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handling is a relative term

What the 2CV lacked in ability, it made up for in charm

MOTOR TREND’S editors have never rolled a car during skidpad evaluation, but the late Len Frank, editor at large, and Tony Assenza, feature editor, tried their hardest with this Citroën 2CV. The Deux Chevaux (in reference to the two taxable horsepower the car produced) was to France what the original VW was to Germany, the Mini to Britain, and the Fiat 500 to Italy: basic transportation, with the emphasis on basic. Nearly all of the 2CV’s glass was flat, the earliest models boasted seats wrapped in wicker, and the car’s 0-to-60 time is best measured with a sundial. How is it, then, that the 2CV and the others, all of which were intended as mere tools for the masses, are recognized as landmark designs and cultural icons? No matter: From 1949 through 1990, Citroën sold millions of 2CVs the world over. It’s safe to say, however, that its handling prowess wasn’t one of the reasons. The 2CV’s ethos, two-cylinder power, and basic shape live on, however, in India’s new Tata Nano. ■ coverage august 1969

Crossovers? Front drive? No such thing at Ford’s premium luxury outlet, as evidenced by the new-for-1970 model. It dwarfs even today’s Town Car with a 225.0-inch overall length atop a limo-like 127.0-inch wheelbase. Grunt came from a pre-smogger 460-cube V-8, good for 365 horses. We called it “Plush-Polished-Provocative. ” We also reported on a young, handsome, Italian immigrant who had just won the Indy 500. His name is Mario Andretti.

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IT’S HARD NOT TO GIVE IN TO YOUR MUSTANG SIDE. EVEN IF YOU’RE LEGALLY BLIND.

ROGER KEENEY LOST HIS SIGHT 20 YEARS AGO. BUT THAT DIDN’T STOP HIM FROM UNLEASHING HIS MUSTANG SIDE IN A NEW 2010 MUSTANG. SEE THINGS FROM HIS POINT OF VIEW AT THE2010MUSTANG.COM.