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1959' Citroen 2CV

Negotiable
no photo
Expired
3 years, 6 months ago
Age: 61 years

Citroen’s 2CV requires little introduction – the car designed in the 1930s to get the rural population of France mobile, that went on to be produced in the millions and acquire a fame and significance that far out-stripped its original remit. Perhaps better than any other car, it demonstrates how simplicity and clever engineering and design often trumps over-complication, and that if the function is performed to perfection, then people will come to love the form. Although the basic design of the 2CV remained more or less unchanged throughout its long production run, there were plenty of changes and improvements made over the years, the most significant of which were the series of engine developments that raised power from the original 9bhp. In 1955, the AZ model was introduced, which produced 12bhp from its 425cc engine. This was enough to give a 50mph cruising speed – that is more or less top speed as well, but the 2CV engine was so strong that running at top speed all day was of little concern – indeed, Citroen often tested engines by running them at full throttle, non-stop, for the equivalent distance of the circumference of the earth at the equator.
This 1959 2CV AZ was imported from Belgium in 1970. A Belgian-built car, it incorporates some rare parts that were only found on the Belgian-assembled models. Restored in 2008/9, it has been converted to right-hand-drive using original Citroen parts, and the centrifugal clutch has been replaced with a conventional one. Other than that, it is in original specification, with the 425cc engine still thrumming away under the bonnet. During the no-expense-spared restoration, the car was totally stripped and all corrosion eliminated. The vendor preferred to use coach paint with a satin finish for the bodywork, and left the dents and ‘battle scars’ that the car had accumulated over its life; the aim being a totally solid car, not one that looked like it had just left the factory. On the mechanical front, everything was overhauled or replaced where necessary, including the dampers and the braking system. Five new wheels and tyres were fitted, and the engine had new barrels, pistons and carburettor. The result is a comfortable cruising speed of 50, with 50+ mpg. The car also comes with many spares that the vendor has collected over the years, including two spare engines – one a ‘4 stud’ unit of 18bhp, the other a ‘3 stud’ of 12 – and a gearbox. The car also comes with various bills and a V5c.


This, 45 other classic cars, automobilia and collectables will be offered for auction on September 19th at our new venue Showell Farm, near Chippenham, SN15 2NU. Fully illustrated catalogue at Richard Edmonds Auctions website.

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