1986 CITROËN 2CV6 DOLLY

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The engine requires a small amount of choke from cold before settling to a smooth (by twin-pot standards) idle. Performance is delivered keenly and its featherweight body means that it bimbles along quite contentedly in modern traffic. Gearchanges are smooth once the driver has properly acquainted themselves with the quirky arrangement, while the brakes bite keenly and don’t pull the car to either side. The handbrake assembly collapsed during our test and while we were able to re-build it in order to release the brake it will need to be secured to prevent this from happening again. Crucially though, the car’s trademark roly poly ride isn’t spoilt by any unexpected thuds or clunks.

BODYWORK CHECK

This 2CV is smart though there are a few imperfections. The Bamboo Green wings gleam but there are a series of scuffs and scratches to the front passenger side panel above the bumper. The panels forward of the B-post on each side are a slightly brighter shade of white, hinting a work though we found nothing in the history folder. There’s also a small amount of corrosion around the edge of the air vent below the windscreen. Move inside and there’s visible rust along the base edge of the rear screen that will need to be rectified and the rails that support the canvas top are discoloured with further signs of corrosion. The galvanised chassis was fitted three years ago and all appears to be well underneath. The rain channels on both sides are free from corrosion, the canvas top is undamaged and fits snugly and all of the doors hang neatly.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The famously utilitarian cabin is in good overall condition.

The driver’s seat base cover could use a clean and there are specks of black mould dotting the inside of the canvas top. The carpets and door cards are undamaged and while the steering column and instrument fascia are peppered with surface corrosion it looks like it would be easily tidied. The ultra-low odometer reading is because of a recent speedometer change – the old one, showing 86k miles, is supplied.

UNDER THE BONNET

The bulkhead and inner wings are crusted with dirt though free from corrosion. The ignition coil and battery look recent, all of the wiring is tidy and and the various ducting and hoses are undamaged.

THE CCW VIEW

There is some history dating back to the early Noughties for work carried out by Citroën Central Garage in Newport, Isle of Wight, but more recent work is unaccounted for. Overall, this is an attractively priced 2CV given how it looks and drives – and could easily be improved for showing. Chris Hope