It was 1972 when I bought my first 2CV


Behind what is now Ealing Timber in Uxbridge Road, Ealing - in West London  - there used to be a specialist 2CV workshop.

I bought my grey example, for about £100,  serviced as part of a barter deal which involved my painting some of their stock. Sadly, they had a fire that night and my work and the vehicles were destroyed.

Mine had the distinguishing feature of having a different number on the front compared to the back, quickly rectified.

It was a 6V model and not a particularly bright choice. Driving at night was even more challenging than in daylight.

Yet, the old crock managed to get us to the South of France, and back. 

Some modifications were required to the blowing exhaust near Frejus.  But finding a garage and the experience of being required to assist the friendly welder became a high spot of the trip.

Our grey car was very slow, even by 2CV standards. Locals in their 2CVs seemed very happy to overtake though. They were amused as obviously this manoeuvre was seldom achieved.