Citroën Celebrates 40 Years of the 2CV Cocorico, when the 2CV Took on its Tricolour Jersey

For nearly 80 years, the 2CV has embodied the Citroën spirit: an accessible, inventive car deeply rooted in the lives of the French people. Produced over the years in numerous limited editions, it has successfully reinvented itself by capturing the spirit of the times and collective passions. Among these iconic editions, the 2CV Cocorico holds a special place. Launched in 1986 against a backdrop of sporting fervor and national enthusiasm, it symbolizes both the brand’s creativity and its unique connection with popular culture.

The idea for the 2CV Cocorico was conceived in 1986, during the Football World Cup held in Mexico. At that time, France was establishing itself as one of the great footballing nations and generating unprecedented public enthusiasm. Citroën seized on this momentum by designing a limited edition capable of capturing this collective energy.

Forty years on, as the world once again buzzes to the rhythm of football during the 2026 World Cup, Citroën is celebrating this unique heritage.

A 2CV BORN OUT OF THE SPIRIT OF AN ERA

Designed by Serge Gevin, the project was initially based on a simple yet powerful idea: to celebrate a potential French victory and to chime in with the national enthusiasm.

Although the French team ultimately enjoyed a remarkable run, notably beating Italy and then Brazil, the tournament’s outcome failed to fulfill these hopes, with a defeat against West Germany on 25 June 1986. However, the prototype was so successful that the decision was taken to launch the 2CV Cocorico in early October, with a run of 1,000 units, in France only.

This choice marked a turning point in the positioning of this version: from a vehicle directly linked to the world of football, it evolved into a broader celebration of France and its identity. Graphic elements too explicitly linked to the football were thus removed, allowing for a more timeless interpretation of the tricolour spirit.

A STRONG VISUAL IDENTITY, REFLECTING CITROËN’S BOLDNESS

The 2CV Cocorico immediately stands out thanks to its distinctive styling, making it one of the most recognizable models in the range. Against a Blanc Meije body colour, a bold side design unfolds, featuring a blue, white and red gradient covering the vehicle’s doors. This graphic design, created using large decals on the bodywork and doors, gives the car a unique visual presence, enhanced by distinctive styling features including Rouge Vallelunga-coloured rear wings and Bleu Cocorico-coloured side panels under the hood. Together, these elements create an expression of French identity. A 2CV Cocorico badge in red adhesive lettering to the right of the air vent and to the left on the trunk lid, a white soft top, matching wheels and stainless steel hubcaps taken from the Dyane 6 round off it’s strong personality.

Inside, the ambience is both simple and distinctive, with two bench seats upholstered in Sodalite Blue Tep Jean-style faux leather.

A LIMITED EDITION THAT HAS BECOME ICONIC OVER TIME

Based on the 2CV 6 Spécial, the entry-level version, the 2CV Cocorico retains the technical fundamentals that made the model a success: a 602 cm³ twin-cylinder engine producing 29 din, a lightweight design weighing under 600 kg, and unrivaled suspension comfort.

With only 1,000 units produced and sold until March 1987 at a price of 36,100 F including VAT, it was aimed at customers seeking a simple, economical and distinctive vehicle. At the time, its commercial success was limited, largely due to its market positioning and the prevailing circumstances; the French victory that had initially been hoped for failed to materialize, which would have boosted its appeal.

With the benefit of hindsight, this mixed reception is now part of what makes it so rare and gives it its aura. The 2CV Cocorico has become a model sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of the brand for what it represents: an era, a collective enthusiasm, and a certain vision of France.

By celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 2CV Cocorico, Citroën is paying tribute to an icon which, far beyond its technical specifications, continues to capture the collective imagination.