Google wanted a true icon for their new French headquarters in Paris. Something that reflects French culture, spirit and ingenuity. Their choice? A Citroën 2CV of course! But their wish wasn’t realized by simply finding one and parking it. As their offices at 8 London Street were on the second floor, and a 2CV would not fit in the elevator, any car they found would have to be disassembled. The operation was orchestrated by V12 GT.com and two Citroën 2CV enthusiasts.
Ultimately, a lovely red 1967 AZAM model was located belonging to the owner of a mini golf course in Cabourg on the coast of Normandy. Fenders, engine and chassis were removed and the body cage was shrink-wrapped in plastic for the trip to the 9th arrondissement (district) of Paris. Once there, the sections were hoisted through a window on rue de Clichy that just barely exceeded the car’s width of 1.48m.
Re-assembly was then carried out for the grand opening of Google’s office by French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt.
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