1990 Citroën 2CV6 Dolly

The iconic Citroën 2CV6 is one of the most distinctive-shaped vehicles ever produced and epitomises France and French motoring.

Our Dolly special edition from 1990 was not made in France and actually produced in Portugal as it was one of the last of these vehicles put into production. It was manufactured 42 years after the first cars rolled off the production line back in 1948.

In total, 3.9 million 2CVs were produced along with a further 4.9 million related vehicles including the Fourgonnettes delivery van – quite an achievement!

The name 2CV, or deux chevaux, translates as two horsepower and our red and white example 2CV6 Special is a mighty 602cc.

The design of the distinctive Toute Petite Voiture (Very Small Car) first began in 1936 and three years later the car was ready to be launched at the October 1939 Paris Motor Show. Sadly World War Two intervened and the design was then tweaked for when it finally went on sail in 1948. The re-design, saw the car have steel rather than aluminium panels, and an air rather that water-cooled engine.

The new car was a real success as its launch was at an opportune time. It perfectly met the needs of post-war austerity with its low price, low cost to run and engineering simplicity.

Citroën were particularly proud of the car’s exceptionally smooth ride. This was down to its independent suspension which was created to meet a wonderful original design brief: - it should be possible to drive the car across a ploughed field with a basket of eggs on board – without breaking any.

Other design features included the fold up windows, fully removable roof (a high-end feature unheard on in a budget car) and its extremely low weight of just 560kg.

👁️ View this vehicle on our ground floor exhibition hall near the 80s hall.