Descrição
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1958 Citroen 2CV
No Reserve
Registration No: PAS 656
Chassis No: 1006930
MOT: Exempt
Converted to Right Hand Drive specification upon import to the UK in 2003
Subject to a complete cosmetic overhaul while in the vendor's possession
Upgraded with suspension dampeners for the front end
“The most intelligent application of minimalism ever to succeed as a car” - LJK Setright on the Citroen 2CV
The development of Citroën's ever-charming Deux Chevaux dates back to 1936 - a couple of years after the company had been rescued by Michelin. It was intended to motorise the large number of French farmers still relying on horses and carts, and it was research carried out amongst France's largely rural population that determined the following unique design brief: a low-priced, rugged 'umbrella on four wheels' that would enable four peasants to drive 110lb of farm goods to market at 31mph in clogs and via muddy, unpaved roads; including transporting eggs across a ploughed field without breaking them. Production was delayed by WWII, but began in 1948, following which 3, 872, 583 2CVs were manufactured via 11 factories across the world (including one in Slough, England) between 1948 and 1990, by which time, the ageing design had been defeated by contemporary legislation.
Understood to have been built in 1958, chassis 1006930 was delivered as a home market 2CV and remained in France until imported to the UK in 2003 by the previous owner. The history prior to import is unknown, however upon arrival in the UK it was noted that the car was a particularly solid example and was sold in need of restoration work to the vendor in 2004, now registered in the UK as 'PAS 656'. The vendor, a motor engineer by trade, immediately set about performing a complete body overhaul and interior re-trim into what is understood to be the original colour scheme of Grey over Red fabric seats. At the same time it was elected to convert the car to right hand drive specification, a relatively easy and non-destructive task on the little 2CV, and retain as many of the original parts as possible. The front suspension was also uprated with the addition of dampers as per the later variants of the 2CV which is said to have improved the ride significantly.
Now offered for sale without reserve due to lack of use and an imminent house move, this example of the famous French workhorse is said to have 'very good' bodywork and paintwork, and the vendor rates the rest of the vehicle as 'good all-round'. The mighty 425cc twin-cylinder engine fired up eagerly upon our inspection and moved around willingly for the photography session, and the vendor is confident that the car is able to live up to its advertised ability to transport a basket of eggs across a freshly ploughed field. To be sold complete with a history file including old MOTs, plus sundry receipts for various works, this French design icon should be a major bucket list item for any collector of classics.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
