Enthusiasts of the 2CV model by Citroen unite in Slovenia for a leisurely ride along scenic routes
Celebrating the Citroën 2CV: A Gathering of Friends and Fans
The small town near the Postojna cave in Slovenia was recently transformed into a vibrant community, as over 300 volunteers organised the 25th world meeting of Citroën 2CV enthusiasts. The event, which took place around 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Ljubljana, attracted participants from all around the globe, including a 55-year-old Italian named Gabriele Salvoni, who traveled with three of his friends in their 2CVs of different colours.
The Citroën 2CV, launched in 1948, was Citroën's answer to the Volkswagen Beetle, with "deux chevaux" (two horses) being its original horsepower. Over five million 2CVs were built until 1990, when production stopped due to tougher emissions standards. However, the love for this unique vehicle has not waned, and many participants at the event were born after production ceased.
One such enthusiast is Karmen Uglesic, one of the organisers of the event and a Slovenian who has more than 20 years of experience working with politicians and managing events, particularly during Slovenia's transition into the European Union and NATO. Uglesic attributes her mental well-being to her passion for the Citroën 2CV, nicknamed the "Spacek" or "little freak" in Yugoslavia. Sitting in a 2CV, she says, allows her to relieve stress and enjoy herself.
For Uglesic, the 2CV is a piece of art that can be customized. At the event, 2CVs came in various colours, some equipped with loudspeakers, others covered in rust, and one with a giant duck on the roof. A limousine-like 2CV passed by, extended to double its original length. The recently restored foldable roof of Jamie and Mike's 2CV drips on one side when it rains, but this doesn't deter the couple, who drove from Hamburg, Germany to the event.
Jamie, a 26-year-old freelance artist, expressed her long-standing dream of owning a 2CV. She is now learning to repair the vehicle herself, under the guidance of her boyfriend Mike. Aleksandar Dincic, a 16-year-old from Serbia, also shared his admiration for the 2CV's ability to be driven in the 21st century. His father promised him a 2CV for his 18th birthday.
The camp was described as a series of simultaneous parties in harmony, with columns of cars forming and driving along the main "road" of the camp, honking and playing music. The simplicity of the 2CV engine, which allows for self-repair, was a topic of discussion among the participants. Salvoni and his group traveled at speeds of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour, letting faster Italian supercars pass them.
For the Citroën 2CV fans, the vehicle represents a unique blend of cultural history, simplicity, and nostalgia, which collectively contribute positively to their mental well-being and lifestyle in several ways. The 2CV offers a symbol of freedom and simplicity, fostering a strong emotional connection and providing a sense of community and social bonding. The mechanical simplicity and unique design make the 2CV a popular project for restoration and customization, stimulating creativity, providing a sense of accomplishment, and offering a healthy distraction from daily stresses.
In summary, the Citroën 2CV is more than a car to its fans—it is a cultural icon that nurtures mental well-being through nostalgia, community, creativity, and a celebration of simplicity, all of which positively impact their lifestyle and happiness.
France, with its rich cultural history, served as the backdrop for some participants' 2CV journeys. Jamie and Mike, the freelance artist and her boyfriend from Hamburg, Germany, drove their restored 2CV across countries to France, relishing the unique home-and-garden landscape of the nation.
Showcased at gatherings like the Citroën 2CV event in France, these vintage cars often display a varied lifestyle, as evidenced by customizations such as loudspeakers, rusted bodies, and even a giant duck atop one vehicle. This creatively customized style could be seen as a reflection of the freedom and lifestyle associated with the 2CV, transcending mere transportation to a symbol of personal expression.
