Nearly 70 years old!
The 2cv Robert RADAR will celebrate its seventieth anniversary this year. On this occasion you will be able to discover it at Spa-Francorchamps. I am taking this opportunity to thank Madame Lisou RADAR, granddaughter of the creator, for having given me a photocopy of the original patent filing. This allows me to enclose an interesting historical facsimile with your miniature! Here are some photos of the miniatures already delivered. Version, colour, with or without hood, the choice is yours!
An unsung Belgian sportswoman
Birth of an unusual sportswoman
In 1956, Robert Radar, a Citroën dealer in Liège, set out to transform the famous 2CV into an attractive sporty roadster. The objective? To offer a dynamic and elegant variant while preserving the legendary mechanical qualities of the 2CV.
An innovative bodywork
The major distinctive feature of the 2CV Radar lies in its polyester bodywork, an innovative material at the time. Thanks to its lightness and improved aerodynamics, it displays a streamlined silhouette, noticeably more sporty than that of a traditional 2CV. Its chassis also benefits from modifications, notably a reinforced suspension through the addition of a stabiliser.
Optimised mechanics
Under the bonnet, the 425 cc twin-cylinder engine benefits from a few notable improvements, including a twin carburettor, enabling the small Belgian sports car to reach a top speed that was remarkable for its time: 120 km/h.
A limited and exclusive production
Initially designed as five prototypes in 1956 (three complete models and two in kit form), the 2CV Radar was finally produced in a small production run between 1959 and 1962 at the Belgian factory in Forest. Around twenty assembled cars were marketed, accompanied by approximately forty additional bodies sold in kit form for knowledgeable enthusiasts wishing to customise their own 2CV.
The 1/43 scale 2CV Radar miniatures
To date, and after my research, I have not found a reproduction of this model. So the challenge was on! I have made the 2 CV Radar as it appears in its red livery from the latest press releases. The bodywork is entirely in resin, with the seats made of PLA. I will also probably be offering you the versions visible here:
https://www.prewarcar.fr/about-tough-to-crack-car-puzzle-155-2cv-radar#group-2
as well as a «made-to-measure» colour palette, because a web search will show you that almost everything has been done regarding colours on this vehicle. Feel free to fill in the short form at the bottom of this article to stay informed of the project's progress.
Conclusion
The Citroën 2CV Radar remains to this day a little-known but fascinating vehicle in Belgian and European automotive history. Its rarity, combined with obvious creative audacity, makes it a highly prized car for discerning collectors, perfectly symbolising the spirit of innovation and passion that defines the Citroën universe. Today it can join your display cases and further add to the list of atypical 2CVs that make up your collection. To find out more, please do not hesitate to contact me! (Model available upon request)