The Citroën 2CV is in many ways an ideal entry-level classic, on a par with the Mini and the many other popular four-seater saloons with which it competed with when new such as the Volkswagen Beetle and Morris Minor. It’s a simple, no-frills design with mechanical components that are straightforward to maintain, and it has worldwide support thanks to sales that exceeded five million during its 41 years of production from 1949 to 1990.
It was sold in the UK between 1953 and 1961, and again from 1974 to 1990, although there are plenty of left-hand-drive examples to choose from should you want an example from outside these eras. Numerous model and engine changes were made throughout the production run, but all are powered by a two-cylinder air-cooled petrol engine (sizes range from 375cc to 602cc) that’s mated to a front-wheel-drive, four-speed gearbox.
Many aspects of the 2CV were ahead of its time, such as rackand-pinion steering, radial tyres, adjustable headlight aim from inside and – on earlier models – road speed related windscreen wipers (they were driven off the speedo cable).
Whilst the familiar 2CV shape that resembles a snail is the most popular, there are a number of variants, such as a van and a beach-ready Mehari, along with more modern shapes including the Ami and Dyane. And there are numerous special editions with their own specific styling, such as the Charleston, Dolly, Beachcomber and Bamboo.
Practicality
If you want an affordable and practicaland from October 1981 front disc brakes rather than drums.
