Latest news with #2CV
Daily Tribune
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Tribune
Citroen 2CV lovers gather in Slovenia to take the slow road
Fans of an iconic French car gather this week in Slovenia to reclaim a slow, stress-free way of life where repairs are easy and cars are slow. 'Once you sit down, all the stress from your office is gone,' Karmen Uglesic, one of the organisers of this year's 25th world meeting of Citroen 2CV fans, told AFP. 'You stop worrying and simply enjoy,' she said. As head of the Slovenian parliament's public relations office, Uglesic has more than 20 years' experience working with politicians and managing events as the tiny former Yugoslav state transitioned into a fully fledged member of the European Union and NATO. Preparing for retirement, Uglesic says she owes her mental well-being to her passion for the 'Spacek', or 'little freak'. That is what one journalist, bewildered by the car's appearance, called the 2CV when it appeared in the Yugoslav market in the early 50s. 'When I get home from work and my husband asks me if I would go for a ride with our 'Spacek', I'm immediately for it! I put on my Citroen T-shirt, open the foldable roof and go for it,' Uglesic said. 'A different world' The Citroen 2CV was launched in 1948 as the French carmaker Citroen's answer to Germany's Volkswagen Beetle. The 2CV stands for 'deux chevaux' (two horses), a reference to its original horsepower. Admired for its simplicity, utilitarian design and low-cost maintenance, more than five million 2CVs were built until 1990, when production stopped due to tougher emissions standards. Uglesic is one of more than 300 volunteers who organised the 25th world meeting of 2CV friends at an airfield near the Postojna cave, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the capital Ljubljana. The previous gathering was in Switzerland in 2023. 'If you want to, you can repair it yourself thanks to the engine's simplicity,' 55-year-old Italian Gabriele Salvoni told AFP. He was sitting with friends, drinking a beer, eating popcorn and surrounded by four 2CVs in different colours. His group did the 400-kilometres-long trip to Postojna driving at 80 to 90 kilometres per hour, letting traditional Italian supercars shoot past them. 'This is a different world, we travel in peace, that is our way of living,' Salvoni said proudly, displaying tatoos on his chest representing two 2CVs with the names of his two children. 'A piece of art' Their cars were parked in one of the many camping areas marked by organisers to leave space for more than 3,000 2CVs to parade around. The vehicles came in many colours -- some equipped with loudspeakers, others covered in rust, or in yellow with a giant duck on the roof. 'This car is a piece of art,' Uglesic said. 'Many here take it as a white canvas on which you can paint whatever you like.' As she spoke, a limousine-like 2CV, extended to double its usual length, passed by. The camp appeared to be a series of parties happening at the same time but in perfect harmony. From time to time, a column of cars formed to drive along the kilometre-plus main 'road' separating two sides of the camp. They sounded their horns as passers-by sang along to the music from their loudspeakers. Many of the participants were not even born when 2CV production stopped. 'It was my dream for years,' 26-year-old freelance artist Jamie said as she sat with her 32-year-old boyfriend Mike under a tent hanging from her blue 2CV. 'I went to France and I fell in love with the car.' 'Chill a bit' Mike, who works in aircraft maintenance, is teaching her to repair it herself. He admitted that, when it rained, their recently restored foldable roof 'drips a little, but just on one side, but we don't really mind'. They drove from Hamburg in Germany, where highways have some of the fastest speed limits in the world. 'I don't mind being the slow one on the highway,' Jamie said. 'I think it's better to slow down. Maybe they should learn something from us: to chill a bit.' Not far away, 16-year-old Aleksandar Dincic from Vranje in Serbia and his father were checking out a tent where 2CV spare parts were being sold. 'I adore these cars, they are very good and can easily be driven in the 21st century,' Dincic said. And his father had promised him one for his 18th birthday, he added. 'It's a car that you drive with pleasure,' he said with a smile.
Kuwait Times
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Kuwait Times
Citroen 2CV lovers gather in Slovenia to take the slow road
Fans of an iconic French car gather this week in Slovenia to reclaim a slow, stress-free way of life where repairs are easy and cars are slow. 'Once you sit down, all the stress from your office is gone,' Karmen Uglesic, one of the organisers of this year's 25th world meeting of Citroen 2CV fans, told AFP. 'You stop worrying and simply enjoy,' she said. As head of the Slovenian parliament's public relations office, Uglesic has more than 20 years' experience working with politicians and managing events as the tiny former Yugoslav state transitioned into a fully fledged member of the European Union and NATO. Preparing for retirement, Uglesic says she owes her mental well-being to her passion for the 'Spacek', or 'little freak'. That is what one journalist, bewildered by the car's appearance, called the 2CV when it appeared in the Yugoslav market in the early 50s. 'When I get home from work and my husband asks me if I would go for a ride with our 'Spacek', I'm immediately for it! I put on my Citroen T-shirt, open the foldable roof and go for it,' Uglesic said. Karmen Uglesic, one of the Slovenian organizers, poses in a vehicle during the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends in Postojna, Slovenia on July 30, 2025. Citroen 2CV vehicles are parked at a camp during the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. 2CV vehicles are parked at a camp during the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. A Citroen 2CV fan drives his vehicle through a camp during the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. A man sits on the back of a Citroen vehicle driving through a camp during the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. 'A different world' The Citroen 2CV was launched in 1948 as the French carmaker Citroen's answer to Germany's Volkswagen Beetle. The 2CV stands for 'deux chevaux' (two horses), a reference to its original horsepower. Admired for its simplicity, utilitarian design and low-cost maintenance, more than five million 2CVs were built until 1990, when production stopped due to tougher emissions standards. Uglesic is one of more than 300 volunteers who organized the 25th world meeting of 2CV friends at an airfield near the Postojna cave, around 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of the capital Ljubljana. The previous gathering was in Switzerland in 2023. 'If you want to, you can repair it yourself thanks to the engine's simplicity,' 55-year-old Italian Gabriele Salvoni told AFP. He was sitting with friends, drinking a beer, eating popcorn and surrounded by four 2CVs in different colors. His group did the 400-kilometres-long trip to Postojna driving at 80 to 90 kilometers per hour, letting traditional Italian supercars shoot past them. 'This is a different world, we travel in peace, that is our way of living,' Salvoni said proudly, displaying tattoos on his chest representing two 2CVs with the names of his two children. A man drives a Citroen AMI 8 vehicle through the camp during the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. 2CV fans drive their vehicle through a camp as they attend the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. A man disassembles the engine of a Citroen 2CV as he attends the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. Jamie (left) and Mike from Hamburg sit by their Citroen 2CV during the 25th World Meeting of 2CV Friends. 'A piece of art' Their cars were parked in one of the many camping areas marked by organizers to leave space for more than 3,000 2CVs to parade around. The vehicles came in many colors - some equipped with loudspeakers, others covered in rust, or in yellow with a giant duck on the roof. 'This car is a piece of art,' Uglesic said. 'Many here take it as a white canvas on which you can paint whatever you like.' As she spoke, a limousine-like 2CV, extended to double its usual length, passed by. The camp appeared to be a series of parties happening at the same time but in perfect harmony. From time to time, a column of cars formed to drive along the kilometer-plus main 'road' separating two sides of the camp. They sounded their horns as passers-by sang along to the music from their loudspeakers. Many of the participants were not even born when 2CV production stopped. 'It was my dream for years,' 26-year-old freelance artist Jamie said as she sat with her 32-year-old boyfriend Mike under a tent hanging from her blue 2CV. 'I went to France and I fell in love with the car.' 'Chill a bit' Mike, who works in aircraft maintenance, is teaching her to repair it herself. He admitted that, when it rained, their recently restored foldable roof 'drips a little, but just on one side, but we don't really mind'. They drove from Hamburg in Germany, where highways have some of the fastest speed limits in the world. 'I don't mind being the slow one on the highway,' Jamie said. 'I think it's better to slow down. Maybe they should learn something from us: to chill a bit.' Not far away, 16-year-old Aleksandar Dincic from Vranje in Serbia and his father were checking out a tent where 2CV spare parts were being sold. 'I adore these cars, they are very good and can easily be driven in the 21st century,' Dincic said. And his father had promised him one for his 18th birthday, he added. 'It's a car that you drive with pleasure,' he said with a smile. – AFP
Int'l Business Times
03-08-2025
- Automotive
- Int'l Business Times
Citroen 2CV Lovers Gather In Slovenia To Take The Slow Road
Fans of an iconic French car gather this week in Slovenia to reclaim a slow, stress-free way of life where repairs are easy and cars are slow. "Once you sit down, all the stress from your office is gone," Karmen Uglesic, one of the organisers of this year's 25th world meeting of Citroen 2CV fans, told AFP. "You stop worrying and simply enjoy," she said. As head of the Slovenian parliament's public relations office, Uglesic has more than 20 years' experience working with politicians and managing events as the tiny former Yugoslav state transitioned into a fully fledged member of the European Union and NATO. Preparing for retirement, Uglesic says she owes her mental well-being to her passion for the "Spacek", or "little freak". That is what one journalist, bewildered by the car's appearance, called the 2CV when it appeared in the Yugoslav market in the early 50s. "When I get home from work and my husband asks me if I would go for a ride with our 'Spacek', I'm immediately for it! I put on my Citroen T-shirt, open the foldable roof and go for it," Uglesic said. The Citroen 2CV was launched in 1948 as the French carmaker Citroen's answer to Germany's Volkswagen Beetle. The 2CV stands for "deux chevaux" (two horses), a reference to its original horsepower. Admired for its simplicity, utilitarian design and low-cost maintenance, more than five million 2CVs were built until 1990, when production stopped due to tougher emissions standards. Uglesic is one of more than 300 volunteers who organised the 25th world meeting of 2CV friends at an airfield near the Postojna cave, around 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the capital Ljubljana. The previous gathering was in Switzerland in 2023. "If you want to, you can repair it yourself thanks to the engine's simplicity," 55-year-old Italian Gabriele Salvoni told AFP. He was sitting with friends, drinking a beer, eating popcorn and surrounded by four 2CVs in different colours. His group did the 400-kilometres-long trip to Postojna driving at 80 to 90 kilometres per hour, letting traditional Italian supercars shoot past them. "This is a different world, we travel in peace, that is our way of living," Salvoni said proudly, displaying tatoos on his chest representing two 2CVs with the names of his two children. Their cars were parked in one of the many camping areas marked by organisers to leave space for more than 3,000 2CVs to parade around. The vehicles came in many colours -- some equipped with loudspeakers, others covered in rust, or in yellow with a giant duck on the roof. "This car is a piece of art," Uglesic said. "Many here take it as a white canvas on which you can paint whatever you like." As she spoke, a limousine-like 2CV, extended to double its usual length, passed by. The camp appeared to be a series of parties happening at the same time but in perfect harmony. From time to time, a column of cars formed to drive along the kilometre-plus main "road" separating two sides of the camp. They sounded their horns as passers-by sang along to the music from their loudspeakers. Many of the participants were not even born when 2CV production stopped. "It was my dream for years," 26-year-old freelance artist Jamie said as she sat with her 32-year-old boyfriend Mike under a tent hanging from her blue 2CV. "I went to France and I fell in love with the car." Mike, who works in aircraft maintenance, is teaching her to repair it herself. He admitted that, when it rained, their recently restored foldable roof "drips a little, but just on one side, but we don't really mind". They drove from Hamburg in Germany, where highways have some of the fastest speed limits in the world. "I don't mind being the slow one on the highway," Jamie said. "I think it's better to slow down. Maybe they should learn something from us: to chill a bit." Not far away, 16-year-old Aleksandar Dincic from Vranje in Serbia and his father were checking out a tent where 2CV spare parts were being sold. "I adore these cars, they are very good and can easily be driven in the 21st century," Dincic said. And his father had promised him one for his 18th birthday, he added. "It's a car that you drive with pleasure," he said with a smile. Karmen Uglesic is one of the organisers of the 25th global rally of 2CVs AFP Gabriele Salvoni, from Italy, poses with his 2CV AFP The 2CVs at the rally come in all colours and decorations AFP Jamie and Mike came from Hamburg to take part in the 2CV rally in Slovenia AFP
The Irish Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Roger Moore's favourite James Bond car hits auction… but the motor used in an iconic chase scene is not an Aston Martin
BOND star Roger Moore's favourite James Bond car, seen in iconic chase seen, is due to be auctioned. It's not a vintage Aston Martin due to sell but a small French hatchback used in the iconic Advertisement 8 The little motor was scene in the iconic Roger Moore 007 film For Your Eyes Only Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Its not a vintage Aston Martin up for sale Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Each of the six 2CVs used for filming were fitted with bigger engines Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS The tiny Citroen 2CV is currently available for purchase after it was rescued from a French scrapyard. Six of the little motors were destroyed during the This is the only one of the six to ever be offered up for sale at auction. A month long online Advertisement Read more in Motors It's hoped that the motor will fetch a price of about $500,000 or £370,000 by the time bidding closes on July 17. The iconic chase scene featuring the little 2CV sees Moore jump into the passenger seat of Melina Havelock's (Carole Bouquet) In the ensuing chaos of the chase the 2CV ends up flipping onto its roof to avoid a bus. It's then flipped back onto four wheels by Bond and some helpful locals before fleeing once again. Advertisement Most read in Motors The small 2CV is eventually rolled down a hill by one of the pursuing Peugeot's, ending up partially crushed before being reversed off towards a sharp turn by In the iconic chase scene Bond takes the tiny Citroen off-road through olive groves and says the famous line: "I love a drive in the country, don't you?" Iconic 90s Ferrari Jeremy Clarkson dubbed the 'greatest car in the world, ever' up for sale for eye-watering price Six bright yellow 2CV's were left damaged in the filming process of the chase scene which sees Bond jump one over the last pursuing The 2CV up for auction is one of only three to avoid complete destruction. Advertisement All three surviving 2CVs received a few dents and scrapes with the model up for The models used for filming were fitted with more powerful engines not available in standard 2CVs. Standard 2CVs were powered by a 602cc 8 Moore said the car was his favourite and wrote in his memoirs about the fun he had driving it Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS Advertisement 8 The motor sustained some damage during filming Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS 8 Bidding for the car will close on July 17 Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS The six Bond vehicles used in filming featured a larger 1.1-litre engine that was lifted from the Citroën GS. No roll cage was fitted to the one up for Advertisement Moore gave a Top Gear interview stating the little French hatchback was his favourite Bond car writing later in his memoir about the fun he had driving the small motor. The three surviving motors were split up after filming with one sold off to a One was taken by Citroen for the firm's private collection and the third, which is now up for auction, was sent to a recycling facility in Paris. The famous little car was rescued from the scrapyard and sold to its Advertisement It has been fitted with replacement yellow doors and boot lid, yellow roof, and seats. The car is being sold for display purposes only and is not considered to be A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the 8 The iconic chase scene saw six of the small cars get wrecked Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement 8 Only three survived the filming Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal. Auctions aren't restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week. Here's what you need to know before attending an auction: Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand. Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly. Have a back-up : Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups. Be realistic: Realise that there won't be a "perfect" car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly. Set a budget : It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it. Key phrases to look out for: 'No major mechanical faults' – suggests that there shouldn't be any issues with the car's drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine. 'Specified faults' – the auctioneer will read out specific faults. 'Sold as seen' – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale. 'Sold with a warranted mileage' - The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Roger Moore's favourite James Bond car hits auction… but the motor used in an iconic chase scene is not an Aston Martin
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BOND star Roger Moore's favourite James Bond car, seen in iconic chase seen, is due to be auctioned. It's not a vintage Aston Martin due to sell but a small French hatchback used in the iconic For Your Eyes Only chase scene. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The little motor was scene in the iconic Roger Moore 007 film For Your Eyes Only Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Its not a vintage Aston Martin up for sale Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Each of the six 2CVs used for filming were fitted with bigger engines Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS The tiny Citroen 2CV is currently available for purchase after it was rescued from a French scrapyard. Six of the little motors were destroyed during the filming of the chase scene. This is the only one of the six to ever be offered up for sale at auction. A month long online bidding war has been started for the little car with bids already reaching $120,000 or £89,000. It's hoped that the motor will fetch a price of about $500,000 or £370,000 by the time bidding closes on July 17. The iconic chase scene featuring the little 2CV sees Moore jump into the passenger seat of Melina Havelock's (Carole Bouquet) Citroen to escape the gun fire of villain Hector Gonzalez's goons. In the ensuing chaos of the chase the 2CV ends up flipping onto its roof to avoid a bus. It's then flipped back onto four wheels by Bond and some helpful locals before fleeing once again. The small 2CV is eventually rolled down a hill by one of the pursuing Peugeot's, ending up partially crushed before being reversed off towards a sharp turn by 007. In the iconic chase scene Bond takes the tiny Citroen off-road through olive groves and says the famous line: "I love a drive in the country, don't you?" Iconic 90s Ferrari Jeremy Clarkson dubbed the 'greatest car in the world, ever' up for sale for eye-watering price Six bright yellow 2CV's were left damaged in the filming process of the chase scene which sees Bond jump one over the last pursuing Peugeot. The 2CV up for auction is one of only three to avoid complete destruction. All three surviving 2CVs received a few dents and scrapes with the model up for auction boasting a missing headlight and a fair few scratches in the paintwork. The models used for filming were fitted with more powerful engines not available in standard 2CVs. Standard 2CVs were powered by a 602cc flat-twin engine mustering around 33bhp. 8 Moore said the car was his favourite and wrote in his memoirs about the fun he had driving it Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS 8 The motor sustained some damage during filming Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS 8 Bidding for the car will close on July 17 Credit: HeritageAuctions/BNPS The six Bond vehicles used in filming featured a larger 1.1-litre engine that was lifted from the Citroën GS. No roll cage was fitted to the one up for auction as it was used specifically for driving shots with Moore and Bouquet. Moore gave a Top Gear interview stating the little French hatchback was his favourite Bond car writing later in his memoir about the fun he had driving the small motor. The three surviving motors were split up after filming with one sold off to a UK collector. One was taken by Citroen for the firm's private collection and the third, which is now up for auction, was sent to a recycling facility in Paris. The famous little car was rescued from the scrapyard and sold to its current owner in 2004. It has been fitted with replacement yellow doors and boot lid, yellow roof, and seats. The car is being sold for display purposes only and is not considered to be roadworthy. A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the winning bidder. 8 The iconic chase scene saw six of the small cars get wrecked Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Only three survived the filming
