March 2024

2CVGB NEWS

Published monthly since 1978, 2CVGB News is the official magazine of the Deux Chevaux Club of Great Britain, Sarona, Beacon Road West, Crowborough, E Sussex TN6 1QL

© The Deux Chevaux Club of Great Britain Ltd

MAGAZINE TEAM

Editor: James Duffell editor@2cvgb.com

Design: Yellow Dog Design

Advertising: small.ads@2cvgb.com

Membership of 2CVGB is by annual subscription: UK £34, Europe £80 (£34 with E-magazine), Worldwide £100 (£34 with E-magazine). First time application subject to one-off joining fee (non-UK only). You can join or renew online at www.2cvgb.com where you can also download the membership application form. If you do not have access to the internet please forward membership enquiries to the membership secretary (contact details on p60).

BONJOURÀTOUS

Hello and welcome to this month’s magazine. Is everyone enjoying the new 2CVGB members-only Facebook group? Its aim is to reflect the style of a local group club night - friendly, welcoming and supportive - and so far, so good.

One of the topics discussed in the group was how to find local 2CV specialists and experts. In the new club handbook there will be a section listing specialists geographically. The Citroën Car Club even includes reviews by members of the specialists listed in their guide and it would be great if we could do the same. Services to members such as this is what keeps the club alive.

See you in a field somewhere.

THE DEADLINE FOR THE APRILISSUE IS THE 10TH MARCH

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this magazine, the reader should read and understand the following:

content in this magazine. You are responsible for checking any applicable manufacturers’ instructions, safety manuals or any other relevant instructions before undertaking any alterations to your vehicle. In particular, the Club does not give any warranty, representation or undertaking:

• as to the efficacy, usefulness, safety or commercial or technical viability of the technical information (“Technical Information”) and/or any products made or processes carried out using the Technical Information;

• as to the volumes or quality of the products which may be manufactured through the use of the Technical Information;

the

• that any of the Technical Information is or will be valid;

• that the Technical Information can be freely exploited in all or any parts of the world; and/or

• that the Technical Information will not infringe the intellectual property or other rights of any third party. The views or opinions expressed by our contributing writers should not be interpreted as the views and opinions of the Club.

Where the magazine contains links or references to websites and/or resources provided by third parties, these links or references are provided for your information only. Such links should not be interpreted as approval by the Club of those linked websites or information you may obtain from them.

If you have any questions please e-mail compliance@2cvgb.com

H-VAN 57

MEHARI

49-60

DISC BRAKE: 81-90 37

MARCH

15-17TH AIRE COOLED ALLEY CATS CONCRETE CAMP at Buxton Palace Hotel, Palace Road, Buxton, SK17 6AG for 2 or 3 nights. Half Board is £65 per person per night dinner bed and breakfast, with £35 supplement for single rooms. To book phone 0161 923 9170 quoting CVBH1503. All members are very welcome. Any questions please phone Liz Rogers 07939 162960

22-24TH THE CAMBRIDGE LEGLESS FROGS ON TOUR. Camping at the Edwardstone White Horse pub near Sudbury, Suffolk. £9pppn, (£4.50 615yrs), £5 electric hookup. Two cottages sleeping 4 each on site at approx. £230 per cottage for the weekend (2023 prices). Booking is via the pub websitewww.edwardstonewhitehorse.co.uk.Dogs are allowed. Trips out according to weather. If interested emailrobhorn64@gmail.com

22-24TH PRACTICAL CLASSICS RESTORATION SHOW NEC. For more details please refer to their website http://www.necrestorationshow.com

APRIL

6TH 2CV HIGHLAND RAID HELMSDALE 2024. Details to be confirmed shortly. Contact Jesse Wigman for further info: jessewigman@live.co.uk or 07867932241

7TH 2CV HIGHLAND RAID LOCH NESS 2024. Details to be confirmed shortly. Contact Jesse Wigman for further info: jessewigman@live.co.uk or 07867932241

7TH 2CVGB COMMITTEE MEETING venue TBC. For further information please contact the Secretary

21ST HUDDERSFIELD TWIN HOT POTS/AIRE COOLED ALLEY CATS DRIVE-ITDAY. This year’s outing for the northern based clan (others further away are very, very welcome) is to the Crich Tramway Museum, Near Matlock Derbyshire (DE4 5DP). Meeting at The Olde Mustard Pot pub, near Langsett, S36 4GW from about 9.15am to depart at 10. Travelling over the `Strines`, via Ladybower to arrive at Crich at approximately 11.30am. Parking is inside the Crich museum (driver gets in free but passengers pay on entry)

21ST YORK HISTORIC VEHICLE GROUP/TROY DRIVE-IT DAY. Meet at the Knavesmire, York, YO23 1EX at 9:30am for a 10am start to finish at Sherburn Aero Club, LS25 6JE

27–28TH 2CV RACING CADWELL PARK (LINCOLNSHIRE). Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2024 2CVParts.com Championship. Two 15 minute sprint races. Other racing series will also be present over the weekend. For more information visitwww.2cvracing.org.uk. For circuit or camping enquiries please visit www.cadwellpark.co.uk. Any other enquiries to Matthew Hollis, 07969 590705, hollis_motorsport@hotmail.com

MAY

8-12TH FRENCH NATIONAL. The biggest annual event in the 2CV calendar. This year it takes place at Brazey-en-Plaine, not far from Dijon.For more information please refer to https://www.deuchenbrazey.com

18-19TH 2CV RACING Croft (Yorkshire). Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2024 2CVParts.com Championship. Two 15 minute sprint races. Other racing series will also be present over the weekend

24-27TH REGISTERS DAY. Martha's Down Campsite, Hindon, Wiltshire. Fromnoon on Friday 24th May to noon on Monday 27th May

JUNE

23RD 2CV RACING Lydden Hill (Kent). Rounds 5 and 6 of the 2024 2CVParts. com Championship. Two 15 minute sprint races forming part of the unique Historics On The Hill event. Up to two spectators arriving in any pre-1990 car can get half price entry. Other racing series will also be present over the weekend.

JULY

12-14TH CITRÖEN FESTIVAL 2024. Abbots Ripton Village Hall, The Green, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, PE28 2PF. More details to follow from the CCC.

26-28TH SOUWESCARGOTS DARTMOOR CAMP at Martins Park, Whiddon Down, EX20 2QL. There will be a Devon flag outside. Camping available from Thursday to Monday. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads at all times. Back to basics old school 2cv camp - fun filled relaxing weekend including woodland adventure trail with a BBQ Saturday. To book please contact either Justin on 07891274547, justinjamesrowe@aol.com or Ant on 07890 950290,awallis@email.com

31-4TH DET2024. 10th German International in Gedern. For more information, please refer to https://www.det-2024.de/texte/seite.php?

id=660591&lang=en

AUGUST

22–27TH NORTH SOMERSET TIN SNAILS NSTS CAMP on a site near Wells with views across the levels to Glastonbury Tor. The campsite has toilets and showers and is within walking distance of three pubs, village shop & cafe. Scenic drive on Saturday and a camp tea party on the Sunday. Email Liz at nsts2cv@gmail.com for details and booking form

23-25TH 2CV RACING SNETTERTON (NORFOLK). Round 7 of the 2024 2CVParts. com Championship, the legendary 2CV 24 hour race. Come along and experience this amazing round the clock event, as 2CVs battle it out with the equally impressive Mini Grands. The 24 hour race begins on Saturday 24th

29–1ST 2CVGB NATIONAL The Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire

SEPTEMBER

5–8TH LANCASTER BOMBERS SILLOTH CAMP (No beer festival). To book camping (tent/caravan/motorhome) go to cove.co.uk/Solway or phone 01697 331236 (no need to mention the 2cv camp). Mourn the end of the beer festival!

OCTOBER

12TH 2CV RACING OULTON PARK (CHESHIRE). Rounds 8 and 9 of the 2024 2CVParts.com Championship. Two 15 minute sprint races. Other racing series will also be present over the weekend

27TH HUDDERSFIELD TWIN POTS

BI-MONTHLY BREAKFAST & BANTER at The Oil Can Café

DECEMBER

29TH HUDDERSFIELD TWIN POTS

BI-MONTHLY BREAKFAST & BANTER at The Oil Can Café

PLEASE SEND ALL YOUR EVENTS INFO

TO: events@2cvgb.com

CORRESPONDENCE

POST-COMMITTEE MEETING

FEEDBACK

Hi Vanessa. Just to reiterate my comment as a member at end of the meeting: It was good to see that the club is in the safe hands of a committee that will look after the club's future. All the best, and hope to see you at a future meeting, or in a field somewhere.

BEFORE THE DEADLINE OF THE 5TH OF THE MONTH S24CC245

OBITUARY: ELIZABETH SEED

I have the very painful duty to let you know of the loss of Elizabeth Seed. She was a wonderful lady who died aged 69 holding onto her husband Graeme's hand in hospital in January. Liz was the mother of five and a grandmother to eight. Elizabeth was always fun to be with plus a pleasure to see her share her 2cv life with Graeme. Liz, you will be sorely missed.

Email: editor@2cvgb.com

Twitter: @2cvGB Forum: www.2cvgb.co.uk/forum

The deadline for inclusion in the magazine is the 10th of the month

Hi all, not long until Spring with some better weather and we can get back over to France and Spain to enjoy lots of lovely sunshine and drink lots of lovely local vino, Soave in Soave was perfection when in Italy last year.

MOVINGHOUSE?

Please update Crossmember or tell me your new address so that I can send your magazines and letters to the right place. I am getting a fair few marked ‘Return to Sender’, which I then have to email for the new address. Emails are in some cases incorrect or I just don’t hear back, so I have to phone and some of the numbers are now nonexistent. This all takes time and at my cost for phone calls. Please remember we are all volunteers and all 2CV work is done in our own time and unpaid.

Trying to trace a member – if anybody knows Roy Brinkman, please ask him to contact me as I need his new address.

I have updated the Crossmember Vehicle Section to include all different types of 2CVs, Amis, Dyanes etc., so if you have already entered your vehicle onto Crossmember, could you take a minute to check all is ok? For example,

Beachcomber has now been added as an option, so you can now ensure your car is listed correctly. If you haven’t added your vehicles, it would be great if you could do so. If anyone spots anything I have missed, please also let me know and I can add it in, I have had 2CVs and Dyanes for over 40 years but my knowledge of all the variants is next to nil, so I need all the help I can get.

That’s it for now, have fun and take care out there.

NOTICEBOARD

HISTORY OF

At a recent committee meeting I promised I’d put pen to paper and tell you all about The Godiva Two Horse Riding School (or Godiva as we tend to abbreviate it these days)

Godiva is actually one of 2cvGB’s oldest groups and was already active at the formation of the Deux Chevaux Club of Great Britain. Original members included Bob MacQueen and John

a lasting impression on me. Nada, Pat and Hetty, Ian and Blossom to name a few, gone but never forgotten.

Gowers who were among the founders of the club, so it’s fair to say we go a long way back. We have provided a fair number of chairs and committee members to the club over the years. We’re also lucky to have retained a few of the earliest members and are often blessed with Bob’s presence when he’s

able to make it to club meets along with his partner Karen. I joined the group in 1988 shortly after becoming a member of 2cvGB and was immediately struck by the friendliness of everyone, which is something we’ve tried to maintain. At meetings I used to love the £2 “all you can eat” buffet and gorged myself on the chips, which might explain why I soon developed from the nine-stone teenager I joined as (it may also explain the spots). I have very fond memories of my early meetings and the friendships I made, most of which have endured. I was in awe of some of the established members, their travels with 2cvs and often their creativity. I also appreciated their technical knowledge. Sadly not all of the members are still with us but all have left

Over the years the group’s membership remained fairly constant with a few people coming and going. We’ve made an effort to ensure there’s always activity in the group and that the venue is suited to the diverse crowd we get and we are definitely a “family” of friends from all backgrounds and all ages. We’ve arranged National Meets and Registers Day on several occasions.

Our newest venue (The Piston Club) is a large former coaching inn with a massive car park and outdoor covered/ heated seating adjacent, as well as a private meeting room. The layout of the venue means we can admire the cars and/or sit and natter with a pint and something decent to eat. We’ve found this great for encouraging more visitors along. Being just off the A46 and readily accessible to members from other

On left: The car park at our venue (The Piston Club) and our logo, Above: A colourful line up

NORTHERN IRELAND TIN SNAILS JANUARY MEETING

nearby groups, means there’s been an increase in attendance. If you’d like to come from farther away then there are some really lovely guestrooms.

We always get more than 20 people attending even in the thick of winter and can’t wait to see this increase over the Spring/ Summer as more members bring their cars along. The venue is automotive themed and there are always other interesting vehicles (both cars and bikes) to see. They also serve great food with a variety of different price points (although no longer £2 per head).

other interesting Citroëns along at the meet. I secretly hope to have filled the car park with A Series (or at least Citroëns) by the end of the summer.

Our first meeting of 2024 was a great success.22 cars turned up and we all went in convoy to The Galgorm Castle garden centre in Ballymena where we all had lunch. It was great to see everyone again and catch up.

We all love to see our cars lined up together and always have a great line up, amongst a number of 2cvs, Ami and Dyanes from the 70s and 80s it’s not unusual to see a few GS and the odd

Godiva meetings take place on the last Wednesday of the month from 6pm onwards and you’re all cordially invited to attend. For further information you can call me or take a look at our social media page. We guarantee you a warm welcome.

Above: Good selection in the car park views at our monthly venue, Right: Useful reference material in the loos of The Piston Club

In the last episode, I recalled how British 2CV owners waved to each other as we passed, but few French ones did, the 2CV seen by them as ‘just a car’, but that has changed; and the age when all French folk had had a 2CV in their youth seems to be drawing to a close. When I originally arrived off the ferry, and on subsequent trips, it felt safe to break down. Instead of narrow UK roads lacking safe stopping places, the French had dusty verges where stopping was allowed and for anyone whose car needed a roadside repair (or to relieve themselves) it was ideal. The existence of much roadside rubbish (for which France was once notorious) could be turned to advantage. When my silencer blew, miles from anywhere, within minutes I had turned a flattened drinks can and some wire into a silencer bandage, and was soon on my way. But I didn't always need to do my own repairs.

In those early years of shuttling between France and UK, the car broke down frequently, yet I rarely got chance to mend it before someone had stopped to help; someone who, naturally, had once owned a 2CV, knew how to fix them and was happy to help.

Bob took me all over France, the country my great-grandmother's family came from, and where I have always enjoyed driving. One difference between

our road networks is their greater choice of routes for long journeys. It isn’t easy to explain to French pals that if you want to get from, say, Portsmouth to Manchester, you either take major roadsusually motorways, or similar - or you take the old routes through multiple town centres, so increasing your driving time for little scenic reward.

One of the attractions for me of driving in France has been the opportunity to bivouac. Sort of wild camping in a 2CV. Our cars' ability to nip up a farm or forest track has allowed me to sleep in Bob in hayfields, beside lakes, rivers and lavoirs where an early morning swim disturbs no one and I could be away before the farmer arrives.

In Switzerland, en route to the Austria

world meeting, we climbed a forest track and found a tiny car park - or so we thought - where two cars could pass the night whilst we slept. We had curtains keeping the early light out but, around 06.00, were woken by what seemed like odd birdsong growing louder. Drawing the curtains revealed a fully-laden log lorry reversing, clearly oblivious of our two tiny cars in its turning point. Fortunately, the driver managed, at the last minute, to see the mad, undieclad Englishman running towards his door screaming something indecipherable. Phew.

On that journey we stayed at Lake Constance, near the family of a Swiss friend, Hestaire, who led us up the mountain to a Heidi-like chalet of her

cousin's family. He showed us his Vatican Swiss Guard uniform whilst regaling us and half the valley with the Black Dyke Mills band on proper vinyl, whilst the beer flowed and bratwurst barbecued. And all that, and many similar experiences, are thanks to Bob, and the people he introduced me to, who introduced me to more people. We left the others at the world meeting and started the long journey back to my then home near Bordeaux, crossing northern Italy then into France via Monaco, Nice and a circuitous route towards Bordeaux. On leaving the meeting, the heavens opened and the car stopped dead at the roadside. Rain over, I dried everything and, eventually, it ticked over. Just. Occasionally, it would pick up and behave normally but, if we stopped, we had to bump start. I tried everything I could think of, to no avail, so felt that getting to France would at least give us chance to find a garage that might help.

We had planned to see Lake Garda, which became a staccato experience with the engine misfiring. In Garda town centre - everyone in Sunday best and the streets pristine, their pavemented roads offering no escape - Bob stopped on a slight uphill. We tried to push him to a

Bob and Diane, bivouac

point where we could bump start. No one offered help. If anything, they looked on with disdain, until eventually two people left the crowd and helped us to bump start Bob. I stopped, with the car revving, and shouted: grazie! A broad Lancashire accent replied: ‘you're welcome, lad’.

We limped over the Maritime Alps, through the tunnel to France, bivouacking in the mountains and finally, in Nice, approached the Citroën dealership. Much money later they had

fixed it, although were unclear as to what 'it' had been. An hour after leaving the town, the problem restarted and continued until we got home. When Jean Marie arrived a few days later, he looked embarrassed, spent two minutes under the bonnet and fixed whatever it was. And I still don't know what 'it' was, but over the years he has worked wonders for Bob, welding bits that dropped off, collecting me from roadsides over 100 miles away, and even loaning me his car to ‘nip’ back to the UK in. This is not just friendship; it’s 2CV friendship.

Things changed, I returned to the UK, revisiting French pals often, but left Bob behind when it clearly wouldn't pass another MoT. My previous trip home been a challenge when the car started backfiring, a tiny hole in the exhaust manifold. I patched it with Gun Gum, let it harden, then drove on. Farther on, a new hole appeared, and so it went on, until I reckon that, by the time I reached Dieppe, I had completely re-built the manifold.

With nowhere to keep the car in the UK, I left it in Jean Marie's garage whilst a decision was made about its future. As new cars arrived, Bob migrated to the back, becoming covered in bits of other cars before disappearing completely. Eventually, Jean Marie said

Bob had to be scrapped: too rusty to repair. We should, he declared, strip it for parts.

We started one morning, moving other cars out until Bob lay blinking in the sun. We stared at it for a while, reminding ourselves of journeys made, adventures and mishaps shared. Jean Marie sighed, then started stripping the car. He stopped, sighed again and said,' I can't. Bob has been a part of your life - our lives - for so long, we must repair it'. He found a second-hand French body, somehow converted it to right-hand drive, bought a paint sprayer... It wasn't quick. Years passed. His own cars needed TLC, and he had his own 2CV adventures to pursue. With the project stalling, in stepped Guy Bonneaud, founder of the 2CV Club des Landes Girondines, and author of a comprehensive guide to the 2CV’s technical development. Without Guy’s generosity in the use of his workshop and spare bits – delaying his own Hoffman project - I doubt Bob would have been finished at all. Finally, with the help of these two friends, Bob was reborn and I went to fetch him in June, 2023. I drove back via one of my favourite

Guy and his Hoffman

Bob being converted

Guy Bonneaud, 2cv fanatic and author

routes, along quieter D roads, reflecting on the changes Bob and I have seen: the old towns and villages once driven through now relegated to names on signs off the ubiquitous bypasses with their endless roundabouts. Reflection made possible by the new, slower nature of the roads, thanks to a huge reduction in speed limits, and the prevalence of speed cameras, even on rural routes. Although I fully support all efforts to halt the earth’s slide into oblivion, I can still feel sad at the loss of an era when French motoring was something special.

I was approached, a few years earlier, by James Whewell, who owned Bob – then known as Bertie - before I had, and wanted to do so again. A deal was done and James now has Bertie/Bob in his collection. I will miss Bob, but whilst it was languishing in France I had bought another car, Blanche, from Ian Hudson.

Yes, I was two-timing Bob.

Currently with Pete Sparrow and his pit-crew, awaiting a new chassis, Blanche will be my sole car now, but Bob will remain a huge part of my memories.

During almost 30 years of taking Bob (and, later, Blanche) to Ian Hudson for attention, I stayed nearby, where I met people who became friends - largely through chatting in the pub - so that I now live just a short distance from Ian Hudson's garage, where it all began, this art de vivre, the Citroen 2CV way of life.

Doug Webb

– A Young at Heart 2cver

Hello 2CV family!. Some of you may know me and more likely know my father in-law, Doug Webb. Not

particularly computer savvy he asked me to write something for the magazine. When I first met him, I was in Holland

Bob on a roadside verge

Bob back in Blighty, becomes Bertie

Doug and 2CV in the driveway

with 2CV friends and I spotted him with a girl at the campsite bar and said, “That old boy’s doing well for himself,” only to be told it was Doug’s daughter, SarahJane. Great I thought, and in less than three years we were married and I had a 2CV loving father-in-law to boot!

Following a brief stint as a racing driver in the 1970’s, prior to having a family, Doug has had many 2CVs since the mid90’s when he was a traffic warden (no not one of those, a fair one) which he has bought, enjoyed and sold, usually for a profit. Doug and Sarah-Jane visited world meetings and events across the UK and Europe for many years whilst he worked at the world-famous Louis Barbour garage. He eventually retired for a day or so before going back to work delivering

car parts to the same garages he used to frequent. In more recent years with Covid and unfortunately some ill health he has been forced to drive lesser vehicles and usually observes the wonderful 2CVGB events through the lens of Facebook or pictures via WhatsApp.

Things have calmed down and once again he has a 2CV on the driveway, hooray! Ready for retirement again at 75 years-old, Doug spotted an unconventionally coloured 2CV online and arranged to go and see it one weekend. A deal was done on E524 FLM, painted in a mix of purple and burgundy and even delivery was part of the deal.

Camping might be off the cards for now, but I’m sure the beer tent will be properly frequented at events in 2024. The car has no MoT at present and requires a few weekends of tinkering to be fully ready for the spring season, including checking and changing the old fuel lines, removal of the mystery electronic fuel pump and a good going over of the brakes and suspension for road readiness, having noted some nonstandard bolts and fixings. Overall, it looks to have been spared from the rust fairy with only a few bits and bobs to resolve. Interior is in good condition with a wooden “sports” steering wheel

fitted and even a carpet set. Exterior condition is good with a reasonable roof, decent wheels and Louis Barbour bumpers, the car also came with four grille muffs… Because one isn’t enough? The other half of my in-laws/out-laws is Doug’s wife Sheila. She is very patient with Doug’s 2CV habit and knows that a 2CV belongs on the driveway. As a poet she is often featured in newspapers and as such I thought I should ask her to write a limerick about Doug and his 2CV.

How oh how can it be

That something is loved more than me I thought as his wife

I’m the love of his life

But no – it’s Doug’s 2CV

Doug’s new car

Wooden steering wheel

Doug and 2CV in the driveway

RaidNorthernGold 2023-NewZealand

El Nino had been flexing its muscles over the country giving a daily mixture of winter spring and a hint of summer coupled with some wind and much rain. Our journey began in rain and by the time we arrived at the Raid start in Te Aroha some 500 kms later it was still raining. Then by some miracle, the rain cleared with only a few showers for the next seven days of the Raid.For many years we have held a 2CV raid each year, with a rather long gap between 2013 and 2019 due to a long restoration project on Kermit our green Dyane. For 2023, we

Stormy weather at Stoney Bay

Tangiaro Kiwiw Retreat

hit the area called the Coromandel, a peninsular that had been devastated by Cyclone Gabriele earlier in the year and we thought a bit of tourism for the local businesses would be of some help.

As well as having some of New Zealand’s most picturesque white sand beach with red flowering Pohutukawa trees down to the foreshore, the area is also known for gold mining and Kauri forests,

though few Kauri trees remain. One major gold mine is still operating. A muster of 18 2CVs and derivatives from all around NZ travelled 500 kms to circumvent the peninsular commencing with a visit to Adrian Worsley who specialises in combining everyday metal objects into outstanding works of art and ending with a delightfully comedic musical show by Andrew

Fletcher Bay

Picnic at Fletcher Bay

One of the Fords on the way to Flertcher Bay

Kuatunu village

and Kirsten London at the small Kauaeranga Hall near Thames.

A visit to Hot Water Beach was a must for many raiders. Boat trips around Whitianga, train and zip wire at Driving Creek a few kms north of Coromandel township provided entertainment, along with a variety of cuisine featuring the specialities of the areas and restaurants.

A dry return home to Porirua with a small list

of fixes and improvements. With the engine exhibiting the odd miss at low revs under load, I have decided to bite the bullet and order a 123 ignition. At least that will eliminate one point of failure (apologies for the pun). I suspect Kermit is one of the few still running on points out here.

1,600 kms later home to plan next yearprobably south.

Fletcher Bay

Picnic at Fletcher Bay

Picnic at Fletcher Bay

Arriving at Fletcher Bay

Raiders on the Coromandel

Port Charles

Stop at Stony Bay

REVOLTING DRIVING

I bought this 40 year old Citroën Acadiane in the late summer of 2022 as my personal revolt against "hi tech- hi spec- high cost maintenance" driving.

Big thanks to Jono Holmes of Peak 2CV in Wirksworth who helped me sort the wheat from the chaff when it came to finding the right vehicle. This little beauty had in fact been advertised in the July 2022 issue no 522, belonging to a gentleman who had to sell with regrets, as he no longer drove.

It was love at first sight; although the gears took a little bit of getting used to. Fortunately, I found that 2nd and 3rd were always very accommodating and forgiving in the early days of trial and error.

Having spent a couple of months joyfully pootling about in it, in the Autumn I handed over the keys and my life savings to John Holmes (yep . . there are two of them, and not related) who was recommended to me by Jono as “the man for the paint job”.

Both guys have workshops in

Wirksworth, so that is where it spent the next 12 months, to be stripped down to its pants and brought back to being a thing of simple chic beauty and reliable running.

I got it back at the end of 2023, fully restored, properly rewired, and beautifully repainted a lovely Citroën Gris Rose with black trims. We retained all its original authentic bits, well worn pedals and steering wheel, the dashboard, the speedo in Kph, we didn’t bother to question the mileage! It kept a few bumps on the bodywork still evident. No need to erase its history.

The existing non-Citroën seats were replaced with a pair of original frames which we carefully resprung and reupholstered and treated ourselves to a set of cosy “Dryrobe” covers which are blissfully comfortable and easy to wash and dry.

Since then, I use it everyday, long and short haul trips and has it earned a dedicated and appreciative audience among the crews I work with in my day

anything so turning and braking need to be timely, the handbrake always needs a talking to on a hill start. I love all the cheerful chirrups and squeaks it makes as it drives, and the slightly oily smell when it is warmed up, the way it wobbles when you give it a little push on the rear end. The purring engine tone is quite distinctive you hear me before you see me. It is of course LHD so spatial awareness and good use of mirrors is vital. Windows have to be wiped down with a cloth (and wound down with a little handle) and there is no demister on the back panes! It’s like doing pre flight checks on a plane before take off.

job as a Funeral Celebrant. (It has even been dressed up in tinsel for the occasion for a winter wedding I officiated last year).

The Acadiane has reminded me what it means to "drive" as it requires concentration and empathy; you use the choke to start it up, you turn the indicators on and off yourself, same with the lights, it has no power assisted

I notice that other road users and pedestrians are very friendly, courteous and often interested in it. I can't count the times a curious driver has wound down their window at traffic lights or in rush hour traffic to have a little chat about it or offer me a compliment. I expect it will see me out of my driving days if I look after it . . . . and come the apocalypse. . . it will be just me in my Acadiane and Mad Max who rule the roads!

AFTER Gris Rose with black trims

BEFORE White with blue trim and a “Philippe” magnetic panel

Friendly service and quality workmanship MOTs, repairs, servicing and restorations

Pre-purchase inspections and advice

Over 30 years Citroen experience Competition cars, built and set up BMW R series engine conversions VGS 2cv engines up to 850cc UK dealer for

Lucy Cutler 59 Roundle Ave, Felpham, West Sussex PO22 8LJ 07787511877

49-60register@2cvgb.com

61-70

POSITION VACANT

Please contact registrarscoordinator @2cvgb.com for information

DRUM BRAKE: 70-81

Will Waldron 31 Chequer Street, Fenstanton, Cambs PE28 9JQ drumbrake@2cvgb.com

DISC BRAKE: 81-90

Simon Mackett 19 Railway Road, Wisbech, Cambs PE13 2QA discbrake@2cvgb.com

Mark Dunmore

The Moorings, Cross Keys Lane, Coningsby, Lincs, LN4 4RT 01526 342246 dyane@2cvgb.com

ami@2cvgb.com

Moss Foster 59 Haysman Close, Letchworth SG6 1UD 07914155917

Mike Good

37 Rupert Avenue, High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3NG 07375 852546 vans@2cvgb.com

Paul Brice

Lower Barn, Rockfield, Monmouth NP25 5QD 01600 715810 and 07887 845810 mehari@2cvgb.com

Andrew Teverson

19 Prestwood Road, Weoley Castle, Birmingham B29 5EB 07899 076018 modcon@2cvgb.com

Alan Lloyd

The Willows, Horsham Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 5LF hvan@2cvgb.com

Garry Whelan

Killiney House, 108 Sandy Lane, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 7GP 01159 536716 or 07814321556 bijou@2cvgb.com

DYANE 10/82 AMI

MEHARI

H-VAN

BIJOU

RIPPLE RAMBLINGS

Hi Gang! Straight into nostalgia mode this month with some great pictures that have been sent in by Joe and Zara Cent. Having seen the photo in the January Ramblings of John Sobey’s ’56 Slough built SAZ (WBP 938) at the NEC, Joe was inspired to send these old pictures of the car when he owned it back in the 1970s. Joe says that he paid £100 for the Slough. Also shown in the photos, which were taken in front of their house in Glasgow in 1977 incidentally, is another Slough SAZ (FJS 839) a 1959 model, which was painted Regal Red. Joe goes on to say that it was his first 2cv which he bought for £45 back in 1970, and that he and Zara went to Jugoslavia in it that year. Wow! How times have changed. Can you imagine buying a Slough nowadays in any condition for £45! Joe’s money was clearly a sound investment as I’m pleased to report that like John’s car, FJS 839 is still alive and well, fully restored, and currently in the caring hands of Walford Bruen. Many thanks Joe for sending the pictures in. I just love looking at these old photos. If any of you have any early pictures of ripples that you’ve owned or perhaps just seen and admired, please do send them to me with a few words giving the details or circumstances, so that we can all share them.

ripples only had the extended canvas hood to cover the back of the car, giving virtually no security to the owner’s belongings at all.

better than nothing I suppose!

Moving on to online sales. Eagle eyed Ragnar Ragnarson spotted this ripple for

Period accessories now, and Jef Jon Fox has kindly sent in this copy of a 1950’s leaflet advertising the ‘Clic’ locking device for preventing unauthorised access to the boot compartment of Type A and AZ cars. For the first nine years of 2cv production,

Accessory manufacturers cashed in big time as a result, offering a veritable plethora of lockable metal boot lids for the 2cv, usually giving increased boot capacity and crucially, security. Citroën finally got the message in October 1957 and started offering their own metal boot lid, but even then, only on the ‘top of the range’ AZLP. Studying the ‘Clic’ leaflet, the device would seem to be essentially two bolts mounted down by the rear valance panel, operated by twin cables running back to a small pull handle mounted on the inside of the car, by the rear seat. Of course, it wouldn’t have stopped anyone with a sharp knife, but

sale at £8,400 on the Car and Classic website recently. The 2cv looks like an AZLP model and is described as being a 1958 build, although the paint date code would suggest a date of 10th April 1959. Curiously though, some elements of the car would appear to be from a much earlier 2cv. The gearbox and front brake drums in particular, are of a pre May 1952 type. Unfortunately, I can’t quite zoom in enough to see the chassis plates properly, but what I can read would suggest a Type A rather than an AZLP. Perhaps the chassis and running gear have had a later bodyshell mated to them?

Something really good now to dispel those winter blues, with the news that there will be a 2cvGB National this Summer, to be held at Moreton in the Marsh from the 29th August to the 1st September. Hooray! As I write this, I don’t yet have full details

Right & below: Joe & Zara Cent’s Sloughs

..and FJS 839

Now restored, WBP 938…

although I’m sure there will be much more about the event elsewhere in this magazine. I think volunteers will be needed to help run this meeting, so please be prepared to do your bit in making the National a success.

Finally, an unashamed personal request. I’m looking for a

DISC-USSIONS

pair of 380mm/15” size wheels for Françoise my AZLP. They need to be the first version of the 380 size, without the hole for the hub cap fixing bolt, and as fitted to 2cvs from November 1959 until around the mid1960s. I don’t need tyres or tubes. If you can help me at all, please do get in touch.

That’s it for now folks. See you next month, and please keep the reports and news coming in!

Hello everyone, sorry it’s a bit of a lacklustre column this month, the writing muse was really not with me at all and if the February magazine hadn’t arrived yesterday, I don’t think I would have bothered. It has been very quiet on the email front too. I know some of you appreciate the addition of the little table giving a useful index to all the cars added to the register each month, I do too when looking through back-issues to see what I wrote the first time about any car that has reappeared. Well, every month I carefully construct one from the spreadsheet and submit it along with the words, but yet again I see it didn’t appear in the last edition, or January’s for that matter and there have been plenty of other omissions. Obviously, if space is tight something has to go, but I usually ramble on inconsequentially for most of this column, giving plenty of scope for our editor to wield his blue pen, as he feels fit – please comment here James, if you wish - I am starting to wonder why I bother?

NEWREGISTRATIONS

As is so often the way, I had barely cleared my desktop after sending last

month’s copy in for editing when the missing reg form from Alex and Sian Barons arrived for their 1983 white Spécial A351 GRE, which they acquired along with another 2cv after the death of their previous owner’s husband. This one has had just four keepers, the last for over thirty years and although on a sound galvanised chassis, it is in need of a lot of lower metal, including floors and sills. It is also the only one of Alex and Sian’s four 2cvs that wasn’t ever registered with us before. Well it is now, thanks for adding it Alex. The full story of how buying one led to a small fleet of them is in February’s Disc-ussions. Condition D they say. I suppose this is both an update and a new registration… Secondly, we have a very rare addition, a 2cv6 Club. I’ve not seen one of these

Ripple for sale

Left: The ‘Clic’ boot security lock Above; Wheels wanted please!

Alex and Sian Barons’ 1983 white Spécial

since Derek Webber’s black and yellow LHD example, which he had so much joy in registering in Spain two years ago. This one is an original survivor, glorious in its Colorado Beige livery.

A816 TUL dates from 1983 and was bought in December by Ahmed Abdeldayem after seeing the advert on 2CVTV, a site that often yields something interesting. The seller of this five previous owner car had rescued it from a lock-up during the sale of a deceased estate. It had been off the road for quite a while, the last tax disc (remember them?) expired in 1991 and was still in the window.

UPDATES

Ahmed says it ran and stopped when viewed and had a current MoT. It wasn’t rusty either, other than a few odd spots, soon to be rectified, but required and got a thorough recommissioning over the last month, including rejetting the carb and fitting electronic ignition, which he says has made a night and day difference to the way it drives now. It was showing 31,981 miles when bought, which could easily be genuine. It is still on its original chassis, although the plan is to put it onto a new galvanised SLC in the summer as the current one is rusting from the inside out, as they so often do. Even the original seat covers responded well to cleaning and have been refitted to the freshly re-rubbered and newly foamed

seat frames, another clue that this car has not seen a lot of use in daylight The materials Citroën used were hardly UV stable. I am also very pleased to see that it is in daily use. Yes folks, some of us still drive our 2cvs in the winter. I like this car very much indeed, as does Ahmed.

Lastly, we have a lovely looking 1986 red Spécial making its second appearance. D895 YLR was first added in 2016 when the late and greatly missed Ed Davidge added her, or rather his mechanic did on his behalf, although

didn’t supply any history. In 2022 Ian Mitchell bought the car for his wife, Tracey, as a birthday present and used it as the wedding car for his daughter in December. It would seem to be a very nice example of a well restored and looked after 2cv, with three former keepers and showing just over 26,000 miles at the last MoT, although that is likely to be 126,000 as it was showing around 64,000 on an old MoT certificate from 1999. Ian says it is in very good condition although not concours.

Not really been a lot going on but Kenny Mourton got in touch with pictures of the extremely neat way he added lots of extra gauges and better warning lights to his tuned 2cv so he can worry himself sick as he watches the cylinder head oil temperatures rocket, every time he comes off the gas after a long hard run. Only kidding Kenny, it is a very tidy job. I also like the way that of all the instruments, the only one without any noticeable illumination is the speedo, probably for the best…

Another regular correspondent, Alec Knight in Florida, has been keeping an eye on Celeste’s fuel consumption as she is getting plenty of use at present. It got me thinking and made me wonder, what sort of mileage do you get out of a gallon of go-go juice? I tend to push Delilah along quite hard when out on the open road, but even round town just pottering about on short runs, I can’t say she seems very economical or ever has been. After the necessary calculations to convert US gallons to Imperial, Alec says he’s been getting 58mpg and far better on longer journeys. Blimey, even he is quite surprised how frugal she is. I can safely say that in eighteen years of driving 2cvs, Mrs Goat or I have never bettered 50mpg, even on our open and

The Mitchell’s Spécial at their daughter’s wedding

Ian and Tracey Mitchell’s 1986 red Spécial

Colorado Beige 2CV Club belonging to Ahmed Abdeldayem

Ahmed’s Club

completely flat Fen roads. We don’t have hills here - even Gedney Hill really isn’t - and on her daily commute my better half, who drives slower than I do, averaged 44-45 mpg so often that I stopped recording the figures. Around town in traffic or on short runs like Alec has been doing recently always adversely affected those figures. On a hard journey with strong winds and hills I’ve found it easy to get it down into the mid to low 30s, although low 40s is my norm. Is it the way I drive, or do you find much the same?

And that’s it for this month, the winter blues and lack of any useful daylight or

FOURGONNE CONCLUSIONS

Hello all. Welcome to March and hopefully spring will almost have arrived by the time you read/ignore this. So what does this month’s article contain? Well, there’s a bit of a camper van thread and like the Easter egg that you may be looking forward to, there are some tasty bits, some gratuitously decorative bits and some slightly disappointing fillings. Let’s tuck in.

Above: SAPA pickup, Right and below: AK350 based ENAC pickup

NEWREGISTRATIONSANDUPDATES

There aren’t any. Sorry, I did warn there would be disappointments.

WINTERPICKUP

weather for tinkering and maintenance of the cars during January meant I didn’t do any. Now, just into the second week of February, it is hammering down again outside, and getting colder by the hour. Just emptying a bin or getting the newspaper is a mission. Lying in a freezing puddle greasing kingpins is not high on my agenda at the moment, however badly needed. I sincerely hope by the time you read this, spring is making a tentative appearance and I have managed to do something constructive to write about in April.

Never mind, that’s left space for a look at some van variants from the vaults. Citroën didn’t themselves build pick ups in France, but they were available to customers via Citroën approved companies. Apparently a pick up was proposed in 1954 in France and listed in commercial catalogues from 1956 but it was not until the 1960s that any were produced in quantity. SAPA and ENAC were two suppliers of the converted vans. The first well known picture shows the SAPA and claims to be from 1963 which would mean it’s based on an AZU250. However the rear body is clearly too long for a 250 so possibly this is a replica or later version built on

Kenny Mourton’s dashboard

an AK350 and something’s got lost in translation. The next two show the more complex AK350 based ENAC with its folding roof. If you chop the upper cargo bay off a van you obviously have to fabricate a portion to wrap around the back end of the driver’s body which extends into that area. Both of these are neat and do the job but look a bit DIY. The Slough built pick ups of the 1950s had a much more professional finish. You have to wonder why Citroen in France didn’t just copy them.

GUESSTHEGUEST

Being short of actual van news this month, it’s fortunate timing that yet another 2CV inspired van has been announced. This time an eccentrically inelegant electric oddity. The Caselani bodied AZU styled Berlingo (described in the December ’22 magazine) is now available converted to a campervan by Vanderer. There’s no denying the quality

of the fittings which include an L-shaped sofa/convertible bed, pull-out kitchen, foldaway dining table and pop up roof. It’s marketed as sleeping four which would be extremely cosy. Maybe they mean 2+2 children.

It’s called the Elektro for the obvious reason. Electric power while good for performance must be restricting for a camper van.

Workable on a campsite with hook ups but wild camping or sparsely populated areas could be problematic and you’d have to really like its 2CV-ness to pay the premium necessary to buy one. I think it’s a rather ugly bit of fakery while also being strangely alluring. As with an H van or a manky old dog, ugly can be very attractive. The fittings certainly look more comfortable than my plywood and camping mat based efforts. Also those sliding doors would be extremely useful for un/loading babies in narrow parking spaces, my current favourite moan.

apparently Italian for Hermit crab. I’ve come across pictures of this in the past but had no information. Fortunately Mathieu Horren has produced a nicely made video on YouTube. It looks like a really well made and equipped vehicle, but the concept must be considered to be basically flawed. There’s just far too much built in wind resistance for a 602cc engine to cope with, not to mention the danger of it falling over at the first corner and remember this was built in Italy, a country with so many winding hillside roads that they made their lorries with right hand drive so the drivers could more easily hug the inside kerbs. Still, it has a certain style, as you might expect from an Italian design.

LAVERDAPAGURO

If you think the Elektro is just a touch too phoney but you crave more comfort, then you might be happier with an Acadiane based Paguro, which is

Compare it to the boxy design of the British built Dyane Nomad which is less of a curvy caravan but much more sensible with its pop up/fold down flat roof. However, tall camper vans have been built before and somehow survived the journey to 2CV meetings. The first shown here was at a Waggel camp in the Netherlands and therefore benefited from the lack of hills. I took the picture of the double decker at the German World meeting but it actually once made it from its home in Switzerland to one of our local Bucks/Berks club nights. No pictures from there as I didn’t have a

Slough pickup

AZU styled Berlingo campervan by Vanderer

AZU styled Berlingo campervan

camera with me. (Remember the days when you didn’t have a camera on you at all times?). Claude the owner demonstrated how he fitted removable internal diagonal bracing for use when travelling to prevent it falling to pieces when cornering. Rigidity was also helped by the chimney which ran through the van from the wood burning stove in what Citroën intended to be the spare

wheel compartment. A classic 2CV solution but it is of course possible to get more space without increasing height as the picture of the van with matching trailer demonstrates.

Acadiane based Paguro camper

Dyane Nomad

2CV camper at a Waggel camp in the Netherlands

Double decker camper

PANTHÉONPETITION

In January’s magazine we were asked to sign a petition to induct André Citroën into the Panthéon, the mausoleum in Paris that honours France’s national heroes. This being on the grounds that he was an innovative engineer and also a marketing genius. Fair enough, but he had nothing to do with designing the innovative 2CV and some might say that he was also a despoiler of national monuments.

Lighting up the Eiffel Tower may well be an act of ‘marketing genius’ but it could also be seen as an act of cultural vandalism. I quite enjoy seeing Citroën on the tower but how would it be if Big Ben had British Leyland displayed down its length, if the Brandenburg Gate advertised the wonder of Wartburg or the Colosseum was covered with FIAT adverts? All part of the slide towards everything and everyone being plastered with logos, every major building and event having a company name shoehorned into it.

OK that wasn’t all his fault and it’s good to read that he treated his employees well, but it was an ethos sadly not followed by his successors. Read the book (available in the 2CVGB Archive) describing the oppressive treatment of those working on the 2CV assembly lines and you get a different view of what Citroën became after he was gone. Now where’s that pen?

camper in which she’s had many uplifting adventures. Built using her father’s mechanical knowhow and her own artistic creativity, it’s a thing to behold and full of useful ideas. Also has English subtitles. Enjoy!

HOMENEWS

An unintentionally critical column this month, so let’s end on a positive note. Some good news, the Berkshire Royals recently managed to have the usual monthly meeting despite the Victorian era iron bridge over the Thames being closed for repairs and the alternative route being flooded. We’re now keeping fingers crossed that the floods don’t cause any new sink holes to appear, something the Chilterns and surrounding areas are prone to, not surprising as Chilt is the Saxon word for chalk. A Wycombe local came out one morning and found her car at the bottom of a hole. The insurance company gave her the money and simply filled the hole in over it. Obviously if it had been a 2CV the owner would have seen it as a golden opportunity to leave it uncovered so that at some future date they could be buried sitting in it. An interesting archaeological find in store for future anthropologists. Sorry, this was supposed to be a positive finish rather than ideas for putting the fun into funeral so let me recommend an inspirational film from YouTube. Take a look at ‘Oldtimer Ente zum coolen Minicamper ausgebaut –Citroen 2 CV mal anders’. I realise that’s a lot to tap in, but it’s worth it. This film features a very cheerful young German lady showing her 2CV saloon based

MÉHARI MISSIVE

Welcome to March. If all goes well, the latest copy of 2cvGB News will have dropped through your door on the first day of March, which is the patron saint of Wales; St David’s Day.

So, ‘Iechyd Da I chi’. This means ‘Good health to you’, in Welsh.

I hope you are all well and preparing yourself and your cars for an exciting year in the Citroën world.

March is an interesting month. The days are getting longer. Hopefully, the worst of the cold and wet winter is behind us and we’re well on the way to Spring. Some of

Van with matching trailer

The lovely, arcaded market square at Mirepoix

A Méhari in Foix

you hardy folk use your Méharis all through the winter. I take my hat off to you (presumably whilst you’re putting yours and your thermal socks on).

Rufus tends to stay snuggled up under cover in the colder, saltier months, coming out only every now and then on a dry, sunny winter’s day. I really prefer driving him without his weather gear, in the warmer weather.

I bet you all know someone who wears short trousers in all kinds of weather. There’s an argument that they, as my Granny would say, don’t ‘get the benefit’ of pulling on their shorts when the weather is warm and benign, because they wear them all the time. . .

If I’m honest, I actually really like the fact that Rufus is a good weather car. He’s not really an alternative to a functional car, but I drive him as a treat. It’s something to look forward to. I’m not sure it’s good for us to have what we want all the time. . .

You may remember my comments last month about the cars and collections of spare parts in our elderly club members and former members’ sheds. I was talking to a friend about it. He told me that the Talbot Motor Club has made the decision to actively support the widows of deceased members in the sensitive task of deciding the future of the much loved cars and spare parts.

May I suggest that we all make the effort to get in touch with our older members. It’s easier not to confront this issue, of course, but I really do think this is an important task for a car club. . .

MÉHARINEWS

John Stenhouse. John and his wife Masayo live near the lovely bastide town of Mirepoix, in the Hers Valley, in the Ariège département in the deepest South

of France. Around 700 bastides, which are fortified, ‘new’ towns, were built during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Most are in southern France.

John sent me a photo and a message recently. He wrote:

“Hi, Paul. I’m not sure if you’ve seen this before, but this is a local Méhari, I think it belongs to the restaurant owners, at the Moroccan restaurant in Foix. That's Foix castle behind.

“Recently, we were visiting our préfecture in Foix, about 35km south west of Mirepoix. We were wandering through the town and came across this Méhari, parked outside the Moroccan restaurant in the town. The Castle of Foix was built in the ninth century on older fortifications. It's apparently only been taken once in a siege and that was by treachery.”

Thanks, John. What a lovely part of the world you live in. Proper Méhari country.

Dave Fearnley. Dave sent me a few photos. Dave wrote: “I’ve been out at a meeting of my local car club this morning. The club’s called ‘ABVA’ and it’s based in St Brieuc. ABVA is the ‘Association Bretonne Véhicules Anciens’. They have a busy schedule of events throughout the year in Brittany.

www.abva.net.

very nice,

“There was a real mix of old and not so old cars. Too many 2CVs to mention, a really nice Ami that I followed there, another Méhari and one of my personal favourites; a lovely 205 GTI 1.9…

“It was my first proper run out since electrical issues before Xmas. All appears to have been solved with a new battery!” Great to hear that you’re out and about, Dave, flying the ‘Méhari UK’ flag in France.

Denis Costello. Denis often posts photos on ‘Méhari UK’. He wrote: “A quick trip to the recycling, and that’s ‘Dry January’ done for another year.”

Mark Jeffrey replied to Denis’ post:

“That’s a great effort, Denis.”

And Joolz Smith added; “Don’t know what the fuss is about. There’s dry white wine, dry cider, dry gin, or anything you want to pair with dry ginger. I presume that’s what you mixed with the Talisker.”

Patrick Ridley-Martin. Patrick sent me last month’s photo of the Merrari badge on the steps up the ‘Dune de Pilat’ near Arcachon, in France. I thought I had another image of it. I found it, eventually. . .

Calvin Bradley. Calvin gets up to all kinds of adventures in his Méhari in Corfu. He recently wrote: “We’ve been out to collect firewood today. We estimated 300-400kg. The Méhari’s back end was decidedly low for the 30 minutes trip home. We unloaded, removed the protective cardboard and plywood sheets, then with a quick once over with a

Dave Fearnley’s Méhari, ‘ANM’

Denis Costello’s ‘Dry’ Méhari Calvin has wood

Merrari Badge

A

Breton, Beige Hoggar Méhari 4x4. Note the missing rear ailerons on the sides

dustpan and brush, it's back, clean and in 4 people mode. They are so versatile. . .”

Chris Mallard. Chris comes along to

the monthly WASPs meetings, at the ‘Copcut Elm’ pub on the Droitwich Road out of Worcester, every second Monday evening of the month. Do come along and join us. . .

Chris sent me some photos. He recently wrote: “Hi Paul, “Good to see you on form last night and I hope things continue to go well. As a non Méhari owner I do look forward to your section and Mike's as Van Registrar.

“I've attached the pictures of the Méhari I was telling you about. We saw it when we were on holiday in Jersey. It was nice to see one in use as an almost

daily driver. Best wishes, Chris. AZU250, some say rusty. Unkind.”

Thanks for getting in touch, Chris. Jersey looks really inviting.

When the ‘snow’ lay roundabout (actually a street)

How do you fit three Granddaughters in a Méhari?

Chris Hughes. Chris and Rocio have been in touch, from their home in Spain. Chris wrote: “News from the ‘Méhari UK’ Spanish outpost:.“Rocío and I enjoyed the Christmas procession in Sarria, near Lugo. The ‘snow’ was actually foam, provided by the local ‘bomberos’ (fire brigade). So far in February, we’ve been to the Lugo Classic Car Club’s monthly Sunday coffee morning, but I fancy a camping weekend in neighbouring Portugal soon!

“The granddaughters love sitting in the back of the Méhari!

“We’re all fine, busy still working, and enjoying the Citroëns as well. We’re planning on going to Germany at the end of July, probably in the ‘Edelweiss’, as it’s so special. With

A Méhari holds an impressive amount of firewood

Christmas from a Méhari, Lugo style

Jersey Méhari J31497, outside The Tenby pub, overlooking St Aubin harbour

Méhari J31497

our son Mark being back in Spain we have less reason to visit Britain, but I do have three sisters there and loads of nephews and nieces, so we will get round to it! Hope you’re OK.

“The other day we spoke to David, who runs a local garage for storing and doing up old cars. He’s at present restoring three Méharis!”

It’s always lovely to hear from you, Chris. Thanks for keeping us updated with your Spanish Méhari goings on.

FAMOUSPEOPLEIN,ON ANDAROUNDMÉHARIS

most elegant First Lady in the world byHola!magazine. . .

This is the latest in the flurry of photos of people of note with Méharis.

This month, it’s Maria Juliana Awada. Born in April 1974, she’s an Argentine businesswoman who, being married to Argentine Prime Minister, Mauricio Macri, served alongside him as First Lady of Argentinafrom 2015 to 2019.She is the first woman in this role to have received the distinction of the‘Knight Grand Crossof theOrder of Isabella the Catholic’in 70 years and only the second in history, afterEva Perónin 1947. In 2016, Ms Awada was chosen as the

As ever, you are more than welcome.

ANDFINALLY

I found a photo in a recent internet ‘trawl’. To me, it sums up what it is to drive a Méhari. They just give joy. On the right day, it’s just wonderful to smell, hear and feel, as well as see, the road well travelled. . .

They really should prescribe them on the NHS.

Cheers, A bientôt. . .

HY THERE!

Month three for me already! I was all ready to start by saying that I have still not had any contacts from members, but then, as if by magic, three contacts!

The first was from Liz and Doug Cunningham in Colchester. Doug is retiring from his business of servicing and repairing 2cvs and whilst tidying up, they found a few H van pictures and cards which they kindly sent to me - a picture attached of the collection. Many thanks to you both, much appreciated, and very best wishes for retirement - I am enjoying mine! I hope to meet up with you somewhere, sometime.

Next, my old friend Jeff Winterman (another enjoying retirement!)

Juliana Awada, sitting on a Méhari

The Citroën Méhari; like a normal car, but better. Drive one, screen up or down and your smiling muscles will ache

Above: Doug and Liz Cunningham’s H vans, Left: Some of Doug and Liz’s H van memorabilia

contacted me from his house in France. When running my business I bought a huge amount of H van parts from Jeff's company HY Spares, and a few H vans. Back then (before the dreaded Brexit), it was easy for Jeff to move back and forth between the UK and France, so we had fairly regular visits from him, but now, of course, moving parts between the two countries is fraught with paperwork and cost. Jeff offered to send me some pictures of his H vans, a selection that he made whilst buying and selling a number of H vans over many years.

The first of his pictures shows his two short wheel base vans - an ambulance

and a fire van. The ambulance is a rarity and still has its fittings and fixtures inside, whilst the fire van was found by Jeff in 2012; “It's a 1969 with 19,000 original kms. The ambulance is 1967, fully kitted out including gas bottles etc; it’s a pretty rare yellow/cream Red Cross van, yes I still have both of them. All the best.”

The pictures also show Jeff's recovery of the fire van in 2012 in very snowy conditions, pulled by a rather large tow vehicle! Well, nothing was going to stop him, particularly not a bit of snow! The fire van is unusual in that it does not have a side sliding door; the two doors on the back are, though, very common on fire vans and a lot of the ambulances. I thought that my ambulance was low mileage at under 20,000 miles, but Jeff trumps me with just 19,000 kms. Has

anyone got an H van with fewer miles? Jeff may sell the fire van as he is fancying a trip to Australia and some extra funds would be useful.....contact me if you are interested and I will put you in touch. It won’t be cheap because Jeff has put a lot into it, but it will be good.

Jeff also has a long wheel base van which was converted in period into a school bus. He offered this to me a few years ago, but at the time we were too busy to take on another big restoration, but since then, Jeff has started to have all the welding sorted and it now carries quite a few new panels and quite a few new chassis parts. A lovely old thing that needs to be kept as a bus......but what can you do with a bus? Sadly you can't help thinking that someone will pull out the seats and convert it for something, probably for

Jeff Winterman’s ambulance and fire service van

Recovering the fire service van

food but possibly a camper. I hope not.

My third and final contact (so far) was from Andy Briggs. I haven't seen Andy for 10+ years, and at that time I was buying an old partially dismantled ripple 2cv from him. At the time he also had a couple of H derivatives (a van and a pick up) but these were his 'keepers' so were not to be prised away from him! Having now lost the use of his storage barn, they may both be for sale. The van is a camper and is a 1955 HZ with a camper conversion that was built in 1958, so a proper old thing! Sadly, the old storage barn was a bit leaky and they have both stood for a long time, but if you are interested in talking to Andy to try to persuade him to sell, let me know and, again, I will put you in touch. As far as I remember the camper was lovely and had a very strange front bumper - Andy understands that it is from a Panhard.

The final picture for this month is one of Andy's two H's sitting outside, sadly. Hopefully Andy will soon find new storage. The pick up had a restoration of sorts before Andy purchased it, but it wasn't to perfection! The rear bed is not steel any more but wood, and although the welding was sound, apparently some of it is not pretty. The brakes on this one are fairly seized on, so I suspect that both will require full brake overhauls, probably new fuel tanks, and, I imagine, new tyres, because they must all be more than ten years old. I will try to find time to visit Andy so that I can get a much better idea of the condition of each of these vans.

In the meantime, can some more of you please get in contact - these columns are so much more interesting with lots of contributions. Thank you in advance.

Recovering the fire service van

There have been rumours circulating that folks are worried that the era of print media, namely our magazine, has come to an end amid the flurry of activity on digital platforms. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I would like to reassure you that, whilst we are trying to expand our online presence, or at least tailor it to the right audience, we are not hanging up our hat on more traditional forms of communication. As Dave has been upgrading our website, he has discovered that some folks just want the forum, whilst others are engaged solely in social media. In our recent committee meeting, a member joined us who doesn’t go online at all and enjoys the news in hardcopy. (Two) Horses for courses, as they say, and we are doing our best to be all things to all members. The magazine is here to stay.

What’s Cooking?

SOMETHINGTOWHETTHEAPPETITE

Now spring is here, we can start to look forward to upcoming events in March and April. Carl and the team will be manning the stand at the Practical Classics Restoration Show at the NEC in Birmingham, 22-24 March and remember Drive It Day is firmly in the calendar for 21 April, with a least two local groups advertising outings in the events listings on pages 6. Please do get yourselves along to these events so that we can support our local groups and also those willing to volunteer to make them a success.

Following that is Registers Day, 24-27 May, where organisation is coming along nicely, so please read the ad to understand any information updates.

Thereafter, a summer packed with a full programme of events ensues, throughout the UK and beyond. I note that many

members are planning on attending both the French and German Nationals this year as well as events within the wider Citroën community.

We will end the high season with our very own National, which is now officially in the diary, the committee having signed off the event at our meeting at the beginning of February. This will be held at the Fire Service College in Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds from 29 August to 1 September, rounding off the summer nicely. Excitingly, this is an opportunity to run an event with both camping and bricks-and-mortar accommodation, for those of you who no longer aspire to sleeping under canvas. Apart from the site giving us a safe environment with plenty of good infrastructure (read: loads of loos and a ton of showers), the surrounding area is one of beautiful countryside waiting to be explored, complete with its chocolate box villages.

Once we have the final details, we will update you in print and online.

MOREFOODFORTHOUGHT

Maybe it’s just me, or maybe articles keep catching my eye because the theme of car insurance is currently in my frame of reference, but I am sure there has been above-average reporting on young people and the unaffordability of car insurance of late. This would not be entirely surprising, however, since it was reported in the national press that some premiums have reached around £3,000 for young drivers, according to recent data analysis. Confused.com, the website which allows you to compare prices, has reported that on average 17–20-year-olds have seen premiums rise by over £1,000 since January 2023. Media reporting has not only covered price rises, but also the rise in ‘fronting’, where someone lies to the

insurer about who the main driver is in order to secure lower premiums and which is, of course, fraud. We know that the younger generation in the 2CV community is more affected by insurance difficulties than your average Gen-Z driver, since the classic car status adds its own layer of complexity. To try to find a solution to this phenomenon, I am pleased to say that Calvin has been working really hard with one of our insurance partners to find a way of helping our younger members. As soon as contracts are in place, we will make an announcement and give you details on what that partnership will look like and how everyone can benefit from it, not just our younger members

I appreciate I have been writing with focus on the young is this article, but I would like to thank Paul Brice for bringing up the subject of ‘death cleaning’ (as Swedish a way of life as meatballs and ABBA) in his missive last month, for folks in the autumn of their lives. It is a thread I would like to pick up again in a future magazine, so watch this space.

HOTONTHEHEELSOFTHEFOOD SUPPLYCHAIN

As I write this, I am currently sat with 2CV friends in their front room in Hulshout in Belgium, since we are about to live-it-up at the party of a lifetime (or at least a springtime) by joining the Heistse

Bokkerijders at their annual celebration. Our journey to Belgium was smooth and uninterrupted, apart from my constant requests to Richard to keep stopping the car to take photos, all of which were foodie related, of course! As we drove

out of Wiltshire, we tailed a lorry sporting almost the same motto that I use. Then on the motorway bypass near Veurne, just over the French border, I couldn’t believe there was actually a factory emblazoned with my column title, so that merited a whole detour to record it in digital form. As the hunt for the What’s Cooking? factory ensued, we stumbled upon a whole district of foodie related history, manifest through a baking museum in amongst the industrial units, which we have put on our ‘to visit’ list for a later date. Even the roundabouts had giant food mixers on them! Just so you are sure, IAATF means ‘it’s always about the food’. I just wanted to clear that up, since one member wrote to me asking if it meant ‘I am about to fart’ because of eating all the rich food promoted in the accompanying pictures. I assured the member in question that in this post-modern world, I really didn’t mind how he interpreted it, but I thought I should just clarify it to the rest of you.

IAATF!