Citroën 2CV

ENGINE 602cc/2-cyl/OHV POWER 29bhp@5750rpm TORQUE 28lb ft@3500rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 71mph 0-60MPH 35sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 46-50mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT April 2018 MILEAGE 107,050 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This little 2CV may be Special by name, but that description doesn’t carry through to its acceleration, though it increases speed eagerly enough. The gears are typically hard to find find and demand practice to master, but that’s all part of the fun; familiarisation makes the shifts clean and precise. Brakes are adequate and stop the car in a straight line. Steering is light, but gives the driver the feel of the road, though rather less so at higher speeds. Soft and forgiving suspension produces characteristic body lean in corners, but a quality ride. The reconditioned engine runs sweetly and the idle is steady.

BODYWORK CHECK

A restoration was carried out in 1996 with other work, including the floors, under wheelarches and boot floor being repaired and renewed throughout the 2000s. Receipts show that a new chassis has been fitted and the car looks solid. The execution of body repairs isn’t as neat as it could be and there is potential for improvement and tidying concerning paint overspray and a few untidy panels – part of an older floor repair, for example. The paint finish is good in some areas and the combination of red paint and a red and white roof is pretty and eye-catching. The folding roof fabric is in very good order and works as it should.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

There are a couple of issues to sort in here. The 1990s Pioneer stereo has some ugly exposed wiring (though that should easily be sorted) and a piece of parcel shelf trim is coming away. The original spongy, quilted style seat fabric is covered by aftermarket seat covers. These could be cleaned as they are in fair condition, with no rips, though it’s possible that they are in need of some re-padding. A non-standard heated rear window has been added, along with a dash panel switch. The correct black rubber floor mats are in good condition and add to the utilitarian feel of the cabin. The boot area is clean, tidy and rust-free.

UNDER THE BONNET

The history file contains receipts for over £6000, many of them from a known 2CV specialist. The list of repairs and work carried over the years is vast, including a change of engine and gearbox and fitment of a new Waxoyled chassis in 1996. The workmanlike engine bay is decorated with at a few years’ worth of grime but the engine appears to be free from leaks. The Varta battery is a recent addition.

THE CCW VIEW

This is a good entry into the 2CV market and a usable classic in terms of fuel economy and fun factor. A ton of money has been thrown at this little Citroën, and while there is still work for its next owner to carry out – with room for tidying bodywork and finishing in a few areas – it is certainly solid.