Image: Citroën
Image: Citroën
Image: Citroën
Image: Citroën
Image: Citroën
The Citroën sanctioned Berlingo-based 2CV is the latest retro-inspired build that looks to the past for aesthetic inspiration while the inner workings of a modern vehicle remain.
Image: Citroën
Automakers craft bespoke, hand-built models to captivate their audiences all of the time. Usually, it is a show-stopping sports car or limited edition production run envisioning a future design language. Citroën has done the opposite with their latest Berlingo-based 2CV Fourgonnette panelvan which looks to the past to recreate the utilitarian French icon.
To clarify, this projectdoesn’t actually come at the hands of the French automaker. Citroën have sanctioned the project which is actually carried out by Italian coachbuilder Caselani who build the exterior around a modern Berlingo panelvan. Chief designer David Obendorfer stated: “It was an exciting challenge because the original van had completely different proportions. It had very short front overhang, nice long bonnet and visually stand-alone load compartment, very different features from those of Berlingo. So I focused more on an overall evocative aspect of the original vehicle rather than straining the individual design elements to make them look like the 2CV Fourgonnette.”
The original van debuted in 1951 and was produced with a few iterations all the way up to 1987. During this lengthy production run, the utilitarian model sold well over a million units and was undeniably a crucial aspect of success for not only Citroën but post-war France alike.
Image: Citroën
The good news is that under the skin is a modern Citroën Berlingo which means all of the creature comforts that we have gotten used to are included. The corrugated panels are affixed along the sides of the existing bodywork while bumpers and fenders have been replaced with new fibreglass bits.
Since it is a purely visual upgrade, any model in the Berlingo lineup can be adorned in the retro aesthetic which includes the latest EV panelvan. Caselani will commence production of the bodykit in January 2023 while order books will open from the 1st of October.
Citroën no longer offer the Berlingo in South Africa so the closest we will get to seeing this retro creation is here, over a screen.
Keyword: Citroën goes retro on its Berlingo-based 2CV Fourgonnette panelvan