Some background: The 2CV stands for 'Deux Cheval Vapeur'. Deux is two, Chevaux is horses and Vapeur is steam. It can mean two puffs of horse-steam or the steam from two horses, they are the same thing. In the 1930s this quantity attracted less tax than larger amounts of steam.

The first thing we can see here is a late phase steering binnacle, the wheel features a tiny air bag (sac d'air) a kilmeterometer some knobs and switches. These are marked variously (V= Ville, 'illuminations de ville', P= Dipped, 'Plongé' and F=Off, 'foncé') All need to be in working order.

There can be more knobs, 'boutons' (not to be confused with buttons) and pedals, 'pédales' etc. The red bouton is the choke, 'bobine' which is used to warm up the engine in cold weather

(see muffler) the flap-lever, 'levier d'aileron' which alters the quantity of small air-bourne insects passed through the air filter and flap assembly in hot weather.The pedals are the clutch, 'embrayage' brake, 'frein' and accelerator 'accélérateur' respectively. Sometimes the 'accélérateur' is referred to as the 'champignon'. It is important to have the engine running when testing these pedals.

Its a good idea to check the exhaust before starting the engine. Pipes should allow gas to pass through freely and should not be too bent.

The engine offers lots of opportunities for the keen scrutineer. A number can be seen here.

More scrutineering tomorrow...