Citroëns and Solexes in Manhattan

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It can be refreshing to see things out of their usual context, and a parade of Citroën 2CVs, some DS-es and SMs plus the necessary Solexes in the heart of Manhattan, New York, fits the bill just perfectly. The parade was organized by the Greater New York Citroën and Vélosolex Touring Club Bastille Day Rendez-vous for the 19th time this year to celebrate Bastille Day – the French national day, which takes place on July the 14th. Well, the New Yorkers chose to celebrate it on the 15th so that they could also watch the World Cup football on that day. Never mind.

What counts is that Citroën owners from across the country came together in Manhattan once again for a day of driving, talking and general admiration of all things French. The finish was at 60th Street and Fifth Avenue, where all the cars were on view, with the festivities taking place around them.

Citroëns have never been exported to the US in significant numbers. Citroën North America ceased trading in 1974, when the carmaker withdrew from the North American market due to design regulations that outlawed the cars to be sold. Since that time Citroën never officialy came back to the USA or Canada. There are some enthusiasts who continue to support the French make, though, one of them being Brian Brandt’s Citroën repair shop, Mode Motors, in Queens, New York, who said during an earlier Citroen parade on Bastille Day: “I think a lot of people who like Citroëns tend to be in the arts or in science. I guess the kookiness of them appeals to those types of people. Personally, I just love driving them. It makes me happy.”

(Words editor, pictures Bernard Rouffignac)

     

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