Much like Volkswagen’s Beetle, Citroën’s 2CV earned iconic status as France’s true “People’s Car.” The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the venerable 2CV and its contemporaries sporting a number of distinctive special editions and a widening youthful buyer base. In 1983, the France 3 yacht was the French entry into the famous America’s Cup sailboat race. In celebration, Citroën created a new special edition 2CV, dubbed “France 3,” in honor of the racing yacht. Unique features included white paint with a blue wave-like stripe design to the body sides and twin blue racing stripes to the upper surfaces. A commemorative decal to the lower-left rear of the 2CV depicted a stylized France 3 yacht. For 1983, 2,000 examples were planned, followed by export versions named Transat for Germany, Spain, Austria, and the Netherlands, and a Beachcomber edition for the UK. The France 3 edition 2CV was followed in 1986 by the Cocorico, observing France’s place in the FIFA World Cup championship in Mexico.

This Citroën 2CV France 3 is simply resplendent in its festive, nautical-themed livery and celebrates the ongoing success of the anachronistic, yet seemingly evergreen 2CV. This example features the 602 cc air-cooled twin powerplant, front-wheel drive, and four-speed manual gearbox with dashboard gearshift lever. Citroën’s simple, yet sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension system and front disc, rear drum brake system with inboard front discs provides an exhilarating drive. Acquired by the Mullin Collection in 2015, this special edition France 3 represents the fun character and enduring nature of the 2CV.

*Please note that all of the Lots in this Auction have been in long-term static storage at the Mullin Automotive Museum and may not be currently operational. They will require mechanical attention and in some cases significant restoration prior to any road use.