Lot 26: Citroen 5CV Cloverleaf

André Citroën launched his first car in 1919 with a flourish.  A 10hp model, the new car was offered with a wide variety of coachwork styles and was joined in 1922 by what was to become considered the French equivalent of the Austin Seven  a little 5CV.  This diminutive car was to go on to prove a remarkable success, with some 88,000 built.  Powered by a 4-cylinder, 856cc side-valve engine, the 5CV was to prove exceptionally durable and was available as a 2-seat or 3-seat 'Cloverleaf' tourer.  This model was also built by Opal under licence in Germany where it was affectionately knows as the 'Laubfrosch' or 'Tree Frog'.  Citroën's products also sold very well in Britain and a factory was established at Slough during 1925.