AE90 • Citroën 2CV AZU(B) '74

The "nice car", a myth of the automobile itself. Less broadcast, the van version of yet experienced it as a great success. We will see here the version AZU Series B 1974. A model for the first time in the history of the 2CV, abandons the round headlights, to the chagrin of fans! But what is this light van?

Technical sheet

Model	Citroën 2CV van
Engine	435 cm 3 2 21 horsepower flat cylinders
Dimensions	3.60 x 1.48 x 1.70 meters
Mass	575 kg
Marketing	1974 - 1977
average coast	3 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	/
max	85 km/h
Consumption	NC l/100 km
Date and place	September 12, 2015, Mayenne

Unexpected . The 2CV is this more, we have already presented multiple times on the site and even a historic route on this page . We will see here Minivan release. A declination kept confidential until it is unveiled at the Motor Show in Paris in 1950. She throne alongside traditional A 2CV which it derives. Called AU, this first version of the minivan sports a front similar to the sedan and a back fully paneled decorated with two hinged rear doors. The public reception was mixed. Laughed and turned to ridicule, the 2CV starts to grow and sales are rising rapidly. Artisans see in this van a tool both convenient and cheap. Certainly, with a back load of 250 kg, it is not intended for heavy load carriers, but leave quickly seduce administrations, including La Poste and EDF.

In the economy . In reality, the 2CV Van is not of recent design. By 1939, the idea of a convertible version of the TPV (Very Small Car, ancestor of the 2CV) tickled Pierre Boulanger. The marketing should begin in 1940. But even the war has significantly cut the elk, pushing the 2CV A (sedan) in 1939 and the AU 2CV (utility) in 1951. The design is quite simple and made ​​of a goal to reduce costs manufacturing. Glass surfaces are minimized with thin windows and no rear side window at the rear. Citroën quickly communicate and reassures potential customers confident that if the engine remains similar, the engine would be increased by 50 cm ³ to 425 cm ³ at first. For a utility, weight limited to around 500 kg guarantees a measured consumption and easy maintenance and low cost. Shortly before the start of production, Pierre Boulanger, the head of Citroën, died of a car accident ... Some modifications are then carried out just before the start of production!

21 horses . But in fact, the engine was not increased, only the gearbox was better staged and is highly sought after today for its tone! Inside, a single driver's seat which liberates considerable room for up to 250 kg of cargo. Despite a unique exterior color and a single seat cover, the 2CV van is increasingly successful. So much so that at the time of its launch 2CV AZ (sedan) , Citroën also endows his van a second seat and a generous engine: the AZU. The engine finally passes for 425 cm3 officially a power of 12 horses. The 60s marked a difficult period with the back of the Renault 4. A longer version of the 2CV van is created, the AK 350. In 1970, the AZU remains in the catalog but evolves through 21 horses, it has now a much better approval and is now called AZU-B. The ribs on the upper portion of the rear body disappear with the possibility of a side window according to the vintage.

The France disfigured . The '74 vintage was strongly marked enthusiasts. A journalist from Auto Journal let "France disfigured" to describe the restyling of the 2CV, which also inherited the AZU-B van. Inside, we note the wheel from the 2CV 4, a new grille with four bars that accompany the deuche until 1990. But it is above these rectangular who have traumatized many fans of the national 2CV. Therefore, the customer is then mainly composed of governments, individuals and progressively abandoning the AK AZU 2CV. In 1978, the 2CV finally abandoned his van declination, leaving free rein to the Acadyane whose sales volumes restore color to the firm to the rafters. Paradoxically, it is the most technically accomplished version that will sell the least.

Convenient and cheap . A practical, the 2CV van has on his left side of a storage for storing both the crankshaft wheel, jack and even a spare wheel, screwed directly on a false hubs welded to the sheet metal.The right compartment receives the fuel tank. The 2CV AZU-B is also recognized in the top of the smooth and not corrugated afterguard. Enjoying more modern that allowed professionals to affix the logo of their company without complication. The AZU-B are not particularly popular these days, they do not symbolize authentic 2CV and its rectangular headlights have largely tarnished her image. She remains a very reliable and sufficiently powerful utility for transporting light loads. Many copies always run without major problems. A time not so long ago when planned obsolescence was still an abstract concept.

€ 3000 . On the used market , best in good condition are trading around € 3,000. Whatever the condition, you better be looking at the state of the chassis and mechanics. Note the before 1964 models feature front door opening antagonist. After, it is traditional openings to meet the safety standards. Today, the 2CV vans earn interest from collectors. Copies in very good condition are scarce, unless you have undergone restoration ... For the utilitarian purpose of AZU often left traces of use.

1.88 m ² . The rear cargo capacity is 1.88 m ² for AZU and 2.1 m ² for the AK models (elongated chassis 20 centimeters) . For 2CV enthusiast or collector, this is the model to to their collection. Those original shell headlights are the most sought but with patience, it is possible to find the right vehicle.

250 kg . You have no excuse if you exceed the maximum weight load for a badge is placed on the body to recall the fateful threshold of 250 kg! AK elongated versions have a threshold raised to 350 or even 400 kg for larger loads. All loaded always remain below the per ton, a good performance.

Should I buy a Citroën 2CV AZU?

cheap utility and collector, AZU 2CV is certainly a good investment. But prefer a model lighthouse shells, rectangular have been strongly criticized. After careful consideration, count around € 3,000 for a copy in good condition. For healthy food database, you will find around € 1,000. The very inexpensive maintenance and good availability of parts, some of which have been rebuilt make it a real good plan.