Beschreibung
Unique and very rare 1958 Citroen U23 Truck with Land Rover 2. 5tdi 5 speed, as seen at Nec Classic Car Show. Ideal Business vehicle, wedding car, movie prop or display. Have you seen another?
What is it
1958 Citroen U23R 3. 5t truck. Design was almost a direct copy of the American trucks of the early 50s. The French designers loved the curves, 3speed box and 6v electrics of Chevy and Ford. They took their bullet proof post war chassis and transmission systems and overhauled the form.
This truck was pulled out of a shed in Mid West France approximately 2 years ago and brought to this country in seized and engineless tipper form.
I have then undertaken a full mechanical overhaul and restoration of the truck, with the sole intention of maintaining the patina and ensuring that the vehicle can be used daily and maintained with parts that are readily available.
The tipper was beyond repair and was removed and replaced with a lightweight, strong and removable utilitarian tray back.
This is the perfect base for a unique business vehicle, classic car hauler or head turning wedding car.
Cab and chassis
Cab is in its original paint and patina that reflects its working life. The panels are mostly straight, all are corrosion free, although original surface rust has been scotchbrite treated and sprayed with patina preserver. Any areas of potential rust have been treated with por15 paint ( eg inside of wheel arch).
The chassis is a open box ladder chassis made in 4mm steel, and undersealed and as such, has never suffered any corrosion. All elements bolt onto or are riveted onto the chassis. The chassis has been cleaned of any mud or crud and then oiled.
All modifications, aside from the damper kit, are installed onto the chassis using the original, preexisting holes and are therefore reversible.
The bed is 3000mm x 210mmm
The complete length is 5410mm
The track is 2000mm
The wheel base is 4500mm
Wiring
Original loom and switches have been retained but checked for function and integrity.
Most switches have been chemically or ultrasonically cleaned.
Bakerlite clockwork indicator switch restored and reinstalled.
Headlights changed for that of a mini, with h4 conversion allows for much more light. I also have yellow h4 bulbs if wanted.
Front indicator repeaters are also Austin, with new seals and modern 12v bulbs.
Original horns
Rear light units cleaned and mounted on rear cross member with modern bulbs.
Rear indicator repeaters installed.
Original tow socket cleaned and rewired
New brakelight switch installed on custom bracket.
Electric screenwash pump installed
Electric wipers overhauled and refitted.
Battery relocated to under seat and mounted in custom housing.
Engine
The engine in this vehicle is a Land Rover 300tdi engine, providing 111hp at 4250rpm and 195lb ft at 1800rpm.
During the build the engine, which was sourced from a 115, 000mile discovery was serviced, had the injector pump fully overhauled, had a new water pump, timing kit and full set of gaskets. The engine has been serviced with high quality filters and oils.
The engine is installed into the cavernous engine bay on custom mounts, all of which pick up existing holes in the chassis and is therefore reversible, if you so wish.
I have driven approximately 500 miles since the conversion and the engine is not labored and returns approximately 38mpg when cruising.
Box and Prop
The gearbox in this truck is a custom made 5 speed Landover R380 rear wheel drive gearbox. It is installed with a modified bell housing, custom spigot bearing, heavy duty clutch kit and all new arms, pivots, pressure plate etc. This gearbox has had an overhaul and is full of fresh Landover gearbox oil.
The propshaft centre bearing has been cleaned and regreased.
I wasn’t happy with the original prop shaft trueness so I had a brand new one made, with all new UJ, flanges and a thicker wall tube.
Cooling
The engine cooling is handled by a Landrover Defender radiator mounted on rubber in a custom made shortened housing. A new thermostat was installed upon final build.
Intake charge is cooled by a Landrover Defender TD5 intercooler, and all custom pipework in aluminium.
G40 antifreeze coolant.
Axles and Suspension
Both the driven rear axle and the front beam axle are original.
The front axle has been removed, checked and reinstalled with all threads cleaned.
Front leaf springs have been disassembled, wirewheeled, greased and reassembled with new hardware where required. Front hubs have been removed, bearings cleaned and regreased and grease nipples cleared.
Steering box checked and greased.
Rear axle has had a full stripdown and rebuild with new parts as required. Diff has been checked and bearings cleaned and rebuilt.
Fresh EP90 has been installed.
Rear leaf springs have been stripped, cleaned and had two leafs removed to account for the reduction of rear weight.
Grease nipples cleared.
The rear didn’t have dampers fitted so a custom set of mounts was laser cut and installed alongside the leaf springs. This has made the ride very pleasant
Brakes
All brakes stripped and cleaned.
Brake shoes cleaned and checked, lightly abraded and reinstalled.
All wheel cylinders sent to Past Parts for remachining.
Springs and pins renewed as required.
Brake drums cleaned and machined as required.
New set of handbrake cables made and installed.
Master cylinder reconditioned and machined at Past Parts.
All new brake flexis
New brake pipes where required.
Interior
The interior is completely original, save for the reupholstered seat.
Made up of removable panels and floor pieces for easy mechanical access.
The interior includes rear view mirror, sunvisors, original tacho and speedo.
Interior also features a glove box and two fresh air vents.
Wheels and tyres
The truck has 6 split rim wheels fitted with Mitas 6. 50-32 tyres. These are brand new and readily available.
The truck suits the ‘dually’ American look.
There is also 5 spare wheels included, with tyres of varying age and integrity.
Spares
Accompanying the vehicle in the sale will be the following spares;
5 wheels and tyres
original wheel brace
Workshop manual
2 brake drums
Plus any other parts that I can find!
Reg, dvla inspection, nova etc
This vehicle was imported under the NOVA system and all import duties have been paid.
The vehicle is UK road registered and has a V5c and age related number plates.
The vehicle has undergone a full DVLA and Citroen Owners Club inspection to confirm provenance.
The vehicle is registered exactly as it is, with correct engine and age details.
Contact and delivery.
I am happy to answer any questions, whilst the above is detailed, a conversation can be more comprehensive and I have hundreds of build pictures.
This is a totally unique vehicle and this should be kept in mind, it does not drive like a new Fiat 500.
Subject to negotiation, it would be possible to deliver this vehicle Europe wide.
This can be trailered behind a suitable vehicle.
I am sorry but I am not interested in swaps or part ex.
Tim the details below
