The first 2CV prototypes were created just before the 2^nd World War – to meet the requirement of a small utility car capable of being used for a variety of purposes, taking into consideration the needs of both the agricultural community and town dwellers, which included the ability to deal with rough roads in the French countryside. Famously, these prototypes were hidden from the occupying forces during the War and re-emerged after the liberation of France for development to continue.

A unique design in many ways and powered by an air-cooled flat twin engine, the car was eventually launched in 1948, with first deliveries commencing in 1949. Finding worldwide and enduring success, lasting 4 decades, the 2CV remained much as originally designed, although the engine grew from a puny 375cc unit, through 435cc to the final 602cc displacement in 1970, familiar to most today. The car was assembled in many countries, with production ending in 1988 in France and finally, in Portugal, in 1990. More than 3.8 million 2CVs were built.

This 2CV Special was first registered, new in Jersey, in May 1990 - supplied by the island’s main Citroen agent at that time, Barnes Garage. It has remained in the island all its life, passing through the hands of a number of owners, the most recent from 2023, who purchased the car from ourselves. It has had very limited use in the last 3 years, remaining garaged and recording fewer than 1,000 additional miles.