1956 CITROËN 2CV - LHD

This Citroen 2CV is a classic French icon, in which the chassis and floor pans have been restored and the mechanicals refurbished - but the original body panels and paint have been left untouched. Under the bonnet is a 425cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine, which produced around 12hp when new, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 18,409km, which is perhaps most likely 118,409km or 73,576 miles.

Initially registered in its home market of France, this 2CV was imported to the UK in July 2017 as a non-runner. Its floor pans also needed to be replaced, and the owner at the time originally planned to do just a few repair jobs. However, a few jobs turned into a full body-off chassis restoration, replacing both floor pans plus the lower bulkhead panel.

Today, its bodywork is reported to be in completely original condition, but appears structurally sound, with dents and minor damage from utilitarian use over its 64-year history. As an early 2CV, it also features the rare and sought-after ‘ripple’ bonnet. The paintwork is faded and marked all around the car, with visible oxidisation across every panel. In short, the cosmetic appearance is about as honest as you could hope to find, unashamedly displaying the result of more than six decades of motoring.

The car retains its original front and rear bumpers, as well as the front light pods, and the elegant rear lenses on the rare ‘long boot’ extension. Its fabric hood is a new item made by Matts Soft Tops, and fits very well, capable of being rolled back and secured for open-air driving whenever the next owner desires. The wheels all appear to be in excellent condition, having been replaced with correct specification items.

In the cabin, the door panel covers are original, but the seat upholstery has been renewed in blue striped fabric over the original white frames. The rubber floor mats also appear to be period-correct items. Its simple instrument layout, steering wheel, and gear shift have been left undisturbed, and the vendor reports no faults with the controls.

When the car’s chassis was restored, the mechanicals were reportedly attended to, to ensure the car was in good running order again. Replacement items included new brake pipes sourced from France, new brake pads and shoes, and the new wheels. There are receipts in the file for various parts. All of the wheels were fitted with brand-new Michelin tyres in the original size, so they remain in superb condition. The car is exempt from the annual MOT on the basis of age.

This Citroen 2CV is a charming example of the classic four-door compact saloon, which was initially designed with rural utility in mind, but which has won over the hearts of myriad enthusiasts in the decades since its introduction. While fully restored 2CVs are not hard to come by, finding a car that presents in such original and undisturbed cosmetic condition is an incredibly rare occurrence. Of course, this little Citroen boasts the best of both worlds, with its restored underpinnings bringing reliability and peace of mind into the mix, allowing the next owner to enjoy the wonderful character of this 2CV, whether on the move or carefully stored in their collection.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.