4x4 2CV

[V8MoneyPit]

Following on from this topic on other threads, there is an article in Jan 2005 issue of Practical Classics about modded 2CV's. One of them is a 4x4 built by PTS Developments of Wokingham. It has part time 4wd, being front only normally. One lever engages the transfer box then another engages a rear diff lock. So quite a serious piece of kit.

Being only 12'7" long with minimal overhang, it's approach, breakover and departure angles all look excellent. It may only boast 34bhp, but with low gearing (flat out at 60mph!) it should be quite capable.

The article quotes "It works so well, I've used it to pull out Land Rovers." Well  :shock:  :lol:

But, being a 2CV fan, I must say it looks the business  :D

Another excellent general quote from the article is "Once you get used to the idea that braking in a sinful waste of energy and the horizon is supposed to tilt that way, you can press on smartly with the normal 29 horses." Certainly, I used to get to work quicker in the 2CV than I did in any other car once I got the hang of it  :lol:

[Range Rover Blues]

The article quotes "It works so well, I've used it to pull out Land Rovers." Well  :shock:  :lol:

Can't help thinking they wern't that stuck.

[V8MoneyPit]

Yes, the main problem is the matter of vehicle mass. The 2CV would not have enough mass to provide the grip to pull a 2 tonne LR from much goo.

[Range Rover Blues]

But we can let them dream :lol:

[V8MoneyPit]

:lol:
But I think it would be quite capable in it's own right being light, tall, low geared, etc.

[Range Rover Blues]

So is my mountain bike!

[V8MoneyPit]

Now, now  :P  :lol:

[Range Rover Blues]

Seriously though, I would love to think that the existance of these machines, a 4x4 version of the tree-huggers favourite, would be great amunition against the anti-4x4 types, but the truth is they are the most poluting car on the road, even with just one engine!

[V8MoneyPit]

Ah, now I must take issue with you on that. Like any properly maintained vehicle, they don't polute more than any other of a similar vintage. Mine was a 1988, but actually met emission requirements of a new car... and without the use of a cat. It did a constant 42mpg whether being thrashed (which mine was all the time!) or pottering around.

The comment about being poluting was simply part of it's long history. It started life as a cheap country tool for farmers, etc. It became popular in the late 60's/70's with hippy types and gained it's 'tree hugging' reputation. But when 'free love' and 'ban the bomb' became a target for opposing groups, the 2CV got a reputation for poluting the world. It was just misinformation banded about by groups who couldn't find any real facts to support their arguement. Just like some of the anti 4x4 groups we all know and love today  

[Range Rover Blues]

It might pass the MOT emissions check for CO2 but the low compression ratio leads to inefficient use of the fuel and higher emissions of other polutants.

[V8MoneyPit]

Low CR? From 1970, 8.5:1 through to 10:1 depending on the engine. I think few modern engines run at more than that. The use of 95 RON fuel pretty much precludes that. In the end (1991) it was killed off because of tightening crash regs, not emissions.

The engine was actually an incredably advanced device. And it's volumetric efficiency was actually rather good. It generated more power than a 4 cylinder A series of 850cc in a Mini, from 2 cylinders and 602cc's. Of course, all this has to be put in context. It was designed pre-war and relaunched in '48. The engine really didn't change in basic design throughout production. Maybe this is testiment to it's advanced design for the time. Give credit where credit is due, it was in production for longer than any other vehicle model except the Beetle. It must have been doing something right  :D

[strapping young lad]

seems like range rover blues really doesnt liek the upside down skip with wheels!  

2 tons of lr going through mud wont fare as well as a 2cv with four wheel drive

unless the lr had balloon tyres of course  :twisted:

[Range Rover Blues]

2 tons of lr going through mud wont fare as well as a 2cv with four wheel drive

How so?

[V8MoneyPit]

I'm not sure you can draw a direct comparison between these two vehicles. The LR needs more power to pull more mass, whether it is in mud or on the road. It is much the same as comparing a LR with a Suzi. They both acheive excellent results from very different vehicles.

If RRblues doesn't like the upturned pram (my preferred description  :lol: ) it is his choice. No probs with that at all. In fact, I've found it an interesting conversation. I just feel the 2CV, like some other cars, is under-rated by many who have never driven one for any length of time.

[strapping young lad]

less weight pushing down on the mud

the 2cv less likely to sink

[Range Rover Blues]

I'm not sure you can draw a direct comparison between these two vehicles. The LR needs more power to pull more mass, whether it is in mud or on the road. It is much the same as comparing a LR with a Suzi. They both acheive excellent results from very different vehicles.

If RRblues doesn't like the upturned pram (my preferred description  :lol: ) it is his choice. No probs with that at all. In fact, I've found it an interesting conversation. I just feel the 2CV, like some other cars, is under-rated by many who have never driven one for any length of time.

yeah, ok, truce.

I don't particulary dislike the 2cv, and I'm not wanting to question anyones choice of car!  When I was 17 it was an easy choice, you had an Escort (RWD of copurse) or a Mini, that was that.  Anything else was too weird and your mates couldn't help you fix it.
Most people I know now who have 2cvs now are approaching the mid-life crisis, and the 2cv is a real hoot.

But you wouldn't get me in one.

[Bush Tucker Man]

Following on from this topic on other threads, there is an article in Jan 2005 issue of Practical Classics about modded 2CV's.

I too buy this every month, but haven't seen it on sale yet.

A great magazine, well worth anyone investigating it.

'Old Glory' is another good one, the next issue (Dec 16th) will be a Dibnaj tribute edition. Watch out for it.

[Range Rover Blues]

And less weight keeping the tyres in contact with the floor, less weight to push down through the mud to the stuff underneath.

[strapping young lad]

motox bikes are lighter still and cope quite well

as do enduro bikes

[Pete5844]

2CV's are great fun in snow even without 4 wheel drive,changing gear can be a pi**er.

[V8MoneyPit]

Most people I know now who have 2cvs now are approaching the mid-life crisis, .....

Oh, I've already been through that one  :lol: Now I've gone the whole nine yards and have a Land Rover..... now I *must* be in a crisis!!

[Range Rover Blues]

But is it hormonaly fuelled?

[turtle]

2CV playing in the mud at langdale quest.  :D

[turtle]

and another  :D

[V8MoneyPit]

But is it hormonaly fuelled?

No, just unleaded  :lol: And not always firing on all cylinders  :?


The yellow one has been around for ages. Remember that one from my 2CV days. I think the purple one is the one featured in Practical Classics this month.

[Bush Tucker Man]

Just got a copy this morning.
Had a brief look but going to save it for Saturday afternoon at work (if it's quiet)

Like the Alvis TA & the Manta that's 'rally replica-d'