1959 Citroën 2CV

The first 2CV delivered in 1949 had a top speed of 40 mph, had only one taillight, and a windshield wiper whose speed was determined by the speed of the car. The 2CV is often the butt of the joke to automotive enthusiasts and outsiders alike thanks to its obscure looks, but many forget, the 2CV was actually a smash hit that greatly improved the lives of those considered to be part of the low-income market segment. Months after going on sale, a three-year waitlist had to be created. Shortly after that, the waitlist increased to five years. Production went from 876 units in 1949 to 6,196 units in 1950. Between 1951 and 1959 the 2CV gained several features to help the vehicle stay up to date without dramatically increasing the price. The upgrades are as follows: ignition lock, lockable driver’s door, a nightlight for the speedometer, side repeaters, heating, and A/C. Although Citroën Director Pierre-Jules Boulanger passed away in 1952, his policy for 2CV sales stood strong after his death. “Priority [for the 2CV] is given to those who have to travel by car because of their work, and for whom ordinary cars are too expensive to buy.” Citroën preferentially sold 2CVs to countryside veterinarians, doctors, midwives, priests, and small farmers.

This little Citroën’s gray exterior is in decent shape. It isn’t perfect, but for the most part all the panels are straight and there is certainly no major damage to the exterior. The trim around the car is in fair condition. However, up on the front bumper, the license plate mount appears to have taken several impacts and does seem to be showing minor corrosion signs where the paint has chipped off. The canvas top lays flat over the body and does not appear to have any holes or tears from the outside. The steel wheels aren’t particularly flashy, but they do show minimal damage. Tire tread looks decent, but we always recommend a new set. Glass around the car is clean and free of both chips and cracks. Overall, this 2CV’s exterior is relatively clean and doesn’t seem like it will need much in the way of repairs.

The interior is not as clean as the exterior, but it is certainly still livable. The cloth, suspended seats are a highlight. The striped fabric used to make them give the cabin an informal feel that makes the interior of the car extremely welcoming despite its spartan interior. The metal skeletons propping the seats up also appear to be undamaged. Floormats appear to be made of rubber, and they are clean and undamaged at the edges; however, up at the front, the rubber folds at the top back down towards the pedals. The rubber has folded down in such a way that it would stop the gas pedal from being pressed 100% down and might affect the brake pedal as well. This should be looked at relatively soon post-auction. The dashboard has almost nothing to offer. The speedometer is clean and easily readable, the two-spoke steering wheel is slightly worn showing several small paint chips, and to the right of the steering wheel – nothing. It would appear as though some kind of panel is missing as a healthy amount of adhesive seems to be stuck to the dash, but it is equally difficult to imagine what would have been able to fit there. The single sunshade in the car appears to be capable of folding away as intended, and the canvas top’s underside has some stains, but also shows no holes or tears. A deep cleaning would very quickly improve the quality of this 2CV’s interior, which has minimal damage just like the outside.

This 2CV’s engine bay is unremarkable. Everything seems to be in its proper place in this quiet little compartment, and a heavy power wash would really clean things up. None of the components are showing any signs of major damage. The seller has reported to us that the vehicle runs and drives properly.

Document history on the car is extremely limited at the moment, but we do know the Citroën was brought stateside after being purchased from a collector located in Brugge, Belgium. The car also has a clean, California title.

The Citroën 2CV might be an underappreciated vehicle, but it’s impact on automotive history is unquestionable. The suspension system used on this car was extremely advanced for its time, that system further evolved with the Citroën SM, and this setup was licensed out to Rolls-Royce which ultimately gave the brand its reputation for exceptional ride quality. It all began here, a humble coupe purpose-built for the countrymen and women of France. Today’s example isn’t perfect, but it’s also barely rough around the edges. The car is ready to go out of the box or makes a perfect candidate for a beginner-level restoration job. Whatever the winner may choose, this 2CV is excited to get back to its cruising ways.