2CV

2cv

Developed in late thirties this car was supposed to offer an affordable basic transportation for the masses, especially the people in rural areas, various prototypes were made and tested but the actual production was delayed due to outbreak of WW2, the first model was introduced in 1948 and gained wide popularity in spite of ridicule from the automotive press, it remained in production into the nineties with millions produced and sold worldwide. Through the years many improvements were made both mechanical and in appearance, the engine slowly graduated from it's initial 375 CC, 9 HP to the mighty 602 CC producing around 35 HP and many creature comforts were added, but still managed to retain it's basic form and function.
There are many clubs worldwide for 2CV's as well as other Citroën models and their pages along with some very informative home pages by dedicated individuals can be found through the Links Page .

My good friend Erwin Obourdin found this Red 2CV for me while I was on a visit to Antwerp in 98, it was used for the trip to Paris and participation in the memorable 50th anniversary meeting and the famous parade along with thousands of other 2CV's. After the meet I drove it to southern France to visit some family members then back to Antwerp, all travel was on auto route and it kept up with the traffic and did not miss a beat.

Here we are preparing for the trip to Paris, Jeroen Cats taking a well deserved break after going over the cars and making necessary repairs, and Erwin standing next to his Belgian Duck.

It was left with Erwin when I left and some months later he shipped it to me, I registered it in Montana even though it arrived in the port in California, the paperwork is somewhat easier and no inspection is needed.

This is a wild stray cat we have been feeding for a few years, he liked the soft top on the Duck and made his second home on it.

In June 99 I took the Red 2CV to the NCOR meeting in Sacramento, California. Had a great time and met some of the fellow list members.
in 2000 It was sold to someone from eastern U. S., he and two friends flew to L. A. and drove it across the country with no problems, he still has the car and happy with it. Later I regretted selling and started looking for another 2CV.

Belgian Duck

Found a 1960 Belgian build 2CV in 06, model designation is AZL3 which is rather rare with the combination of old style hood and the third side window, also has unique features of rear fender cutout form and opening panel below the tailgate for access to spare, not many were made in this configuration as the hood style was changed to five rib in 61.

Front Rear
Inside Trunk
Engine In Montana
The work done on the body is not very good and the paint color is incorrect, the engine has been replaced with a 602, I installed a new top before it was hauled up to Montana and put in garage.
It will be totally disassembled and restored from ground up in due time, will strip to bare metal and repaint with correct period paint after getting the body work sorted out, may change the engine back to a 435 which I have, but the prospect of little more power with 602 is tempting.