What the heck is this? Well, it’s a Citroen pickup truck, specifically an IES 3CV “Gringa” from down under, no not that down under, the Argentina down under. This example, being a 1988 model, isn’t exactly a Citroen, it was made under license by Argentina’s IES (Industrias Eduardo Sal-lari) which was a successor to Citroen’s Argentina business operation. This Gringa pickup is on its way to the U.S., from Argentina, and will be arriving at Long Beach on June 6th for those that may be interested. Once again, T.J. has come up with a totally unique find and it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $5,200 with the reserve not yet met. There is a BIN price of $13,500 available too.
According to Citroenet, the Gringa, which went into production in 1983 (or maybe 1985) with IES performing assembly, used Citroen’s venerable 2CV engine and transmission but wishbone and transverse leaf spring suspension. A pickup truck was the primary body style but an SUV and a van were offered as well. Production ceased in 1990 with sales adversely affected, supposedly, by mechanical defects. It’s believed that lack of development capital ultimately dinged the Gringa’s reliability and reputation.
Of note are the Gringa’s ABS plastic body panels – non-dentable sort of like a ’90s Saturn. The seller tells us that this truck has low mileage and was intended to be used as a farm truck but due to its clean condition that never occurred and it has been in his collection for a few years. This example certainly presents well and nothing appears to be out of place. Note the wooden “rungs” in the cargo bed, that’s a nice touch. The seller has a website known as Vamanos Vans LLC and there are images and videos of this little truck here.
Power, which is claimed to have been “refurbished”, is the standard 32 HP, 600 CC “2CV” two-cylinder engine hitched up to a four-speed manual front-wheel-drive transaxle. The seller makes no claims about operating or driving characteristics but there is a video clip on the previously referenced website of the engine running (sounds like the valves need to be adjusted).
It’s reasonable to assume that the interior of this diminutive truck is probably rather austere but we’ll never know as it hasn’t been photographed. One of the walk-around videos, however, does give us a brief glimpse of a gray fabric upholstered environment displaying some bolster wear on the outer side of the driver’s seat.
The seller suggests, “may well be the only one in the USA” and then adds, “Citroen 2/3CV parts are abundantly and reasonably available“. So, if you want to be unique and have what is likely “the only one in the USA” here’s your chance. It would be a great conversation piece but beyond that, who knows. Being as rare as it is, I guess you’d have to buy it and try it to really know, right?
I wonder how much you can tow.
I doubt you with be hitching your bass boat for the weekend expedition. I like the 2CV mechanicals but the plastic body gets a pass. They say ABS plastic but the hood looks to be fiberglass. Funky truck for sure.
The Mehari was ABS-panelled too, so the mothership may have had some input! I’m intrigued by the suspension, and that carb doesn’t look right somehow. Not twin-choke Solex is what I mean by that.
A 1988 with only 300 miles? Check out the sellers other four vehicles listed.
Wouldn’t a “Gringa” be the feminine of “Gringo”? So they named this model the “white girl”?
Works for me lol.
The 3 lug nuts were a clear giveaway as to the origin of manufacture. I don’t recall anyone besides the French that used 3 lug nuts, but it apparently worked,,,for back alleys and such. Going 70mph, I’d prefer at least 4. Could very well be the only one here, kind of a no-brainer why, however, with the trend of shopping going the way it is, just about everything will be delivered, and whether you want to believe it or not, this era of 4 door dually pickups with
12 mpg, 500hp. motors, will come to an end. I’m sure at that time, the French will smile and think, “who’s stupid now, eh?” If history has taught me anything, lo, all these years, it tends to repeat itself, and as costs skyrocket, we just may see more of this.
Mercedes Smart cars used a 3 lug wheel and Renault LeCar off the top of my head.
All true, but we experienced this before. The era of big personal luxury cars came to an end, eventually to be replaced by….big arse trucks and SUV’s. When those die off, I’m not sure what we’ll eventually replace them with in the future. I can’t imagine EV’s being the replacement for the entire country. With the price of vehicles like it is, maybe we’ll wind up like Cuba refurbishing our old junk…or worse, walking or riding bikes! Or maybe we’ll just pay big arse truck prices for 3 lug nut junk like this!