2cv information request for the BBC

[richardmorris]

Hi all,

 

This request for information on Madagascan 2cvs has just been forwarded to me. Any ideas folks?

 

I wonder if you can help me. I am trying to find someone who might be able to point me in the right direction to answer this question: Why the 2CV car is so popular in Madagascar. I’m looking for anyone who knows something about the history of the manufacture of the 2CV to talk over the phone for my preliminary research.

 

Image

result for 2cv madagascar

 

 

It is for an article for the BBC News website.

 

Perhaps you could send a message out to your members for ideas?

 

Any help to solve this puzzle would be really appreciated!

 

Many thanks

Clare Spencer

 

 

Clare Spencer

Journalist

Africa Desk

BBC News website

Today my desk number is +44(0)20361 xxxx

[chaseracer]

Uncle Ken.

[robinmasters]

...Clare Spencer

Journalist

Africa Desk

BBC News website

Today my desk number is +44(0)20361 xxxx

Four kisses? You're in there, m9.

[richardmorris]

Four kisses? You're in there, m9.

Made me laugh!

[egg]

I think Car magazine ran an article when the 2CV ceased production in 1990 (a retrospective) and from memory it included a section about the 2CV in Africa, but more than that I cannot say.

[egg]

Ok, found it was the Gambia sorry.

 

[Bobthebeard]

The 2CV was a proper World Car. Good in any country. A bit like the Renault 4 really.

Just did what it was designed to do. Transport people and all their stuff cheaply and reliably. No frills, no fashion statement.

[Asimo]

Madagascar was a French colony until about 1960 will have something to do with Citroen popularity there.

And the 2CV being successfully designed for minimal running cost and bad roads and, rust apart, almost indefinitely maintainable.

Google images search of "cars in Madagascar" shows Renault 4 as being at least as widely used.

Quite likely that BBC person can't tell an R4 from a 2CV. After all, neither is a Prius is it?

 

I guess this pic. of Taxis is from a few years ago, but every motor is French I think.