Back in the day, you couldn't get much more utilitarian and strictly functional than the Citroën 2CV. It was meant for poor rural farmers who hadn't been able to afford a vehicle. Introduced in 1948, it continued all the way up to 1990. It was extremely minimalistic with its two cylinder front drive layout.
1948, the first year.
1990, the final year.
Due to poor, or often non-existent roads, one of the design criteria specified that a case of eggs place on the passenger seat had to remain unbroken while driving across a plowed field, made possible with long suspension travel and a cushy ride. With only nine horsepower it was thrifty, getting 90 mpg.
As Citroën was at that time owned by Michelin, it introduced radial tires to the world, being so equipped right from the start.
Following the usual trends, it sported rectangular headlamps starting in 1976, but later reverted to round. Over four million were produced over fifty two years, in different countries in Europe and South America.
The lightweight seats were easily removable for use as chairs during your picnic outing.
A panel van version was used in the movie 'Return Of The Pink Panther'.
