Highlights
- Restored and serviced by Berkshire’s leading 2CV experts
- Soundproofed interior and galvanised chassis
- Body shell and mechanicals in great condition
The Appeal
The Citroën 2CV is one of the most recognisable shapes the car industry has ever produced. Conceived before WWII, hidden from enemy eyes during it and launched shortly after it was all over, this ingenious exercise in engineering minimalism took farmers and the underprivileged out of horse-drawn carts and into a full-size car that in theory cost the same to maintain.
In the process it became part of France’s furniture in urban and rural areas alike – enough of an icon to be used in films and TV as a scenery device to instantly signify that they’re in France. It was, and is, a true car of the people.
In the process it became part of France’s furniture in urban and rural areas alike – enough of an icon to be used in films and TV as a scenery device to instantly signify that they’re in France. It was, and is, a true car of the people.
This 2CV6 Spécial – maintained by regional head of the 2CV Club Ray Webb, at Forge Motor Company – is a 1988 example. As such, it represents the culmination of 40 years of evolution and accumulated knowledge, sporting the largest engine at 602cc (meaning that by France’s fiscal system of the time it would actually be a 3CV!).
As the air-cooled boxer twin only has to propel 495kg plus occupant(s) and fuel, its modest 30 horsepower is still enough for it to keep up with modern traffic without issue. Late-year 2CV6s like this one were the only 2CVs to feature disc brakes (on the front wheels), so bringing things to a halt at short notice will not be problematic either.
As the air-cooled boxer twin only has to propel 495kg plus occupant(s) and fuel, its modest 30 horsepower is still enough for it to keep up with modern traffic without issue. Late-year 2CV6s like this one were the only 2CVs to feature disc brakes (on the front wheels), so bringing things to a halt at short notice will not be problematic either.
An uncanny mixture of economy, responsiveness and comfort awaits anyone who is ready to put charm and laid-back character ahead of modern trends and the heavy digitisation of our lives and cars.
The History and Paperwork
- Purchased by the seller from Forge Motor Company – Citroën specialists for 88 years
- *True mileage believed to be 112,177 miles as odometer is only five digits
- V5 present, MOT until November 2022
- Recently restored with new soundproofed interior and galvanised chassis
- Service history with Forge Motor Co. dating back to around 2010
- OEM handbook included, plus starting handle and spare wheel
The Interior
- New seats, carpets, door trims
- Soundproofing added along the entire floorpan
- New wooden shelf added to boot above spare wheel
The seats, famously designed to be removed and used for family picnics, are softer and more supportive than they appear as you slide onto them and sit back – with more knee room than you’d expect as well for good measure.
This 2CV has had a new interior put in, with soundproofing from front to back to reduce road noise, so the black vinyl upholstery and matching black carpets look and feel as factory fresh as they effectively are. The plastic steering wheel and gearknob are in fine shape as well, with no meaningful wear to show either.
This 2CV has had a new interior put in, with soundproofing from front to back to reduce road noise, so the black vinyl upholstery and matching black carpets look and feel as factory fresh as they effectively are. The plastic steering wheel and gearknob are in fine shape as well, with no meaningful wear to show either.
The Exterior
- Recently restored bodywork
- New front bumper, mohair hood, cooling flap and mirror surrounds
- Wheels resprayed white with centre caps added (spare wheel is original grey)
- Plastic engine-warmer grille cover included
The bodywork has been restored in recent times and as such is resplendent all around in its refreshed, gleaming white paint – save for a small dent near the leading edge of the driver’s door and some touch-up marks on the same door’s windowsill. The wheels have been aesthetically enhanced to equal the quality of the rest of the car, courtesy of colour-matched white paint and shiny new centre caps.
Higher up, the roll-back roof is a brand new mohair affair that fits perfectly and is simple to put up or down once you know how. The hinged frame that holds it tight at the front is also in excellent condition.
Higher up, the roll-back roof is a brand new mohair affair that fits perfectly and is simple to put up or down once you know how. The hinged frame that holds it tight at the front is also in excellent condition.
In fact, on condition alone, you would not know by looking that this 2CV has been on the road for 34 years.
The Mechanics
- Galvanised chassis, replacement engine and refurbished Solex carburettor
- Host of other new mechanical parts including shock absorbers and electronic ignition system
- Engine powdercoated including “Ferrari red” ancillaries
The 602cc engine was replaced in July 2022 with a new one from a donor car and is reported to have just 31,000 miles on it. The car itself may only show 12,177 on its five-digit odometer, but the seller believes it has been once around the clock already and as such the car’s life should be considered to have involved 112,177 miles covered up to this point.
That said, in true ‘Ship of Theseus’ style, the chassis that sits below the recently restored bodyshell certainly hasn’t had 112,000 miles of driving put through it, as it is a replacement unit – galvanised to protect against rust – so in practice it arguably matters little.
Other newly added mechanical parts include the stainless steel heat exchangers, all shock absorbers, brake pads, front tyres, plugs, leads, oil and oil filter. The car also features a newly fitted electronic ignition system and the accompanying info booklet is included with the paperwork.
That said, in true ‘Ship of Theseus’ style, the chassis that sits below the recently restored bodyshell certainly hasn’t had 112,000 miles of driving put through it, as it is a replacement unit – galvanised to protect against rust – so in practice it arguably matters little.
Other newly added mechanical parts include the stainless steel heat exchangers, all shock absorbers, brake pads, front tyres, plugs, leads, oil and oil filter. The car also features a newly fitted electronic ignition system and the accompanying info booklet is included with the paperwork.
The engine itself looks in superb condition, sporting an utterly immaculate rebuilt carburettor and that powdercoated front fan surround which, like the yellow fan itself, is clearly visible through the grille with the bonnet closed. Who says a humble Citroën can’t have a little bit of Ferrari theatre! The car starts-up straight away and the seller reports that it drives just as it should, right down to that idiosyncratic ‘umbrella handle’ gearshift.
Summary
Buying a 2CV admits you into one of the largest and friendliest classic car communities in the country, which perhaps reflects the sort of mood these cars typically put you in.
This, combined with the vast abundance of spares available for it (one could practically build a new car just with catalogue parts) means that if you want the ownership experience to match the simple, easy-going driving experience then it certainly can. Roll back the roof, leave a little earlier, don’t hurry yourself, and just enjoy living la vie de 2CV.
This, combined with the vast abundance of spares available for it (one could practically build a new car just with catalogue parts) means that if you want the ownership experience to match the simple, easy-going driving experience then it certainly can. Roll back the roof, leave a little earlier, don’t hurry yourself, and just enjoy living la vie de 2CV.
Notice to bidders
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