Bob McLeod's Citroen 2CV

Bob McLeod's Citroën 2CV by Shannon Lee Mannion
The British called Citroën’s Deux Chevaux “the tin snail,” while the Germans referred to it disparagingly as “the duck.” Even the French displayed a wry sense of humour, calling it “four wheels under an umbrella,” drawing attention to the weight-saving canvass roof that peels back
like the top of a sardine tin. And yes, cynics who saw the homely, slab-sided micro-car at its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1948 asked with incredulity, “Does it come with a can opener?” Laugh, they might, but by 1950, there was a six-year waiting list to own a Deux Chevaux. (shortened to 2CV.)

t’s little wonder that Bob McLeod, a technical writer with Nortel who has a scientific background, would be drawn to the practicality of the 2CV. He appreciates the simplicity of the car and recounts with delight this anecdote about the original design, “The car had to be able to carry 50 kilos of potatoes plus a basket of eggs over a ploughed field without any breaking any,.” he says, adding, “The car has ample accommodation for four, plus their luggage, and on work days, the back seat could be removed easily for taking a pig to market.” And a tall person doesn’t have to worry about headroom, there’s plenty.

Citroën came on the automotive scene with the Traction Avant in 1934. Produced until 1957, the Traction was very advanced for its time with front-wheel drive, a low-slung chassis and all-steel unit construction. Then came the DS series (19/20/21/23) built between 1955-75. There were a million and a half of all DS types produced but nothing to compare with the five million 2CV. “They are the French Model T,” says Bob.

Where did you locate your Deux Chevaux?

I was on the web and found an owner in Montreal. My wife, Claudine, and I went to take a look and checked out the car carefully. The fact that it was from the south of France where it’s relatively dry, meant it had a good body. This sold me on it.

Are parts difficult to locate?

Claudine and I are often in France visiting our relatives so I get some there but parts are available in North America. There’s Ben Moss in California. He’s into the spirit of the cars.

Where would you expect to see these cars in France?

Most people drive these down little country roads. They fit because they are the right speed. And Deux Chevaux owners in Europe love to camp. There’s a modified trunk lid you can get that allows you to sleep in the car. There’s a saying there, “This is not a car, it’s a way of life.” People are drawn to these cars as a minimalist statement.

How well does this car handle with four passengers?

There’s lots of room and the ride is even better with four people.

Why is this?

It’s because of the amazing suspension system. The front and rear are interconnected by a large spring tube underneath. A pushrod on the front suspension operates the spring and pre-loads the rear suspension so that the car seems to rise over the bumps. This allows for a very soft ride on smooth roads and for excellent control on rough roads (even off-road).

Your car is a gorgeous blue colour. Were the 2CV always this colourful?

No, for the first five or six years, they came in grey. However, by the ‘70s, you could get them in any colour. Later, they came two-tone and were called “Charlestons.”

Did you say that you’ve named your car?

Yes, I named it Giselle, after my mother-in-law. I looked at the car one day and said, Giselle. It’s French and soft-sounding. I asked her first, of course. She’s a lovely lady and in spite of not understanding why I wanted one, she was very supportive.

Anything else to note about this unusual vehicle?

It’s got the biggest sunroof in automotive history and great engine sound. And the best thing, I get more smiles per mile than anything else I’ ve ever driven.