Post-War Revolution: The People's Cars

World War II devastated French industry, but from destruction came innovation. The government's Plan Pons called for a new type of vehicle: ultra-economical, simple to maintain, capable of carrying French farmers into the modern age. Two responses to this challenge would become automotive icons.

Renault's 4CV, launched in 1946, put France on wheels. Developed secretly during the occupation (the Nazis had forbidden French companies from developing new models), it featured a rear-mounted engine for maximum interior space and innovative all-independent suspension. By 1961, over a million had been sold, making it France's first true mass-market car.

But the 4CV was conventional compared to Citroën's response. The 2CV, unveiled at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, shocked observers. Journalists called it an "umbrella on wheels" and predicted failure. Pierre Boulanger, Citroën's chief, had demanded a car that could carry four people and 50 kg of potatoes across a plowed field without breaking eggs in a basket. The result looked like nothing else on Earth.

The 2CV's innovations were hidden beneath its humble appearance. The interconnected suspension provided extraordinary ride comfort. The air-cooled engine was nearly indestructible. Every component was designed for easy repair with basic tools. Canvas seats could be removed for picnics. The roof rolled back for carrying tall loads. It was automotive design driven purely by function, yet it achieved its own aesthetic—one that would inspire designers for generations.