My new 2CV

[vernon]

When there were lots of 2CVs around they used to be the slowest car on the road in the UK and I often got stuck behind one.

But when we went to France on holiday they were about the fastest thing on the road. The French seemed to drive them in a way that once they got it up to about 60 they were not going to slow down for anything and blasted through every village and around every bend without braking.

Au contraire!

When I had a 2CV other 2CVs were the only vehicles that I got stuck behind as everything else was either much slower or much faster and the other 2CVs seemed to employ the same brick on the accelerator method of 'autothrottle' as me.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Right, I'm bored with my 2CV now. I want one of these.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

2CVs seemed to employ the same brick on the accelerator method of 'autothrottle' as me.

Sounds very much like a modern day Toyota.

 

[Hilldodger]

Now why did you have to show me that.

I've just got to have one now.

 

[Arch]

Right, I'm bored with my 2CV now. I want one of these.

Excellent!

I hope each one was carrying the requisite basket of eggs on the back seat?

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Excellent!

I hope each one was carrying the requisite basket of eggs on the back seat?

I think they might b operating a little outside of the original design brief there ...

I used to know the bloke who builds them and occasionally I'd demonstrate them to potential customers for him. I've driven three or four of the ones in the video and they really are as capable as they look. But expensive: you could buy three or four good Land Rovers for the cost of one of them.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I wanted to supercharge mine but (the future) MrsK wouldn't let me...

There is one knocking about with a supercharged GS flat four engine under the bonnet. That must be fun.

 

[biggs682]

i got a job once at citroen delearship when i was a technician/mechanic 2nd had to put rear brake pipes on a 2cv what a job ???
the road test was amazing brilliant fun for around town and up to 40 mph but after that park it up and walk

 

[Davidc]

A friend of my dad's had a DS. The only thing that I remember him complaining about was the turning headlamps getting stuck!

I've always fancied having one, but could never afford one.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

i got a job once at citroen delearship when i was a technician/mechanic 2nd had to put rear brake pipes on a 2cv what a job ???

Oh yes, that is a pain. They go inside the rear axle tube and you have to wiggle them about to get the bolt and locating pin to go through the holes. I did them on my car once.

 

[gavintc]

I have one, (a 2CV), but my son at uni has pinched it. So, sadly I do not get to drive it as often as I would like. I did love it on a nice summer day, roof rolled back and buzzing along.

 

[Night Train]

When I next replace my clutch - although 2CV clutches last for ever - I'll send you the old one. What are you going to do with the gearbox?

Thank you, I am now hoping your clutch dies soon, but in a nice way.

Along side converting a Toyota MR2 to electric drive and building an electric mini tractor almost from scratch I am planning to build an electric reverse trike. The 2CV gearbox is the ideal size and weight for it but I don't know if I want the 2CV front suspension or double wishbones.

Right, I'm bored with my 2CV now. I want one of these.

Is that a hippy answer to the Chelsea tractor?

I quite like the now defunct Africar project.

 

[Ian H]

I recall that Citroen once built a four wheel drive 2CV. They achieved this by putting a second engine in the back, driving the back wheels. It may not have got beyond prototype stage.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

I recall that Citroen once built a four wheel drive 2CV. They achieved this by putting a second engine in the back, driving the back wheels. It may not have got beyond prototype stage.

They did (it was called the Sahara) and it did. Genuine Saharas are very rare and worth a lot of money. The ones in the link I posted are more conventional, built with a modified chassis accommodating a cut down gearbox acting as a rear differential.
Citroen made some interesting variants of the 2CV, including this double ended thing, built to allow the French fire service to retreat from dead ends while tackling forest fires.

 

[tyred]

I'd love a Sahara. The ultimate practical classic car imo. With two engones, at least one would surely start on a damp, cold morning!

But I think the best Citreon was the BX GTI 16v 4x4. Not as quick as I thought it would've been but I never drove anything else which felt so glued to the road.