When Citroën introduced the 2CV, short for Deux Chevaux (Two Horses) at the 1948 Paris Motor Show, few onlookers foresaw that this simple, inexpensive “people’s car” would see production of some 5,000,000 examples through 1990. Rooted in a 1936 brief issued by Citroën’s head of engineering and design, Pierre-Jules Boulanger, for the TPV (Toute Petite Voiture, or “Very Small Car”), the 2CV was developed secretly at Michelin by the same staff responsible for the revolutionary Traction Avant. Postwar aluminum shortages proved frustrating; however, with only an estimated 100,000 of 2,000,000 motorcars remaining in operation in France, the urgent need for reconstruction spurred prioritization of 2CV production.

Sometimes disparaged as the “Tin Snail,” the elegantly simple 2CV featured a minimalistic body, seating for up to four adults, and an incredibly economical, easily serviced air-cooled engine, plus a long-travel suspension offering a comfortable ride with sufficient ruggedness for limited off-road use. These virtues and the legendary resilience of the 2CV ensure its enshrinement on many “Greatest Cars” lists today.

This charming earlier production 2CV from 1952 offers a glimpse into French motoring as postwar reconstruction took hold. Powered by an air-cooled, 375 cc two-cylinder engine rated at 9 hp, this 2CV was restored and refinished in its proper gray paint prior to acquisition by the Mullin Collection in 2015. Nicely presented, the Citroën features correct tubular steel-framed canvas seats and a slide-back soft top.

*Please note that all of the Lots in this Auction have been in long-term static storage at the Mullin Automotive Museum and may not be currently operational. They will require mechanical attention and in some cases significant restoration prior to any road use.