Restoring a Citroen 2CV typically costs between 4,000 EUR and 8,000 EUR for an economical roadworthy rebuild, between 10,000 EUR and 18,000 EUR for a standard quality restoration, and from 22,000 EUR to 35,000 EUR, sometimes more, for a concours level build. These 2026 ranges include parts and labour from a specialist bodyshop or mechanic, but can drop by 30 to 40 percent if you carry out part of the work yourself. The purchase price of the base car ranges from 1,500 EUR (a rolling shell) to 12,000 EUR (a partially restored example), and adds on top of these figures.
Why the 2CV remains one of the most accessible restorations
The Deuche benefits from an exceptional spare parts ecosystem: more than 95 percent of references are still produced or available from specialists such as Citroen Origin, Mehari Club Cassis or independent resellers. The platform is simple, with no complex electronics and no demanding chassis geometry, which makes most jobs approachable even for a motivated amateur. This is precisely why the 2CV is often recommended as a first restoration project, provided you frame your budget properly from the start.
For a full overview of the history, variants and points to check before buying, see our complete Citroen 2CV restoration guide.
Budget by item: realistic 2026 ranges
1. Bodywork and paint
This is the most variable item and often the heaviest one. The 2CV classically suffers from rust on the sills, wheel arches, floor pan and windscreen pillars.
- Economical rebuild: rust treatment, filler work, spray can or amateur gun paint, 600 EUR to 1,500 EUR in parts.
- Standard restoration: replacement of defective panels (floor, wings, sills), professional two coat paint, 3,500 EUR to 7,000 EUR labour plus material.
- Concours level: full strip, systematic replacement, oven baked paint in the original colour, complete geometry check, 8,000 EUR to 14,000 EUR.
Replacement panels are well stocked (front wing: 80 to 140 EUR, full floor pan: 300 to 500 EUR, wheel arch: 60 to 100 EUR). It is the panel beating and paint preparation labour that pushes the bill up.
2. Engine and mechanicals
The 375 to 602 cc flat twin is robust and inexpensive to service. A fully working mechanical setup is achievable without breaking the bank.
- Economical rebuild: oil change, filters, spark plugs, fan belt, carburettor adjustment, full brake service, 400 EUR to 900 EUR.
- Standard restoration: block reconditioning or replacement, pistons, rings, seals, oil pump, rebuilt carburettor, new braking system, shock absorbers, 1,800 EUR to 4,000 EUR.
- Concours level: engine fully rebuilt on a test bench, overhauled gearbox, stainless brake lines, silicone hoses, full wiring loom, 5,000 EUR to 9,000 EUR.
An exchange short engine for a 2CV (602 cc) sells for between 800 EUR and 1,500 EUR from specialists, with fitting included in some workshops from around 1,200 EUR all in.
3. Upholstery and interior
The 2CV features its iconic suspended tubular seat frames. The original striped fabric covers are still made to the original pattern.
- Economical rebuild: new covers fitted by the owner, cut to fit carpet, 200 EUR to 500 EUR.
- Standard restoration: full trim fitted by an upholsterer (seats, door cards, headliner), 800 EUR to 2,000 EUR.
- Concours level: made to measure trim in period correct fabric, chrome trim strips, sound insulation, 2,500 EUR to 4,500 EUR.
The canvas roof, a centrepiece of the 2CV, costs between 120 EUR (basic kit) and 400 EUR (thicker fabric with lining), with professional fitting adding a further 150 to 300 EUR.
4. Chrome, trim and bolt on body parts
Hubcaps, trim strips, door handles, front and rear lights, and the grille all carry a strong visual impact for a moderate unit cost, though their combined total can add up quickly.
- Economical rebuild: cleaning and polishing existing parts, replacing only broken lights, 80 EUR to 250 EUR.
- Standard restoration: full replacement of lights, grille, handles and new hubcaps, 350 EUR to 800 EUR.
- Concours level: professional rechroming, NOS (New Old Stock) parts or compliant reproductions, stainless fasteners, 1,000 EUR to 2,500 EUR.
5. Wear parts and roadworthiness items
Tyres, shock absorbers, brake kit, battery, belts and fluids are essential regardless of the restoration quality targeted.
- 4 tyres, 125/80 R15 (original size): 220 EUR to 380 EUR fitted and balanced.
- Complete brake kit (pads, shoes, discs or drums, hoses): 180 EUR to 420 EUR.
- Shock absorbers (4): 120 EUR to 280 EUR.
- Battery, fluids, filters: 80 EUR to 150 EUR.
This roadworthiness item always represents between 600 EUR and 1,200 EUR, even on a car that looks in decent shape. Never underestimate it.
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Summary table: the 3 restoration levels
| Item | Economical | Standard | Concours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodywork / Paint | 600 to 1,500 EUR | 3,500 to 7,000 EUR | 8,000 to 14,000 EUR |
| Engine / Mechanicals | 400 to 900 EUR | 1,800 to 4,000 EUR | 5,000 to 9,000 EUR |
| Upholstery / Interior | 200 to 500 EUR | 800 to 2,000 EUR | 2,500 to 4,500 EUR |
| Chrome / Trim | 80 to 250 EUR | 350 to 800 EUR | 1,000 to 2,500 EUR |
| Wear parts / Roadworthiness | 600 to 900 EUR | 800 to 1,200 EUR | 1,000 to 1,500 EUR |
| TOTAL WORK | ~4,000 to 8,000 EUR | ~10,000 to 18,000 EUR | ~22,000 to 35,000 EUR |
The 3 items where beginners systematically blow their budget
1. Structural rust underestimated at purchase
A 2CV floor pan and sills can look sound to the naked eye and turn out to be fully perforated at the first tap of a hammer. A serious inspection before buying, or a bodywork quote drawn up by a professional before starting work, will stop you from doubling your bodywork budget. Always plan a reserve of 20 to 30 percent on the bodywork item.
2. Paint: preparation costs as much as painting
Many beginners only budget for the cost of the paint itself and forget that surface preparation (sanding, primer, filler work, baking) often represents 60 to 70 percent of the total bill from a paint shop. A 2CV that is well prepared but painted on a modest budget will last ten years. The reverse will not.
3. Wiring: the invisible job
The wiring loom of an old 2CV is simple on paper (6 volts on the earliest versions, 12 volts afterwards), but decades of successive fixes often turn it into a real nest of problems: burnt wires, oxidised connections, undocumented branches. Redoing a full loom costs between 400 EUR and 900 EUR in parts plus several hours of labour. Do not overlook it at the initial quote stage.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a full professional 2CV restoration cost?
A full restoration entrusted entirely to a specialist workshop generally costs between 15,000 EUR and 25,000 EUR for a standard quality result, excluding the purchase of the base car. High end workshops preparing cars for concours d'elegance regularly exceed 30,000 EUR. Always request a detailed item by item quote before committing.
Can you restore a 2CV yourself without particular skills?
Yes, within certain limits. Basic mechanical work (oil changes, brakes, carburettor, adjustments) is approachable for a serious DIYer with good guides. Bodywork and paint, on the other hand, demand specific tools and experience for a durable result. The most cost effective strategy is to do the mechanical work yourself and hand the bodywork and paint over to a professional.
What is the resale price of a restored 2CV?
A properly restored 2CV (standard condition) resells for between 8,000 EUR and 14,000 EUR depending on the version and current market. A concours preparation can reach 18,000 to 25,000 EUR. Except in rare cases, it is uncommon to fully recover the cost of a premium restoration on resale, which is why many collectors prefer to keep their car.
How long does a Citroen 2CV restoration take?
A professional workshop working full time completes a standard restoration in 3 to 6 months. As an amateur working weekends, expect 1 to 3 years depending on your pace and the starting condition of the vehicle. Plan your project in phases (mechanicals, then bodywork, then finishing) so you do not get stuck partway through.
Are spare parts for the 2CV easy to find in 2026?
Yes, this is one of the model's great strengths. Almost all bodywork, mechanical and trim parts are reproduced and available from French and European specialists. Lead times are generally short (under a week) for common parts. Only some NOS (period, non reproduced) parts may require a search among breakers or on the classic parts market.