***Vendor supplied images***
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ultra-rare Dyane-based van
- Recent Contrôle Technique
- Amazingly solid
- Superb promotional vehicle
THE APPEAL
Van-based versions of the venerable 2CV had been around since the 1950s, but for the late 1970s Citroën elected to update the formula with a commercial vehicle variant of the more comfort-oriented Dyane.
Citroën had already used the prefix AK for its light commercials, so it was an obvious pun to name the AK Dyane "Acadiane", which differed from the Dyane on which it was based by having heavier-duty suspension, a slightly altered chassis and a rear-brake limiter whose action was dependent on the load, as well as wind-down windows in the driver's and passenger's doors.
The payload was approximately 500 kg and it was available in commercial (two-seater) form or as a "Mixte", with sliding rear windows and a removable rear bench seat.
This one is a two-seater, and you certainly can’t miss the vivid yellow seats. It’s a rare vehicle now, even in its native France where this one is based. It’s a very original van presented in good, sound overall condition and it has recently passed its Contrôle Technique, which is the French equivalent of the MOT test.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- French Carte Grise (registration document)
- Contrôle Technique just passed, valid until June 2025
- One of the very last Acadianes made, first registered in 1988
- Ideal promotional or offbeat business vehicle
THE INTERIOR
- Striking yellow vinyl seats
- Matching door cards
- Rubber floor covering
- Umbrella-style handbrake
- Column-mounted instrument binnacle
- Full-width dash
- Spacious load area and half-height bulkhead
- Rear side windows
- Period roof rack
- Carpeted load bay
- Exhibits a few signs of wear but nothing other than cosmetic scuffs and marks
THE EXTERIOR
- Original cream, has been repainted in places
- Extremely solid underneath with no welding said to be required
- Repainted wheels
- Light surface rust to underside
- Dents and creases in both front wings
- Various minor marks and dinks all-round, but which add to the Acadiane’s workaday character
- Generally tidy
- All glass and trim in good order
- Smart grey painted bumpers
THE MECHANICS
- 602cc flat-twin
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Push-pull dash-mounted gearshift a la 2CV
- Tidy under-bonnet presentation
- Vendor reports that the Acadiane drives well with no known faults and is a huge amount of fun
SUMMARY
If you’re looking for a classic that will also double up as a practical and useful business vehicle, a promotional mobile advertisement or a great leisure vehicle for the likes of camping or mountain biking, then this is ideal.
Brimming with character and wearing a typically French moderate patina, it’s a truly charismatic and loveable machine that’s mechanically spot-on, solid in all the important places and with the reassurance of having just passed France’s tough roadworthiness test.
Acadianes are increasingly rare beasts across Europe as so many were working vehicles that were simply run into the ground. This one is a healthy and perky example that’s an unusual and charming find.
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