Current:Home > MarketsFrench classic Citroen 2CV car made of wood fetches record price at auction, and it even runs-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
French classic Citroen 2CV car made of wood fetches record price at auction, and it even runs
View Date:2024-12-24 00:19:49
Paris — It took carpenter Michel Robillard more than 5,000 hours over five years to build a wooden copy of a vintage Citroen 2CV. On Sunday, he sold it for a whopping $224,440.
The 2CV was first produced by the French carmaker in 1948. It is now revered as a classic European vehicle, and while production of the popular four-seater ended in 1990, it remains a favorite with collectors far and wide.
For his labor of love, cabinetmaker Robillard, 74, used wood from fruit trees to build the one-of-a-kind car. The main body is made from apple and pear, the front and back are in walnut and the base for the doors and trunk is made of cherry wood.
Robillard's wooden car actually works. It's capable of hitting 50 miles per hour with its gas engine borrowed from another Citroen model. As a collector's item and unregistered vehicle, however, it's banned from public thoroughfares and can only be driven on private roads.
It was the first time a functioning wooden car came up for auction — rarity that likely helped drive up the price. It had a presale estimated value of between $160,000 and $214,000, but the bidding soon drove on by that figure, breaking the previous record for a 2CV sale of $184,000 — and that one was a normal, metal car.
"So much more than a car, it's a work of art," announced the auctioneer when Robillard's 2CV went under the gavel.
The buyer, Jean-Paul Favand, runs a museum of curios and fairground objects, and he collects 2CVs.
The 2CV's name originally comes from the French word for horsepower. It was a "deux chevaux," as it had two "tax horsepower," a reference to a system of taxation previously used to assess vehicles registered in France.
While his dream has now become a reality and his 2CV has gone to a new home, Robillard said he wasn't about to relax into retirement. He already has a new project in the works: Building a wooden DS21 Cabriolet coupé Chapron in just 27 months.
He wants it finished in time to mark the 70th anniversary of the legendary Citroen DS in 2025.
- In:
- France
- Auto Industry
veryGood! (2)
Related
- 'Climate change is real': New York parks employee killed as historic drought fuels blazes
- Woman speaks out after facing alleged racially motivated assault on Boston train
- Rep. George Santos’ former campaign treasurer will plead guilty to a federal felony, prosecutors say
- Men took over a job fair intended for women and nonbinary tech workers
- Quincy Jones' cause of death revealed: Reports
- Belarus Red Cross mulls call for ouster of its chief as authorities show Ukrainian kids to diplomats
- How Ryan Reynolds Got Taylor Swift's Approval for Donna Kelce and Jake From State Farm NFL Moment
- Jury hears testimony in trial of officers charged in Manuel Ellis' death
- Tuskegee University closes its campus to the public, fires security chief after shooting
- Colorado funeral home with “green” burials under investigation after improperly stored bodies found
Ranking
- Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and More React to Craig Melvin Replacing Hoda Kotb as Co-Anchor
- Paris is having a bedbug outbreak. Here's expert advice on how to protect yourself while traveling.
- Former Arkansas state Rep. Jay Martin announces bid for Supreme Court chief justice
- Why Sister Wives' Kody Brown Felt Powerless in His Relationship With His Older Children
- Indiana in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings? You've got to be kidding
- The 10 essential Stephen King movies: Ranking iconic horror author’s books turned films
- Josh Duhamel says Hollywood lifestyle played a role in his split with ex-wife Fergie
- Man with handgun seeking governor arrested in Wisconsin Capitol, returns with assault rifle
Recommendation
-
Video shows Starlink satellite that resembled fireball breaking up over the Southwest: Watch
-
Emoji reactions now available in Gmail for Android users
-
A woman sues Disney World over severe injuries on a water slide
-
Catholic Church's future on the table as Pope Francis kicks off 2023 Synod with an LGBTQ bombshell
-
Bo the police K-9, who located child taken at knifepoint, wins Hero Dog Awards 2024
-
Pregnant Model Maleesa Mooney's Cause of Death Revealed
-
Trump lawyers seek dismissal of DC federal election subversion case, arguing presidential immunity
-
Kat Von D finds spiritual rebirth with baptism after giving up witchcraft practice: Watch