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Comment by RicoElectrico | Hacker News Reader

Someone please explain why 2CV was produced for so long (1949-1990) - even in communist countries which were technologically backwards production of 2CV's contemporaries (like FSO Warszawa) was long stopped (1973 in that example).

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The 2CV was inexpensive and indestructible. It was perfect for 3rd world nations that the French had colonized. The 4 wheel independent suspension could go over worse potholes on unpaved roads than you have ever seen. And if something did break, you could either fix it with a coat hanger or find a nearby shade tree mechanic with enough experience to get the job done. I fell in love with it back in the '60's and wanted to bring one back to the states. Of course, it would never pass a safety inspection. The nearest thing I could find was a beetle. .

Interesting, I've seen my friend post a video not long ago with a 2CV in shot, that was in Paris.

You'd think France as the Western Europe would focus more on safety and emissions (apparently French are very climate conscious).

2CV's do around 6L/100km which is comparable to modern town cars

Yep, the "other" (inexpensive and indestructible) car was the Renault R4:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_4

> 3rd world nations that the French had colonize

Do you really think they were "nations"?

Minis were produced from 1959 - 2000. VW Beetles, an older design and much worse to drive, from 1938 - 2003!

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