Derived from the Dyane, Citroën’s Acadiane was a small commercial vehicle that was produced from 1977 to 1987. Manufactured in left-hand drive only, and never marketed in the UK, the Acadiane had some notable differences from the Dyane, including a modified chassis, heavier-duty suspension and a rear-brake limiter, the action of which was dependent on the load. In common with other Citroën light commercials, the roof of the rear bodywork was corrugated, to provide extra rigidity at little extra cost.  

Reportedly capable of cruising at a healthy 55mph, and with a payload of 500kg (albeit at the expense of impaired handling when fully laden), more than a quarter of a million Acadianes came off the car’s production line in Spain before the Visa-based C15 replaced it in Citroën’s range. 

The Acadiane’s rarity in the UK means that this charming little commercial turns heads and starts conversations, making it ideal for any small business looking for a distinctive delivery vehicle.   

Manufactured in 1984 and owned for much of its life (the vendor believes) by one French family, this Acadiane was first registered in the UK in 2015 and the V5 records two owners in this country before the vendor purchased it in June 2019. At some point since arrival in the UK, it has been converted to right-hand drive, presumably using Dyane mechanicals, as the car was never produced in RHD. 

There’s a reassuring folder of paperwork: past MoT certificates (with very few advisories) and Contrôle Technique certificates from its time in France, plus invoices for work done.  Past MoTs show that the odometer has gone ‘round the clock’, as you might guess after 38 years. 

A 240 WHK has served as a delivery vehicle for the vendor’s daughter’s flower business since he purchased it, a task for which it has proved eminently capable. It’s been in almost daily use in that capacity, and has been scrupulously maintained by a Hampshire 2CV specialist, as evidenced by that significant pile of invoices. Unfortunately, the vendor finds that with advancing years, and the onset of arthritis, he can no longer drive the vehicle comfortably and has decided to replace it with a more modern alternative.   

Built with a focus on practicality and price rather than comfort, in common with its Dyane and 2CV cousins the Acadiane has a spartan interior, with limited instrumentation; there’s only a speedometer, fuel gauge and battery charge indicator. This one has held up remarkably well for a 38-year-old vehicle, and one that’s been used commercially, but there are few creature comforts. The seats, though, look to have been reupholstered relatively recently, and are comfortable and supportive. A giveaway to the car’s left-hand-drive origins is that there’s a sun visor on the passenger side but not the driver’s side. 

The footwell has been protected by a number of mats (to help with sound-deadening, says the vendor), but there is rust in evidence at the base of the driver’s seat. Meanwhile, both door cards are in remarkably good condition for their age.  

The rear doors open to reveal a surprisingly capacious and practical load bay, albeit one that displays the bumps and scuffs one would expect of a delivery vehicle. The floor of the rear bay has been protected by mats, and is relatively clean and tidy. As well as being spacious, the rear bay is bright and airy, thanks to the two big side windows.  

Having never been marketed in the UK, the Acadiane is not a common sight on UK roads and its distinctive shape makes it stand out. The vendor reports that the customers to whom he delivers flowers are often more interested in the van than in the flowers he’s delivering! 

Originally white, the exterior has been resprayed in cream at some point and that new paintwork is in very good condition (the interior remains in the original paint).  There’s little evidence of exterior rust and very few scuffs or scrapes. 

All four wheels look pretty good, and there is good tread on the tyres. 

The Acadiane’s frugal 602cc engine can reputedly return 44mpg, although this figure would no doubt be reduced if the van was fully laden. This example starts readily and runs well, although the vendor admits that its quirky spring-loaded gear change is the major thing that causes him difficulty, due to his arthritis, when driving it.  

Under the bonnet, the engine looks to be in good condition for its 38 years, and that file of recent invoices is testament to the care with which it has been looked after in the vendor’s tenure – as a working vehicle, reliability is key and any issues have been addressed promptly. 

After the previous set of keys became worn they became difficult to remove from the ignition, and as a consequence the entire steering lock was replaced in March 2022. There are two sets of keys supplied, both with attractive Citroën keyfobs. 

A minor exhaust leak was marked as an advisory issue at the MoT test in February 2022 and so a new one was fitted the following month.  

Underneath the car, there’s little evidence of anything other than superficial rust and no evidence of leaks. 

The Citroën 2CV and its later incarnation, the Dyane (on which the Acadiane is based), retain a big following and this is a vehicle that must surely appeal to that audience. 

An unusual sight on UK roads, the Acadiane is guaranteed to attract attention, and as such would be a good fit for a small business that relies on ‘retro’ appeal. It has a surprisingly usable load bay for its small size and, having been well-looked after, A 240 WHK should continue to be of service for years to come.