Nature

Since 1990, Citroen has stopped producing the mythic 2CV. But in Cassis, diehard fans of the “Deudeuche” have picked up where they left off. Restoration, spare parts and even brand new cars; welcome to the temple of France’s most popular car.

By Jean-Dominique Dalloz - Photos José Nicolas - November 21, 2011

The little road leading down to Cap Canaille is steep. To be gentle on the drum brakes, of only relative endurance, I’m in second gear, when the little 602 cm3 motor emits a resounding splutter that fills the car. A few hundred meters further along, I find myself at sea level, at the entrance to the charming town of Cassis. The sunroof has been open for ages already, and the fall sun fills the interior of the 2CV. Behind the wheel of one of France’s favorite cars, I rediscover the simple pleasures of driving what was for many years the cheapest convertible in the world. But don’t be mistaken, the

“Deudeuche” that I’m driving never left eccentric Aunt Jeanne’s garage, or old Amédée’s poultry house; it’s an entirely new model, fresh from the factory floor. Well, in a manner of speaking. My bright cherry red 2CV 6 was assembled in the workshops of Cassis’s 2CV Mehari Club, a local business run by three brothers who love the famous Citroen. When their father, a dealer for the car company, handed over the reins at the beginning of the 80s, his offspring started restoring a few specimens of the Mehari, the “cheap jeep” that used the same platform as the 2CV. Quality work, using original parts,

their project soon met with success, and the little workshop was quickly transformed in to a production unit. Buying equipment and machines directly from Citroen, the three brothers began themselves producing parts that conform to the constructor’s own technical specifications: molds for plastic parts, electrical circuits, motor, upholstery, sunroofs… Each month, about ten Mehari and as many 2CVs pass through the expert hands of the mechanics in charge of their restoration. In all, there’s about 50 employees busy perpetuating the spirit “Deudeuche” for a fanatical clientele of enthusiasts all around the world. As for

the new models, they’re built once the cars’ registration papers including the original serial number for the chassis have been presented. In return for 15,000 €, you’ll leave with a 2CV in the color of your choice, which will take you a lot further than the Cap Canaille.

MORE PICTURES

Discover

2cv Méhari Club de Cassis
ZA Le Brégadan
13700 Cassis
04.42.01.07.68
www.mehariclub.com