Citroën centenary rally

Carmaker’s historic test track plays host to marque’s record gathering

All but one of the surviving pre-WWII 2CV prototypes and a one-off stretched limousine created for Charles de Gaulle joined more than 5000 Citroëns from across Europe for the carmaker’s three-day centenary rally.

Held at La Ferté-Vidame – where many of the manufacturer’s models where developed away from prying eyes, deep in the heart of the French countryside – the rally brought together club displays, cars from marque specialists from across Europe and vehicles from the manufacturer’s heritage collection, fittingly arranged next to a Citroënbranded sculpture of the Eiffel Tower, in homage to one of Andre Citroën’s earliest publicity stunts.

While the event’s turn-out of 2CVs was slightly lower than anticipated due to its proximity to a world rally event for the model held in Croatia the same week, the displays of ID/ DS models and Traction Avants was mind-bogglingly large, with sizeable

model-by-model displays also given over to the SM, CX and XM. The highlight for many of the owners taking part was the chance to drive the test track itself and to see the buildings where the 2CV protoypes – then known as TPVs – were hidden during World War II to prevent them falling into the wrong hands. The rally also had an accompanying auction selling significant classic Citroëns.

Xavier Crespin, managing director of L’Adeventure Peugeot Citroën, which is responsible for heritage activities, said that the intention was to honour the spirit of Andre Citroën’s achievements.

He said: ‘It is incredible the reaction the event has had – the fact that it’s really happened makes feel a little dizzy! It is organised by volunteers but Citroën has this incredible capacity to generate a lot of passion through the club.

‘There have been Citroën club rallies before, but never anything this big or special.’