FV 115 INTRO: The 2CV, an iconic, beloved French car (Part 1)

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Fabien de Valroger is truly passionate about the most iconic, vintage French car that is the Deux Chevaux (2CV). Along with the Eiffel Tower and the French baguette, the 2CV is a symbol of France as virtually every French person has owned one at the time or had some memories attached to it. Why was it so popular?

In this episode, you’ll also find out about the historical context of its appearance on the market, some (pretty) dangerous features such as “les portes-suicide”, how easy it is to find spare parts to fix a car that’s no longer manufactured, whether the oldest 2CV are still allowed to be on the road, which will give you an interesting insight of the law in France. This episode includes a lot of useful vocabulary about car parts… That’s always handy if you break down while travelling!

2CV lovers also enjoy the state of mind and lifestyle which come with the car: taking your time, being slow, taking the scenic small roads.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey!

Souriez c'est l'été ! (YouTube)

2cv sur la braise ! 2cv bicéphale en pleine action ! (YouTube)

‪La 2cv bicéphale des pompiers du Var (YouTube)

De San Francisco à Houston en Méhari ! (YouTube )

Vocab List

autoradio (nm) = car radio

cahier des charges (nm) = (bill of) specifications

capot (nm) = bonnet

carte grise (nf) = car registration document

ceinture de sécurité ( nf) = seat belt

chaussée (nf) = road

cheval,aux (nm) = horsepower

clignotant (nm) = indicator

ESP (contrôle électronique de la trajectoire) (nm) = Electronic Stability Program

essuie-glace (nm) = windscreen wiper

être mordu(e) (de qch) = to be a fan (of sth)

feu stop = break light, stop light

haut de gamme (adj) = premium, high standard

macaron (nm) = sticker

passer aux Mines = to get the roadworthy certificate

pièce (nf) = spare part

rétroviseur (Nm) = rear-view mirror, side mirror

siège (nm) = seat

volant (nm) = steering wheel