2CV anniversary. The delivery van turns 75. Part one: the first ten years

Just under three years after the launch of the Citroën With the 2CV, the French manufacturer introduced 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 development of the legendary van in three parts. Today, Part 1: the first ten years.

March 1951: the arrival of the AU

The AU was introduced in the early 1950s as a delivery variant of the 2CV A. This version is naturally distinguished by a different bodywork behind the front doors, which later became so characteristic of all delivery 2CVs and its successor, the Acadiane. The cargo area, with two outward-opening doors at the rear, has a capacity of 1880 liters. The payload is 250 kilograms. Technically, there is also a difference compared to the 2CV 'A'. Although the delivery 2CV debuts with the 375 cc engine ('9 hp'), the gear ratio differs from the 'berline' with a 7×31 crown pinion. Furthermore, the AU has a modified speedometer mounting and an extra plate between the chassis and the rear axle mounting. The fuel tank is located on the right side of the body and the spare wheel on the left. The car sits on 135×400 tires and reaches a top speed of approximately 60 km/h. During the same period, minor changes are made to the suspension; the rubber on the underside of the shock absorbers is removed. Fuel consumption at an average speed of 50 kilometers per hour is approximately 1 liter per 15 kilometers.

Technical improvements

The following year, various technical improvements followed. Citroën The body panels next to the rear doors are reinforced, and the French also modify various mechanical parts. Upgrades are made to the brakes, the accelerator pedal, and the transmission. Furthermore, the 2CV AU receives a new speedometer. Towards the end of the year, the alternator is mounted with two instead of three screws.

Arrival of AZU

In 1953, changes mainly took place to the bodywork and the engine. The oval around the Citroën-the chevrons on the hood disappear and the hood's welds are repositioned. From now on, the hood is opened with a rotary knob. The still modest engine receives a four-bladed fan, a new air filter, and a reinforced crankshaft. The following year, it improves. Citroën the dynamo, and a special PO version is appearing that is suitable for rough terrain and use in overseas territories. Furthermore, launches Citroën in September of that year AZU. This delivery version features a 425 cc engine with 12 hp, a six-bladed fan, and a top speed of approximately 70 km/h.

Changes continue, AZU becomes the most popular variant

The commercial vehicle now features two taillights, an integrated brake light, and turn signals on the C-pillar. The AZU quickly becomes the primary commercial variant, while the AU increasingly fades from view. Production moves to the Panhard factory in Paris. During this period, technical improvements are primarily implemented, such as new wiring and modified electrical components. The suspension is also modified through the use of rubber “donuts” as suspension elements. Additionally, the engine’s compression ratio is increased, leading to improved performance.

1956 in 1957:

In 1956 and 1957, mainly minor improvements were made. For instance, the car received a second horn, improved water drainage at the windshield, and modified door seals. Various types of speedometers appeared, and the starter motor was changed. The body design also changed slightly: the rear roof was henceforth made from a single piece, and various parts, such as wheels and bumpers, were given a grey color. In addition, braking systems and taillights were further modified. A special Belgian version was the AZUL, a luxury model with large rear side windows, a dual-color paint scheme, aluminum accents, and a rear seat. The AZUL was also called 'Weekend'.

Further refinements and improvements. Farewell to the 375 cc engine.

From 1958 onwards, further technical refinements followed. Suspension components were made lighter and the front brake drums were simplified. All engines received reinforced cooling fins on the cylinders. The interior also changed slightly, for example due to a different mounting of the sun visor. During the subsequent years, Citroën an improved heating system with defogging introduced. In addition, buyers can a removable radio, the Radios, order as an option. For a short period, the cars are equipped with constant velocity joints. In addition, new tires and wheels are introduced, and various parts of the dashboard, door locks, and electrical system are modified. The 375 cc engine is eventually removed from the range.

More power, early sixties adjustments

In 1961, the car underwent several more visible and technical changes. The bodywork was reinforced around the license plate, and optional side windows were added. The engine was improved with a modified oil cooler and a higher compression ratio, increasing power to approximately 13,5 hp and the top speed to around 85 km/h. The bonnet also received a new design featuring five ribs and a removable grille section. The dashboard changed as well: the speedometer now went up to 100 km/h, and the ammeter was replaced by a warning light. By 1961, the 'delivery van 2 CV' was the best-selling delivery van in France. That would soon change, however, as the Renault 4 Fourgonnette was on its way. It later proved to be even more popular than the legendary delivery 2CV, which still had a 17-year run ahead of it in 1961.

Part 2 coming soon: the period 1961-1969