Madagascar's love affair with the 2CV

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Feno Rafamomejamlsoa

Citroen's 2CV cars tend to be associated with rural France. But for decades it has been the car of choice for taxi drivers more than 5,000 miles (8,000km) away on the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar.

Feno Rafanomezantsoa's father had a 2CV which he bought in 1964. When that broke down, Feno decided to get one of his own. That was in 1987 and he still has it today.

Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, but French cars remain extremely popular.

French influence is also seen outside the presidential palace.

2CVs have become a symbol of Madagascar.

Eddy Rajaonarison La Roche, 26, has been making these souvenirs out of milk cartons since he was 10. It takes him three days to make one.

You wait ages for a 2CV and then four come along at once.

Menjasoa Anjaraniaiana used to drive another vintage French car - a Renault 4 - but he switched to a 2CV three years ago because he said they were cheaper to maintain.

People often choose 2CVs because they don't often break down and when they do, they are cheap and easy to repair.

Many Andrianaivoson used to have another car but also switched to a 2CV four months ago because the spare parts are cheaper.

There is one complaint - the 2CV can't go that fast. But on the capital Antananarivo's congested roads this doesn't really matter.

With such old cars, passengers often find the seats are a bit worse for wear.

For some the 2CV is a car for life.

All photographs taken by Clare Spencer.

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