Restored to a largely original specification
Restored to a largely original specification
The first 2CV prototypes were created just before the 2nd World War – to meet the requirement of a small utility car capable of being used for a variety of purposes, taking into consideration the needs of both agricultural community and town dwellers, which included the ability to deal with rough roads in the French countryside. Famously, these prototypes were hidden from the occupying forces during WW2 and re-emerged after the liberation of France for development to continue.
A unique design in many ways and powered by an air-cooled flat twin engine, the car was eventually launched in 1948, with first deliveries commencing in 1949. Finding worldwide and enduring success, lasting 4 decades, the 2CV remained much as originally designed, although the engine grew from a puny 375cc unit, through 425cc to the final 602cc displacement in 1970, familiar to most today. The car was assembled in many countries, with production ending in 1988 in France and finally, in Portugal, in 1990. More than 3.8 million 2CVs were built.
This early ‘ripple bonnet’ model was first registered new in France in June 1956. We have no early history for the vehicle but know that in 2018, it was owned by a resident of Montauban in the south of France, who sold the car to The School Garage in Derbyshire. We assume that the restoration work to get the car to its good-looking condition today had already been carried out by this point. It was purchased the following year by a Jersey resident and imported and registered in the island in May 2019. With 35,500 miles recorded at this time, subsequent use has been limited and the car now shows just 37,400 miles.
Running well, the mighty 425 cc flat-twin cylinder engine boasts a claimed 12.5 bhp and a top speed of 50 mph. Full use of the rev-happy engine is required together with a slightly different driving style, as the 4-speed gearbox is driven via a centrifugal clutch. The car still runs the original 6 Volt electric system. Since taking possession, the current owner has commissioned the fitment of a new clutch and a full brake overhaul, together with a new set of tyres.
Re-finished in typical battleship-grey the body is in good condition with a solid chassis. 2CV models of this period have front-opening, ‘suicide’ doors but this car also carries an innovation from 1957 – a hinged and lockable metal boot lid panel, hence the suffix ‘AZLP’, where ‘P’ stands for ‘porte de malle’. Prior to this, the boot area was accessed by rolling up the soft top from the bottom (just above the number plate). This same soft top of course, provides the option of open-air motoring on sunny days.
The interior is as spartan as only a 2CV (or possibly early Land Rover) can be. Minimal dashboard instrumentation (separate speedometer) and only a few switches to play with. A retro-style radio and speakers have been added. The seating is ultra-basic too – sprung metal frames with deckchair-like check-pattern cloth covers – recently re-upholstered. (There are no seatbelts).
This is a smart looking example of an early 2CV – restored but with a largely original specification. It offers basic, post-War motoring in every sense but is great fun and still eminently usable today.
The car is currently Jersey registered. We can assist with (international) shipping and importation processes if required.
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