The Citroën world has lost one of it’s most notable historians. Fabien Sabatès, the editor-in-chief of the magazines Citropolis and Planète 2CV, passed away on June 1, 2022 in Thailand (where he had been living for the past 14 years) at 71 years of age. What he leaves with us is an astounding collection of literary work.
He authored numerous books on classic Citroëns and the company (see the gallery below), many that have become “must have” reference books with avid Citroënthusiasts. He also wrote wonderfully researched books on; Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bugatti, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Rolls Royce, and Simca to name but a few, along with a tribute to American Cars (Les Voitures Américaines de 1940 a 1950).
Citroën books written or co-authored by Fabien Sabatès include:
His early years were spent sitting in the front of his uncle’s Citroën 15 CV. His first important gift was a “Juni-Boy” — a square box camera which allows him from the age of ten to learn about artistic framing. Being a 2CV enthusiast he participated in a raid to China for 2 1/2 months.
Fabien was appreciative of French culture and wrote fascinating books on Maurice Chevallier and the construction of the Eiffel Tower (again — to name just a few).
Suffice to say that there will never be another author that will pursue publishing in the manner that Fabien did. His accomplishments have earned the greatest respect of not only those in the Citroen community, but throughout the automotive world.
What a tragedy to find this news from here (in May 2023)!
My second ever posted email receiver was Monsieur Sabatès in winter 1998. The subject was naturally the Citroën world. Well, I did not get a reply. I was using very early smart phone technology product Nokia 9000i Communicator with a web browser and e-mail service. I have got the first PC [Windows95] later in autumn 1998.
Citropolis magazine published my photo story about the annual Finnish French car club meeting in 1999 and that is still my most remarkable media achievement in my life.
I was wearing black Citroën Rendezvous t-shirt which I have ordered from Mister Cox in 1999 in the latest Finnish French car club meeting in 2023. That t-shirt is one of my personal Citroën item treasures.
Greetings from Finland for all Citroën active people all over the world!