With its long hood, full fenders, and barely shiny baby blue paint, this 1987 Citroën 2CV Burton offers open-air driving, outstanding fuel economy, and extreme rarity. As few as three specimens exist in America, according to the seller. In addition to parts for the conventional 2CV, Dutch supplier Burton produces this sporty body kit for the adorable French flivvers. Nicknamed “deux chevaux,” “two horses,” for its tax equivalent to a pair of steeds, the 2CV is France’s post-WWII entry level car for farmers, villagers, and other hard workers. This one comes to market here on Craigslist, where $19,500 buys one of the world’s coolest 2CVs. Thanks to Wikipedia for some details, and to reader T.J. for suggesting Barnfinds’ first Burton write-up.

Though not exactly “French Racing Blue,” this paint color approaches the hue that’s graced fast French cars since the early days of racing. Perhaps not by coincidence, the seats wear America’s racing colors, blue and white. The finish on this Burton suggests an older paint job and/or novice work, but it’s fine for a blast through the countryside or an appearance at the local Cars & Coffee.

Kit cars draw from a shallow pool of enthusiasts, often more attractive than fearsome. Mounting a sporty body with the 2CV’s humble chassis, the Burton creates a playful diversion from today’s feature-laden automated techno-blobs.

After making do with one or two horses, 29 seems like the excess of kings. Long after kings outlived their usefulness to the French, the 2CV stimulates reactions ranging from adoration to disgust. At least one fan named the 602 cc (36 cid) air-cooled flat two-cylinder The Most Interesting Engine in the World, and its engineering elegance garners praise among fans of simple machines like the inclined plane. Produced from 1948 to 1990, the 2CV spiritually compares to Germany’s original Volkswagen or America’s Ford Model T. All became many families’ first self-propelled conveyance that didn’t consume oats for fuel. Do you prefer this sporty Burton or the original four-passenger 2CV?