In the mid 1930’s, Pierre Boulanger, President of Citroën, conceived a car intended to persuade French farmers away from their standard horse-and-cart mode of transport. The design and engineering requirements included simplicity, light weight, room for four passengers, a relatively comfortable ride, and the ability to operate inexpensively. The result was the Citroën 2CV (“deux chevaux-vapeur” meaning two steam horses).

This is a car that puts the funk in funky. As is typical of most cars from this French marque, the 2CV was produced from 1948-1990 and had a unique character that devotees adore, yet leaves others perplexed. Despite its quirky looks and features that would elicit endless ridicule from automotive journalists and passersby, at its core the 2CV was a brilliant car for its time and its appeal endures to this day.

The heart of the 2CV is a small, light, yet peppy and reliable 425cc 2-cylinder air-cooled engine that weighed only 100 pounds, almost one sixth of the total vehicle weight! It also featured a bare-bones cockpit with a single gauge speedometer whose cable also drove the windshield wipers, sparsely covered removable seats that could double as lawn chairs, a roll-top cloth roof to allow the transport of large/bulky items, and taut but supple ride courtesy of a sophisticated independent suspension system. To the chagrin of many, the 2CV would go on to sell over 5 million units and many are coveted by those that share in its outspoken and quirky yet practical ethos.

On offer is a 1962 2CV and imported from the Motherland by a US State Department employee. It has benefited from a cosmetic restoration in Paris and a frame and mechanical resto from Denis Foley, including rebuilt frame, fresh brakes, refurbished fuel tank and lines, new suspension, and period-correct Michelin tires. Mechanically, it seems very sorted and is only in need of some cosmetic TLC to complete the look. Here’s your chance to grab your set of patio furniture on wheels, available at Ebay with a current bid of $9,100 with no reserve.

Year: 1962
Make: Citroen
Model: 2CV
Engine: 425cc 2-cylinder air-cooled
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 58,684 miles
Price: $9,100 current bid (No reserve)

For sale is my 1962 Citroen 2CV in very good condition. I have owned the vehicle for about 13 years, the vehicle was cosmetically restored in Paris and still has some of the European inspection stickers in the window. The vehicle was imported into the United States by an employee of the State Department, it now has an Ohio Title. After I purchased the vehicle, I had it delivered to Denis Foley a Citroen frame expert (if you know Citroens you know of Denis), Denis removed the body and totally rebuilt the frame right down to the last spring and grommet, all of the brakes, brake lines, wheel cylinders and master cylinder were either rebuilt or replaced. The fuel tank was boiled out and coated and new fuel lines installed. All of the suspension was rebuilt and the vehicle was fitted with five brand new correct Michelin 125R X 400 tires and tubes (not cheap). At the same time a brand new nos exhaust system was installed. Recently I installed a new canvas top from Mike’s Tops in England. This is an earlier model and has the 425cc motor. The vehicle is original right down to the bakolite dip stick fuel guage. I’m sure there are nicer early 2CV’s around, but I have never seen one. The vehicle does have the more desireable early ripple hood and electronic ignition (which is easily remove if you are a total purest). I’m sure there are many more parts that have been rebuilt or replaced, I just can’t think of them now. If I were to hang on to this car I would probably replace the front bumper and have the steering wheel powder coated. I’m selling the car because I have too many toys and not enough places to keep them. It’s lots of fun to drive and gets looks everywhere you go. I have placed a very realistic reserve on this vehicle and I want to sell it.

Click here for the full ad on Ebay.