A 2 CV decorates wherever it is placed. It doesn't matter if it is a little – shall we say – patinated . I think it's brilliant to see 2 CVs that are actually used, and not just for decoration.
Ideal hobby car
I have never driven 2 CV, so I cannot comment on either driving characteristics or comfort. I think the sound of the two-cylinder air-cooled engine is like music in the streets. If you own such a car, you can be happy that there is good access to parts - for example, newly manufactured engines. If you are also handy, you can keep your car in operation for many years. You can fix everything yourself if you want.
Méhari Club Cassis – parts etc.
Model history
The model was in continuous production from 1948 to 1990. There are several exterior features that mark model years, such as the grille. However, in more recent times, several campaign models such as the Charleston and Dolly were made with more, with special decor, seat covers, etc. Several distinctive features, such as round or rectangular headlights, appeared in periods and disappeared.
No successor
At the end of the 60s, Citroen thought it was time to make a renewed car. In 1968 they introduced Dyane. It shared a lot of technology with the 2 CV, but was supposed to be a more modern car. We know how it went. 2 CV survived Dyane by several years. In fact, it is difficult to point out which car can be considered 2 CV's successor. The first Citroen LN/LNA and Citroen Visa, for example, shared a lot of technology with the 2 CV, but neither survived the 2 CV. One could perhaps say that 2 CV belonged to an era in car history that no longer exists?
Built on frame
It is the frame – the bottom plate – that supports the entire car. Rust in the floor can be fatal. If the platform is intact, there may be a little rust here and there. The engines are 2-cylinder 435 and 602 cc and air-cooled. With a carrying strap, you can lift the engine and gearbox in and out of the car easily by yourself. The transmission is an umbrella transmission where a rod through the dashboard operates a gear lever inside the engine compartment. A very simple solution that works well. The name umbrella transmission is because the lever inside the passenger compartment resembles an umbrella handle.
Citroen 2CV Fourgonnette (AK400)
2 CV van/utility vehicle - also called AK400 - were very popular, especially in France. But today it is passenger cars that dominate. Perhaps the vans were used to the last scrap - so that there was nothing left? Its successor, the Dyane-based Acadiane, can still be seen on the roads of France. Several of these are actually in daily use.
About the pictures
All photos were taken at car shows and along roads and streets in Pyrenees-Orientales, France, with the exception of the following: The car in the main photo was photographed in Girona, Spain. The car (with the lights on) parked in front of a row of bicycles was photographed in Copenhagen. The light beige car in front of the wooden house was photographed in Skien, 2024. The orange AK400 (van) was photographed during a car show at Andresen Bil in SKi, 2025.
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Copyright notice
See
2CV – electric car in 20 hours
A kit to electrify the 2CV6 has recently been approved by the French authorities. From the time the car drives into the workshop, it takes 20 hours before the 2CV rolls out again as an electric car without its characteristic engine sound. See more
