retire in July 1987.
Citroen van
Among the characteristics of the first Citroën van, 425 hp 3cc engine @ 12 rpm, top speed 3.500 km / h: economy came at a price in terms of performance.
The thrust was frontmore complex than the rear, much more common at the time, but capable of providing better traction. V change behind the wheel leaving the floor completely free, it was possible to move from one side of the cab to the other.
The van featured a lower stripe that resembled corrugated sheet metal, almost like an engine hood. You could get double square window the front and top are instead rounded edges. The back door was double-winged.
Derivatives and variants
The Fourgonette's success was immediate, and the roads of France began to fill with this functional work car, which had undergone frequent, albeit minor, mechanical and stylistic updates over the years.
There was also 2CV pickup (now almost impossible to find), built in 1957 by the English subsidiary of Citroën. The cockpit was less spartan, but the front canvas couch on metal tubular supports, the thin plastic steering wheel, and basic instrumentation remained.
Evolution of vans
Over the years, the appearance of the front hood has been repeatedly modernized and direction indicators They first appeared on the van and then on the front fenders. The doors opened according to tradition in 1964, before that the decision was made to the windward side.
I exterior mirrors for commercial vehicles, they gradually became mandatory in some European countries: on the Fourgonette, they were originally provided for on the left front fender, but in 1963 it was decided to transfer it to the driver's door.
The Acadiane
The new chapter of Citroën light vans opened in March 1978 with a presentation Acadiane: The technical-stylistic concept was identical to that from which the 2CV Fourgonette descended, with obvious and consistent stylistic innovations.
It is curious to note that in the same year Citroën signed an agreement with Peugeot and Fiat for the production of a new commercial vehicle called C25 in Citroen, Boxer in Peugeot e Duchy from Fiat.
Success Story
The engine was from 3CV: 602 cc, 31 hp. at 5.750 rpm and the top speed is finally adequate, 100 km / h. 1.246.335 pieces.
The Acadiane, with its headlights integrated into more boxy fenders, would have suffered. less stylistic personality compared to the 2CV Fourgonette, but 253.393 units were sold from 1978 to 1987.
