Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
Okay, we've had a couple of threads on the Citroen 2cv, with many Americans wondering "what is that thing?"
Of course, the 2cv is a car, but like many European cars, it is also available as a curious type of vehicle we've never really had in the US: The Car Derived Van, or CDV.
Here's a nice line drawing of a newer CDV with a window:
A CDV is basically a modern version of the "sedan delivery" type of vehicle that disappeared from the US market around 1961-62, which was about the time the first small vans appeared.
I first saw CDVs in Germany in the 1980s and thought they might make fun little vehicles. The van interiors are generally larger than an equivalent US minivan or station wagon and usually have completely flat floors that would make for a good sleeping platform. They're based on cars, of course, which means that they aren't good on extremely rugged roads, but for someone who mainly traveled on improved dirt or paved roads, it could be a perfect vehicle.
Some of the CDVs I saw in Europe had windows in the side panels, and removable bench seats in the back. I frequently saw them being used as family vehicles.
I think I've even seen a couple of CDVs that were 4x4s, although they were pretty rare.
I think something like a Subaru Outback-based CDV would make an awesome lightweight exploration vehicle!
Of course, the 2cv is a car, but like many European cars, it is also available as a curious type of vehicle we've never really had in the US: The Car Derived Van, or CDV.
Here's a nice line drawing of a newer CDV with a window:
A CDV is basically a modern version of the "sedan delivery" type of vehicle that disappeared from the US market around 1961-62, which was about the time the first small vans appeared.
I first saw CDVs in Germany in the 1980s and thought they might make fun little vehicles. The van interiors are generally larger than an equivalent US minivan or station wagon and usually have completely flat floors that would make for a good sleeping platform. They're based on cars, of course, which means that they aren't good on extremely rugged roads, but for someone who mainly traveled on improved dirt or paved roads, it could be a perfect vehicle.
Some of the CDVs I saw in Europe had windows in the side panels, and removable bench seats in the back. I frequently saw them being used as family vehicles.
I think I've even seen a couple of CDVs that were 4x4s, although they were pretty rare.
I think something like a Subaru Outback-based CDV would make an awesome lightweight exploration vehicle!