1969 CITROËN 2CV AZU VAN

KEY FACTS

• Quite possibly the ultimate ‘sleeper’; a charming French classic with German motorcycle power.

• Under the bonnet is a 1.1-litre four-valve flat-twin sourced from a BMW R1100RT motorbike, producing around 90hp, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission.

• Built by renowned 2CV specialist and race team member, Rick Pembro.

• Delivered overseas, imported to the UK and re-registered in August 2019, but owned by the vendor for nine years.

SPECIFICATION

• Starting with a completely original Cirtoen AZU ‘Fourgonnette’ - in blue Électricité de France livery - the aim of the bespoke build was to create a van that was part ‘rat rod’ and part ‘sleeper’, blending a heavily patinated appearance with completely renewed underpinnings and mechanicals.

• To that end, a new chassis was acquired from Ken Hanna and was specially modified to accept the BMW R1100RT engine that had been selected as the powertrain.

• The body was removed and sent to 2CV specialist Citwins to have new galvanised panels fitted to the front floors, lower and upper bulkheads, lower screen area, sills and rear lower end panel. Showing superb attention to detail to retain the ‘sleeper’ appearance, the new panels were painted and ‘aged’ to match the existing original bodywork. Fixing points for adding front seat belts were also added at this point.

• The engine itself was sourced from a 46,000-mile bike that was in very good order, and was fully checked and serviced, before being installed on the specially built racing frame, mating it to the original four-speed gearbox.

• An oil cooling system was fitted, along with a swirl pot, an improvised Stella Artois oil catch can, uprated fuel pumps, and bespoke throttle body mountings. Custom-made headers and a stainless steel exhaust system were also installed.

• The wiring loom was modified to incorporate the BMW ECU, along with the addition of an oil temperature gauge and a rev counter.

• All of the suspension was rebuilt, refreshed with new shock absorbers, new bearings, and uprated springs for the side canisters. New bushes were also installed throughout.

• Its brakes were upgraded with racing-specification pads, and the steering rack and gearbox were both fully rebuilt - the latter with a lightened and balanced flywheel.

• New wheels and tyres were fitted, though as with the new underbody panels, these were carefully painted and ‘aged’ to blend in with the patinated appearance.

• The interior was fitted with more rigid sliding seats, plus three-point seat belts. The original steering wheel with its rusted surface was given a lacquer coat.

CONDITION

• There is no significant damage to the bodywork. While it has minor knocks and dents from use, and surface rust across the panels, it is highly original.

• The paint condition must be described as poor, though obviously this is a deliberate choice to retain the car’s ‘rat rod’ style, and crucially the chassis and underbody panels are all new.

• Its interior is well worn, with aged, scuffed and discoloration door panel inserts, old rubber mats, and brown patterned cloth covers over the updated seats.

• There are no known faults. Indeed, the vendor describes the van as being brilliantly reliable; starting on the button and driving very well.

• The most recent MOT test was on 4 May 2021 at an indicated 6,261 km, which was a clean pass with no advisories or defects.

• Its last maintenance was at an indicated mileage of around 6,000 km, when Rick Pembro carried out a post-rebuild service and inspection.

SUMMARY

This Citroen 2CV AZU ‘Fourgonnette’ is a consummate ‘sleeper’ or ‘Q car’. There are few cars that bring to mind relaxed, slow-speed motoring like a 2CV, and yet this van has been uprated with a high-revving modern touring motorcycle engine, giving it incredible performance. On the road, the vendor states that its very low weight gives it tremendous acceleration, and that it would easily pass the 100mph mark where laws allow. Its impressive torque also gives it improved driveability over the original engine. Given its uprated suspension, it also delivers very tidy handling, making it a joy to drive, and ready to put a huge smile on the face of both its occupants as well as anyone who spots it out on the road.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

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