Citroën 2CV Paris-Persepolis-Paris. Collector's model by NOREV in 1:43 scale from the Hachette kiosk collector's series.

A while ago, Hachette Collections released a series with the Citroën The 2CV as the centerpiece. Within a long-running kiosk collectible series, various models with diverse themes were released. For instance, homage was paid to various commercial vehicle variants, standard 2CV models, and special editions. Through a fascicle, attention was drawn to the specific model and the underlying theme, accompanied by a 1:43 scale model of the specifically described 2CV. NOREV was responsible for the production of the miniatures. One of the examples was the 2CV that competed in the Paris-Persepolis rally.

Preserved copy in collection

In the most recent edition of Auto Motor Klassiek There is a story about this monster rally; a full page is dedicated to it. This ride was, just like the first within the 'Raid Citroën' series, grueling. Yet a remarkably large number of teams reached the finish line: 412 of the 467 participating Citroën A-Types crossed the finish line in Paris. Few participating examples have survived. Perhaps that is why it is special that 'number 159' from this rally still exists. This 1:1 edition is now part of the heritage archive of Citroën, and was for years one of the crowd-pullers within the collection, which is now under the auspices of L'Aventure Peugeot. It is therefore no coincidence that this 2CV was also included in the newsstand series by Hachette.

Good and recognizable foundation

What stands out is that the 43-times scaled-down version is very well detailed. The base model (the mold) has been extensively refined, and the detailing is quite accurate. We are talking about the bodywork, where many accurate details and necessary refinement have been applied. Nothing looks crude; the little car looks detailed. Elements such as lighting, window frames, and profiles correspond well with the original, and the color scheme is also spot on. The car is neatly finished. The interior has been kept simple, but elements such as the steering wheel and the front seat do indeed refer to the original version. Nice detail: the large headlight grilles have been reproduced one-to-one (to scale, of course).

Stickers not always correct

The cars participating in the monster rally also sported an extensive arsenal of stickers, and the scale models have largely reproduced these. Largely, that is, because the RTL stickers are missing, and some decals are not reproduced correctly or are positioned slightly differently. Some refinement would have been appropriate there, and honesty compels us to say that other 'collection builders' were more accurate in this regard. Nevertheless, the 1:43 scale edition of this 2CV definitely belongs in fans' collections. For that reason, this 2CV—and its special position within the archive of Citroën- special enough.

Secondhand via various channels

The model can still be found via online channels, miniature car stands at fairs, and the second-hand market (physical store or internet). A true collector will never part with this example, but with a bit of luck, you might find the 2CV Paris-Persepolis-Paris edition. And you are really in luck if you can still find the original booklet with it. Please note: these sets are rare, because collectors often kept the scale model but not the fascicule (in other words: the booklet) about the monster rally and 'number 159'.

Story about the rally in AMK 4-2026

The series is no longer available at newsstands. That does, of course, apply to Auto Motor Klassiek Issue 4-2026. As mentioned: it contains the story of the Paris-Persepolis-Paris rally, and many other wonderful topics. We wish you a lot of reading pleasure, and if you can get your hands on the 2CV Paris-Persepolis-Paris set: do it! It is too fun and too special to pass up.