Try again.............
I fancy a 2CV as a second car for larking about in, but I am worried they are not suitable for unleaded petrol, does anyone know if this is true ? I know about the corrosion on the chassis to watch for ( heavy steering etc ) but are there any other serious problems I should be on the Lookout for ?
I had one for a short while over 10 years ago, but it was relatively new then and it never gave any trouble and leaded petrol was freely availible.
any advice appreciated
Cheers
Marcus
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Marcus,
After 1985 the 2CV should be OK for unleaded.
To be sure you need to look at the engine number and anything after the following in the two series of numbers should be OK.
0906015012 onwards
0906501477 onwards
Note check the engine not the V5 for numbers.
David
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It's odd that the 2CV outlasted its 2 more sophisticated derivatives, the Dyane and the Ami. Even the tiny mod to feed the carb air intake from the cooling fan thereby supercharging the engine didn't seem to make it on to the 2CV. Having owned all 3 twin-pot types, I would go for the Ami every time on the basis of a more civilised driving experience and better aerodynamics, but you would get lynched at a Citroen Car Club meet for spouting such heresy. It was possible to drive the Ami 8 with foot flat to the boards and after 2 or 3 miles, the speedo needle would be off the scale and you would be keeping up with and overtaking "real" cars. NUM 606P (the Dulux dog) went to the crusher in 1983.
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Darcy,
When did you last see an Ami ? i would love an Ami Super with the 1100 engine from The early GS - there are reputed to be a few 2cvs running around on Ami super chassis, that would be fun ! - We also had a Dyane many years ago, it's first owner was a Blue Peter presenter - it was W registered and was more solid than any 2CV but the rust got to it eventually.
I also recall CAR magazine turbocharging a B registered 2CV but it eventually caught fire.
I will keep you posted if I find a decent one at a sensible price.
Marcus
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Have you considered sourcing one from France? I realise it'll have the passenger seat on the wrong side, but I'd have thought it'd give you a much wider range to choose from.
Not sure if there'd be any problems importing though.
I recall seeing a pristine Ami estate for sale in Caen for less than 5000F.
Lee.
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Hi Marcus,
There's an excellent site here at www.geocities.com/MotorCity/8243/index.html with a lot of details on what to look for.
There's also a very good independent specialist whose workshop I happen to have been stood in today among a range of 2CVs and derivatives, they seem like a good outfit. You can find them here at subscriber.scoot.co.uk/2cv/.
They must do OK, there's a lot of 2CVs running around here in what appears to be good order.
Good luck with the hunting,
Lee.
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There are a few still buzzing around Oxford very happily. One thing I do know to watch for is the cardboard heating pipes. If faulty or loose they can cause fires, - so check them out. Sheet metal is paper thin so rusts very easily. Don't pay over the odds for a late H plate, - they're not that classic yet, - but if you find a good one of this year it's worth holding on to!!
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I remember trying to roll a 2CV. Eight of us, standing up (seats out), on full lock, and it didn't go over. I dread to think what would have happened if it had. There was also an incident with narcotics, a 2CV, a lake, and a driver who insisted it was amphibious. But I won't go into that. Students. Tsk tsk.
Chris
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Every 2cv ever built has hardened valve seats;if your engine is before the dates quoted in one of the answers either run on super-unleaded or much better,retard the timing three degrees and run on std. unleaded.
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I had a new 2CV. Had loads of fun in it, D reg. Problem is that they are so flimsey. I really wouldn't want to put my kids in it.
I've just picked up a 1983 Land Rover, even more fun, far more more robust and plenty of cheap new and second hand spares.
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