CITROËN CELEBRATES LIMITED EDITION 2CV SPOT ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

• Friday 10^th April marks the 50^th anniversary of 2CV Spot, Citroën’s first limited edition vehicle
• Fifty years later, the 2CV Spot will be one of the stars of the 2026 Nationale 2CV in Villiers-sur-Loir (May 13–17), a major gathering with nearly 3,000 2CV models expected to attend, and will be featured on the poster for the Epoqu'auto show in Lyon (November 6–8, 2026)
• Designed in 1974 by Serge Gevin, the 2CV Spot stands out with its two-tone Orange Ténéré and Blanc Meije colour scheme
• Officially launched on 10^th April 1976, the 2CV Spot was hugely successful, with the entire stock selling out in a few days
• Based on the 2CV 4 and powered by its 435cc engine, the Spot features a striped sunroof, Venetian Orange jersey fabric upholstery, and the famous Quillery steering wheel

Today marks the 50^th anniversary of 2CV Spot, a vehicle which marks a turning point in the brand’s history as the first limited edition ever launched by Citroën.

The story of the 2CV Spot began in 1974 in designer Serge Gevin’s studio. He submitted two designs to Citroën, each with a distinctly different colour scheme. The first played on dark, sporty contrasts, whilst the second offered a completely different approach: an orange 2CV with white wings, whose soft top and door panels featured orange and white stripes reminiscent of a beach chair canopy, conveying a cheerful, summery image.

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. Manufacturing of 2CV Spot began in late February 1976, at the Citroën factory in Levallois.

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.

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, with a 435 cc engine allowing it to exceed 62mph, with fuel consumption of 52mpg.

The launch on 10 April 1976 was a major event. For the first time, Citroën organised 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. 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. The units for Great Britain and Switzerland were equipped with the more powerful 602 cc engine from the 2CV 6. Everywhere, the reception was the same: enthusiastic and immediate.

2CV Spot remains a car that generates immense enthusiasm amongst the public. There will be two major events in 2026 paying tribute to the 2CV, underscoring the unique place it holds in the automotive world.

Nationale 2CV 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), organised under the auspices of the A2CF. Nearly 3,000 vehicles are expected at this festival and, 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.

Epoqu'auto — Lyon, November 6–8, 2026

2CV Spot feature on the official poster for the Epoqu'auto show in Lyon, one of the most important events for automotive heritage in Europe. For 2CV Spot, featuring on the official poster is a great tribute to the car that changed the direction of Citroën. L’Aventure Citroën will be on display in the heart of Hall 5.

ENDS

About Citroën

Since 1919, Citroën has been creating automobiles, technologies, and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. A brand of boldness and innovation, Citroën places peace of mind and well-being at the heart of its customer experience, and offers a wide range of models, from the distinctive Ami, an electric mobility object designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or rechargeable hybrid versions. A pioneer brand in the services and attention paid to its private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.