2CV Anniversary. The delivery van turns 75. Part 3: the seventies (conclusion)

Just under three years after the launch of the Citroën With the 2CV, the French manufacturer launched a variant for the entrepreneur. In March 1951, the 2CV AU hatched, and a production period of 27 years followed. Auto Motor Klassiek describes the history and evolution of the legendary van in three parts. Today we describe the conclusion: the seventies.

During the early seventies, the order version of the Citroën The 2CV has long since made a name for itself, and has become a more than familiar sight on the streets. The Citroën has long since stepped aside for the R4 Fourgonnette, but continues to hold a large fan base. That is reason for the French manufacturer to press ahead with modifications to the highly sought-after delivery van from the Double Chevron stable.

12 Volt system, optical modifications

In February, the delivery van will receive the 12V electrical system. Furthermore, it installs Citroën hanging pedals are installed and the heating is adjusted. The front end receives—in line with the sedans—round turn signals. The windows are fitted with stainless steel surrounds. The steering wheel is now made of black plastic with two spokes; the dashboard is made larger. In April, the interior becomes equipped with a two-point seatbelt as standard. Further changes to the braking system follow. In July, the AK is succeeded by the AKS, featuring wider ribs, a 12 cm raised roof, and a modified interior with a larger dashboard and plastic steering wheel. Interior lighting is added and the side turn signals are discontinued. Further technical adjustments follow during the remainder of the year, the bumper profile is modified, and in November an external oil filter is added, and rear shock absorbers are fitted. In December, the interior receives a black plastic rearview mirror.

Fast forward to the mid-seventies

The following year, the brake and clutch controls receive a larger diameter, and the operation is significantly improved. Additionally, the AZU gets a plastic steering wheel, and the rear suspension is fitted with shock absorbers. In 1972, the AZU receives wider rims, loses the side turn signals, and is equipped with hanging pedals. At the same time, the name changes to “250”, with two variants: Series A (425 cc, 6V, aimed at commercial use) and Series B (435 cc, 12V). During the course of the year, new carburetors, reinforced hinges, and modified tension springs follow. Around this time, Series A is discontinued. In October, the fan mounting is also reinforced.

1973

In 1973, the master brake cylinder was enlarged and some lighting elements were removed. The interior underwent a subtle restyling: the dashboard received an integrated ashtray, the plastic changed from blue-grey to brown, and the speedometer became larger. At the same time, the voltage regulator was moved to the battery. Furthermore, the AKS variant received a start button instead of a pull starter. In 1974, side windows disappeared at the beginning of that year, while in March the starter ring gear was hardened for extra durability. In September, the model received a more modern appearance with square headlights, a plastic grille with a chrome surround, and larger, black-finished bumpers. The interior was also modified: the start button was replaced by an ignition key and the choke was relocated.

In recent years

In 1975 and 1976, the emphasis was on further technical refinement. The air filter received a plastic cover, the engine became quieter, and the suspension was updated with telescopic shock absorbers. Additionally, the steering system was modified and a steering lock became standard. In 1976, even more improvements followed, such as new crankshaft seals, a braking system with separate circuits, and a warning system. The interior once again received a uniform black finish. In 1977, the side windows returned, three-point seat belts became standard, and the wheel arches were reinforced. A year later, in 1978, the career of the 2CV van came to an end. The 250 and AKS made way for their successor: the Acadiane.