1989 Citroen 2CV 0.6L Petrol · G691 ATL

A pair of clean MOT passes at the 2023 and 2022 tests, with no advisories or defects recorded on either occasion, points to a vehicle that has consistently met basic roadworthiness standards over recent years. The absence of any flagged corrosion, suspension wear, brake issues, or exhaust concerns on the most recent pass dated 27 July 2023 suggests no immediate statutory concerns at the time of last testing. However, the very limited number of recorded tests in the history means there is relatively little official data to draw upon for predicting future reliability, and any emerging issues since mid-2023 will not yet have been captured by an examiner. The overall trend is therefore one of clean recent compliance rather than a demonstrated pattern of either improvement or decline. With only 6,559 miles recorded against an age of around 37 years, this Citroen 2CV has averaged just 177 miles per year, an exceptionally low annual figure that strongly suggests prolonged periods of standing rather than regular use. The gap between the two recorded tests is consistent with classic or collector vehicle usage, where cars are often used only seasonally or for shows and rallies. Mechanically, such light use carries its own particular risks for a vehicle of this vintage: rubber components including suspension bushes, drive gaiters, fuel lines, and various seals are prone to perishing and cracking through age rather than wear, while hydraulic systems such as the brakes and any clutch actuation can develop internal sticking or fluid degradation from infrequent operation. Corrosion can also progress unseen where the vehicle sits unused for long stretches, particularly in floor pans, inner sills, box sections, and the distinctive flat-twin engine bay. For a hands-on inspection, particular attention should be paid to the 2CV's unique interconnected suspension system, which uses long trailing arms, transverse springs, and rubber-bonded bushes that are well known for hardening and cracking with age regardless of mileage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front and rear suspension over uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering in the steering, as worn bushes or tired springs will cause noticeable float at speed. Check the brake pedal for a firm feel and an even pull to either side, and inspect the brake pipes, flexible hoses, and wheel cylinders for any seepage or corrosion, given the age of the componentry. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, as old rubber can perish even if tread remains adequate. Finally, the air-cooled 602cc flat-twin engine and its associated cooling shrouds should be inspected for oil leaks from the sump, rocker covers, and the gearbox, while a careful listen for any top-end tappet noise or rough running will indicate the state of the valvetrain. Examine the chassis thoroughly for corrosion, paying special attention to the outriggers, longitudinal members, and the front-to-rear floor structure, as structural integrity is the primary safety concern on any 2CV of this age. The distinctive canvas roof and its seals should also be checked for water ingress, which can cause hidden rust in the footwells and bulkhead over the decades. Verify that the electrical system functions correctly, including the simple lighting and ignition circuits, and confirm the presence of a current V5C and any service records that may exist to support what is otherwise a very thin official test history.