1988 Citroen 2CV Special review from UK and Ireland

Battery replaced.

Coil replaced.

2 x Tyres replaced.

Window clips replaced a few times.

Exhaust replaced a few times (easy DIY job)

Welding on floorpan for MOT.

Citroen dealers were extremely poor in both knowledge and service- find a specialist 2CV mechanic.

This is one of the gretest cars designed.

It's slow- relatively- but the engine is a gem spinning easily and very smoothly right up to it's limit without any distress. Benefits greatly from sympathetic maintenance- oil change every 3000 miles. Given it's capacity of only 602cc performance is very respectable... mainly due to low vehicle mass.

The dash mounted gearshift is excellent... interesting to note that quite a few current models have adopted this layout.

Flat floor and simple dash maximises interior space, really comfy seats allow you to sit in a naturally upright position- great for visibility too. Usefully sized boot, mine also had a fibreglass boot extension- great for carrying long loads and bikes.

Suspension is unique and unequaled- for such a light car it rides superbly and deals with speed bumps as if it were designed to ignore them.

Handling it roly poly, but it grips very well, ultimately leading to understeer. Roadholding is amazing given the car's age and light weight. Steering is heavy at parking speed, but full of feel once on the move- puts many a modern car to shame.

Amazing detachable body panels makes for easy maintenance and replacement. Body is quite thin and fragile and rusts easily. Opening roof is superbly simple and effective and lasts a long time provided it is cared for.

Superb owners club- 2CVGB. If you own a 2CV membership should be mandatory.

I now drive a hand-built high performance car, but I have regretted every day since 1998 when I sold my 2CV.