For the price of a more or less fully equipped C3, 208, Corsa or Polo you want to buy a small roadster, equipped with robust Citroënmechanics to have fun on the back roads. Then you end up at the Burton! This car is based on the world famous 'Deux Chevaux' by Citroën. It was produced from July 11, 1949 to July 27, 1990. It went through life as the well-known 'ugly duck'.
In its more than seventy years of existence, the Citroën 2 CV transformed itself into everything imaginable. At least on four wheels. From the official evolutions, such as the Dyane, Ami 6, Mehari, Ami 8 and Acadiane vans, to the special models such as the Burton, which were developed with the two-cylinder engine and the familiar platform chassis. In all these cases, cars were born with a certain charm. With a sense of style and simplicity, versatility and technical qualities.
Obvious choice
If you integrate all of these features into a creative and distinctive automobile design, the obvious choice is the small roadster/convertible called Burton Sportscar. This car is made in Zutphen by a team of enthusiasts. They use an elderly person 'Deux Chevaux Vapor' or a battered Dyane body to give them a new lease of life. It shows great ambition to transform cars into a hip, contemporary roadster. If you consider that it is an evolution of a car that was then desired to facilitate the work on the land for French farmers. The chassis including its chassis number, which is indispensable for re-registration, must come from the 'donor' car, while everything else can be adapted to the taste of the new owner to create a unique model.
An innovative company from Zutphen
The engine is the air-cooled horizontal twin of the 2CV6 and Dyane 6, and with its 30 hp it delivers sufficient performance thanks to the extremely low weight of the cool vehicle. Burton's best-known product is the Burton Sportscar, the classic two-seat 'homebuild' roadster on the chassis of the Citroën 2CV. More than 2001 units have been sold since its introduction in 1400. But in addition to the production of the Burton Sportscar, the company from Zutphen, which continues to push boundaries, has been active since 2008 as a producer of innovative quality parts for the Citroën 2CV. More than 4000 articles have now been added to the Burton 2CV Parts-Product Range. With forty (!) dedicated employees, the company is internationally active in more than 100 countries.
An authority within the enthusiast market
With this company size and corresponding turnover, it was time for the brothers Dimitri and Iwan Göbelom, who founded the Burton Car Company in 1993, to refocus on the future of their company. That study led to their company now being taken over by '2CV Mehari Club Cassis', bringing the Dutch car brand into French hands. Both brothers remain involved with the Zutphen brand, as shareholders but also in future creative and technical projects.
But what does '2CV Mehari Club Cassis' stand for? Well, quite simply, the French company has become a true authority in the enthusiast market and has kept the tradition of the classic Citroëns alive. They know the culture of special Citroëns like no other. A passionate team continuously works on a high level of quality parts and the ultimate customer experience that goes with it. The history of 2CV Mehari Club Cassis started in 1982 with the restoration and personalization of the Citroën Mehari.
Sold in 1998 Citroën are original molds and tool parts to '2CV Mehari Club Cassis' in order to be able to continue producing and supplying the Mehari parts. The same thing happened again in early 2000, but for the famous 2CV. The Mehari company did not stick to the old, trusted technology, but also did innovation. In 2017, before it became a hype, they introduced the fully electrically powered Mehari 'EDEN'. The car is a unique example of sustainable mobility, but in the spirit of the original Citroën. Since 2021, '2CV Mehari Club Cassis' is also the first French company to be able to homologate an electric conversion kit for 2CVs under the name 'R-FIT'.
Strong together!
Joining forces by '2CV Mehari Club Cassis' and 'Burton Car Company', sharing the same passion for the automotive heritage of Citroën, a strong organization is created with a unique range for the iconic 2CV and Mehari. Both organizations will remain independent within the newly formed alliance. The collaboration offers benefits in terms of economies of scale, innovative strength and technical expertise, which will lead to a better customer experience, for both private and business customers. New joint projects are also being launched, especially for electric mobility for classic cars. The acquisition marks a historic point in the history of classic cars, creating a unique alliance of more than 100 employees. This makes it one of the largest classic companies in the world!
Long live the revival of the old duck. Have some "worn out". Received applause all the way in Norway.
Anyway. My Partner/Berlingo is now my mode of transport. Indeed, it remains relatively and preserved….
Burton has always been very innovative. Hopefully it stays that way. Their prices are always competitive. For example, the brothers have developed a very customer-friendly approach.
The club in Cassis is in some cases very expensive and their communication difficult. Will that improve?
Fortunately, there is still competition, such as the presence of Der Franzose in Germany.
Much needed to maintain quality, price and service for all 2CVs and the entire A-series around them.
I have been a customer of all three companies mentioned for years. Curious what the future will bring.
Saw a yellow 2CV Mehari last weekend, Oct. 30 in Gorinchem, unfortunately couldn't take a picture!
The engine of the 2CV also used in the Moto Française. The motorcycle has been in production.
Another wonderful article.
You can only applaud these kinds of initiatives in today's dull and designless car world.
It adorns citroen also that they sell their old molds to enthusiasts, in contrast to Ford, for example, where the molds and remaining sheet metal are destroyed exactly 10 years after production stop.