|
Jean Dagonet was an ex-miller from Faverolles-et-Coëmy,
who, in 1952, at the age of 63 began to modify 2CVs
increasing the engine capacity from the standard of
375cc to to 425cc and later to 435cc before
Citroën did so with the latter engine developing 19 bhp
(up by 10bhp over the original).
Glaenzer Constant velocity joints replaced the simple
universal joints of the factory 2CV and other changes
included twin 6 volt batteries, an electric fuel pump,
the centrifugal clutch was dispensed with and two
longitudinal Koni shock absorbers restricted body roll.
Between 1953 and 1958 a number of variations to the body
style were introduced.
Initial modifications involved cutting the body,
lowering the roof, altering the windscreen angle,
reworking the bonnet and wings using modified original
panels.
Over the years, he used fibreglass panels, some of which
had the headlamps built into the wings and bonnets with
an airscoop with twin air intakes on some models while
others had a single, oval grille and later models
featured a Panhard-style bonnet where the bonnet and
front winds were a single unit.
Eventually, Dagonet replaced most of the body with a new
fibreglass shell, and sold this as the “Marie-France.”
for 730,000 francs.
These later cars were sold under the Dagonet name, and
were entered into a number of 1950s European races,
including the Mille Miglia.
The car was good for over 110 km/hr with fuel
consumption in the region of 8l/100 km.
|
 |
