Citroen 5CV Cloverleaf T3-2

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Launched at the Paris Motor Show in October 1921, the Citroen Type C was aimed at a very specific and untapped market segment, the lady driver.

Designed by Edmond Moyet (soon to be of Amilcar fame), the brief was to produce an easy to drive and maintain machine that would be below the 5CV fiscal tax bracket but offer more creature comforts than the typical cyclecar of the era. Initially it was only available as a two-seat open tourer with a pointed 'torpedo' tail and just one door on the passenger side.

Power came from an 856cc four-cylinder side-valve engine with a single Solex carburettor, magneto ignition and an electric starter. Driving through a three-speed gearbox and with brakes to the rear wheels only, the car developed 11bhp and had a top speed of 40mph with 56mpg economy.

Suspension was by quarter elliptics all round – rather bouncy but ideal for crossing fields! In 1924 a C2 model was introduced, soon followed by a slightly larger model, the C3. This long wheel base version had a wider door and itself came in two versions, the C3-2 as on offer here having the charming centrally mounted rear seat which gave the car the nickname ‘Trefle’ or ‘Cloverleaf’.

All versions proved very popular and some 81,000 Type Cs were made in all before production ceased in 1926 when Citroen turned exclusively to the manufacture of larger-sized cars.

Incredibly, this smart little car had been in the same family ownership from new until just recently when its current owner purchased the car near Saint-Nazaire in April of this year. It had been the subject of some restoration work, including the fitting of modern indicators for safety on the road.

It was seen running and driving at the time of sale, although we have not had it running since it has been with us onsite. There are some photocopies of parts lists and articles on file, along with an original copy of the Certificat d’immatriculation which will assist with its UK registration.

The perfect antidote to the ubiquitious Austin 7, the 5CV Citroen is equally as appealing and would be welcomed with open arms at any LCE&S VSCC event.