Few cars manage to combine character and quirkiness like the Citroën 2CV, and even fewer can match the unique driving experience. Here’s how to buy one
Words: Chris Randall
The origins of the ‘tin snail’ stretch back to the 1930s and the ‘Toute Petite Voiture’, but the 2CV as we know it arrived in 1948. Famously designed to carry a basket of eggs across a ploughed field without breaking them, it offered cheap, utilitarian transport – something that remained unchanged until production ended in 1990.
Early cars were extremely basic and painfully slow, so we’re focusing on models from the 1970s and 80s. By then, a more (relatively speaking) capable 602cc engine was fitted, producing 29–33bhp and making the 2CV far more usable day to day. In total, more than 3.8 million 2CVs were built, and there’s little else quite like them.
Its nearest rival is perhaps the similarly no-nonsense Renault 4, although the VW Beetle or Morris Minor could also fit the bill if simple classic motoring is your aim. But the Citroën stands apart – in both its looks and the way it drives – so if you ‘get’ it, you might just find one irresistible. If not, a test drive might well change your mind.
Citroen 2CV values
Their enduring popularity means you won’t struggle when it comes to finding a 2CV that suits your pocket, and while there’s quite a wide spread of values, there’s no need to break the bank. If you’re heart’s set on a restoration project you’ll find those from £1500 to £2500, but stretch the budget to nearer £4000 and you can still bag cars with an MoT but in need of ongoing tidying.
Smarter, clean examples will set you back in the region of £5000-£7000 and by the time you reach the £12,000 mark you’re into the realms of very nice ones indeed. The very best can command a figure around the mid-teens, and while we’ve seen them advertised for more there’s really no need to pay that much.
Values haven’t changed a great deal over the last few years so any future rises will likely be of the gradual variety. So don’t worry about any investment potential – just concentrate on finding the right car for your needs and budget and enjoy everything this iconic French classic has to offer.
Insurance Costs
1983 Citroën 2CV6 Charleston, £7500 value
Example quote: £109.97 or £107.47 with Agreed Value.
Quotation supplied by Lancaster Insurance. Tel: 01480 400761
Quote based on a 45-year-old marketing manager, access to another car, no claims or convictions, club member, 3000 miles per year, no modifications, living in SP2 0HL. Disclaimer: Subject to underwriting criteria. An additional charge may be payable. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Bodywork
The Deux Chevaux is exceptionally well supported when it comes to panels and repair sections, and you can even buy a complete new shell – although that will set you back close to £6000. That’s reassuring given its tendency to rust, so as simple as the car may seem, it’s vital to spend time checking carefully for corrosion.
Look for bubbling across all exterior panels, and don’t forget the hinge areas of the doors, bonnet and boot lid. Everything is straightforward to remove and replace, but the cost of new panels soon mounts up. The inner structure of the steel body tub also needs thorough inspection, so make sure you’ve checked the sills, inner wings, A, B and C posts, seat belt mountings, lower front bulkhead and windscreen surround. Severe corrosion can cause the shell to lose its shape, so assess how straight the car appears overall and pay close attention to panel gaps.
Underneath, carry out the same level of scrutiny, checking for rust in the toe boards, cabin floor and boot floor. Then there’s the chassis. Many cars will have had a replacement by now – a galvanised item costs around £1200 – but unless it’s been fitted recently, it’s safest to assume corrosion could still be present. The legs supporting the engine and rear of the body are known weak points.
It may sound daunting, but in truth the 2CV is no better or worse than many classics of its era, and there’s a strong network of specialists available for parts and advice. If you’re reasonably confident with body repairs, there’s little to fear when taking on a home restoration.
Engine and transmission
The mechanical simplicity only adds to the 2CV’s appeal, and removing the engine for repair or rebuild is well within the abilities of a capable DIY enthusiast. The air-cooled twin is also straightforward to assess, with major issues usually obvious. If there’s more than a light puff of blue smoke on start-up, suspect worn or broken piston rings or valve-stem oil seals that need replacing.
Use the test drive to listen for the usual knocks and rattles that suggest an engine due an overhaul. Poor valve clearances will hamper the already modest performance, as will a tired fuel or ignition system, although both are relatively easy to put right. The latter benefits from electronic ignition, as accessing the points for replacement is a fiddly task. Also check for oil leaks, particularly from the rocker covers and pushrod tubes. Make sure the engine isn’t overheating, too; an effective cooling system is vital for longevity, so confirm the fan works properly and that the oil cooler isn’t clogged with debris. These engines are easy to maintain, and changing the oil and filter every 3000 miles will help keep everything in good order.
You can’t discuss the gearbox without mentioning its quirky shift mechanism, though it soon becomes second nature. Gear changes should be fairly smooth, so anything else warrants closer inspection, with the most common faults being whining bearings and worn third-gear synchromesh. Expect to budget around £600 for a rebuild, or a couple of hundred more for a unit refreshed by a specialist. Finally, check for clutch slip; a replacement kit costs under £100 and fitting is straightforward.
Suspension, steering and brakes
It’s the rather unusual suspension setup that causes the roll angles that can alarm 2CV newcomers, but it’s all part of the car’s character. From 1974, telescopic dampers were fitted front and rear, making it more conventional than earlier cars, and if they’re leaking you can replace them for under £100 a pair.
Springs sit inside tubes beneath the car, but these can be overhauled or replaced at relatively low cost; the tube itself may rust, though a replacement is only around £50. Items such as tie rods are also inexpensive and easy to renew. Steering is a simple rack-and-pinion system which should feel light on the move, although a worn rack isn’t costly to replace. Unlike early versions, the kingpins don’t need regular lubrication, though wear can still occur, and you should also check track rods and similar components for general wear.
For the brakes, the most significant update came in 1981 when front drums were replaced by inboard discs, which are more effective. Maintenance is straightforward and parts are cheap, with discs costing about £55 a pair and pads under £20 per set. The handbrake works on the front wheels via separate pads, which cost around £15, but it can require adjustment, so ensure it operates properly.
One further point is that disc-brake cars use LHM rather than conventional brake fluid; unlike standard fluid, it doesn’t generally need periodic changing. However, low-use cars may suffer from corrosion and seized components, though a full overhaul is relatively simple.
Interior, trim and electrics
The characterful Citroën has most other classics comfortably beaten when it comes to cabin simplicity, which is good news for prospective buyers. Any soft furnishings that are present only need checking for obvious signs of wear, damage or general shabbiness, and it won’t take long to confirm the condition and security of the seat frames themselves. Everything needed to refresh a tired interior is readily available, and around £500 will secure a full set of seat covers, carpets and door cards.
One key thing to inspect is evidence of water ingress, which can damage trim and also accelerate corrosion in the floorpan. Look closely at perished screen and side window seals, as well as any signs of moisture entering through the fresh air vents. It is also worth examining the folding roof carefully, as this too can be a source of leaks, although a replacement hood is only around £250 if it is beyond saving.
When it comes to the electrics, and we are talking about the 12-volt models here, everything is refreshingly straightforward. It will not take long to test the minimal switchgear, with most faults usually down to corroded or loose connections. Those same issues can also lead to inoperative lighting, so check that all lights function correctly, as a failed headlight switch is fairly common but inexpensive to replace. Finally, ensure that any amateur electrical work or poorly carried out modifications have not introduced additional problems of their own.
Citroën 2CV: our verdict
Experience a 2CV for yourself and you’ll likely find it’s either a car you’ll find utterly endearing, or one you simply couldn’t live with under any circumstances. It’s certainly not a classic that inspires indifference. But if you’re in the former camp, this is a car with charm and character like almost nothing else, and one that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel – more so than most rivals, we’d wager.
Fun to drive and easy to maintain, the key is finding one in fundamentally sound, rust-free condition, as nothing will wipe that grin off your face quicker than discovering you’ve bought a restoration project. But there’s no need to end up with a duffer.
There’s an excellent support network available, from friendly clubs to knowledgeable specialists, so we’d certainly recommend making the most of that before taking the plunge. If you’re someone who admires simplicity and a strong dose of function over form, then this is almost certainly the car for you, and we guarantee it’s one that really gets under your skin.
Citroën 2CV timeline
1948
The 2CV as we know it is launched at the Paris Salon, powered by a 375cc engine managing just 9bhp.
1970
Following numerous changes over the previous 20 years, the arrival of the 2CV6 brings the 602cc engine and more modern 12-volt electrics. Recognisable thanks to rectangular headlights.
1980–1981
The Charleston edition appears and would become a regular model. 1981 sees not only front disc brakes but a famous appearance in Bond film, For Your Eyes Only. A 007 special edition follows with stick-on bullet holes.
1985–1988
There’s another special edition in the shape of the Dolly, but just three years later it’s the end of production in France. It’s not over for the 2CV yet, though.
1990
Production had moved to Mangualde in Portugal, but this year sees the very last car made. More than 3.8 million had been produced in total.
