Beloved among those who are in no particular hurry, Citroen's 2CV demands a different driving style than any other car, and many adherents to its restful demeanour, disarmingly comfortable ride and minimalist construction ask why a modern version has not yet been introduced.
The popularity of the car, which was last built in 1990 after 42 years in production, remains undimmed, and the fact that this year's biennial Ami de la 2CV gathering - the 19th of its kind - will be attended by Citroen's 2009 Frankfurt show car, the REVOLTe, suggests that this could be what the long awaited 2CV replacement might look like.
A record-breaking number of 2CVs is expected at the gathering, which takes place this weekend on a 60-hectare site near Salbris in Central France where more than 6000 examples of the legendary Citroen model are likely to turn up.
Held every two years, the meeting attracts Tin Snail fans from all over the world, who come together to celebrate one of the automotive industry's longest- running success stories.
The 2CV was originally developed in the 1930s, but most of the 250 prototype 2CVs were destroyed before World War II - with the exception of three, which were hidden to stop them falling into enemy hands. The fourth was stored by Michelin.
The 2CV was finally unveiled at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, before going on to enjoy a fantastic career with 5,114,940 units sold.
In the picturesque setting several pre-war prototype 2CVs will be on show including some which were found gathering dust in a barn more than 70 years after they were built.
The big news will be the presence of the contemporary Citroen REVOLTe concept - a chic city car combining luxury and technology, inspired by the 2CVs distinctive silhouette. So precious are these concepts that many are reading between the lines and hoping that Citroen is showing the car at the gathering to test reactions from members of the public with a view to signing it off for production.
Inspired by the 2CV, REVOLTe takes the key attributes of Citroen's classic voiturette and turns them on their head. Where the 2CV was plain and neutral, REVOLTe is luxurious and colourful; where the 2CV was basic and simple, REVOLTe is intelligent and technologically advanced and where the 2CV was slow and bouncy, REVOLTe is lively and spirited.
But it is compact, measuring just 3.68 metres long, 1.73m wide and 1.35m tall, with rear-hinged doors, well-defined wheel arches, curving bonnet, forceful lines and sculpted sides.
REVOLTe's re-chargeable hybrid power-train features a small-capacity conventional combustion engine combined with an electric motor and a battery re-charging function. The drive-train provides the option of CO2-free driving when running in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode.-stuff.co.nz
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