Engine of the Day: Citroen Type A, Plus Engine of the Week Poll

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Does an engine that powered ten million vehicles qualify for Engine of the Day honors? You bet it does! An air-cooled, boxer two-cylinder engine with displacement ranging from 375cc to 652cc (and power levels of 9- yes, nine- to 33 horses), the Type A powered millions of Citröen 2CVs, thus giving wheels to France in the grim years following World War II. There was no way in hell this engine could be made to run cleanly, so it was doomed by the emissions laws of the early 1990s after a 42-year run. For a good example of how lightweight and simple this engine is, check out this video of some guys firing it up on a workbench. Thanks to Franzouse for helping out with research! [French Wikipedia, English Wikipedia, 1949 Parts Catalog]


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