A permit is always required for hunting, an exception is made for this duck hunt because it concerns the Citroëns 2CVs (the ugly ducklings) that fall under pleasure yachts. This story is about the touch of obsession for “La petite voitures”.
Citroëns vision
Citroëns vision on design and design has always been special. They were masters in building cars that were more than just cars, the 2CV is a good example of that. It is a unique concept in terms of technology and appearance. In its heyday it was a car for everyone and now a winner in the classic car world.
A pastime that remains interesting for years to come
Geert has been active in restoring these fantastic head turners for more than 15 years. He is a perfectionist with golden hands who... Citroëns completely overhauled, with an eye for detail. Restoration is beautiful, but beautiful restoration is… difficult. All parts and work are accurately recorded on the mobile phone, dozens of photos provide proof of quality. They look like they just rolled off the production line.
Fruitful contacts
Geert: “Building good relationships with Citroën enthusiasts gives fruitful advice as a result and exchange of parts. There are always people who are happy to help you. The searches for 2CVs that are suitable for restoration and the contacts with fascinating enthusiasts give a lot of satisfaction. For me it is a prerequisite to use good parts, especially to return the cars to perfect new condition, and it also increases value. For me, restoration based on passion is an important aspect.”
Citroën workshop
When you come by, you first want to walk around the 2CVs, look inside, gently touch them and continue with the thought: “Wouldn't it be great to own an ugly 2CV again?”. Grown up, but the excitement of the moment makes you feel like a boy again on the way to the date with your first girlfriend. After all, driving a XNUMXCV is pure nostalgia and romance, isn't going for a tour in nice weather an optimal experience? Moreover, the sound of the bubbling air-cooled engine is soothing. His workshop is called the “studio” by his friends because it reflects the quality of his restoration work.
The Red Thread
The man putter with his front-wheel drive and sublime suspension, the thrift maniac and the sun worshiper (the sunroof wide open) is the common thread in Geert's (car) hobby life. The moment another restoration is completed gives a golden edge to that day. The road to a new project started immediately, the many parts in the attic, several 2CV bodies and chassis, many sheet metal parts, doors, fenders, complete engines provide a constant flow of new restoration pleasure. The next project is a 2CV order from Spain and a stranded project of a standard 2CV. The XNUMXCV will clearly remain an appearance on the road for many years to come, thanks to the passionate enthusiasts who want to keep history alive. Better news is actually not possible.
Nice article, can someone tell me where Geert's Atelier is located?
For which I thank you.
Greetings Sjoerd.
When I was 6, my father bought a 2 4CV1971, then 5 years old.
And unfortunately, I suffered a Duck trauma. I was the youngest and smallest. And so had to sit in the middle. And there is a rod from the frame of the sofa. As if you had to sit on the handlebars of a men's bicycle.
Then, in 1977, my father bought a Princess 1800HL.
So I've become crazy about British cars.
(But I'm years Citroën-seller in the early 90s, and am quite fond of the Citroëns from this time. BX, XM, AX, Xantia, delicious! )
Not just a nice car with the roof open in the sun. Also a real bad weather car. Stable on the road you feel the wind. Close the roof for the cozy feeling of a tent that you are proud of. Just get a little wet due to a leak, just sit at an angle. The windshield wipers, a triumph of technology, wave back and forth. And when it gets colder: keep your coat on and enjoy the lukewarm air from the heater in the front.
Great, another beautiful story about the duck. I personally own a DYANE from 1967. It could well be the oldest DYANE in the Netherlands.
She drives like a duck. I start with the pull button, the windows slide open. For the rest, the duck experience. I see her as the duck with capsons. It's great that so many people enjoy driving an A-type.
As a young person we first had 2 ducks in our family, then an Ami6 and GS1015 and then a Dyane 6, and later an Ami8. I never experienced the transition from the GS to the Dyane as a regression (my dad did, I think 😉). If a nice Dyane comes my way, I will seriously consider it (oh, I already have so many cars. But it's so much fun, a Dyane).
But I do. I have probably worn about 30 in my life that were already worn out, 4s and 6s. I have been driving for 25 years now (except for the years of restoration) in a beautiful 6 Club that will be owned by my granddaughter in a few years. She absolutely loves it. Together we took a nice drive to the south of Spain 2 years ago, taking inland routes on the French and Spanish B and C roads. It was pure enjoyment. I hope to be able to do that for a long time, enjoy my Duckling..
I can now answer “no” as to whether I would like to drive it again – let alone buy it. That thing just makes too much noise for me; I can't take it anymore.
Because I do ride motorcycles with solid car plastics (custom earplugs), I have a tool at home to make adjustments. But apart from the money, I do have a more practical work car in the form of a Berlingo, even though I no longer put a piano in it. Because back in the day I used to drag almost everything with those 18 and 24 pecans.
Well, I don't have to drive it anymore.