We introduced Buffy to this site in response to thread "Does anyone know what this is?" and she raised a few smiles. So in brief, this is her tale...
Bought from the other end of the UK with more rust than floors and no MOT, I rebuilt her (now christened Buffy the Empire Slayer) in 6 weeks, to go from London to Ulan Baataar, Mongolia, on 2006 Mongol Rally.Background Rally info is still on our site www.mongolcow.co.uk. but basically,Rally rules are nonexistent (less than 1000cc, bog standard vehicle and basically crap) , and equally nonexistent route, so we chose the one with least tarmac, most desert and maximum adventure. She was 19 years old and could scarcely manage her promised 29hp, but did survive deserts and mountains unaided, though pretty slowly at times!
Central Asia threw endless deserts at us,interesting in 50 degrees+ with an aircooled engine and classic corrugated roads that loosened every nut and bolt, joint and tooth in our heads! But 2CV simplicity meant if she got hot, just progressively remove more body panels. Also useful when the brake fluid boils and has to be cooled with a water spray every 500 yards!Disassembly of wings and bonnet to reveal tiny 602cc engine,is less than 5 minutes...which usually made locals smile!
Adventures were endless, breakdowns admitedly frequent,but without doubt the best way to get to know the locals who loved Buffy, thought we were totally crackers and never let us pay. We are planning our next trip and are definitely taking a 2CV as it is the best icebreaker in international relations when you share no word or letter in common but all seem to be grinning from the moment she appeared.
The scenery and people were incredible, and the Rally a great opportunity. We will happily pass on any advice tips or route details if of interest. We covered 8700 miles of which over 4000 had no surface at all, the 2CV's forte as she was designed to carry a box of eggs across a French ploughed field without breaking them!
Bought from the other end of the UK with more rust than floors and no MOT, I rebuilt her (now christened Buffy the Empire Slayer) in 6 weeks, to go from London to Ulan Baataar, Mongolia, on 2006 Mongol Rally.Background Rally info is still on our site www.mongolcow.co.uk. but basically,Rally rules are nonexistent (less than 1000cc, bog standard vehicle and basically crap) , and equally nonexistent route, so we chose the one with least tarmac, most desert and maximum adventure. She was 19 years old and could scarcely manage her promised 29hp, but did survive deserts and mountains unaided, though pretty slowly at times!
Central Asia threw endless deserts at us,interesting in 50 degrees+ with an aircooled engine and classic corrugated roads that loosened every nut and bolt, joint and tooth in our heads! But 2CV simplicity meant if she got hot, just progressively remove more body panels. Also useful when the brake fluid boils and has to be cooled with a water spray every 500 yards!Disassembly of wings and bonnet to reveal tiny 602cc engine,is less than 5 minutes...which usually made locals smile!
Adventures were endless, breakdowns admitedly frequent,but without doubt the best way to get to know the locals who loved Buffy, thought we were totally crackers and never let us pay. We are planning our next trip and are definitely taking a 2CV as it is the best icebreaker in international relations when you share no word or letter in common but all seem to be grinning from the moment she appeared.
The scenery and people were incredible, and the Rally a great opportunity. We will happily pass on any advice tips or route details if of interest. We covered 8700 miles of which over 4000 had no surface at all, the 2CV's forte as she was designed to carry a box of eggs across a French ploughed field without breaking them!
