The Volkswagen Beetle, which made its debut in 1938 and became available for private ownership in the middle of the 1940s, is regarded as Europe’s first people’s automobile. Or the very own Ford Model T from Germany. However, it wasn’t the only endeavor in Europe following World War II to provide a low-cost, low-maintenance automobile. Citroen used the 2CV in a similar manner.
It was conceptualized before to World War II, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that it was put into production for civilian use, much like the Beetle. It was straightforward but creative, inexpensive to operate and maintain, and quickly gained popularity. Even though it wasn’t nearly as well-liked as the Beetle, it sold more over five million cars during its astounding 42-year production run (1948–1990).
On top of that, the 2CV was also used as a base for other popular Citroens, including the Ami series and the Dyane, which sold more than three million examples combined. And just like the Beetle, it was built in several factories in both Europe and South America.
Come 2023 and the 2CV is not as desirable as its German rival, but it’s a classic car that enjoys a cult following. And even though millions of them have been abandoned in junkyards and are spending their retirement years rotting away, some 2CVs are still coming out of long-term storage as all-original survivors. The light blue example you see here is one of them.
This 1985 2CV is a one-owner treasure that was kept in a barn for the majority of its existence. After being driven for fifteen years on British roads, the owner parked the small four-door in 2000 and felt it was time to upgrade to a more contemporary vehicle. Because the Citroen 2CV was actually more than 50 years old technologically, even though it was just 15 years old at the time. The owner, however, was unable to let go of it even after he stopped driving. Consequently, the 2CV was kept within the barn until 2023.
That’s when the owner decided its time to get it back on the road. And to do it, his family called the folks over at “The Late Brake Show,” who have been documenting and reviving brand finds for quite a while now.
Luckily enough, the 2CV was parked under a cover, so not only it got some protection from the damp British weather, but it also rolled out of the barn without major rust issues. Not surprisingly, the small two-cylinder engine refused to fire up at first, but 2CV expert Darren Arthur managed to get it running after replacing a few parts.
This 2CV is a late model, with a 602cc, two-cylinder boxer engine that produces 29 horsepower. Even for the mid-1980s, that is a very small number, but remember that the 2CV was originally equipped with a 375cc H2 engine that produced just nine horsepower. Even though it isn’t very powerful, the 602cc mill managed to run flawlessly for 145,000 miles (233,355 km)—an astounding feat.
Granted, the four-door is still some work away from becoming road-worthy again, but the owner is hooked on driving it again. Especially since he wants to take it on a tour of France now that he has retired. That sounds like a fun trip, even in a tiny car like the Citroen 2CV. But until that happens, see it coming out of the barn after 23 years in the video below.