FV 116 INTRO: The 2CV, an iconic, beloved French car (Part 2)

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This is the second part of my interview with Fabien de Valroger, a Frenchman passionate about the iconic, French car that is the Deux Chevaux (2CV). Even if you are usually not interested in cars, I promise you’ll thoroughly enjoy the conversation!

In this episode, Fabien will share how / when he fell in love with the 2CV. He’s also describing the four cars he owns, their story and specificities…we can even say their personalities!

His collection includes the “Bicéphale”: find out about this incredible two-headed car and the story behind its invention! You’ll also learn about an all-plastic 2CV which crossed the USA and almost melted in the Californian Death Valley!

We’ll also talk about how to estimate/value the price of these beloved cars on the market today and why the 2CV is a symbol uniting all French people regardless of their social class or financial situation.

This really is a feel-good episode!

Souriez c'est l'été ! (YouTube) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVP2tSJgdbU

2cv sur la braise ! 2cv bicéphale en pleine action ! (YouTube) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwNHIe7tUXw#t=48

‪La 2cv bicéphale des pompiers du Var (YouTube) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYJslzWIISg

De San Francisco à Houston en Méhari ! (YouTube ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jMmEMgJRy8&t;=51s

Vocab List

avoir la banane = to be happy, to have a smile all over your face

capital sympathie (nm) = capacity for sympathy / empathy

carrosserie (nf) = car body

caserne (de pompiers) (nf) = fire station

citerne (nf) = cistern, tank

connu comme le loup blanc = known to everyone, very well known

couinement (nm) = squeaky sound

couiner = to squeak

ferraille (nf) = scrap iron

froncer les sourcils = to frown

gouffre financier (nm) = money pit

lance (nf) = hose

marche arrière (nf) = reverse gear

pompier (nm) = fireman, fire fighter

restaurer = to restore, renovate, refurbish

rouillé, e (adj) = rusted

rouiller = to rust

s'en sortir = to cope, to get by, to get through

tas de ferraille (nm) = pile of scrap

tuyau d'arrosage (nm) = hose