As anyone who has seen the documentary “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” knows, the French are very different than both their American and their European brethren. This fascinating country is filled with folks who have a contrary outlook and have no problem going their own way. One of the most glaring examples is their automobile designs. France has produced several vehicles that are radically different in a uniquely French way. This 1980 Citroën 2CV6, for sale on Craigslist in Bellingham, Washington, is a prime example. A late version of what could be considered France’s national car, this Citroen is in great shape and ready to slowly shuffle through your town if you come up with the $13,500 asking price. Thanks to Scott for this interesting French find!
From Charles de Gaulle to berets and wine with every meal, the French way of doing things sets them apart from the rest of the world. To their credit, they thumb their noses at the conformity that the rest of the world tries to force on all of us. The famous Citroen 2CV is a perfect example of a French interpretation of an automobile. Production of this simple vehicle began in 1948 and continued until 1990. It was a “people’s car” for the French, much like the Volkswagen Beetle or the Ford Model T were for their respective countries. 2CVs were inexpensive, simple to a fault, and easy to operate for those who were new to automobiles. Perhaps the car’s best attribute is its long-travel suspension that gives it a supple ride for such a diminutive automobile. Over 3.8 million of these distinctive cars were built before the world moved on to more complicated and less charming vehicles.
Despite its popularity, a 2CV is a rare sight in the United States. Citroen never developed a strong dealer network here despite the occasional flirtation with the American market. Examples seen here have either been imported by the car’s small but loyal following or have migrated over from Canada. Given that this 1980 Citroen is being sold in Washington State and hails from an estate sale in North Vancouver, it’s a safe bet that this car came from the land of bagged milk and Mounties. The current sellers claim to have owned the car for 25 years after being purchased at the aforementioned estate sale, and that it has always been kept inside.
The ad states that the car was rebuilt in 2022, and there are pictures to back up that claim. From a new chassis and top to “many other bits,” that rebuild appears to have been extensive. The 602 cc opposed air-cooled twin engine is in good running condition. We are told that it “Starts, runs, stops, beeps, lights up, corners like a quarter horse, climbs like a goat…” and a few other colorful claims. 32,876 kilometers is proudly displayed on the car’s odometer. That low figure is equivalent to just over 20,000 miles, and the seller believes it to be accurate.
All and all, this is one of those neat cars that would be fun to own, but is sure an odd duck from our perspective. 2CVs have a legion of fans who sing their praises to anyone who will listen. It is also hard to overlook the car’s incredible history over so many decades. It would surely draw a crowd at local shows and would be a popular choice if you are into those schemes where people pay to rent your classic car. Perhaps if you added it to your fleet, you would come to love it as much as other famous French products such as French bread and French fries.
Have you ever owned or driven a Citroen 2CV? What can you tell us about the experience? If you have not, would you be open to going out on a limb and acquiring a famous foreign car seldom seen on our shores?
Count me among the Legion of Fans, Jeff.
I doubt I’ve put over 100 miles on a 2CV in my entire life, but I remember them well, and would love to add more. In their own way, the little Cits are as much fun to drive as almost any car one cares to name. Learning the 2CV’s quirks — mind-boggling levels of body roll and the push-pull-twist shift lever — doesn’t take long.
They’re simple, but that simplicity makes for a reliable, easy-to-service machine. And, thanks to the millions that were built and the enthusiasm of owners, parts availability is pretty good.
While I’d prefer one of the “special” versions like the Charleston or Dolly, this would do just fine, even if there are a few details to clean up (the carpet has to go, and the paint looks like it’s a 20-foot job, unless the photo quality makes it look a bit more shopworn than it is). I don’t know if the price is right or not; it’s difficult to keep up with values these days.
But it should show its next owner a good time!
Cool car. Some will recall an episode of Fantom Works where a couple of can-can dancers brought one to the shop of a laundry list of repairs. I don’t recall what model year it was but it was older than this example.
I have a 1986 2CV here in New Orleans. It’s an absolute hoot to drive and so simple to work on!
BTW, French fries are not French. The Belgians are credited with those. They are called French fries because that’s the name of the technique used to cut the potatoes — they are “frenched.”
That was the joke.
I notice that in the pics the side view mirrors are folded. Aerodynamic improvement, I suppose …
Yes, they’re unique in a typically French way. A lot of car for the size of the engine. Gazillions swear by (“at,” if you’re behind them in mountainous terrain!) them.
I remember dicing in ’71 with a woman in her 60s driving one while wifie and I were touring the Med area in a rental FIAT 500. My 499cc twin could give her 602cc twin a run for the money, but just. I couldn’t get around her and she couldn’t get away from me, a typical (fill in the blank) standoff.
Fun.
There is a story, which I believe is true, where a man in a 2CV crashed in a desert. Nobody was around to help him so he broke the car apart and rearranged it so it would drive on two wheels on one side like a motorcycle. I found this Hagerty story.
https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/automotive-history/this-feisty-frenchman-turned-his-2cv-into-a-two-wheeler-to-escape-the-sahara/
True story! The «moto2CV » is displayed in a museum in France.
Don’t forget the 2CV in American Graffiti. It was such a contrast to all the American cars in the film it was perfect for Richard Dreyfus character, Curt. I would love to drive one of these cars and I never have even seen one on the street.
Since it’s my opinion I can’t be wrong lol. I would never get out of the car I love them so much. Love everything about 2CV EXCEPT, those horrible squared headlights. The post has already been deleted
Had one a few years back. The 602 cc model with the rectangular headlamps. Very comfortable economical only sold because I needed a car to tow a caravan if only I had a large amount of dry storage. An interesting aside Ford France made a front wheel drive car called the Tracford based on the Y type Citroën had one it appears in the barn where the prototype 2CVs were stored away from German eyes during WW2. Why Ford didn’t continue developing FWD I do not know.
Well I couldn’t resist a Google search for Tracford which turned up only a Wikipedia article, sadly without pictures. It also suggests that the actual name of the prototype was Tracfort, and the use of the Ford Model Y engine (and grille) would confuse many about the spelling of the name. The Wikipedia article did not indicate that Ford of France was involved, despite the use of the diminutive Ford sidevalve engine.
Have enjoyed the 2CV experience for 15 years, and it’s possibly the most enjoyable car I’ve owned. Bang for the buck is off the scale, it’s a great city or rural car (just stay off the interstate), very reliable, and ladies love it.
Great comments. Charming car.
Looks like the add on Craigslist has been removed….must have found a buyer, which is not surprising with a very reasonable asking price.
Don’t forget the 2CV with James Bond at the wheel going downhill in a straight line skipping all hairpins of the normal road (For your Eyes Only, see Youtube) The 2CV was designed for horrendous road conditions. The design is beyond brilliant and while the tech seems simple it takes a real 2cv buff to get everything really really right.
….incidentally, or coincidentally rather, this Bond 2CV (one of 3) is about to be auctioned off I read, but I forgot where….they say it could reach 7 figures….
Interesting. Which auction company?
Cool looking car……..but I half expect to see a bunch of clowns come piling out if it. LOL.
I have owned a 1966 for about 5 years now. I wins prizes every car show I take her. It is a super fun car to drive. Easy to maintain.
I have a 2CV Dyane (assembled in Spain) and imported by an expatriate Spainard who settled in Ohio. I bought in on EBay in 2006 out of Ohio from one of its subsequent owners. We discovered its provenance from a Facebook posting we made by someone who’d looked at for purchase in Ohio in the ’90s. It’s non original taillights (which I hope to soon correct) were what pegged it. I don’t know if Dyanes were sold here or if all those here were imported by owners. Maybe someone has an answer to that.
2 CV= “Deux Chevaux “. ( two horses). 9-28 hp! An ugly beast!
Hey, watch your language young man….🤣🤣….thé « ugly beasts » might organize and come and get you….🤣
Owned a Charleston for 5 years while living in Germany and loved it. Currently looking for one.
Glad the ’62 version of this wasn’t cruising in u know what movie.
I owned a 1964 Ami 6 which used the 2 CV motor and drive train. But an even weirder body shape