Citroen 2CV6 Special

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Although not launched until 1948, the Citroen 2CV’s origins go back to 1935 when company boss Pierre Boulanger ordered the development of a low cost vehicle for farm and family use with considerable cross-country ability.

The brief was for a car that would carry two persons and a 50kg sack of potatoes across rough ground at a speed of 60km/h (37mph) with a fuel consumption of no more than 3 litres per 100km (94 mpg) - not, as is often suggested, to carry a basket of eggs across a ploughed field, although this it could achieve with ease.

A masterpiece of minimal design, the finished ‘umbrella on wheels’ was made from mostly flat stamped panels, cheap and easy to repair, and was held together with just 16 bolts. The roof and initially the boot lid were made of canvas. Although the original 375cc air-cooled flat-twin engine grew, eventually, to 602cc, the 2CV’s performance remained modest at around 70mph flat out, not that that concerned the majority of its devotees for whom the roomy interior, full-length sunroof and frugal fuel consumption were of far greater importance.

Thanks to its soft, long-travel suspension and high ground clearance, the 2CV possessed remarkable off-road abilities together with a very smooth ride. A 1953 technical review in Autocar described "the extraordinary ingenuity of this design, which is undoubtedly the most original since the Model T Ford". Less than half the price of a VW Beetle, it was a massive success, transforming the lives of the rural poor and selling over 3.8 million examples before production finally came to an end in 1990.

First registered in October 1987, this charming 2CV6 Special has had just two owners from new and has been in the current registered keeper’s name since 1994. It is showing some 81,600 miles on the clock which is believed correct and is backed up by a virtually unbroken run of old MOTs back to 1994 at 33,747 miles.

There are a few bills showing upkeep over the years including a brake overhaul in 2015 with many new parts, and it has also been fitted with electronic ignition at some point. We are told that the chassis is in good condition and has been waxoil protected and that the folding fabric roof has recently been replaced.

Looking most appealing in funky two-tone green and white with a vivid turquoise cloth interior, the car retains its original Citroen handbooks and comes with an MOT valid until April 2019.