2cv AZ

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Price on request
1962
Blanc Carrare
131.000 km

2CVs for the Dutch market were produced in the Belgian Citroën factory in Vorst. They differed from the French models in terms of details, especially finish and trim, better lighting, and more available color options. This AZ, the base model, was delivered by dealer Auto Palace from Utrecht, NL, in July of ’62. The enamelled sign on its back is living proof of this.

Not many Dutch 2CVs are left from this particular generation. They were meant to be replaced after about 8 years, and the introduction of the MOT caused many demolition sites to bulge. The mere existence of this beauty, therefore, is quite a miracle.

In ’83, it landed with a lady who was extremely fond of 2CVs – she was the fourth owner. This would be her first restoration project, something almost nobody would do at the time. This 2CV’s third owner had altered it to current fashion in the seventies, causing family members to refer to it as “the Orange”. Wear and tear, rust, and 70s references had to be erased, a task that was taken on expeditiously. New parts were inserted and attached, the technique was revised, the car was repainted in its original color by Hessing’s body shop, who normally attended to Rolls Royces. In ’85, this sightly white color with a green touch was introduced, used mainly on the DS and Ami, and now also on Belgian 2CVs.

The 2CV was used frugally for drives in the neighborhood; longer or further drives were not as desirable considering the car’s power level of a mere 12HP. Meanwhile the owner had bought several other 2CVs and decided to pass this one on to a new admirer. Here, the 2CV was cherished as well, but again it was used just for short drives around the church – a great benefit of which is that this car pretty much still looks as decent as it did in ’85. Its technique has also been kept in a great state: it drives softly and comfortably – and slowly.. At least that means others have more time to enjoy the sight when this car passes by.

The rectangular clignoteurs on the front, the Sabel tail lights, the closures on the roof: all Belgian details. Even the hind license plate is worth mentioning: stamped in Utrecht and pressed in plastic, something we haven’t seen before. All in all this is quite a unique exemplar, a piece of Benelux cultural heritage that we would surely encourage to remain in the Netherlands. Export may therefore be dispirited with surcharges, etc. 🙂