For Chris and his girlfriend, this is a luxury van with many possibilities. The purchase was initially a learning project, the intention was to start a small rust o-ration, so to repair the pimples, the crispy parts, the holes and spots in the thin sheet metal yourself. Because with this Citroën Acadiane from 1986 all still seemed manageable (with even two years MOT) it was a matter of paying attention, learning by doing and also master the skills of the welding.
By: Dirk de Jong
The sheet metal used is very thin, it requires good craftsmanship to be able to weld it neatly. It then gave the opportunity, together with this work of art, to make a long journey through Europe via Germany and the Czech Republic to Poland.
Tracked down
Chris found this one Citroën Acadiane van on MP in Zeeuws Vlaanderen. Because he often had classic cars in the yard, the agreement with his girlfriend was that no more cars could be bought than could be in the driveway. (And there were three.) The new relationship with the French voiture could provide economical transportation, easy to drive and maintain, all simple and solid. No electronics you depend on and not even an overcrowded engine room while the Citroën Acadiane can still keep up with modern traffic.
Gray steel mass?
Chris: “Entire tribes remember the ugly duck, of which I have ridden several myself. Also this one Citroën Acadiane brightens up the gray mass of steel with its presence. Admittedly, it does not look radiant and sleek, but I now belong to a large group of friends and classic enthusiasts, which gives me the necessary energy. For me, the Acadiane now has a double function: a learning project when it comes to welding and holiday fun as a reward.”
Gallery de Toit
The roof rack in French – Galerie de Toit – which is mounted on the Citroën Acadiane was a different story. It was found in Reims, France, and was to be used to install a solar panel. This was necessary for the energy requirements of the refrigerator, the main purpose of which was not to store food, but to keep the beer cool.
Adventures
Life is full of surprises, and Chris and his girlfriend leave room for even more adventures. Protecting and preserving our classics is of great importance. He contributes to the popularity of the classic Citroëns and let everyone enjoy the charm of a luxury-van-with-many-possibilities.
Also read:
- History of the Citroën 2CV. Part One. TPV, French and Belgians
- History of the 2CV. Part two: 1960-1974. Differentiation, growth and innovation
- History of the 2CV. Part 3. 1974-1990 (slot)
- Citroën 2CV AZ. Driving a late old Duck
- Citroën 2CV Sahara. A Duck with 4WD
With great pleasure driven in a 2CV AK, but with a little more fun with an Acadiane and that was because the seat could be pushed further back, so much more comfort!
Nice project of a nice car. Please just remove that adhesive film from the rear window. Is a tip, of course, the owner decides what he does.
En
“The main purpose was not to preserve food, but to keep the beer cool.”
But that's the same right??
Nice piece, thank you.
That foil is indeed ugly. Would have preferred not to do that, but I can assure you that in the summer at 30c it saves a lot of heat inside. Cooked or uncooked…