Citroen 2CV We go for a ride! Cutest car in the whole wide world??

This car started showing up at local car show a couple years ago. I finally met the owner, John Langston.

[@N.i.l]

You can NEVER be sad when driving this car. It is so beloved, and will be even more loved in the future. The fun, the simplicity, the reliability are outstanding in this car.

[@stephenberry1205]

I am on my third 2CV6 from new. 1978, 1982, 1990. Travelled a total of 550,000 km over 40 years. More 'Smiles per Mile' than any car on the planet. Like having a cute puppy dog, makes friends everywhere you go. I drove my 1982 car new from Paris. for 15 months across Europe, England, Ireland, Canada & USA, before shipping it back to Sydney from San Francisco. So French, different, wonderful and practical. Seats flip out for picnics!!

[@tasjaber1]

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

[@cricri6624]

French are geniuses, and very modest... I'm french.

[@Timberdoodle197]

what a contradiction haha

[@alainbergeron4520]

Une deux deuches avec un toit sardine! C'est le paradis!

[@bobmiodovski7288]

Oui, c'est la verite. L'auto est magnifique!

[@patrickguernsey4929]

In an ad in Germany Citroën said: Intelligence on wheels.!

[@patrickguernsey4929]

A une époque, une majorité de français roulait en "cabrio"!

[@ulrikreimann652]

This little cute car is wonderful to own and drive - had one 20 years ago and just bought one because I missed it all these years.

[@craig9843]

How I would love to own one of those. Where are you from?

[@ulrikreimann652]

Kalundborg Denmark

[@Gideon01]

Hi, I'm in Israel. I had a 2CV years ago, when I was a student, and after that - a Dyane 6. As mentioned in the video, the rear seat comes out in a matter of seconds, and is astonishingly lightweight. This (and the opening roof) comes in handy not only when you need more cargo space, but also on outings and picnics. It makes for a super-comfortable mobile outdoor sofa!

[@ESTEBANPOSADADUQUE]

... amazing ... the french has really manage to produce iconic automobiles ... pragmatic & cost-efficient ... and classicaly turned designs ... found about this car in DW car show ... instantly caught my imagination & interest as an architect ... purchased mine in full die-cast model 1:24 ... superbly designed for the contry side-farmer ... in my country never arrived ... but assembled a close resemblance for about 3 decades with great success : the unforgetable Renault-4 ... also very avant-gard : almost first compact 5 door or hatcback -called nowadays popular city cars ...

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

For a basic car, it's a work of art.

[@ClatoTom]

We had a 2 CV at the end of the 80's. It was the funniest car I have ever driven. My wife and I said to each other that if we ever win the lottery, we would buy a restored 2 CV. Here in Germany they cost € 15,000 - € 20,000. But then you can also drive it for the next 25 years.

[@antonioguerra4929]

Very comprehensive & interesting video. The car is exceptionally austere and simple, but it does the job cheaply, exactly the way it was designed to.

[@slrpaman]

I have a 1985 Special that I use every day named Miss Darcy, starts first time every time and kids smile and wave at me. Not bad for a 37 year old lady! I love her xxx

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

A very cute little car indeed. Thanks for sharing Chuck & John.

[@RideswithChuck]

The Shade Tree Fix-it Man You are welcome Sir!

[@doneyhon4227]

The most beautiful car in the world.

[@MrJaylensaur]

It looks like a spasticated frog and drives like one. Are you on drugs or something?

[@karel-de-Grote]

mr Jaylensaur: with the same engine and the same construction philosophy, Citroen has sold 12 million cars worldwide and 60 years of history. It is obvious that the car consumer is more intelligent than you ... (models of the same family 2CV Dyane Ami 8 Mehari etc etc)

[@MrJaylensaur]

Chan Mate I come from the U.K. which is part of Europe and most Europeans know that a lot of Citroens are absolute crap. The 2CV is a garden shed on wheels. If you want to talk about good cars then talk about something that’s useful or reliable like the classic Mini or the Ferrari Enzo. I’m sorry American car bloke but come to Europe and we’ll tell you the good cars and bad without you judging by it being “underrated”

[@stevenhickenjr]

@@MrJaylensaur The original comment was biased but great to see you showing big respect to a classic. 2CVs have a decent following in the UK and most of the people who take the piss out of them are Skyline fanboys doing donuts in riced up shitboxes at Ace Cafe. Most classic car people recognize them for they are. A simple and cheaply made piece of history with classic styling. Btw, I don't own one or am a die hard fan of them myself.

[@thetourettesgamer8851]

MrJaylensaur I am from Britain and I adore these little cars and so do most people in my family

[@gordoncasbeard9985]

Hi from the UK. I have owned a Bamboo version of the 2cv from new, and have covered 215000 miles in it to date. It is an amazing car! Having owned sports cars and various 'modern' vehicles this one beats them all hands down. Quirky, reliable, and has probably the best suspension ever devised on a car, it has been part of our family for 30 odd years. It can carry enormous loads with the rear seat removed, and you can also use the said rear seat when removed just to relax in and enjoy the view when on a day out. May I wish you many years of good motoring in the future, and remember, a 2cv is the best 'stress buster' ever devised. Looking at your car, it surely has to be a Noel Slade purchase. He is truly a great mechanic for these cars, and it is his dad that started us on this 2cv journey all those years ago here in England. Regards.e

[@klaushaunstrupchristensen7252]

My dream car as a child in the 1960’s. Around 1973 I started to save for one with my pocket money. After one year inflation had increased the price of the 2CV more than I had saved up and put aside so I gave it up. It’s a cruel world 😔 Still a marvelously engineering tour de force. In 1948 the Citroën had nailed it. Center point steering, inboard brakes, interconnected springs, roll axis at ground level, front and rear, (Ralph Nader should have looked at its suspension geometry and then have written a book called “safe at any speed) ultra hyper low center of gravity, front wheel drive. And the list goes on and on and

[@akronymus]

It was an amazing construction, easy to drive, forgiving about any fault, starting instantly at -20°C … unless a Citroën workshop had hands on it. Workshops spoiled everything, their only standard was that a mechanic must have a wrench in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other hand. They didn't even fine-tune the ignition - a task that a 6-years-old can easily learn.

[@SwainsonProductions]

What a great video. I owned two 2CV's here in the UK, years ago. One was a burgundy and black Charleston. They are definitely the most fun cars I've ever had. And absolutely everyone adored them too - especially once they'd enjoyed a trip in them. The crank saved me a couple of times in freezing weather too!

[@gauloiscalifornien]

I had a 375cc back in 1984... I miss my 2cv, the simplest, fun car to drive, mine was yellow too, i repainted it after buying it.

[@MarkGelderland]

I am from the Netherlands; 2CV's were very popular over here and when i was a student in the eighties i owned a 2CV Special (compared to my Special the Charleston from the video is extremely luxurious) and a Acadyane. Man, those were fun cars and a joy to ride. I even went to the South of France for a holiday with my girlfriend in the 2CV Special. My love of convertibles started there.

[@atiliogarcia5019]

I'm from Uruguay and i had an Ami 8 wich shares engine and plataform with the 2 cv and mehari.

[@minutepapillon5060]

@@atiliogarcia5019 viva Uruguay !

[@atiliogarcia5019]

@@minutepapillon5060 Papillon! Henri Charriere!

[@no00ob]

One person from the town where I live has this car it's quite a pleasure to see him drive it around during summer, I'm going to be one of the person's that has a old car in my town soon when I'm going to buy a Trabant 601 for my self

[@RideswithChuck]

Go for it!

[@no00ob]

Thanks! I will for sure :D

[@juanfigueroa7050]

Marvelous, My grandpa had one, my dad too. A Chilean made one. Amazing.

[@djgate]

There are no springs in the seats but a series of rubber O rings with a metal hook at opposite ends that hook between the metal seat frame and a woven panel. The foam padded seat cover rests on this and the whole affair is much lighter than having springs.That wheel brace "loosens" three bolts to remove the entire front fender/wing, the bolts don't even have to be removed completely since there are slots in the fender bracket allowing them to be pulled away.The rear trunk/boot panel when opened can be slid sideways to remove no tools needed same with rear doors lifted vertically. The metal flourish on top of each headlamp can be pressed down to release the glass and reflector for changing a bulb again no tools needed.Another advantage and something possibly unique to the 2CV is a total lack of rubber hydraulic brake hoses eliminating items that require periodic replacement. I could go on and on.

[@RideswithChuck]

Please do!

[@djgate]

+RideswithChuck OK, the engine can be lifted from its mountings by an able person, the odd gear select pattern was chosen putting second and third gears opposite each other because they are the most used ratios after initial start. Fourth gear is a high cruise ratio. There is an inbuilt oil cooler for longevity, for simplicity no distributor and as a result the spark plugs have a redundant spark on the exhaust stroke! No timing chain to wear and create noise or break instead a single gear which is split in half and spring loaded to compensate for wear driving the cam. No head gaskets just a perfectly machined cylinder barrel and head. A low frequency suspension system that is more "in tune" with the human natural walking gait than other systems adding comfort. Concealed from the elements rack and pinion steering system which being mounted in the front suspension cross tube is together with the rear cross tube only attached to the chassis at four points. The lite weight punt chassis use and suspension design deserves an article on its own since it's unique in the automotive field totally unlike conventional chassis built cars.

[@SPTSuperSprinter156]

couldn't have said it better myself. The lack of complication in the engine, no gaskets etc basically make the engine indestructable. I've been in one of these (well, a Dyane 6, but it's similar) going at motorway speeds and it nearly deafened me but it just ran and ran.

[@verygood7155]

It's good to see someone that actually knows what they're talking about.

[@verygood7155]

@@SPTSuperSprinter156 Actually the valve covers have gaskets.

[@sandystanley1237]

My oldest sister has a 1984, light blue. She is a helicopter pilot and wanted something very simple with minimal instrumentation. We drove it and reached 60 knots per hour, with a strong tail wind. This car is an absolute riot to drive.

[@MikeLoveBuns]

Remember eyeing that type car 🚙 while station in Vietnam 🇻🇳! My from Missouri

[@StonedOli]

If you want to see another one... :D there's one upside down in Tavern Creek under the Highway A bridge by St. Anthony.

[@SFbigcelt]

They always make me smile! I've driven them three times in Europe and dream of owning one. The shift was crazy, and I drove around in 2nd gear for an hour because I couldn't locate 1st! LOL

[@francinesicard464]

I have fond memories of the 2CV aka deudeuche as we call it at home. I was 11 years old and living in Africa. During a summer camp in the bush run by our school headmaster and 3 nuns, I had a bad fall resulting in both my shoulder and elbow being dislocated. We were about 230km away from the next hospital. Thank God the headmaster opted to take me to hospital in the Nuns’ 2CV instead of the camp Land Rover. I was made as comfortable as possible at the back of the car with my legs on Sister Thérèse's lap and it took us nearly 5 hours driving on a bush track full of potholes all the way. Without any pain killer, I still remember not having suffered too much. Finally, we arrived past Midnight at the hospital where I was taken care of, and that … was painful. I just fainted.

[@RideswithChuck]

Wow!!!

[@brightondude9327]

My Mum had one of these at the end of the 70s and I learned to drive in it. Once I knew how to drive I drove it a lot. There were many of these in the UK where I live but not as many as in France where they were ubiquitous. You can drive the 2CV at maximum speed just fine. The 602 cc ones would do about 65 and would sit at that speed all day if need be. If you are French and you say "2CV" it sounds just like "Deux Cheveaux" which is French for two horses. That is why Citroën called it that. My Mum and I liked that and we always called hers the Deux Cheveaux. The seats come out of the car and can be used self standing as seats in a picnic. The 2CV is ideal for crossing the countryside but it is not ideal as a town car. I think the steering was a bit heavy and the gear-change was a bit slow for city use. That is if I remember driving this car correctly, it was many years ago.

[@leneanderthalien]

the basic design from the 2cv is much older as 1948: it's based on the 1939 Citroën TPV, who was ready to launch for the "salon de Paris" 1939 ...who never happens because the war...the TPV had a 2cyl boxer, but water cooled, and a aluminium body...~250 TPV was built, but never sale, only 5 survive, 4 hidden in the Citroën test center and 1 by Michelin...

[@paulhochon7722]

When i was young in France a friend of mine had a Dyane (which is basically the same car) his father which was mechanic put a Citroen GS motor in it with Weber carburator, man this thing was brutal and really dangerous i can't remember the max speed we make but more than 160 Km/h. I remember the face of the guys on modern car (Golf, Audi, Renault..etc) when we pass them on higway. At 150 Km/h it was like we going at 250 Km/h with the noise of the motor and the wind and vibrations, it was like we were in a WW1 Aeroplane. :)

[@Heimrik01]

Paul HochonHa ! Ha ! Ha ! J'aurai bien aimé voir ça ! ;-)

[@leneanderthalien]

no: i'ts impossible to install a GS engine on the 2cv chassis who is too weak for this: such thing was made with a AMI 8 SUPER chassis who is basicaly the same but modified and reinforced: this car was serial fitted with a 1015cc 55hp 4 cyl GS engine...It's relative easy to fit the 2cv body on the AMI 8 Super chassis: need only small mods ...top speed with this engine was 140 km/h not 160 (the aerodynamics from the 2cv is bad and need lot of power to gain speed...)

[@amopastorcanadense]

About 8 years ago i went to Foz do Iguaçu-Paraná-Brazil and saw a yellow 2CV IMPECCABLE(Paraguay license plate), i remember like was yesterday, thanks for the city tour, awesome!

[@NenadTrajkovic]

Citroëns are so silly that you just have to love them 🇫🇷♥️🇫🇷 I like Renault 4 too ♥️

[@fruitychink]

great video. Thanks . I had 2 of these and a Dyane and loved them to bits . I still have the Dyane which I use in the summer here in Scotland . Parts are easily obtained and no job is too difficult to perform . Thanks for your great video .

[@19017070]

Good job Chuck and John. A real pleasure to see this.

[@ImForwardlook]

The Surfers top fuel team transported barrels of nitromethane as well as 392 Hemis in parts in a 2CV back in the 1960:s. Story is on KZbin. BTW, in Finland these were called "4 people coveralls".

[@joeysarmiento1925]

Thanks for sharing John and Chuck. It is indeed the cutest most practical no frills ride. My wife wants to get hold of one. Thanks again. ❤️🇵🇭💐👍🆗

[@jamesturnure9735]

What a wealth of information on this beautiful example. A deep level of knowledge and interest that I would expect from John Langston.

[@trevortrevortsr2]

We had one - great fun - we took it trough thick snow in Scotland & in the desert heat of the Sahara - ours had the 602 29HP van engine (slightly lower compression so it could handle poor quality fuel) - ran it on full synthetic oil and it never missed a beat

[@leneanderthalien]

the engine not need syntetic oil: the best is a high quality 20w40 mineral oil (20w50 in hot countries), thin synthetic oil like 5w40 or less is dangerous for this old design air cooled engine because low adherence on surfaces, specialy camshaft who is only lubricated by oil sprays...

[@smokeyjoe7251]

That noise . . . I could listen to that all day.

[@vetham100]

Thanks for the ride, very enjoyable and informative video.

[@vinnyvaselino7975]

Finally, finally somebody gets it, that is the cutest car ever 🤗🤗🤗🧸🧸🧸

[@EduardoVazquez-yd5yi]

The 2cv is the perfección of simplicity..thanks for share

[@fabrisse7469]

I had one of these for several years when I lived in Germany and Belgium. I loved that car. I love that, thanks to that car, I know how to use a manual choke and work a Duesenberg shift.

[@angiedibble6232]

Thank you for this video, really helpful, I'm going to look at one The Bamboo tomorrow. Can't wait!

[@ironcast]

Very cool little car.

[@tomg5106]

thanks for sharing, great little car

[@hflivares1824]

Among the different cars I owned, my favorite are : the 74 red Dodge Dart Swinger I purchased when I was living in South Korea, my wifés 2 CV France 3 of 1984, my 66 Peugeot 404 SL, which I use for leasure, and my VW coccinelle. The most genius beeing the 2 cv.

[@LouSaudi]

My dad had one yesteryear..lovely car and lot of memories. Would love to have one if found.

[@martentrudeau6948]

It's so cool and stylish. It's not a transcontinental interstate cruiser, but a wonderful around town car with all that you need.

[@rJayisawesome]

LOL. This is one of my favorite cars.

[@pistolannie6500]

Cool... Thanks for the ride John!

[@tomg5106]

fantastic, thanks for sharing

[@dozergyp]

I have had 3 of them, Great to drive and a lot of fun

[@gordonmccoy5242]

Excellent.... Thanks...! Gordon

[@davidtong2776]

What a cool little car!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

I owned a green bamboo version from 1997-98. Lovely car...cute in every way! 29bhp 2 cylinder 0.6 litre engine ...72mph top speed.

[@xm222]

Unique car and nice driving 👍😊

[@brettnetherton398]

I've had Triumph, Ford, BMW, Opel, Volvo ... but my little 2CV was the most thoughtfully, creatively engineered car. You can't roll one either, except in reverse.

[@mramicus6917]

lovely car ! i had one years ago ! i would have another !

[@RichieRouge206]

Didn't realise 2CVs made it to the States. They are such clever, characterful cars. Less is certainly more!

[@michaelboyko5024]

At first sight you hate its old-fashioned look... But then you suddenly see the beauty! Awesome 2CV6! Thanks for the story.

[@RideswithChuck]

The car is in a constant state of retro.

[@florjanbrudar692]

Michael Boyko I knew the 2CV since I was 1 or 2 years old... I hated it but I have yet to drive it or ride in it.

[@TheFoudrecom]

Hi Chuck, Magnificent, after the Citroën DS 21 you present the ciroen 2 CV which is in my eyes the little French queen !!! I grew up with these cars what memories ... Thanks for the ride ... Denis.

[@RideswithChuck]

The Foudre My town of Downers Grove seems to be turning French!

[@Plons0Nard]

Nice squeek in the gearstick. And the headlights ! Chrome with yellow lightbulbs. Fantastic 😊👍🤝🇳🇱

[@harrylonsdale3142]

hey Chuck love the car!

[@craig9843]

I would love to own one of those. I first saw one in Paris 31 years ago.

[@bzert281]

Thank you John!!! Thank you Chuck!!! Awesome Ride!!!

[@RideswithChuck]

You are very welcome!

[@sushibangbang]

It was a minimalist, rustic, useful and cheap car. For farmers at first, but in the 70s it was also a car for hippies, then it became a car with a certain "art of living" fun, simple and that did not consume much. Citroen made a modern version of it: The DIane, but it wasn't the same thing. They stopped the modern and continued to produce the old 2CV. I think the French liked it as it was.... even if it was obsolete on many points. I liked mine, even though I was cold in it and I didn't hear the music because it was so noisy. But I felt joyful and free.

[@RideswithChuck]

The car will get you noticed for sure.

[@sushibangbang]

@@RideswithChuck Even in France now ! It's it has become quite rare.

[@Grant0610]

I love this colour scheme!

[@Jabador93]

Belle 2CV ❤

[@blurayffan66]

Classic car- have owned 2 2CV's- a baby blue one and a red one with a red and white striped roof which my friends were embarrassed to be seen in lol. Also owned a couple of Dyanes too. The burgundy colored Charlestons were very popular in the UK but have not seen many yellow ones around. I once saw a 2CV in San Diego back in the mid 90's when I used to live in California. Your car is absolutely gorgeous and looks in amazing condition- well done and thx for the video!

[@RideswithChuck]

Hi, Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Iceoo71000]

Amazing car! Love it!

[@fortheloveofmusic860]

In The Netherlands the 2CV and the DC were more commonly known by their nicknames. A 2CV was known as "Lelijke Eend" (ugly duck) and the DC as "Snoek" (pike). When I was a kid we owned a green 2CV. I remember it being very cold in winter.

[@trainroomgary]

Hi Chuck & John - Very interesting history and story, behind this car. I like the hand crank. No one is going to drive off with this car, because of the hand shifter. Yellow & black looks great. • Thanks for the ride. • Cheers from The Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@RideswithChuck]

***** It is a little attention getter!

[@keithjohnson5398]

Super practical for sure, reminds me of probably I rode around in as a passenger in Denmark.

[@pelmberg1203]

Looks fun! In the 60s I drove a DKW

[@mrbadx19]

i have an '08 smart, 999ccs, 50mpgs, heat and a/c and can do 93mph before the computer slows it. i would kill for a 2CV, loved that car forever!

[@Gili1973]

Hi chuck. This car reminds me my childhood, there were many in Israel in the 70's and 80's. Thanks for sharing.

[@RideswithChuck]

***** Are there any left in Israel?

[@Gili1973]

I think there are a few....

[@edpazikas8777]

Very nice car!

[@crimsonchrome3012]

i had one of these when stationed in germany in the army.1988-1990-soooo cool...btw the windows open to a partial opened position that he didnt show

[@oqp1nom864]

Also, the early model 2cv had the pedals which could be used with clogs. Voila ! I experienced it and it works very well.

[@riejurv50]

I own a 1980 "Dyane-6" which is a "refreshed" hatchback version of the same car, again extremely simple and using the same engine, frame, gearbox, suspension, interiors... It simply is just a little different from the outside, a tiny little bit more aerodynamic so it can be a little faster than a 2cv and the windows roll up and down just as a modern car (but not electric), I drive it everyday and everywhere, and everybody likes it, its a nice car to own as you don't need to have much money to keep and drive it as much as you want, and its also mechanically bulletproof!

[@djgate]

curious about those roll up windows?? the Ami series cars have roll ups but the Dyane only ever had horizontal sliding windows and only on the front!

[@akronymus]

Spanish Dyanes and the Dyane light-truck (Acadiane) had roll-up side windows (in the front doors)

[@giacintoaprile6565]

Cute car....i used to have one...most fun ever...congats

[@larchange1657]

I'have the same one 10 years before , nice car ...

[@jean-yvesmartin6934]

My 1st car, i was 18, she was from 1962, she was bright orange and a beauty..should have kept it (

[@dutchp9005]

In Holland the black and yellow charleston 2cv was only sold 27 times. So these are very rear but in my opinion one of the nicest colors combination the 2cv.

[@johnhiram1207]

Wow what a great car never saw one.

[@juanmanuelvc7851]

Desde pequeño me gusto este coche gracias por compartir esta maravilla con ruedas 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@RideswithChuck]

De nada

[@lucidhangout4317]

That engine sound, I love it with the rest of the car. As a kid, we did the game in where you had to pinch the guy or girl next to you whenever you saw a green 2cv while driving looking out of the window. 'ugly duck' we call it in the Netherlands. It is not ugly at all of course, it's beautiful, nice to know this car came from where I live.

[@srfrg9707]

Lucid Hangout We played the same game in France. Not sure if the 2 color model stands for a yellow 2CV though.

[@florjanbrudar692]

5:29 Surprising indicator, considering the fact that I once saw an old Beetle on which the indicator was very slow.

[@geoffdearth8575]

The more I hear/ see about this car the more I want one.

[@tonypate9174]

Just to wet the appetite a bit more You Tube CITROEN 2CV SCENIC DRIVE DASH CAM VIEW WITH ICE Mr Hub Nut takes Elly for a "spin" on a cold but sunny day enjoy

[@geoffdearth8575]

whet

[@tonypate9174]

Try watching it.

[@PeterSwinkels]

You still see these here in the Netherlands occasionally. Nice video. :-)

[@SonnetGomes]

So cute!

[@lochlannach9256]

Where I live 2CVs were for school teachers and college students and lefties in general. It was, though, a brilliant example of how to almost build a car without really doing so

[@will3346]

Yes a new video thanks chuck

[@RideswithChuck]

Will Leonard First comment!

[@markblass]

Thank you!

[@Everything_Evan]

Thankfully in the UK we had most the car's the French made. You could buy a new 2cv til the very early 90s.

[@Misses-Hippy]

Just bought a red 1987 - in pretty good shape!

[@sugansugan56]

Super vidéo- luv it - just bought one

[@RideswithChuck]

There are a number of Citroens in my town. I don't know why but I like it.

[@victorsingh878]

Good review

[@nannejandejong7112]

My first, second and third car was a Citroen 2CV. Stil I drive Citroen, now a C2. It is just as much fun. I still hope that Citroen comes with a retro 2CV.

[@thetourettesgamer8851]

Man I really want to get one of these beautiful cars some day

[@bluebear6570]

The 2CV was not specifically sold to farmers, but to anyone needing cheap transport. Un Germany the 2CV initially was more expensive than the VW bug.