1923 | Citroën C2 5HP Boattail

The Citroen Model C was the first small car designed and marketed by André Citroën. It made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 1921 with the first production models available in May 1922. Powered by a petite 4-cylinder engine, it had a French fiscal rating of 5CV (Chevaux-Vapeur) hence its usual name. This equated to around 11 bhp.

The model was initially only available as a two-seat, open tourer with a pointed, rear, 'torpedo' shaped body. The chassis was subsequently mildly lengthened and different body styles were introduced during its production run. Throughout however, and a little curious to our modern eyes, the car only ever had one door and always on the passenger side – the spare wheel being mounted externally where a driver’s door might have existed. A better equipped Cabriolet model appeared later in 1922 and with the introduction of the lengthened chassis, a 3-seater version was offered, as was a "Voiture de Livraison" (delivery van).

The 5CV was a popular car in its time – combining reliability with robust construction whilst being economical to run. Unusual for the period, it was advertised as particularly suitable for female drivers. Production ended in 1926 by which time over 83,000 Model Cs had been built.

We have no early history for this 5CV Cabriolet. It was acquired by its current owner from a collection in France and moved to Guernsey where it was re-registered in July 1987. The Cabriolet was extensively restored and has spent much of its island life as an exhibit in the Guernsey Motor Museum.

The mighty 856cc, four-cylinder, side-valve engine is rated at 11 bhp, produced at a heady 2,100 rpm. It has a 3-speed gearbox and a top speed of around 40 mph. Interestingly, it has two separate braking systems -a hand lever which operates rods to rear wheel drum brakes and a foot pedal which operates an engine brake via the gearbox. Suspension is provided by quarter elliptic springs all round – which has been described elsewhere as “…very bouncy but ideal for crossing fields!”

The Citroen ran and drove very well on test – within the performance limitations of a vintage vehicle. It’s worth mentioning that, as with many cars of the time, the accelerator pedal is located centrally between the clutch and brake.

The Cabriolet model is a more luxurious and comfortable version of the regular open tourer. It shares the same torpedo-shaped body but its main advantage is that it has much better weather protection. With sliding (vertical) windows each side for the driver and passenger, which seal with the folding roof and a split, two-part opening windscreen (no windscreen wipers in those days!) it is practical to use in inclement weather and remain reasonably warm and dry.

This car has the long wheelbase chassis (introduced in October 1923) with a lidded luggage compartment in the rear tail, together with an external luggage rack. The 5CV has been re-finished in an original ‘Havana’ colour scheme with black mudguards and wheels. The black leatherette hood is in excellent condition and in a small nod to modern driving conditions, it has a discrete set of indicators fitted.

Whilst there’s not a lot to the interior, this Cabriolet - as part of its higher specification - has a wooden dashboard and wooden door cappings, together with a storage pocket alongside the driver. The latter looks to be original, whilst we’re confident the woodwork will have been refinished. A comfortable bench seat – recovered in material rather than the original leatherette – has sufficient space for two people.

This example of a well-regarded vintage Citroen has been extensively restored – literally to museum-quality – but is usefully in a fully serviceable, running and driving condition. Should you wish to sample the vintage driving experience, this stylish 5CV is ready for club runs, parades and static displays.

The car is Guernsey registered and the 4-digit registration number is not included in the sale. We can assist with international shipping and importation processes if required.