Nomenclature

Sir,

I was most interested in the letter from R. Dobson concerning Noinenclature, with regards to the difference between a “berline” and “limousine”. I have always been led to believe that these names derive from the stage coaches from Paris to the two destinations. The coach whose destination was Berlin having no quarter lights, whereas the other had quarter lights. This was somewhat confirmed by a mention in a French manual concerning the 2CV Citroen Which pointed out that the addition of rear quarter lights had turned a “Berline” into a “Limousine”.

In the same issue and on the same page there is a letter from Mr. G. K. Tilbenham in which he refers to the 2C.V Citroen as “a blancmange on castons”. I had a 1956 2CV of which this was a not inaccurate description, but I now have a 1967 model of which this description is quite untrue. These machines were improved out of all recognition during the years: the suspension, although in principle remaining the same, the performance is much better in all ways as the engine output has been upped by nearly 50%. -Whatever may be said by the uninitiated, this is a real fun-mobile. Cheltenham R. S. PEACEY