Compared with the previous twenty years, the 1980s was a decade of relatively little mechanical development. Citroën appears to have lost interest in the A-series range and was unwilling to invest in it. Perhaps the company realised ever more stringent safety and anti-pollution legislation, as well as the increasing costs of what was an essentially hand-made car, would eventually spell the end of the road for the entire A-series range.

To maintain popularity (i.e. sales) of the range, Citroën focussed on cosmetic changes instead, which were cheaper and required no engineering investment.

1981

The front inboard drum brakes are replaced by inboard disc brakes - the most significant change for the remainder of the model’s production. This brought the 2CV in line with the Dyane.

In June, the 2CV6 Spécial model E is introduced. This had the centrifugal (traffic) clutch that had been available as a factory option throughout most of the 2CV’s production.

The 007 special edition is introduced.

1982

February - the diaphragm type clutch replaces the coil type and a lighter flywheel is fitted.

1983

New badging is introduced on the boot: black plastic with silvered lettering. April - the 2 CV France 3 limited edition is introduced, called the Beachcomber for the British market, and the Transat for the Dutch and German markets.

1984

Production of the 2CV Spécial E ceases. Laminated windscreen glass replaces the ‘safety glass’ type. An enlarged boot opening becomes a factory option, effectively making it a hatchback.

1984

No significant model changes.

1985

March - the 2CV6 Dolly is introduced.

1985

No significant model changes.

1986

The range now consists of three basic models: 2CV6 Spécial (including the Dolly); the 2CV6 Club; and the 2CV6 Charleston. October - the 2CV Cocorico limited edition is launched in France.

1988

The 2CV6 Spécial Bamboo model is introduced for the UK market only. At the same time the Sauss Ente was launched in Germany.

On the 29th February, the Levallois factory closes. 2CV production is transferred to the Mangualde factory in Portugal.

1989

No significant model changes.

1990

On the 27th July, 2CV production ceases. The last 2CV to roll off the production line was a two-tone grey 2CV6 Charleston.

1998

February - At the RetroMobile show, held in Paris, Citroën publicly displays three TPVs from 1938 (are they prototypes, given our previous discussions?). Citroën also produces another brochure for the 2CV! Both these events were to celebrate the 2CV’s fiftieth anniversary. Citroën’s brochure stated that nearly 7 million Citroën A-series vehicles were produced over a 42 year period.

The 2CV gave birth to the following:

Citroën 2CV

Conceived: 1935 Born: 7th October 1948, 35th Salon De L’Automobile, the Grand Palais, Paris. Last Produced: 27th July 1990, Mangualde, Portugal.

and still going strong…