YouTuber TFLClassics has posted a new video dedicated to the rare and elusive Citroen 2CV. The hatchback hit the streets shortly after the WWII, so the host was wondering whether it would be any good to drive in the absence of roads.
With a total production run of 4,000,000 units in 1946–1990, the 2CV was considered one of the French brand’s most popular cars in history. It originally commanded as little as 9 horsepower, but a later upgrade brought it 30 hp – which is how much the example in the video has.
The vintage ride managed a deep rut rather well thanks to its impressive 200 mm (7.8 inches) of ground clearance and a body-on-frame design. Despite lacking an all-wheel drive system, it did have per-wheel suspension from the factory, allowing it to accelerate to 50 km/h (31 mph) on dirt roads and even on exposed soil in the field.
Where the elderly Citroen fell short of expectation is at hill climbing: 30 horsepower was simply nowhere near good enough for that discipline.
