This 1982 Citroën 2CV Spécial Beachcomberis a tidy survivor that has no apparent needs. The paint and stripe combination is striking, with the matching interior trim adding to its appeal. The legendary longevity of the 2CV means it should still be plying our roads for many decades, making it ideal for someone seeking a classic that could become a family heirloom. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting an inherently cool car.
The Citroën 2CV didn’t enjoy an easy birth. Its development was relatively straightforward, but World War II intervened just before the company’s planned unveiling at the 1939 Paris Motor Show. Citroën destroyed many of the pre-production and prototype vehicles, storing others in secret locations to prevent the elegantly simple and rugged 2CV from falling into the hands of the Nazis. France suffered as extensively as other European nations during the war, and even though the 2CV was technically ready to hit the market as soon as hostilities ended, the first civilian vehicles weren’t delivered until 1949. Despite the faltering start, the French classic remained in production in evolving form until 1990. Automotive technology may have left the 2CV in its dust decades earlier. However, enough people wanted these cars, which cost Citroën virtually nothing to produce, for the 2CV to survive well beyond its logical use-by date. This 1982 2CV Spécial presents beautifully in White with Blue stripes. The color combination extends to its roll-back top, which is free from deterioration and holes. The paint retains an excellent shine, the panels are straight, and given its dry location, it is unsurprising that this classic is rust-free. The trim is in good order, and there are no visible glass issues.
One attraction of the 2CV was its seemingly indestructible drivetrain. It represented automotive engineering at its most basic, and I have read many stories about owners who have left these classics for years, only to discover that they will start easily with a splash of fresh fuel. This French classic features a 602cc twin-cylinder engine that sends a staggering 29hp and 29 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. There is no power assistance for the steering or brakes, but the lightweight 2CV never really needed either. The power and torque figures suggest that this classic won’t be fast, and looks aren’t deceiving. However, outright speed and acceleration weren’t part of the design brief, with rugged dependability and supple suspension as key motivators. If you have never ridden in a 2CV, the first experience feels somewhat spooky. The compliant suspension induces incredible body roll, making you wonder whether the car will stay upright. The seller confirms that this 2CV has been meticulously maintained, and is in excellent mechanical health. Potential buyers could fly in and drive this baby home, attracting plenty of attention along the way!
There is a legend that says that the design brief for the 2CV included the words “four deckchairs under an umbrella.” Whether that is true has never been conclusively proven, but it accurately encapsulates the original 2CV’s interior. Buyers received four seats with canvas covers and minimal padding, windows that flipped open, a steering wheel, and little else. The interior evolved during the production life, which is reflected by the funky White and Blue cloth trim inside our feature car. There is no evidence of wear or distress, and the only aftermarket addition is a modern CD player. It might not score power windows or air conditioning, but who needs the latter once the roof is rolled back? Overall, this interior is extremely presentable and should receive positive comments wherever this classic goes.
Some classics provide owners with a luxurious driving experience, while others have power to burn. Citroën designed the 2CV as affordable motoring for the masses and didn’t adorn it with unnecessary creature comforts. This 1982 Citroën 2CV Spécial Beachcomber is a wonderful survivor that will draw crowds because it is quirky and interesting, and slipping behind the wheel will inevitably put a smile on the driver’s face. The seller listed the 2CV here on Craigslist in Lakeway, Texas. You could drive it home today by handing them $17,500, which is a competitive figure compared to recent sales results. It won’t appeal to everyone, but something tells me this 2CV will find a home fairly soon. Could it be yours?
Dig that luggage rack!
Love the 2cv,s. I do!
Bought a new 1964 in Northern Canada…..drove it 80000 miles…no problems…actually the best car I ever owned.
Bet it gets great mpg. A neighbor owns the delivery van version, can’t get more French than that car.
My 1964 had the 425 CD engine…got 50 .m p g. !
I lived in France when I was a teenager in the mid-1960s. 2CVs were EVERYWHERE.
When my wife and I went back to Paris a few years ago, there were fewer of them, but some enterprising Frenchmen had created a business of touring the REAL Paris–in a 2CV.
When I was in High School (early 70’s) a buddy of mine found and bought a non-running one. We got it going, we and drove to the gas station to fill up.
I remember the pump attendant walking up, looking 2CV over and asking my buddy “Build it yourself?”
Fun car! Not practical for me, but I love the minimalist approach and the economy. This indeed will delight somebody… (smiles for miles)