Description
1964 Citroën 2cv AZAM For Sale
A reluctant sale of ‘Edith’, my lovely Citroën 2cv AZAM from September 1964.
South of France import with original chassis, 425cc engine and 6v electrics and UK registered as an historic vehicle.
In 1963 Citroen launched the first improved or 'luxury' version of the bestselling 2cv- the 2cv AZAM (AZ AMeliorée, French for “improved”).
This was a marketing effort by Citroen to distance the 2cv from its post war austerity origins by putting an emphasis on it being more comfortable, fun and ideal for the family. The seats could indeed be removed and be used for picnics and the roof could also be rolled down.
The AZAM featured a useful increase in power to 18hp meaning that speeds of 55mph+ could be reached (ideally on a downhill road with tailwind!)
This particular car is also fitted with Citroën's centrifugal 'Trafficlutch' which disengages when the engine is idling thereby permitting one foot driving in traffic.
Numerous polished aluminium strips adorn the 5-rib bonnet, the bodywork, doors, window seals and bumpers.
Other features include chrome ‘paper clips’ on its front and back bumpers, chrome hubcaps (from the Citroen AMI 6) as well as chrome windscreen wipers.
Interior upgrades include the large V-shape white bakelite steering wheel manufactured by the Quillery accessories brand, front bench seat with sliding mechanism and sun visors for both the driver AND passenger plus vanity mirror!
On the dashboard, the speedometer is positioned right above the fuel gauge. Prior to this model, fuel was monitored with the help of a fuel measuring rod inserted directly in the fuel tank.
The 1964 model year is the last of the 2cv AZAM to sport front rear-hinged “suicide doors” which were replaced in December 1964 by front-hinged doors.
I imported Edith from the Limousin region of France in 2015 where she had recently undergone a comprehensive cosmetic refurbishment including a full Bleu Ardoise respray, a very pretty colour which was only available for 1 year of production and a full interior retrim.
Since then I have overhauled most of the mechanicals to get her ‘just right’ including:
New pistons, barrels and valves
Reconditioned starter motor
Reconditioned carburettor (correct Solex 28 CBI with damper mechanism for the Trafficlutch)
New exhaust and crossbox
New Old Stock oil cooler
New points assisted ignition
New 6v coil
New self priming fuel pump
New rear wheel bearings
New knife edges and friction dampers (Frotteurs) all round
New original quality wheels, hubcaps and correct 125R15 tyres all round
The bodywork is in lovely condition other than a small dent/ small area of cracked paint to the leading edge of the drivers front door and a few light surface scratches. The chassis, engine bay and interior are also immaculate with no damage or corrosion. Edith is such a charming, honest example of the 2cv AZAM that she was even used by Citroën UK to represent the iconic 2cv at a number of their centenary events in 2019 including the London Classic Car show, National Dealer Conference and BBC Countryfile Live.
