Citroen 5CV Cabriolet Boulogne - LHD

Details

We have no early history for this 5CV Cabriolet. It was acquired by its current owner from a collection in France and moved to Guernsey where it was re-registered in July 1987. The Cabriolet was extensively restored and has spent much of its island life as an exhibit in the Guernsey Motor Museum.

The mighty 856cc, four-cylinder, side-valve engine is rated at 11 bhp, produced at a heady 2,100 rpm. It has a 3-speed gearbox and a top speed of around 40 mph. Interestingly, it has two separate braking systems -a hand lever which operates rods to rear wheel drum brakes and a foot pedal which operates an engine brake via the gearbox. Suspension is provided by quarter elliptic springs all round – which has been described elsewhere as “…very bouncy but ideal for crossing fields!”

The Citroen ran and drove very well on test – within the performance limitations of a vintage vehicle. It’s worth mentioning that, as with many cars of the time, the accelerator pedal is located centrally between the clutch and brake.

The Cabriolet model is a more luxurious and comfortable version of the regular open tourer. It shares the same body but its main advantage is that it has much better weather protection. With sliding (vertical) windows each side for the driver and passenger, which seal with the folding roof and a split, two-part opening windscreen (no windscreen wipers in those days!) it is practical to use in inclement weather and remain reasonably warm and dry.

This car has the long wheelbase chassis (introduced in October 1923) with a lidded luggage compartment in the rear tail, together with an external luggage rack. The 5CV has been re-finished in an original ‘Havana’ colour scheme with black mudguards and wheels. The black leatherette hood is in excellent condition and in a small nod to modern driving conditions, it has a discrete set of indicators fitted.

Whilst there’s not a lot to the interior, this Cabriolet - as part of its higher specification - has a wooden dashboard and wooden door cappings, together with a storage pocket alongside the driver. The latter looks to be original, whilst we’re confident the woodwork will have been refinished. A comfortable bench seat – recovered in material rather than the original leatherette – has sufficient space for two people.

This example of a well-regarded vintage Citroen has been extensively restored – literally to museum-quality – but is usefully in a fully serviceable, running and driving condition. Should you wish to sample the vintage driving experience, this stylish 5CV is ready for the road.

The 4-digit registration number is not included in the sale.