Description
Without doubt the 2CV is certainly one of the most successful and enduring cars in automotive history and amongst our favourite cars to drive especially when as good as this two owner low mileage example.
When Citroën began developing what would become the Citroën 2CV in the 1930s, the initial design brief was known as the "Toute Petite Voiture" (very small car). The aim was to create a vehicle for rural France, where many farmers still relied on horses and carts.
One of the most famous requirements reportedly given to Citroën's engineers was that the car should be able to carry:
Four people;
50 kg (about 110 lb) of farm produce or goods;
Achieve a speed of 60 km/ h (37 mph);
Consume very little fuel;
and travel across a ploughed field without breaking a basket of eggs.
The "basket of eggs" requirement was not necessarily a formal engineering specification written into every document, but it accurately reflected the desired ride quality. Rural French roads in the 1930's were often rough, unpaved, and deeply rutted so farmers needed a car that could transport fragile produce to market without damage!
This lovely example was supplied by local Citroen dealer Tanfield Ltd of Horsham on 20th March 1990 to its first keeper, only relinquishing it some 34 years later in August 2024 to just its second owner.
Almost all of the 38, 981 miles were covered by its first owner. As you can see from the photographs, its evidently been diligently cared for it, this being reinforced by the paper servicing records plus yearly MOTs on file, all of which verify its meagre mileage over the last 36 years.
Other than some associated age marks here and there, the whole car is in superb condition and virtually without fault, including the very original interior where there are no rips or tears in the seats or roof.
2CV's have always been enormously practical, oddly roomy and surprisingly rapid and always a sheer joy to drive.
This car is likely to be the most original two owner and low mileage) "De Chevaux" currently on the market.
We would be delighted to arrange a viewing at our Rudgwick (West Sussex) showroom, or to discuss this Citroën in further detail, please contact Julien Sumner on the details below.
