Gallic Truck: 1965 Citroen 2CV
This 1965 Citroen has been sitting in this garage since 2004, when it was imported from France. The seller tells us it ran “real good” at the time and they have put a new exhaust on it since then but done nothing else. The garage is in Cleveland, Ohio, and the 2CV is listed here on eBay where bidding is currently at $3,850 with no reserve. There were a lot of comments on the rusty 2CV we featured recently and I’m wondering what you think of this little truck, which seems a lot more solid. It was used as an electrician’s work truck while in France, and the seller suggests that it would make an interesting promotional work vehicle if refurbished. They are certainly quite simple to work on, and based on the previous comments parts can be had. Anyone need a small Gallic truck? Special thanks to Jim S for this tip!
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Comments
If it were just a little closer to me I’d definitely join the bidding. The early Deaux Chavaux, or Tin Snails as they were known in Germany, are the ideal around town vehicle – as long as Town is relatively flat and below 7,000′ elevation. The easily get 50 MPG, but the heaters are kind of wimpy and these early versions are amazingly short on power. Getting stuck behind one on a mountain road going from Germany to Switzerland is one of my fondest memories of my 3 years in Europe. :-) On the other hand, they are so light and have such alarmingly good traction that they make an ideal rural vehicle.
I had a 1968 4 door 2CV for a few years. Lots of rust on the chassis, around the windshield and lower bodywork but it was drivable. A valve dropped through the piston on one side, so I was able to get a full rebuilt engine from a North African/Dutch company for less than the cost of rebuilding the old one here in the USA, even including shipping! I do not know if they are still in business.
Older 2CVs are way underpowered for typical freeway driving in California – get a post 1968 engine & trans (with disc brakes) – it will drop right in to the chassis. You will have to rewire for 12 volts, but it is quite simple.
Driving a 2VC is a unique experience – the suspension is very flexible and twisty mountain roads are somewhat like being in a small sailboat in stormy seas – never quite sure if you will flip over or not! (But they usually survive the curves.)
If you are tall, the seat in the truckette version will not slide quite as far back as the 4-door – there is a crossbeam that blocks it. Other than that, they are great!
Exactly. My last one was an 82 with the “big” engine and disc brakes that had been brought to the US rebranded as a 68. Changing the ID plates on older Cits is easy, since they are riveted to the engine-side firewall, so it’s done frequently to avoid safety and smog laws. Mine also had rust below the windshield, the rear frame horns and the front floor pans. I consider the 2-CV’s main competition, the Renault R-4 the best small car built in Europe in the 60’s, and I should never have let mine go. 50 MPG, 5 doors, quiet and just perfect.
Hi 2CV lovers
The 2CV is “un art de vivre”.
I own a 1957 2cv named “Hortense” I drive her very often wth great pleasure.
As far as the find is concerned, In my opinion, it is too expensive, escpecially for un utility.
I did sell a 1985 sedan in about the same state for 2000€. (photo)
If one of you barn finders addicts come to France, I would be delighted to take him for a ride.
Greetings Jean,
Hortense seems an excellent name for an early 2CV. In the states, we have only limited opportunities of finding an affordable example that is in reasonable condition. It does look pretty shabby, but if the frame and mechanicals are good, the fenders and seat cover could be easily replaced. Maybe!
There is quite a following for 2CV racing. Actually, they seem to handle quite well. I think the French were on to something with this truckette, as we seem to be heading back that way with delivery vehicles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNeU_DaEk58
after watching some of the in car videos on youtube i wish they raced them in the states. a box stock class with just safety mods. would be fun.