Le Coq Gaulois, the Gallic rooster and colloquially named Chantecler, is a symbol and mascot of France as a nation (as opposed to the state). This symbol has been used on everything from French currency and war memorials through to motifs used by the French football and rugby teams and clothing brands such as Le Coq Sport.

What’s this got to do with the 2CV Cocorico special edition?

"Cocorico" is French for cock-a-doodle-doo and a symbol of national pride. In 1986 France was a strong contender, albeit not the favourite, to win the football world cup to be held in Mexico. Serge Gevin, serial designer of Citroén special editions, convinced Citroén to release a blue, white and red car if France won the world cup. Thus, this 2CV special edition was born, sporting a blue, white and red tricolour and named Cocorico to reflect French national pride in their football team.

However, France were knocked out of the world cup by West Germany in a semi-final, while Argentina won the final having progressed following the notorious - to English fans - "hand of God" moment. Despite this, the Cocorico was released in October 1986 albeit without the originally planned stickers representing footballs. The Cocorico became the last new 2CV special edition marketed in France. A limited edition run of 1,000 cars were produced, all based on a 2CV6 Spécial painted blanc meije (EWT) with an interior opening white roof. It sold for 36,100 Francs.

On top of the base white colour, the Cocorico consists of two distinct colours: solid red vallelunga paint for the rear wings and blue paint for the wing bonnet valance panel and A panel. Connecting these colours, the doors were covered in a sticker with vertical colour bands making a stylised version of the French flag. This continued the front planels' blue, which faded to a white section that in turn gradually changed to a red section on the rears doors that continues to the red rear wings. The red "Cocorico" logo was written on the left of the ventilation flap and in large letters on the left of the boot lid. The prototype also had a vertical "Cocorico" on the front doors but this didn’t make it to the production model.

The interior was largely a standard Spécial, although there was a front bench seat covered with blue vinyl "tep jeans" material, designed to look like denim.

The Cocorico wasn’t a commercial success and the limited run hadn’t sold out after 6 months. Perhaps the problem was that although inspired by the French football team that wasn’t reflected in the final design or marketing because they hadn’t won the World Cup. Thus, the concept and messaging weren’t clear to potential buyers. It is alleged some dealers stripped the 2CV Cocorico of their door stickers in an effort to sell them.

Few Cocorico’s remain although people have produced replicas. According to the website https://2cv-legende.com/accessoires/garnitures-sieges-2cv, here’s how to tell if a Cocorico is authentic: