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Poissy, April 10, 2026 – With the launch of the Collection 2026 special edition on the C3, C3 Aircross, and C4, Citroën has once again demonstrated its art of enhancing its models through carefully crafted limited editions. But before Collection 2026, before all the limited editions that have marked the brand’s history, there was the 2CV Spot. In 1976, Citroën reinvented its own codes. Thus, this April 10 marks the fiftieth anniversary of what will remain a turning point in the brand’s history: the very first limited edition ever launched by Citroën, an idea as simple as it was groundbreaking.
AN IDEA BORN FROM THE PEN OF SERGE GEVIN
The story of the 2 CV Spot began in 1974, in designer Serge Gevin’s studio. He submitted two designs to Citroën, each with a distinctly different color scheme. The first played on dark, sporty contrasts. The second, the one that was ultimately chosen, offered a completely different vibe: an orange 2CV with white fenders, whose soft top and door panels featured orange and white stripes reminiscent of a beach chair canopy, conveying a cheerful, summery image.
It would take nearly two years for the idea to take shape. In January 1976, the final prototype was photographed on the Normandy coast, at the port of Honfleur, in the middle of winter. This choice of setting ensured discretion, as few tourists were present during that season to notice the small orange and white car parked in front of the Lieutenance. The specific parts were approved and production scheduled at the Citroën factory in Levallois, where manufacturing began in late February 1976.
As for its name, the car was nearly called “Transat,” a term coined by Micheline Gevin that perfectly captured the project’s seaside spirit. Since that name was already trademarked in France, Citroën substituted “Spot” instead.
A SUNNY CAR, AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS
What stands out most about the 2CV Spot is the consistency of its identity. Every detail is designed to create a harmonious whole: the two-tone body in Orange Ténéré and Blanc Meije, the orange-and-white striped sunshade mounted above the front seats, the door panels featuring the same two-tone pattern, the stainless steel wheel covers borrowed from the Dyane, and the Orange Vénitien jersey fabric upholstery with separate front seats. On each front door, a “Spot” sticker completes the look in white on an orange band. The car is essentially a 2CV 4, whose 435 cc engine allows it to exceed 100 km/h, with fuel consumption of 5.4 liters—a frugal figure suited to the daily driving habits of the time. It was sold for 13,600 francs.
The launch on April 10, 1976, was a major event. For the first time, Citroën organized a national presentation contest across its entire network, turning the release of a limited edition into a major sales event. The public’s response was immediate and overwhelming: the first orders poured in as soon as the doors opened, and available stock sold out within a few days. Dealers quickly found themselves unable to meet demand. The final deliveries took place in May 1976, with the exception of a handful of units sold in late June.
The success of the 2CV Spot even extended beyond France’s borders. Starting in October 1976, it went on sale in several European countries, manufactured for the occasion at the Belgian factory in Forest. While Italy and the Benelux countries received 2 CV Spot models with the 2 CV 4 engine, just as in France, the units for Great Britain and Switzerland were equipped with the more powerful 602 cc engine from the 2 CV 6. In addition, a few dozen units were also sold in the Nordic countries. Everywhere, the reception was the same: enthusiastic and immediate. This first limited series would not be the last from Citroën!
FROM 1976 TO 2026: WHEN A LITTLE ORANGE CAR BECOMES A CULTURAL HERITAGE ITEM
If we measure a car’s legacy by the enthusiasm it still generates half a century after its release, the 2CV Spot passes the test with flying colors. In 2026, two major events will pay tribute to it, underscoring the unique place it holds in the collective automotive memory.
Nationale 2 CV 2026 — Villiers-sur-Loir, May 13–17
The DeuchMil26 association in the Vendôme region will host the 31st National Gathering of 2CV Clubs of France in Villiers-sur-Loir (Loir-et-Cher), organized under the auspices of the A2CF. Nearly 3,000 vehicles are expected for this festive and popular event, which will feature sightseeing drives, contests, an exhibitor village (including L’Aventure Citroën), entertainment, and on-site dining. The event will be open to the public on May 14, 15, and 16, 2026. This year, more than ever, the gathering is shaping up to be quite the celebration.
Epoqu’auto — Lyon, November 6–8, 2026
Another clear sign of the recognition enjoyed by the 2CV Spot: it will feature on the official poster for the Epoqu’auto show in Lyon, one of the most important events for automotive heritage in Europe. Being chosen to grace the poster of such an event means joining the exclusive circle of cars that have truly made a mark. For the Spot, this is a well-deserved tribute: that of a small car which, by daring to be different, forever changed the way Citroën—and many other manufacturers following in its footsteps—views the relationship between a brand and its customers. L’Aventure Citroën will be on display in the heart of Hall 5.