Description
In 1934 Michelin took over the bankrupt Citroën company and the new management ordered a market survey to determine what type of car was needed by the large rural population which could not yet afford cars.
Citroën used the survey results to prepare a design brief for a low-priced, rugged "umbrella on four wheels" that would enable four people to transport 50 kgs of farm goods to market at 50 km/ h and if necessary across muddy, unpaved roads. One design requirement was that the customer should be able to drive eggs across a freshly ploughed field without breaking them!
By mid-1939 a pilot run of 250 cars were produced and the car received approval for the French market. Brochures were printed and preparations made to launch the car, named the Citroën 2CV, at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show in October 1939 but was the launch was abandoned 1 month before due to the outbreak of war in September 1939.
Citroën unveiled the car at the Paris Salon on 7th October 1948 and they went on to Manufacture over 3. 8 million 2CV's between 1948 and 1988.
Often called 'an umbrella on wheels' the fixed-profile convertible bodywork featured a full-width, canvas, roll-back sunroof, which accommodated oversized loads and until 1955 reached almost to the car's rear bumper.
The 2CV featured low cost; simplicity of overall maintenance; an easily serviced air-cooled engine, low fuel consumption and an extremely long-travel suspension offering a soft ride and light off-road capability.
This beautifully restored original RHD Citroen 2CV6 Special 'Dolly' was supplied new to its first lady owner in Downham Market by Citroen dealer Denver Garage in Needham Market, Norfolk on 29th October 1987.
The car is finished in the lovely '2CV Dolly' colour scheme of Plum and Custard with Grey cloth seats, black rubber mats, all original fittings, original 2 Cylinder 602cc Engine, 4 Speed Gearbox and sitting on its original Steel wheel with chrome hub caps.
It has only had 3 former keepers from new with last owner having bought the car in April 2005 and it has only covered a believed genuine 47, 000 miles from new! It has its original Citroen Handbook pack and manuals and a collection of recent invoices + MOT history from 2006 when it had covered 42, 000 miles, so only 5, 000 miles in the last 11 years!
We have just MOT'd the car and upon sale it will come with our own 6 Month Mechanical Warranty.
It is in excellent condition throughout and drives superbly and looks stunning in this colour scheme. There are very few examples of this quality left on our roads and it will surely be a good investment as well as a car to be enjoyed.
Car on display at our showrooms in Mortlake.
