Including the cherished registration number 'LOT 2'
1984 Citroën 2CV6 Saloon

• One of the 20th Century's greatest automobiles
• Single family ownership for circa 30 years
• Present ownership since 2019
• Valuable cherished registration included

"The most intelligent application of minimalism ever to succeed as a car." - LJK Setright on the Citroën 2CV.

Ranking alongside the Volkswagen Beetle, Mini, and Land Rover as one of the classic mass-produced cars of the post-war era, Citroën's quirky 2CV debuted in 1948 and would remain in production for an unprecedented 42 years. The 2CV (two horsepower) had been conceived in the late 1930s by Citroën's Vice-President Pierre Boulanger, who saw France's farming community, many of whom were still using the horse and cart, as an untapped market for such a vehicle. Combining innovative engineering and straightforward, utilitarian bodywork, the 2CV was cheap to both run and maintain. An important attribute, particularly given the target market, was its amazing ability to cross a freshly ploughed field courtesy of long-travel front/rear interconnected suspension.

Its development interrupted by WW2, the 2CV provided much needed basic transport in the period of post-war austerity and would outlive its humble beginnings, going on to attain cult status as the favoured car of the environmentally concerned motorist. 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. The 2CV was built in civilian, military and commercial versions, the latter - a small delivery van - being known as the 'Fourgonette', which was first seen in 1951. It was a sad day for many when the last French-built 2CV left the Levallois factory in 1988, although production continued in Portugal for two more years. By the time production ceased in 1990 around 4 million 2CVs of all types had been made, making it the most successful Citroën of all time.

This 2CV6 has belonged to the same family for circa 30 years, passing to the lady vendor in 2019 following her husband's death. The Citroën has been serviced regularly by Nick Doncaster, and we are advised that the engine was replaced two years ago. Indeed the car has had significant works over its lifetime, including a replacement chassis circa 6 years ago, a respray, and regular waxoyl since. Most notably this car is offered with the cherished registration number LOT 2.