In Brief
An automotive enthusiast has successfully installed a BMW motorcycle engine into a Citroën 2CV, delivering a striking transformation of this iconic car. Through a combination of clever tweaks and support from an online community, the BMW boxer’s power now far exceeds the original 95 horsepower. This upgrade not only boosts performance but also brings a distinctive engine note, offering a driving experience that is entirely new for the 2CV. The project has been praised and shared by the Practical Performance Car YouTube channel, illustrating how DIY builders can push the technical boundaries of classic cars.
Among the many engine swaps seen today, this one stands out as exceptionally notable. The Citroën 2CV, a car iconic for its role in transporting eggs over rough roads, has undergone a stunning transformation with a BMW motorcycle engine tucked under its hood.
BMW and Citroën: an unlikely alliance thanks to a motor swap
The Citroën 2CV, a cornerstone of French automotive heritage, is known for its simplicity and durability. Conceived in the 1940s to be economical and practical, it wasn’t built for speed. Yet a hobbyist named Rob decided to challenge that notion by installing a BMW boxer engine. This unique modification was brought into the spotlight by the UK-based YouTube channel Practical Performance Car.
Rob, the owner of this modified 2CV explains that the idea struck when he compared the dimensions of the original Citroën engine with those of the boxer engine from his old BMW. He realized that the BMW engine could potentially fit into the 2CV. After several tests and with some help from the online community, Rob managed to drop the motorcycle engine into the car, needing only a few minor tweaks to the inner wheelhouses.
The BMW engine in this 2CV isn’t merely an aesthetic upgrade. With the help of a Power Commander, Rob increased the engine’s output, surpassing the 95 horsepower of the original boxer. While the exact figure isn’t disclosed, Rob notes that the performance difference is substantial.
A jaw-dropping car born from a surprising transformation
Will Hollman, a YouTube host, had the chance to test the car and remarked: “Well, it’s a bit punchier than usual!” The 2CV, now fitted with a BMW motor, stands out for its enhanced performance and its distinctive sound. The BMW exhaust note adds an entirely new dimension to this iconic car, making every drive exciting. This modified 2CV demonstrates how a simple engine swap can redefine a vehicle.
Turning a Citroën 2CV into a high-performance car with a BMW motorcycle engine is a remarkable achievement. The project highlights the ingenuity and passion of automotive enthusiasts who push boundaries to create something extraordinary.
Rob has managed to reinvent a legendary car, giving it a fresh life filled with power and dynamism. This unexpected modification proves that even the most unassuming cars can become standout machines.
Comparison Table
| Model | Engine | Reported Power | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën 2CV (Original) | Original Citroën engine | Not specified | Simplicity, durability |
| Citroën 2CV (Modified) | BMW boxer engine | > 95 horsepower | Performance and distinctive sound |
Key Takeaways
- A Citroën 2CV has been transformed by installing a BMW boxer motorcycle engine.
- The project required only a few minor adaptations to the original chassis.
- The power now exceeds 95 horsepower by a wide margin, delivering unprecedented performance for a 2CV.
- The transformation captured attention, notably through the Practical Performance Car YouTube channel.
- The result gives the 2CV a power boost, a distinctive engine note, and a driving experience that’s radically different.
FAQ
Which BMW engine was installed in the 2CV?
A BMW motorcycle boxer engine was swapped into the Citroën 2CV.
How much power does the modified 2CV produce?
The exact power isn’t disclosed, but it far exceeds the stock 95 hp of the BMW boxer, thanks to a Power Commander.
Who initiated this transformation?
A hobbyist named Rob is behind this modification to his Citroën 2CV.
What modifications were needed to fit the BMW engine?
Only minor tweaks to the inner wheel arches were required to install the BMW engine into the 2CV.
Where was this project showcased?
The project was highlighted by the Practical Performance Car YouTube channel.
