The English 2 CV

The Slough-built 2 CV in both saloon, van and pickup versions was put on sale in Britain in 1954 but was not a success - it was not until its relaunch in Britain in the mid seventies that it achieved any real popularity although both Amis and Dyanes sold steadily throughout the sixties and early seventies.
During this period, a considerable number of left-hand drive cars were either imported into Britain privately or unofficially by specialist businesses.
In an attempt to woo British drivers who were put off by its agricultural appearance, the company built a 2 door, polyester reinnforced resin glass fibre bodied version called the Bijou.

Above a pickup and van were also built at Slough
Below original publicity material for the 2CV 5 cwt. Light Van

Left and below the trafficators (indicators) were fitted just forward of the front doors

Other differences compared to the French cars included 12 volt Lucas electrics, a steel, lockable boot, a 'Front Wheel Drive' bonnet ornament, chromed bumpers with overriders at the front, chromed hubcaps, chromed headlamp rims, a different roof material using a knitted backing rather than woven and being waterproofed with a substance called Everflex and opening windows in the rear doors.

Below 2CV saloons, vans and D series at the Slough factory

Pictures of a very rare 1955 2CV pick-up

Royal Navy 2CV Pickup

Slough Index