1959 Citroen 2CV - AZ

The Citroën 2 CV (French: deux chevaux, ‘two horses’), often known as the ‘Ente’ in Germany and Austria and generally referred to as the ‘Döschwo’ in Switzerland, was a popular model from the car manufacturer Citroën, featuring an air-cooled, two-cylinder, four-stroke boxer engine and front-wheel drive. Development began in the mid-1930s; due to the war, Citroën did not unveil the new 2 CV to the public until 7 October 1948 in Paris, at that time still without an engine and with a welded-shut bonnet. However, the first 200 units were not delivered until December 1949, initially to hand-picked customers who were intended to represent as broad a cross-section as possible of the target clientele. Initially derided by the motoring press, the 2 CV went on to become one of the best-known car models in France over the following decades, with waiting times of up to seven years. In 1954, the original 375 cc 9 hp engine was replaced by a more powerful version with a capacity of 425 cc and 12 hp (18 hp from 1963), increasing power by a third! This lovely Citroën 2CV from the AZ series was originally delivered to Switzerland and was first registered on 9 May 1959. As an early model, the ‘Duck’ still features the ‘corrugated metal’ bonnet and the four-speed gearbox with centrifugal clutch. The early history of the ‘Döschwo’ is unknown – but the bodywork was evidently restored before the iconic French car was taken over by the current owner in 2022. The owner subsequently restored the interior, with the seat frames being powder-coated. This was followed by a mechanical overhaul, during which the clutch and the engine – fitted with larger pistons and cylinders – were reconditioned. Since then, the Citroën has only been driven for around 3'000 km, meaning it is in very good overall condition. The last veteran MOT took place in September 2026, meaning this iconic classic can be registered immediately.