If we have been to choose one automotive that might completely illustrate fundamental European motoring, it might be the Citroën 2CV. But this is not an bizarre model of a budget and cheerful “deux chevaux” (French for “two horses”). It’s the obscure 4×4 Sahara mannequin of which solely 693 models have been ever made.
Calling it an all-wheel-drive model of the 2CV could be an understatement because the automotive had two engines that labored independently. It meant homeowners might select between driving the automotive in front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. The Late Brake Show’s Jonny Smith had the chance to get acquainted with a totally restored instance of the uncommon breed, and boy, we’re in for a deal with.
The finances off-roader bought from the manufacturing unit with two engines and two gearboxes had a strengthened chassis and beefier suspension arms to higher endure tough terrain. The French engineers gave it sturdy tubular bumpers together with two gas tanks to feed the front- and rear-mounted engines. Even with the gasoline tanks full, this 2CV 4×4 nonetheless weighs solely 735 kilograms (1,620 kilos).
The beginning process is as simple as you may think about since there are two ignition keys – one for every engine. The key nearer to the steering wheel column activates the entrance engine whereas the outer key fires up the rear-mounted engine. This 2CV has two an identical 425-cc, flat-twin engines every producing 13.5 horsepower and 19.53 pound-feet (26.48 Newton-meters) of torque. With each engines working, the automotive tops out at round 60 mph (almost 100 km/h).
Because the 2 gas tanks are beneath the seats, there are holes within the doorways for the gasoline pump to undergo. There’s a separate lever utilized by the motive force to synchronize the 2 gearboxes. Citroën needed to make a number of adjustments to the physique to accommodate the brand new {hardware}, making the 2CV look even quirkier.
The wheel arches are minimize otherwise and there are slats within the rear fenders to chill the engine. It additionally has bespoke taillights flanking the cooling fan wanted by the additional engine. At the entrance, the 4×4 Sahara got here with a redesigned hood with a cutout for the spare wheel.
With nearly no soundproofing whilst you’re being flanked by two engines, the automotive is predictably loud. The worth was additionally a problem because it value twice as a lot as a daily 2CV. As such, it wasn’t a business success however extra like an experiment.
If you are questioning how a lot these automobiles are value, Bonhams bought one for €86,250 at an public sale in late 2019. The similar 12 months, one other automotive fetched $106,400 at a Pebble Beach public sale organized by Gooding & Company. Also in 2019, RM Sotheby’s bought the holy grail of 2CVs for €74,750 at an public sale held at Villa Erba.