1923 Citroen Type C2 TL Drophead Coupe

Henry Ford had put the world on wheels with this innovative, low priced, Model T. French industrialist Andre-Gustave Citroen was inspired by Mr. Ford's work and established the world's first mass-production automobile factory outside of the United States in 1919. Their product was the Type C, a 'people's car' that mobilized France after World War I. Citroen is also widely credited with originating the basic dealer sales and service network.

Their product was offered initially as a two-seater Torpedo that quickly evolved into the C2 and C3, with the 'TL' drophead coupe offered from 1923. The vehicle is often referred to as the '5CV', in reference to its taxable horsepower rating. It was also known as 'Citron' as vast numbers of the cars were originally finished in yellow.

This particular 1923 Type C2 model is a two-seat TL drophead coupe. The prior owner bought it in France during the early 1970s, imported it to the United States, and placed it inside his home. The current owner acquired the car in 1995 and completely restored it over a 10 year period.

After the restoration work was completed, the car took top honors in the Northwest Citroen Owner's Club All-French car meet in Seattle.

The car is powered by a four-cylinder, L-head, 856cc engine breathing through a single sidedraft Solex carburetor. It has 11 horsepower (5 HP taxable) and a 3-speed sliding-gear manual transmission. There are also 2-wheel mechanical drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014