One of the greatest strengths of the Volkswagen Beetle is that it serves as an excellent platform for Kit Car projects. Buyers could discard the German steel, adding a fiberglass body that looked more exotic, or drop on a body to create a Dune Buggy. Less well known is that the Dutch company Burton offered the same option for the Citroën 2CV. Unusually, this 1987 2CV is actually a Burton build rather than an owner-assembled Kit Car. It presents extremely well and is ready for action with its new owner behind the wheel. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting this French/Dutch fusion listed here on Craigslist in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. The seller indicates that their price of $19,000 is firm and that they won’t consider trades.
Formed in 1993 by brothers Iwan and Dimitri Goebel, Burton is a Dutch company with a history in fiberglass manufacturing. The brothers commenced design work on a two-seat Kit Car in 1998 and released the Burton in May 2000. They incorporated styling cues from classic Jaguar and Bugatti sports cars, with the body dropped onto a Citroën 2CV platform. Although enthusiastic owners predominantly assembled these cars, this beauty emerged as a turnkey proposition from the Burton factory. It presents exceptionally well in an interesting shade of Blue. The paint looks clean, the fiberglass shows no cracks, and the underside shots confirm the car’s rust-free condition. The trim and glass are in good condition, and while this classic looks exotic, it rolls on a set of steel 2CV wheels, adorned with the factory hubcaps.
As was typically the case with Kit Cars based on the Volkswagen Beetle, delving below the surface reveals this Burton’s Citroën roots. The engine bay houses a 602cc two-cylinder engine, which sends 29hp and 29 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The figures don’t sound impressive, and Burton didn’t upgrade the motor to squeeze out additional ponies. However, there is a factor worth considering. The curb weight of a standard 2CV is approximately 1,290 lbs. Burton quotes a weight of a mere 1,058 lbs for its creation, and the significant weight saving should markedly improve the car’s performance. What is unclear is whether Burton left the suspension unchanged. That is a point to ponder, because one of the 2CV’s greatest strengths was its supple suspension, offering an excellent ride. It also provided plenty of body roll, potentially placing this car’s occupants’ elbows close to the tarmac during hard cornering. The seller states that this classic has a genuine 26,000 miles on the clock, confirming that it is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well. Considering the well-earned reputation the 2CV enjoys for bulletproof reliability, there should be plenty of life left in this classic.
Although the Burton’s interior doesn’t bear a passing resemblance to a 2CV, it still represents pretty basic motoring. Forget creature comforts like air conditioning, because this car doesn’t even have a radio. However, it presents better than most traditional Kit Cars, with no genuine rough edges. The seats and other upholstered surfaces feature Blue and White vinyl that looks excellent. There is no wear or other problems, and the quick-release sports wheel undoubtedly improved driver access. The dash houses a selection of gauges to monitor the car’s mechanical health, with all featuring clear lenses and crisp markings.
The Citroën 2CV is a quirky classic that enjoys a strong following. The company sold over nine million vehicles before production ended, and the survival rate is quite impressive. This Burton version looks exotic, but its curvaceous body hides extremely robust mechanical components. The seller states that there are only two other examples in the United States, a claim that sounds plausible. We previously saw this car in 2024 in an excellent article written by Todd Fitch. If you missed out the first time, would you consider righting that wrong by contacting the seller? One thing is certain: If you become the new owner, you are unlikely to park next to an identical example at the next Cars & Coffee.
Damn!!! That thing is sweet. Upper Saddle River, pricey area, I got distant relatives up there, President Nixon bought a house there. Getting back to the car, what a beautiful looking creation. I got a Bradley GT convertible that drives like sitting on a surfboard. This kit looks like your riding in style. Great write up, and find.