Niort hails the Deux Chevaux

More than 40 Citroën 2CVS – plus their Méhari, Dyane and Ami relations – from across the west of France gathered in Niort for their annual meeting and rally.

Citroën 2CV A

Fabrice Thebaud’s 1958 model A (below) stood out from all the immaculately restored examples – for its total lack of restoration. ‘I bought the car three years ago in exactly the condition you now see it,’ he explained. It had been worked hard. The engine had been maintained but its body had been ignored for more than 50 years. I’ve kept the car exactly as it was except changing the carburettor, starter motor and fuel pump. But the rust is only surface deep and I’ve conserved that carefully’.

Citroën 2CV AZSIE

Lifelong 2CV fan Gil Marie was at Niort with his 1958 AZSIE (above). ‘I chose it because of its the original 375cc engine, suicide doors and rare boot lid panel.

‘It’s had only two previous owners and the first had it for 50 years. In 2003 its engine was totally rebuilt. I bought it in 2009 from a collector in Thouars, who had restored and repainted its bodywork.’