Frequent finder Russell G. sent us this unusual (ok, at least in the US) 1980 Citroen Dyane that is for sale in Havertown, PA. It will cost a new owner $13,500 (or best offer) and is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace if you want to grab this orange beauty. Perhaps “beauty” is too strong a word; maybe “striking”? Or “distinctive”? I’ll leave the wordsmithing to others; suffice it to say I’m guessing that most of you that see this car’s picture want to run–some towards it, others away as fast as possible!
I wanted to find out more about the Dyane, and I thought you might be interested as well in how such a, well, unusual car came to be. I’m sure most of you are familiar with the Citroen 2CV, the extremely successful small car that was produced from 1948 through 1990. It wasn’t a beauty to most folks either, but that wasn’t the point of the 2CV. Mobility that suited the French coupled with a low price was its claim to fame. The Dyane is an upscale (well, relatively) companion to the 2CV for folks that were willing to pay a little bit more. It included a hatchback that the 2CV did not, and was designed in response to the success of the Renault 4, which when introduced in 1961 made the 2CV look even cheaper and more out-of-date than it was. The Dyane was produced from 1967 to 1984, with over 1.4 million finding owners. In 1980, when our subject car was produced, 61,744 other Dyanes left the assembly lines.
Turning our attention to this car, the ad states that the car was imported several years ago and “starts, runs and drives.” I can see some minor dings in the orange paint, especially in the left rear, and I would be surprised if there wasn’t rust somewhere on the car. The rear bumper is quite dented. In general, though, the car appears complete (very important in the case of a car never officially imported to the US) and in reasonably good shape.
You can see the useful and large hatchback in this shot. Just don’t plan on hauling a lot of heavy stuff–we don’t know if this is the lower or higher horsepower flat 2 (!) engine offered in the Dyane, but with all of 26 or 32 horsepower, I’ve driven lawnmowers with more power (and more cylinders)!
The interior keeps the 2CV’s shifter out of the dash and is pretty plain apart from the seat upholstery. There’s a pretty decent size stain on the passenger seat, and I’d hate to try to source that fabric to replace it. However, I don’t see any dash damage and that characteristic Citroen one-spoke steering wheel looks great.
Sparce might be a good word to describe the appearance inside the hatch, although the unusual (and I’m told, comfortable) seat suspension is quite visible. What do you think about this Citroen? Have any of you driven a Dyane or a 2CV? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
While I’m a fan of Citroen vehicles I would prefer the charm of the 2CV over the Dyan. Both still great economical cars to move people around in and still quite innovative in their time. I imagine parts are still relatively easy to come by to bring this one back to its former glory.
That looks in good nick. I have a Dyane, but it’s an ex – Belgian racing one. Aluminium floors pop-riveted to the sills. Hmm…
I bet she is tough as nails.
They’re good cars; a pal of mine has one as his everyday car. Dyane engines can be made faster, too; they have 9:1 pistons rather than the 2CV’s 8.5:1 ones.
Similar in concept to (but more thorough in execution than) the VW Super Beetle and classic Mini Clubman that came a bit later, the by-then-aging “people’s car” updated in a way that kept it relevant in a more competitive market in a more prosperous Europe. None are quite as desirable as the original but all have their own charm.
The Super is more valued in its’ convertible form and the Clubman as a wagon, the Dyane offered no alternative body style (except the Acadiane van) so it’s a good thing the 5-door hatchback with ragtop sunroof is as coherent as it is.
I’ve owned two Dyans and they really are a good car. Hemispherical heads and inboard brakes…sound familiar?
My english teacher owned 2 Dyans back in the 1980’s.These were very durable and tough cars.
Due to their unique suspension,could not get one of these into a roll over.l know this because 4 of us tried…..
I have never seen one. But it’s much easier on the eyes than a 2CV.
The appeal today for such a car, is that we’re in a crying NEED for simple, reliable, economical transportation. I have to wonder if there’d be an actual market, importing 25-year-old Citroens and similar cars…perhaps old Mexican Type 1 VWs…to sell Stateside.
Since I have no real memories of the 2CV (except in pictures) I don’t consider the updating a travesty. It’s just a design language that we can relate to a little better.
“Ever seen one?”, no, and I’m not sure I needed to.
I think I’d rather have an Ami 6.