This popular Yellow & Black Citroen combination is really becoming a hit with a lot of Citroen enthusiasts. We have one in the shop now that we are working on. Follow this link to see some of the photos of her restoration in progress and you can see some more updated photos below:
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Another maroon and black Citroen 2CV Charleston has arrived at Eurocar Imports for some TLC. As usual, we will be giving her the works to bring back her original beauty. Among other things, she will be receiving a new galvanized frame, floorpans, Borla Performance exhaust system, seat covers, carpeting, headliner, canvas sunroof, bumpers, a low-mileage engine with new- disc brakes, a rebuilt transmission, new chrome door trim, and five new tires.
Stay tuned for updates on her progress!
This article was originally posted in the Wall Street Journal online. We recently restored a yellow/black Citroen 2CV for our client in Montclair….have to find out if this is his!
Photo by Jonathan Welsh
The Citroen 2CV, or Deux Chevaux, is an icon of the French auto industry but they don’t turn up often in the U.S. This one was parked yesterday in a Montclair, N.J. shopping area. The car’s name comes from the horsepower rating of the engines in early models. With time the 2CV got more muscle under the hood but was never long on power.
It was designed just before World War II but the bulk of production took place from the late 1940s through the late 1980s. Citroen designed the car in part to help the rural French make the transition to cars from horse-drawn wagons. It was simple, rugged, easy on fuel and easy to work on. It was also stylish in an unmistakably French fashion that still holds up well.
Like the Ford Model T in America, the Volkswagen Beetle in Germany, and Austin Mini in Britain, the 2CV helped bring motorized transport to the masses and became a national emblem.
Today they make fun urban and suburban runabouts and can be found in good shape for less than $10,000. Still, I wouldn’t call them entry-level collectibles. Even though they were made for a long time 2CVs were never a big hit in the U.S. and it has been decades since Citroens were last sold here. Certain parts can be hard to find, especially for earlier models. But there are clubs that can help, and for intrepid owners who don’t mind turning the occasional wrench the 2CV can be a rewarding driving experience.
If you want a 2CV or any Citroen, your first step should be to find a good Citroen mechanic who can check out any prospective purchase now and help keep it on the road later.
This yellow and black Citroen 2CV Charleston has just arrived at Eurocar Imports. We will be doing some restoration work on her including a new frame (you can see this one is badly rusted), new floor pans, new box section, new clutch, exhaust, brakes, oil seals and replacing the gaskets in the engine.
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Did you know…the Citroen 2CV came on the scene in 1948. At that time, it was only offered in one color; gray. In 1959, blue was added to the list of available colors, and then in 1960 yellow was added.
The front-wheel drive Citroen 2CV was not a flash car; it was a practical car. The ability to remove the seats and panels created extra room for larger objects, plus the 2CV was able to travel over 50 miles on one gallon of gas.
The practicality of the 2CV made it very popular. It was inexpensive, fuel efficient, fun, and convenient. Between 1948 and 1990, 5,114,920 Citroen 2CV’s have been produced.
We really couldn’t help but share more photos of the Celeste Blue Citroen 2CV that we recently rebuilt for our customer who wanted to surprise his son with it on his wedding day. This was definitely a fun and exciting project to work on, knowing that his son was going to be surprised with the car on his wedding day. It was waiting outside of the church when the Bride and Groom walked out!!
Below is a short photo album.
This is the Citroen 2CV that we re-built for our customer who wanted to surprise his son with it on his wedding day. Below is the letter we received from the client!
Hi Noel:
Trip from NJ to CT was quite an adventure. It was so hot we had to disconnect one the vent hose, to prevent the heat coming inside the cabin… but apart that, the car ran like a charm.
The wedding was quite a success. We asked all the attendees to surround the 2CV and then we called the bride and the groom outside the restaurant. Everybody was clapping hands, while all of a sudden people moved away to let the 2CV appear.
The groom had tears in his eyes when he discovered the 2CV. I handed over to him the book you gave me and the keys.
No doubt he likes it !
See attached some of the pictures guests took. We also hired a professional photographer. His pictures should be available anytime soon. Will send them to you later this week.
Thanks again for the terrific work you accomplished with very short notice.
Best regards,
Lynn & Jean Vianes
At Eurocar Imports, we restore and rebuild Citroen cars including the icon Citroen 2CV. No project is too big or little for our expert Citroen mechanics. If you love nostalgic feeling of cruising around in a true classic, you’ve got to get behind the wheel of a Citroen. Visit our Citroen auto body shop in NJ or give us a call at 732-279-6453 to talk about how you can be cruising around in the Citroen of your dreams!
Check out our latest acquisition that will be arriving at our restoration facility in Toms River soon! This is a classic Citroen HY delivery van, in its original, un-restored condition. These are very hard to find but very quick to sell! The Citroen HY van was only in production for about 34 years, and during that time, a limited stock of inventory was produced.
The HY van was used as a delivery van and still serves the same great purpose for business owners today. This van is especially great for restaurant owners or for food delivery businesses that need the added cargo room and also want to make a statement. We can customize the van for your company. They make GREAT promotional vehicles for business.
Technical Features of the Citroen HY Van
Engine and gearbox are nearly the same as in the Traction Avant and later the DS, only mounted with the engine to front. Headlights and speedometer were identical to the 2CV for a long time.
The distinctive corrugated or ‘rippled’ swaged body work was inspired by German Junkers (Aircraft) of the 1930s, the ribs added strength without adding weight, and needed only simple, low cost press tools. The flat body panels were braced on their reverse side by ‘top hat’ box sections, at right angles to the ribs.
For Sale
The HY van is for sale, but won’t be for long. The van can be customized to the new owner’s liking. If you are interested in purchasing the van, you must act quickly. Give us a call at 732-279-6453.
We’ve been working on this gorgeous 2CV for the past few weeks. She was originally a red head and was recently sold to her new owners in California. They decided to transform her into a true Charleston using a fantastic Yellow/Black color combination. We’ve been stripping everything down to start the new paint job. Below are some photos of the work in progress, including a before shot when she was in red.
This is the newest Citroen 2CV restoration project at Eurocar Imports. This 2CV Charleston was shipped to us from Toronto Canada for some tender loving care. She will be receiving a full restoration and will be finished off in its original maroon and black classic Charleston. In a few short weeks she will be looking like brand new again. Stay tuned here for updated photos of her progress.
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Learn more about the Citroen 2CV and see our full portfolio of Citroen 2CV Restorations and Citroen 2CV rebuilds.
This is a 1955 Traction Avant 11 in good condition and for sale at Eurocar Imports in New Jersey. The engine runs great and this Traction Avant has a brand new battery plus 4 new Michelin tires!
From the French term meaning forward traction, this innovative front wheel drive automobile was first introduced in 1934. It was the world’s first front wheel drive steel monocoque production car, and helped pioneer front wheel drive on the European mass car market.
This particular model has a solid body but some bodywork and painting will help raise this car to even the highest standards. The interior is in great condition with new seat covers and headlining just put in.
This Traction Avant could be driven as-is, but we would be more than happy to do some restoration work so please call for prices and details.