Skip advert
Advertisement

Citroen Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette revives classic 2CV van style

Citroen has taken inspiration from the Fourgonnette van version of the iconic 2CV to create a retro Berlingo-based model with coachbuilder Caselani.

We first saw the 2CV unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1948 and it went on to become arguably the most famous car of Citroen’s 103-year history. A little less well-known was its commercial vehicle cousin, the 2CV Fourgonnette van that launched in 1951. Now, bringing those unmistakable 2CV design themes into the 21st century is this - the new Berlingo 2CV Fourgonnette.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new Fourgonnette has been designed and will be built under licence by Italian coachbuilder Caselani. “It was an exciting challenge because the original van had completely different proportions. I focused more on an evocative aspect of the original vehicle rather than straining the individual design elements to make them look like the 2CV Fourgonnette.” says Caselani designer David Obendorfer. Order books will open on 1 October with production scheduled to begin in January 2023.

The conversion includes plenty of key 2CV Fourgonnette design traits, although the overall structure of the Berlingo is unchanged. The Fourgonnette is the last of Citroen’s new range of Caselani-designed vans, following on from the Type H-styled Citroen Relay from 2017 and the Type HG, which was based on the Spacetourer in 2020.  

Starting at the front, the Berlingo’s entire nose has been overhauled with a new grille, mimicking the larger one seen on the earlier 2CV. The front bumper and wheel arches have been replaced with a fibreglass material and there’s a V-shaped bonnet with strakes running down it. Just like the original, there are round headlights sticking out from the body. Above the front wheel arches there are some fake vents as a nod to the air ventilation on the 2CV. 

A second skin is applied to the sides, rear doors and the roof, made from fibreglass. The horizontal lines are designed to pay tribute to the corrugated sheeting used on the original 2CV Fourgonnette (which helped with structural rigidity). At the rear there are two rounded windows on the doors and the rear lights have also been rounded-off - just like the 2CVs. 

Citroen has stopped short of fitting the Fourgonnette with the two-cylinder engine from the original 2CV, leaving the mechanicals of the Berlingo untouched. While various iterations of the 1.2-litre Puretech petrol engine are expected to be offered, it might even be possible for Caselani to use an all-electric e-Berlingo as a base. 

Now check out the best electric vans to buy now…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best people carriers and MPVs to buy 2025
Best MPVs - header image

Best people carriers and MPVs to buy 2025

These people carriers and MPVs are loaded with family-friendly features and acres of space
Best cars & vans
20 Jan 2025
Best electric vans 2025
Best electric vans - header image

Best electric vans 2025

We reveal the best electric vans to buy or lease in the UK right now
Best cars & vans
8 Jan 2025
Best 7-seater cars to buy 2025
Best seven-seater cars - header image

Best 7-seater cars to buy 2025

We pick the best seven-seater cars across a wide range of price points
Best cars & vans
7 Jan 2025
Best small vans 2025
Best small vans - header image

Best small vans 2025

Small vans are practical, affordable and cheap to run. This is our top 10 rundown of the best low-cost load-luggers
Best cars & vans
6 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price
Ford Capri - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new Ford Capri looks a lot less controversial at this price

Rebooted Seventies classic is now an electric SUV for a low monthly outlay. It’s our Deal of the Day for 5 February
News
5 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Nissan Leaf for under £140 a month is bargain electric motoring
Nissan Leaf - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Nissan Leaf for under £140 a month is bargain electric motoring

It may be getting on a bit, but the Leaf still represents simple – and cheap – electric motoring. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 February
News
3 Feb 2025
Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition gets a price hike, but it’s still cheap-as-chips
Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition - front

Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition gets a price hike, but it’s still cheap-as-chips

The petrol Vauxhall Corsa Yes Edition now starts from £18,995, while the electric version comes in at £27,495
News
5 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts