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2CV History
 
 
Following its introduction at the 1948 Paris motor show, the 2CV remained in production until 1990, and during this time it was built in many different countries - including at Slough in England in the '50's. However the 2CV did not sell well in the UK and was discontinued here - until the fuel crisis in the '70's when it was reintroduced. This time round things were different, the British market now fell in love with the 2CV - a cheap fun car in bright colours that used little fuel. Ironically, after ignoring the car for the first 25 years of its production, Britain became one of the most important markets for the 2CV during the later years of its production. It took us a long time to catch on!

During its long production run the 2CV was produced in many variants, including the 2CV Van - and 4x4 2CV Sahara - complete with TWO engines, one at the front, one at the back! The Bijou was produced at Slough - a plastic bodied car based on the 2cv platform and mechanics - but with a very different body shell, this too met with little success and production as Slough was ended.

The 2CV itslef, however,  remained surprisingly unchanged during its entire life in production. The original "ripple bonnet" was replaced with the "modern" design early in the '60's and the original canvas boot only lasted a few years before being replaced by a metal boot lid. The early "speedometer driven" windscreen wipers were replaced with electric versions, and the dipstick in the fuel filler replaced with a "proper" fuel gauge. Earlier 2CVs only had 4 side windows, with the rear quarter lights added later - but in the overall scheme of things the design hardly changed at all!

Mechanically, the earliest cars 375cc engine was upgraded to a 425cc engine relatively quickly, then followed a 435cc engine and a 602cc version first surfaced in 1968. This latter 602cc engine was perfectly capable of keeping up with the flow of modern traffic under most circumstances even on motorways - with a maximum speed pretty well spot on the legal limit!

In the later years of production many "special edition" versions of the 2CV were produced with the "Charleston" and "Dolly" proving such a success that they became permanent fixtures on the price list.

Citroen tried several times to "modernise" the 2CV, particularly with the Ami and Dyane - both fundamentally based on 2CV chassis and running gear. However, the original 2CV concept and design was so good that its production run carried on for many years after that of the "new pretenders" had ended. If the 2CV were still in production today than there would still be a good demand for it - that's where Frome 2CV come in!
 
A brief summary of technical changes during production is below, followed by a more detailed list of models available/made in different countries. This may be interesting reading but data is obtained form various sources and should not be relied upon as beig 100% accurate when making any decisions or ordering parts. Please ask us for advice rather than relying entirely on this data.
 

1948
Release at the Paris Auto Salon. The early cars can be recognized by the oval ornament on the grill of the one-piece bonnet and boast a 375cc engine!

1954
The oval on the bonnet disappear and only the chevrons are left. The speedometer gets a light for the dark.

1955
A new 2CV appears. It's the AZ with bigger 425cc engine developing 12hp and a top speed of 49 mph.

1957
The steering wheel turns from black into grey. A bigger back screen and a new model, the AZL. Aluminium strips on the bonnet and below the doors are the most obvious differences.

1958
2 New models. The AZLM is a AZL with the metal boot lid ( earlier cars have a roof that rolls down to the bumper!). The 2CV Sahara 4x4 is the famous two engined 2CV. Four wheel drive is achieved by putting an extra engine in the boot and letting it drive the rear wheels. Either or both engines can be selected.

1959
Some heating is provided, most needed is the very effective front windscreen demister.

1960
Different tires for all 2CVs. 135x380 instead of 125x400. Changes to the Sahara include position of number plate, rear lights and position of the fuel tanks.

1961
New bonnet with small grill and separate pieces between bonnet and wings.

1962
Mixte is the name for the boot lid that opens complete with back screen. New engine gives 14 hp and puts top speed at 52 mph.

1963
New type of bumpers for all cars except Sahara.
There are now 5 models:

  • AZL, Ordinary.
  • AZA, Ordinary with metal boot lid.
  • AZAM, More luxurious with paper clip like ornaments on the bumpers.
  • Mixte, With bootlid that opens together with back screen and a part of the roof.
  • Sahara, 2 Engines, four wheel drive.

1964
New tyres Michelin X 125x400 instead of Normal 135x380. Electrical windscreen wipers instead of mechanical ones driven by speedometer cable. Speedometer moves from the windscreen to the dashboard and gets different shape.

1965
Finally all four doors open at the rear. Mixte is replaced by commerciale which can have a flat boot floor installed so you can take bigger objects and load the car more easily.

1966
New grille with horizontal bars. Chevrons move from grille to bonnet. Third sidescreen for all cars except AZL and Sahara.

1967
A special version named Export appears. It is derived from the AZAM but is only produced for 4 months.

1968
Because of the introduction of the Dyane, only 2 models of 2CV are left, the Berline and Commerciale with 425cc and 18 SAE hp.

1970
All 2CVs get a 12V electrical installation, round front indicators and new taillights. A list of all models:

  • Berline 2CV4 with 435cc 26 SAE hp engine. Top speed: 63 mph.
  • Berline 2CV6 with 602cc 33 SAE hp engine. Top speed: 68 mph.

1974
New tyres: 125X15 instead of 125X380.

1975
Reintroduced to the UK market

New square headlights, a new plastic grill and new painted steel bumpers.

1976
2CV Special is the new cheaper version of the 2CV and there is a special edition called Spot as well. The supremacy of the 2CV over the Dyane becomes clear: 4 models of the 2CV and 1 Dyane. Because of the oil crisis, the 2CVs and Dyanes are very popular. The hp figure is reduced from 28.5 DIN hp to 26 DIN hp. To celebrate the 5 millionth 2CV, a special limited edition model the Spot is introduced.

1979
The 2CV6 gets square headlights. The 2CV4 is discontinued and the 2CV Special gets the third side screen and keeps the round headlights. The 2CV6 gets increased power through a double choke carburettor to 29 hp.

1980
The 2CV Special gets the 602cc engine. All 2CVs get a 6.5 gallon fuel tank instead of 5.25.

1981
New rear view mirror.  29 hp, top speed 71 mph. The new 2CV called Charleston is introduced as a limited edition of only 5000.

1982
The Charleston proves a big success and is added to the range permanently, but now with chrome headlights and different upholstery. All 2CVs get front disc brakes.

1984
A special edition. The white 2CV with blue stripes called France 3, Transat or Beachcomber.

1985
"Dolly" special edition introduced with choice of 3 colour schemes, later more colour schemes were added as a permanent addition to the range.

1987
"Bamboo" special edition introduced. Basically a standard "Special" in Green with "Bamboo" stickers and other minor cosmetic changes.

1990
The last car was produced the month of July in a plant in Portugal.
 
 
2CV Models - France
Desig. Model Dates Engine Plate CC CR Carb HP* @Revs Trq @Revs
A A 10/48 - 03/61 A-2CV A 375 6.2:1 22 Z ACI 9.0 3500 2.00 2000
  Base model. Cars get ignition and door keys from 1951.                    
A A "PO" 03/54 - 07/59 A-2CV A 375 6.2:1 22 Z ACI 9.0 3500 2.00 2000
  PO = Pays d'Outre-mer* (overseas countries) - PO models have strengthened chassis and better dust protection for use in countries where arduous conditions exist. Direction indicators on quarter panels from 1955.                    
AZ AZ + "PO" 10/54 - 10/55 A53 AZ 425 6.2:1 26 BCI 12.0 3500 2.20 2000
  Introduction of the 425cc engine.                    
AZ AZ + "PO" 10/55 - 10/58 A53 AZ 425 7.0:1 26 BCI 12.5 4200 2.40 2500
  Detail trim changes and slight increase in engine output through fitment of a different carburettor jet and higher CR.                    
AZL AZL 11/56 - 10/59 A53 AZ 425 7.0:1 26 BCI 12.5 4200 2.40 2500
  "Luxe" trim inc Aluminium Strips on Bonnet and Sills. Heater and demister for the first time and larger rear window.                    
AZLP/M AZLP/M 09/57 - 10/59 A53 AZ 425 7.0:1 26 BCI 12.5 4200 2.40 2500
  As AZL but with metal bootlid, usually know as AZLP, sometimes AZLM.                    
AZ AZ + "PO" 10/58 - 10/61 A53 AZ 425 7.0:1 26 BCI 12.5 4200 2.40 2500
  Detail trim changes. Ripple bonnet replaced with 5 rib type from December 1960.                    
AZL AZL 10/59 - 10/61 A53 AZ 425 7.0:1 26 BCI 12.5 4200 2.40 2500
  Detail trim changes.                    
AW Sahara 4x4 03/58 - 03/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBIN 13.5 4500 2.70 2500
  Twin Engines, Four Wheel Drive, different tyres, bumpers, rear wings and lights.                    
AZLP/M AZLP/M 10/59 - 10/61 A53 AZ 425 7.0:1 26 BCI 12.5 4200 2.40 2500
  Detail trim changes. Ripple bonnet replaced with 5 rib type from December 1960.                    
AW Sahara 4x4 06/59 - 10/65 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBIN 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  Engine has changes to crankshaft, cylinders and pistons for power increase.                    
AZ AZ + "PO" 10/61 - 04/62 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 13.5 4200 2.70 2500
  Detail changes and slight increase in engine output by changing carburettor.                    
AZL AZL 10/61 - 04/62 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 13.5 4000 2.70 2500
  As previous AZL.                    
AZLP/M AZLP/M 10/61 - 04/62 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 13.5 4000 2.70 2500
  As previous AZLM/P.                    
AZ AZ + "PO" 04/62 - 02/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 15.0 4500 2.75 2500
  Detail changes and slight increase in engine output through bigger jets in carburettor. ENAC (Commerciale/Hatchback) option. Improved trim, instruments (speedo and fuel gauge) and elevtric wipers from from September 1962.                    
AZLP-ENAC AZ Mixte 04/62 - 03/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 15.0 4500 2.75 2500
  "Hatchback" rear end, flat boot floor, spare under bonnet. Known as AZC (Commercialle) in Belgium.                    
AZLP/M AZLP/M 04/62 - 03/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 15.0 4500 2.75 2500
  As previous AZLM/P.                    
AZ AZ 03/63 - 12/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  Engine has changes to crankshaft, cylinders and pistons for power increase.                    
AZL AZL 03/63 - 12/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous AZL.                    
AZLP-ENAC AZ Mixte 03/63 - 12/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous Mixte.                    
AZA AZA 03/63 - 12/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  Replaces AZL, metal bootlid and modern bonnet with separate triangles at side.                    
AZLP/M AZLP/M 03/63 - 12/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous AZL but with increase in power.                    
AT 2CV 4x4 03/63 - 10/65 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBIN 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  Sahara name dropped, detail changes.                    
AZAM AZAM 03/63 - 12/63 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBI or IBC 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  More luxurious version, "Paper Clip" front bumpers, interior light, aluminium trims ("AM" is for Amender or Improved). Six light shell.                    
AZAM AZAM 12/63 - 02/70 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous AZAM but with Zenith car (all AZ models have Zenith carb after December 1963. During the course of 1964 the 2CV becomes the first car ever to be fitted with tubeless radial tyres..                    
AZLP-ENAC AZ Mixte 12/64 - 09/67 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous Mixte, but with seat belts and front hinged doors. All cars get the 6 light shell from October 1965.                    
AZA AZA 12/64 - 09/67 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous AZA, but with seat belts and front hinged doors.                    
AZAM AZAM 12/64 - 04/67 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous AZAM but with seat belts, front hinged doors and metal bootlid.                    
AT Sahara 4x4 10/65 - 04/67 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 26 CBIN 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As before but with cut-away rear wings and hydraulic clutch operation. Production stopped in 1967 but one car was allegedly assembled in 1971 from parts                    
AZLP/M AZLP/M 04/67 - 02/70 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  As previous AZLP.                    
AZAM Export 04/67 - 09/67 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  Replaces AZAM, new speedometer, rectangular front indicators and whitewall tyres!                    
AZENAC ENAC "Commercial" version 09/67 - 02/70 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  Replaces AZAM Export, "hatchback" rear.                    
AZA AZA 09/67 - 02/70 A53 AZ 425 7.5:1 281N or IN4 18.0 5000 2.85 2500
  Replaces AZAM                    
AZA2 2CV4 02/70 - 09/75 A79/1 AYA2 435 8.5:1 34 PCIS 26.0 6750 3.10 4000
  Replaces AZA - many changes including adoption of the 435cc engine, 6 light shell, new speedometer, lamps, heater etc.                    
AZKA 2CV6 02/70 - 09/75 M28/1 AK2 602 8.5:1 34 PCIS 4 32.8 6750 4.30 4500
  Introduction of 602cc engine, other detail changes throughout life, eventually becomes 2CV6 Club.                    
AZKB 2CV4 09/75 - 09/78 A79/1 AYA2 435 8.5:1 32 PCIS 4 21.5 5750 3.10 4000
  Detail changes from original 2CV4. Reduction in power due to reduced rev limit.                    
AZKA 2CV6 09/75 - 09/78 M28/1 AK2 602 8.5:1 34 PCIS 6 30.0 5500 4.30 3500
  Detail changes from original 2CV6. New carburettor fitted and rev limit reduced resulting in lower output.                    
AZA2 2CV4 Special 11/75 - 01/79 A79/1 AYA2 435 8.5:1 32 PCIS 4 21.5 5750 3.10 4000
  Lower spec 2CV4 with 4 light shell                    
AZA2 2CV4 SPOT 04/76 - 04/76 A79/1 AYA2 435 8.5:1 32 PCIS 4 21.5 5750 3.10 4000
  Orange and white special edition with 435cc in Benelux, Italy Holland & France.                    
AZKB 2CV4 "Tennis Shoe" ??/76 - ??/76 A79/1 AYA2 435 8.5:1 32 PCIS 4 21.5 5750 3.10 4000
  Only 2 made, based the winning entry in a "Design a 2CV" competition. Blue & Brown design on a white car. Inspired the Mercatello.                    
AZKB 2CV Special 09/78 - 09/79 A79/1 AYA2 435 8.5:1 32 PCIS 4 21.5 5750 3.10 4000
  Basic version of 2CV4 - looses brightwork, ashtray etc.                    
AZKA 2CV6 Special 09/78 - 07/79 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  Basic version of 2CV6 - looses brightwork, ashtray etc. Introduction of A06 type engine with twin choke carburettor.                    
AZKA 2CV6 Confort 09/78 - 07/79 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  Club levels of trim                    
AZKA 2CV6 Special 07/79 - 07/81 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  Evolved from 2CV Special but with 602cc engine.                    
AZKA 2CV6 Club 07/79 - 07/81 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  Replaces 2CV6.                    
AZKA 007 07/80 - 10/81 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  James Bond special edition based on Club with black decals on a yellow (based on Yellow/Black Charleston) body. 20 originals factory done and have Dyane (disk brake) gearboxes. 300 others Dealer fitted using sticker packs.                    
AZKA 2CV6 Charleston (Black/Maroon) 10/80 - 10/80 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  First series of 8,000 vehicles with body coloured headlamps (square for UK models).                    
AZKA 2CV6 Special E 07/81 - 07/83 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  As 2CV6 Special but fitted with centrifugal clutch                    
AZKA 2CV6 Special 07/81 - 07/87 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  As before, but with disk brakes and 25 litre fuel tank. These changes are applied to all models from July 1981.                    
AZKA 2CV6 Club 07/81 - 07/87 M28/1 A06 602 8.5:1 26/35 33.0 5750 4.30 3500
  As before, but with disk brakes and 25 litre fuel tank                    
AZKA