1957 Citroen 2CV AZL

• An early AZL model constructed in the Paris Levallois factory
• One of the very last with a full-length hood with a fascinating history
• Multiple show winner including Best in Class at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018; awarded a solid silver dish by Cartier
• Featured on Car SOS, YouTube and in a recent book of the 2CV
• If not an absolute Best-of-Breed example, it’s about as close as you will find

The Citroën 2CV is unquestionably one of the most important European cars of all time. It helped put the French working class on wheels, especially important after the ravages of WWII and offered basic transportation, a boon to the French economy both from a transportation and a manufacturing standpoint.

There are a number of ‘urban myths’ concerning head of Citroën, Pierre-Jules Boulanger’s 1930’s vision for the future but, essentially, his car had to be able to “ transport four peasants with 100kg of farm produce to market at 37mph, in clogs, and across muddy unpaved roads if necessary. The roof had to be high enough, enabling driver and passengers to ride whilst wearing their Sunday hats to church, the car’s fuel consumption would average 90-95mpg, it should be able to drive across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs it was carrying and, above all, it had to stay within the two horsepower fiscal bracket to remain affordable.” Disparagingly dubbed ‘Tin Snail’ in the US and fondly known as La Deuche in France, the 2CV is one of the country’s most recognisable icons.

The example offered here, chassis #333499, is one of 107,250 built for the 1957 model year. All 2CVs at that time had the basic 425cc motor (an increased capacity from the original 375cc) giving 12.5bhp and a top speed of 50 mph, and were supplied in Grey.1957 was an important year for 2CV construction as that model year’s offerings showcased the first major design changes to the model. These changes included larger mirrors, a larger rear window and, for the first time, a heating and ventilation system. Chassis #333499 denotes this particular car is an early AZ model constructed in the Paris Levallois factory between September 1956 and August 1957. 

#333499 is actually an example of the desirable ‘AZL’ specification car, (the L in AZL signifies this is a luxury model) featuring additional detailing from the factory, including the strip of polished aluminium which runs down the bonnet (commonly called the 'bagette') and superior seat cover material, making this example stand out from all other 2CV models.

According to the car's history file, it was imported into the UK in September 1970, and wore the registration 'ELM 166J' for the next 43 years; it was subsequently bought in 1983 (being sold with a house!) by a very enthusiastic 2CV advocate, a Mr James Gibson of Nottingham, who restored the car and used it regularly. According to his notes, this car is one of the oldest known survivors of its type in the UK. The car went on to have a far later restoration, including a new galvanised chassis (but retaining its original suspension and axles), and has been superbly renewed in the classic colour scheme of Gris Clair (grey) with a royal blue roll-top and seats.

This car is a multiple show winner including ‘Best in Class’ at Goodwood (Festival of Speed) 2018 and was awarded a solid silver dish by Cartier. It has also appeared on the television show ‘Car SOS’, can be seen on YouTube and featured in a recent book of the 2CV.

Since completion, it has been used sparingly during the summer months only, with recently fitted new Michelin 125/400 tyres. Fully serviced and with 123 Electro Ignition for extra reliability, this 2CV drives as well as it presents. The car is accompanied by a decent history file, including many invoices, period photos of Mr Gibson driving it, photos of the restoration and a 2CV GB Club letter authenticating its model type and condition. 

The Deux Chevaux is a firm favourite of owners of two similarly early examples, motoring journalists Chris Harris and Andrew Frankel, who are both smitten with the charms of these very special cars.

A superb example of a highly significant French automobile, this 2CV is fully ready to be appreciated and maybe, when the current crises is over, it would be a perfect way to really enjoy the countryside that we have all been missing over recent months.