Javillac
The origin of Citroen 2CV dates back to the 30s, when the French firm developed a series of prototypes called POS that arose to cover the need to create a simple and economical car within reach of all budgets. World War II cut short those plans and We had to wait until 1948 for the Dos Caballos to hit the market, becoming a bestseller. which, thanks to its low fuel consumption, made it the ideal vehicle for post-war Europe.
This Citroën model got remain in production in Portugal until 1990 already become a true automotive icon. Just seven years after the 2CV production ceased The American company Chrysler presented a prototype called CCV (Composite Concept Vehicle) that was clearly inspired by the shapes and solutions of the French car., and which was born with the same intentions as the vehicle it tried to imitate.
A TWO HORSES FOR EMERGING MARKETS
By the 1994s, the automobile industry began to look at the most significant designs of the past to present its new products. Without going any further in 1998, Volkswagen had presented a prototype for a renewed Beetle, which would end up becoming the New Beetle that went on sale in XNUMX. Although this Beetle was born as a more recreational vehicle The Chrysler CCV, with a retro and modern aesthetic for the time, had to be a cheap car for countries in which the automobile was still a prohibitive luxury.
The mission of the Chrysler CCV was none other than to replace the motorcycle in many markets. Its body was extremely light, as it only weighed 95 kilograms, something that was achieved thanks to its plastic manufacturing, and which made the car weigh a total of only 544 kilos., a figure comparable to that of the 2CV. As in the first Citroën units, the roof was made of canvas and extended to the trunk, which made the vehicle even lighter.
The CCV engine was a two-cylinder air-cooled block that produced 35 HP of power. and that it was produced by the Briggs & Stratton company. Apparently its features and even its sound were very similar to the Citroën 2CV, and continuing with the similarities, the gear lever was also housed in the center of the dashboard.
AN IDEA THAT DID NOT MATERIALIZE
The Chrysler CCV and its revolutionary body made of plastic was destined to revolutionize the world of affordable cars, at a time when the industry had seemed to forget about emerging markets. The American company presented the project in China, managing to arouse great interest, which did not turn into an agreement., as Chinese executives demanded to know the body modeling technology, and Chrysler decided to keep its secret.
Its manufacture was going to be extremely simple and fast, since it would be carried out in a third of the time it took to produce a traditional automobile.. However, its crash test results meant that it could not be sold in the United States and the European Union without being previously reinforced. Smart was also interested in the project, but Chrysler did not give in on this occasion either, and in 1998 they abandoned the development of the CCV, the car that could have powered a large part of the world and did not.
Photos: Chrysler, Car Design Archives
