The Dakar adventure with Two Horses: the most remarkable and oldest car

In all vehicles in Dakarthere are two in particular that attract attention in the bivouac. Not because of its great power, or because of its noise, or because of its speed and performance. In these aspects, they have to lose. But they are two of the most photographed cars in the caravan dakariana. This is about two Citröen 2CVs which competes with Dakar Classic. The two horses for life. And among them, the most attractive and unique are the Czech crews Barbora Holicka and Lucie Engovawhich they repeat to Dakar Classic after their debut last year.

Barbara He competed in rallies on the wheels of a Citroënso his idea turned into a myth ZXbut he didn’t have the budget for it so he chose a 2 CVa car where Holika and Engova They wanted to be the first to finish the Dakar with this model, even though it was in the classic class. But they want to do it in a different way: cIt’s an ornament that doesn’t go unnoticed. Every time someone sees that car in the bivouac, they turn around or pull out their phone to take a picture. All this, thanks to Czech artist Josef Rataj, who filled it with colors like pinkyellow and blue. And on its side, the drawing of a yellow duck that is easy to explain.

“The car is called ‘Ducker’, which in English is like ‘Dakar’. In the Czech Republic, We call this car ‘duck’, which in English is ‘Duck’. So we called him ‘Duckar’, a Dakarian duck.”. sure Barbara in MD in the middle of the Dakar bivouac.

The structure that exists ‘Ducker Team’ in the camp it was noticeable. Faced with large teams, with dozens of personnel and resources, this team draws attention for its humility. It is impossible not to come to their aid. There, three mechanics repaired the car inside a tent set up next to a van. 2CV Caselani vintage. These three mechanics make up the team along with the pilot and co-pilot, 5 in total. Next door, 5 tents, their ‘homes’ in this Dakar, and a clothesline to dry clothes. A home team, with real spirit.

“We competed in the Dakar Classic in a 2CV. This model is a renewal of the 2CV Sahara built in the 60s and we have two engines: one in the front and one in the back. “We have made this replica of this very special car since past to fight in the desert.”explanation Barbarathe pilot, to MD. “Last year we went with a basic 2CV, with only one engine. And this year will be even better. Now we have more power. “Last year we reached the final goal with 30 horsepower and this year we will try for about 80 and less problems in the sand,” he added with a smile.

“In the sands it is not easy to drive the car, because it has a special gearbox and a different gear lever, but it works,” he said, with no other goal than the ultimate goal.

Right now, if they want an impact, they have it. It is one of the most visited cars. “It’s nice, because you know your idea is good and people like it. We love that people follow us and maybe this project will serve as motivation to show that anything is possible, like a 2CV finishing the Dakar. “Very nice,” he concluded.

The oldest car

This 2 CV sharing the spotlight with the Dutch crew Floris de Raadt and David Kann, from Team 2 ChameauxYes, with a less noticeable appearance, with a cream-colored car. They also decided to face the Dakar Classic with a 2 CVif applicable, an earlier model, 1968the oldest car in the bivouac.

Floris went Dakar with a 2CV because it is the car of his life. His father had to drive a similar model at full speed to the hospital to do that floris was born, 57 years ago. This is also the model he was with in his youth. He and his co-pilot had a thousand and one problems on the way to Barcelona,​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ But they did it. The next adventure is to face the Saudi dunes. The two Dutchmen occupy the 62nd position in the Dakar Classic and the Czechs are in 46th place, but that is the least here. They won everyone’s hearts