The Citroën 2CV (or Deux Chevaux) is France’s equal to the Ford Mannequin T or Volkswagen Beetle—an iconic automobile inbuilt huge numbers that helped mobilize a complete nation. Of the thousands and thousands of 2CVs constructed between 1948 and 1990, this one stands out due to an aftermarket convertible, err, conversion. This episode of Jay Leno’s Storage has the complete story on this uncommon automobile.

Jay Leno’s Storage followers wished a video on this automobile after seeing it within the background of different movies. This 2CV was modified by Wolfgang Hoffman with a fiberglass physique that hooked up to the present chassis, not not like Meyers Manx dune buggy conversions. The concept was to make the 2CV just a little fancier, Jay says. The 2CV was developed earlier than World Struggle II, however the battle delayed the beginning of manufacturing till 1948. The automobile is essentially credited with mobilizing rural France throughout that postwar interval.

The bodywork could also be totally different, however the Hoffman 2CV is mechanically inventory, which means it is powered by an air-cooled 2-cylinder engine making as little as 26 hp. That tiny engine drives the entrance wheels. The 2CV additionally options long-travel suspension that, in line with legend, was designed for driving by means of farmers’ fields.

Leno acquired this automobile from a United Nations ambassador, who had saved it in Southern California for about 20 years. Whereas it did not require a full restoration, a whole lot of work nonetheless went into making this convertible roadworthy.

The 2CV was mechanically sound, with good paint and bodywork, however had additionally grow to be a house for mice, Leno explains. It needed to be fumigated and cleaned, which appeared to be a tougher course of than the minor mechanical work wanted to get it working once more.

Different iconic “individuals’s automobiles,” such because the VW Beetle, Fiat 500, and Mini Cooper, have gotten fashionable reinterpretations, however Citroën has mentioned it won’t do a modern 2CV. The automaker is now a part of the Stellantis conglomerate, however is unlikely to make a return to the U.S. anytime quickly. Stellantis lately dropped plans to deliver sibling model Peugeot again to the U.S.

Try the complete video for the whole story on this automobile, and to see Jay drive it within the streets of Los Angeles.