Sometimes an odd car catches your eye, and you end up down a rabbit hole. This Citroën caught my eye, and I had to know more. In French, Fourgonette means van or minivan. The Citroën 2CV was produced from 1948 to 1990. Over 5 million were made, making it one of the most prolific models ever. It became the first front-wheel-drive car to sell over 1 million units worldwide. The 1959 model available here on eBay is one of 1.2 million Fourgonettes made from 1951 to 1987. The asking price is $7,999. Since they typically sell at an average auction price of $14,500, its actual condition would determine whether it commands a higher price.
This Fourgonette is not in what you would call concourse condition. On the contrary, it looks like it’s been a workhorse for the last 67 years. But workhorse may be a relative term here. Originally, it came with a 2-cylinder boxer engine that was 425cc (25 cubic inches), giving it a whopping 24 Bhp at 3500 RPM and 29 lb.-ft of torque at 2000 RPM. This 2CV has a 602cc engine and transmission that is said to have been “fully gone through.” New parts include seals, oil cooler, carburetor, fuel pump, Harley coil, fan belt, points, rebuilt starter, Alternator, master cylinder, etc. The original drivetrain is also available if you want it.
The odd little interior is, in a word, spartan. It looks like it hasn’t changed much over the years and is as worn as the exterior. And speaking of the exterior, there isn’t much paint left to buff. The owner says the frame has been worked on, the vehicle is roadworthy, and it has been driven several hundred well-behaved miles. Top speed is now said to be around 60 MPH.
At a selling price of $7,999, I believe you will have to be a big Citroën 2CV fan to purchase this. However, I also see it painted and parked at a farmers’ market somewhere, with an artisan selling from the back. With the current owner having mostly sorted out the mechanicals, it seems the appearance needs the most work. Small but mighty, this model has been used worldwide in grueling environments. Interested in a French icon?
Love to have this to pop around town. I’d leave the exterior as is, almost wish it had old graphics on the sides advertising a local bistro. At gas prices these days this is a great investment.