Michael Riley's Blog: Hemmings Find of the Day

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Hemmings Find of the Day – 1983 Citroen Dyane 6

In much of the world, the Citroen 2CV served as affordable postwar transportation for the masses, but by 1967, after 19 years of production, the design was growing long in the tooth. Enter the Citroen Dyane, which was intended both as a replacement for the 2CV and as a viable competitor to the increasingly popular Renault 4. Never as popular as the beloved 2CV, the Dyane remained in Citroen's lineup through 1983, spawning variants like the go-anywhere Mehari and the Acadiane delivery van, both of which outlived the Dyane. A rare find on this side of the pond, this 1983 Citroen Dyane is said to be a one-family car with just 134,000 kilometers (83,000 miles) of use from new. Its 602cc air-cooled two-cylinder engine, rated at a raucous 32 horsepower, was replaced 35,000 kilometes (21,700 miles) ago, and comes mated to a rebuilt four-speed manual transmission. Capable of a 70 MPH top speed, this Dyane is likely to be as frugal on gas as it is unusual on American roads. From the seller's description:

Superb original 1983 Dyane 6. Last year of manufacture for the car that was designed to replace the famed 2CV but never did. Same basic 2CV layout but better creature comforts. 31 hp 2 cylinder air cooled engine replaced 35,000 km ago. Rebuilt transmission installed within the past year. New tires. This is a genuine 1-family owned car from France that was imported to the US by well-respected Maryland expert Erik DeWidt. 134,000 original km from new. Largely original paint, rare original seat upholstery in great shape, completely rust free!. Original owner's manual and other documentation comes with the car. This is a strong running and driving 70mph car – faster and quieter than a 2CV and much more unusual – other motorists love it! Roll-back roof, sliding windows, adjustable ventilation. Here's your chance to get a car that is much rarer than a 2CV and that is ready to provide many years of enjoyment. Parts are readily available and reasonably priced.