inspired by the 2CV fourgonnette van, citroën berlingo goes back in time

New Fourgonnette – A tribute to the 1951 Citroen 2CV van

Italian coachbuilder Caselani completes its Type H range with a tribute to the legendary Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette, launched in 1951. The vehicle, which is offered as a complete conversion kit based on the current Citroën Berlingo, features a generously rounded front end, an imposing flared M-shaped grille proudly bearing the Citroën crest, a fluted hood, hooded headlights, and corrugated sheet metal on the sides, rear, and roof. The redesigned Fourgonnette which will be marketed by Caselani under an official license from Citroën is the result of the collaboration between David Obendorfer and the French automaker’s design team.

the design specifications involved going back in time and bringing the unique charm of the 2CV van into the 21st-century | all images courtesy of Fabrizio Caselani and David Obendorfer

vintage-style body assembled by hand

The resulting model sees a vintage-style body kit designed to precisely match the exterior of the Citroën Berlingo while keeping the structure and safety features of the donor vehicle intact. The front end of the Berlingo has been completely revamped and now features the characteristic features of the old 2CV. The radiator grille, bumper, and wheel arches have been replaced with new fiberglass components adapted to the frame and fastened with clips and screws.

All these components are assembled by hand in Caselani’s workshops in Sospiro, northern Italy. The handcrafted process, from the lamination of the fiberglass body parts to the final painting and polishing of each Fourgonnette model, requires 400 working hours.

An ‘M’-size utility vehicle (4.43 m) and a crew-cab version will be available for professionals, and a leisure version for passenger transport will also be produced later. All Berlingo engine options will be offered, including electric drive. Orders will start on October 1, with production scheduled to begin in January 2023.

new Fourgonnette rear view

new Fourgonnette prototype

new Fourgonnette prototype

nostalgic look combined with today’s practicality

new Fourgonnette in Paris

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original Citroen AU 250 van launched in 1951 vs. new Fourgonnette

the Fourgonnette rounds off Caselani’s type H range

old Citroen 2CV AU 250 meets new Fourgonnette

new Fourgonnette commercial vehicle and passenger van version

hooded headlights and corrugated sheeting on the sides, rear and roof sections

ripple bonnet with Caselani’s badge

project info:

name: 2CV fourgonnette
designer: Fabrizio Caselani and David Obendorfer

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom