2. FUN LEARNING THE 2CV

 Just before Thanksgiving, 2025, we became owners of Lynn's new old 2CV, which she promptly named "Charlotte". Next came the fun prospect of learning how to drive and play with Charlotte...these cars are NOT like other cars you've encountered. Low power: 28 horsepower from an air-cooled 2-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. Four-speed manual transmission: shifted by a black ball attached to a rod sticking out of the dashboard that you push or pull while tilting the ball one direction or another to select the proper gear. Suspension: soft enough to run across a freshly-plowed farm field without cracking any eggs in a basket kept in the passenger seat (one of the design parameters specified in the 1930's when the car was originally designed in France). Convertible: Fabric top which you roll back from the windshield into a tight cylinder strapped above the rear window. Handling while driving: Pretty conventional until cornering at speed, when the car lays over as though it will topple onto its side, which it never does! We've not raced it at autocross...yet...but have experienced its severe body-lean while cornering many times, with lots of grins!

Lynn got these shirts printed for us

NOT Charlotte, but close replica of how she handles curves! 



We drove it all over our neighborhood and nearby scenic routes. The idiosyncrasies fade after driving a few miles, but not the smiles. This car is almost pure fun. Pedestrians, passing motorists, and parking lot strangers all seem drawn to this unique looking vehicle. Lots of laughs, thumbs-up, and constant questions from all quarters. We met new friends in gas stations, in traffic, and at shops. You can't drive this thing anywhere stealthily, that's for sure.  We took our (mostly trusting) friends for rides and laughs, drove the various scenic beach routes around here, and met interested onlookers at the biker-bar/restaurant we found in Hobe Sound. 

Grandson Jack adapted to driving this thing very easily, and is now a big fan of the "More fun to drive a slow car fast, than to drive a fast car slow" motorhead ethic. When Christmas came around, daughter Mandi and I used Charlotte to deliver goodie packages to neighbors out here where we live. Lynn has been using Charlotte regularly for her errands and walking appointments. AND we celebrated our 53rd Anniversary by driving Charlotte to our favorite French restaurant, where we were invited to park out front in their reserved place of honor. So far, so good! 

Matt and Harriet dig the 2CV

Mandi and me playing Santa Elves

Rich and Maggy were our first guest passengers



Jack got the hang of 2CV-ness very fast


Our new favorite French bakery

53 years go fast, but not the 2CV! 




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