The first 2CVs were quite versatile. The AU was even more utilitarian, it came onto the market in 1951. A commercial vehicle based on the 2CV, with 250kg of payload and a square box on the back to transport your every need. It became a great sales success. The 9hp of the AU was replaced by 12hp in ’54, with the introduction of the AZU. This car we have here is a survivor of those early models.

At the end of 1956 the construction form was somewhat simplified. From then on, the roof of the cabin was made in one piece. This is one of the last with a roof in 3 parts, where the front edge was wrapped around the standing profile. Hard to find nowadays, especially as they were used commercially and after a hard life were processed into tin cans or – if they were lucky – into a chicken coop.

Paul Bompart from the village of Bruis in department 05 Hautes Alpes – still visible on the painted license plate – was the first owner and kept it until ’99. The Azu was then moved to the Netherlands, after which it was sold to Belgium in 2004 – on the A-market. We spoke to the owner in question, he took it back to France during the French national 2CV meeting and sold it again in 2016.

It can be humid in the mountains of the Hautes Alpes, almost in Provènce, because it has acquired some rust in its 67 years of existence. This has been remedied in places where this was not practical, such as the floors and pedal box. In other places, nicely distributed between its interior and exterior, it only contributes to a great look.

Some of us will prefer restoration and shiny paint, but that is not what this beauty is intended for. We, and we have the impression we are not alone in this, enjoy such a weathered appearance. A little linseed oil on top to prevent worse, as if you were stepping into a previous century by opening a door.

Of course, technically in good order, so it does what it was made for; transport you and your belongings. It could even hang on your wall as a piece of art.

It does what it has to do, and that’s how we offer it. There are things that can be improved or adjusted to your taste, but because this is important for people with taste, we leave the subsequent choices up to you. Of course we can assist you in realizing them.