The A series 'push me pull you' gearshift
|
|
|
As
was so often the case, Citroën's engineering approach to the 2CV's
gearshift was unorthodox and clearly based on that of the Traction.
The gearbox in the 2CV was mounted behind the engine but sufficiently
far forward to require the use of a remote gearlever.
The solution was a horizontal tube through which the gearlever could be
pushed forwards and pulled backwards while being rotated within the
tube.
Twisting the lever anti-clockwise and pushing it forwards selected
reverse; pulling it backwards selected first gear. Thus the two gears
used for parking manoeuvres were directly opposite one another.
The
lever was spring-loaded in the second/third plane so pushing the lever
forwards selected second and pulling it back selected third. No
rotation is required. Thus the two gears for use in town were located
directly opposite each other.
From third gear, rotating the lever
clockwise and pushing it selected fourth gear (or overdrive as the
company initially called it).
|
|
Two gear change diagrams
were used - early cars used the one above...
|
...and later cars the one above.
The actual change was the same
|
|
|
|
Above
- selection of reverse gear
Below - selection of first gear |
Above - neutral
Below - selection of second gear
|
|
|
Below
- selection of third gear |
Below
- selection of overdrive/fourth gear |
|
|
|
|
All the A series cars - 2CV, Dyane, Méhari, Ami 6, Ami 8, Baby Brousse
and the light
commerical derivatives used this gear selection set up. The one
exception was the Ami
Super which had a floor-mounted shift since it used the engine and
transmission from the GS.
|
© 2011 Julian
Marsh/Citroënët |
|