Jim and Kim Southwood

1987 2CV ‘Dolly’ Jim picked up ‘Dolly’ a few years ago when he was in England.  He told me that Kim phoned him wondering who Dolly was. When Jim returned to Australia ‘Dolly’ was put on a boat leaving from Southampton, For Australia. At the recent 30th Anniversary rally at Gladstone, the two cars made a ‘his and hers’ Entrance,

The couple wore beret’s and to finish the total accessories look Kim carried a French Poodle “Truffles” The name “Truffles” duly appeared on the rally form as Navigator...

1971 Citroen D Special

   Owned by  Ray Hobbs Gladstone

After World war II  Citroen Introduced the 2CV .  To me it always looked like an economy version Of the VW bug.  If you ever get a chance to take a good look at one, I think it is a highly ingenious car  an almost perfect version of the ‘KISS’  principle (keep it simple stupid)  This little car sold faster than Citroen was building them, and at one time had a five year waiting list if you wished to own a new one. . By 1950 production increased  to close to 500 cars a day.   This is another of the great fun cars .

I took this photo at the Calliope Market, Outside the Clyde Hotel, Home of The Gladstone Vintage and Classic car Club.  I had to get another member to help shoo ‘lookers’ away to get a clear photo. . There are not a lot of this model in Australia and it proved to be a very popular car on display.

Owned by Ray Hobbs. Gladstone

Owned by Ray Hobbs. Gladstone

I took these photo the first time I saw the car.  I always loved the style of this era.  It has similarities to many sporty  50s cars My favorite of  course is the  British Riley. (below)

All classic car enthusiasts have particular  styles of car  and a favorite look. .For Me the Light

 Fifteen is one of those cars

Owned by Frank and Beryl Smith

   

  THE RESTORATION.

  On August 4, 1925, a car similar to this club car set off on a journey to record it as the first car to travel around Australia.

Frank and Beryl Smith do not intend to make the trip in “Lemondrop,” but the historical value of this model was enough incentive to undertake the restoration.

Restoring a Vintage car can be a slow process. It involves research, travelling in search of the elusive parts, and even more research to determine whether the parts found are genuine.

It can be a long, drawn-out journey, not for the impatient. When all is found, the old parts will need tender care, for they are mostly old, rusty, and tired.

1988 Kingaroy

A good chassis, springs, a front axle, a motor and a radiator. This motor had been used to drive a saw bench and a connecting rod had penetrated the bottom of the motor

1987 Rockhampton

A broken chassis, Springs and a few body parts. Body parts were used as patterns. No original tin exists on the car except the bonnet.

1988 Brisbane

A good gearbox was found in use driving a factory shaft

1988 Bororen

A motor and gearbox had been used in a boat, and one connecting rod was missing. This motor was good for parts, but the top side of the motor was rusted out, which teamed up well with the Kingaroy motor to make a good one. The pistons were from a Morris Minor.

1990 Brisbane

Magneto, wheels, bonnet, brake levers, an original jack, starter motor and spotlights.

1991 Brisbane

Pedestal for the pan. Brake levers and the radiator cap

            Restoring the Citroen
Frank says
It all started after finding a right-hand mudguard, a valance panel, and a running board. After a little scratching around in the dirt, a door latch, a door handle, and the beading from the only door were dug up.
The door beading allowed me to ascertain the size of the door. The remainder of the measurements were mainly estimated from an enlarged photo of an original Citroen. Tom Walters using his plumbing skills, bent the body parts while I completed the shaping. Most of the timber was obtained from shipyards, with the sections in the door, over the cowl and door frames being fashioned from maple. The body was then sheeted with Zincaneal, tacked onto the wooden frame.
After the body, the mechanicals were commenced with the re-boring of the engine, valves re-seated and reground etc.
I completed the painting and the upholstery, and after about nine years, the restoration of “Lemondrop” was complete.

Specifications
Engine Type 4 cylinder 5V
Bore and stroke 55mm x 90mm
Displacement 855cc
Max B.H.P. 11 at 2600 rpm
Ignition Magneto
Transmisfffffsion 3 speed

Discovering the 1923 Citroën 5CV: A Classic Gem of Automotive History When it comes to classic automobiles, few names resonate as strongly as Citroën. Founded by André Citroën in 1919, the company quickly gained a reputation for innovation and quality. Among its notable creations is the 1923 Citroën 5CV, a charming little car that perfectly embodies the spirit of early 20th-century motoring

 The Citroën 5CV was initially launched in 1924, but its prototype and development can be traced back to the early 1920s. This model was integral for Citroën, marking the company’s entry into the small car segment, a growing market. The name “5CV” refers to the engine’s tax horsepower in France, with “CV” standing for “chevaux vapeur” (steam horses). The car was a more accessible option for the average consumer than larger models, allowing many families to enjoy the freedom of personal transportation.

 Design and Features The 1923 Citroën 5CV boasts a quaint and charming design that captures the essence of its era. It features a compact body with rounded edges, a distinct front grille, and elegant fenders that stand out against its simple yet stylish lines. While essential by today’s standards, the car’s interior was designed with driver comfort in mind, offering sufficient space for up to four passengers. Under the hood, the 5CV is powered by a small, efficient 1.1-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering around 18 horsepower. While it may not seem much by modern standards, it was adequate for city driving and short trips, allowing this petite vehicle to navigate France’s picturesque roads without a hitch. The 5CV is known for its lightweight construction, contributing to its agility and ease of handling.

 Impact on the Automotive Industry The introduction of the Citroën 5CV significantly impacted the automotive industry, especially in the realm of affordability. It paved the way for future small cars, demonstrating that personal vehicles could be both economical and appealing. This model helped shape consumer expectations, emphasizing that cars did not have to be luxury items reserved for the wealthy.

Legacy and Collectibility Today, the 1923 Citroën 5CV holds a special place in the hearts of classic car enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique design, historical significance, and relative rarity make it a coveted piece of automotive history. Restorations of the 5CV often seek to preserve its original aesthetic while enhancing reliability, making it an excellent choice for vintage rallies and shows. Owning a Citroën 5CV is not just about having a beautiful car; it’s about being part of a story that reflects an era of innovation and change in the automotive world. Whether seen gliding down a country road or displayed at a classic car show, the 1923 Citroën 5CV continues to charm and fascinate collectors and admirers alike.

Conclusion The 1923 Citroën 5CV is more than just a car; it’s a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of its time. Celebrating its significance in automotive history reminds us of how far we’ve come and the joy that classic vehicles bring to our lives. If you ever have the chance to see one in person, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and history that this small yet mighty car represents.