Description
Offered for sale my beautiful and probably unique Acadiane 4 seater Day Van. Owned by me for 4 years, during which she has been my regular runabout for 20, 000+ kilometres. 12 months MOT - from October 2024. Is registered as an Estate under body type on the UK Registration Certificate.
I imported the van to UK from Holland in 2020, where it had been professionally restored / modified (in 2017), body off the chassis (photo documented) to a high standard including replacing front floor panels; and wax-oiled. Modifications included widening / extending the internal space by relocating the fuel tank (filler now at the rear) and removed the external spare wheel storage to increase internal rear cargo area to full width .
Since In the UK from 2020 the engine was upgraded to 650cc with the “Burton Big Bore” Barrel and piston kit; further Burton upgrades include High Performance ignition coil and silicon leads; oil filler seals. Carburettor was ultrasonic cleaned and a full service / rebuild kit fitted - re-jetted (using Burton “Jet Set”); 123 ignition was upgraded to 123 TUNE Plus + 2CV Bluetooth with vacuum advance. This has a monitor / dashboard - viewable on Bluetooth phone/ iPad etc using the 123tune app with analogue readouts and re-map performance setting for timing curves etc. In 2022 the brake system was fully overhauled with new cylinders, callipers and Burton ceramic front disc pads. The fuel system had a new Citroen fuel pump, filter and Burton fuel line and an upgraded (ethanol proof) top rubber tube. Most recently in 2024 has had a full new set of tyres; Burton shock-absorbers and new battery.
The upgrades have improved acceleration and top cruising speed, enabling the van to easily keep pace with modern traffic. An air / fuel mix lambda sensor and display dial was also added to monitor fuel efficiency (air/ fuel) at different speeds. The lambda sensor is removable with a screw-in blank, so the whole kit can be used just for tuning occasionally, or kept in place permanently with a live readout while driving.
The interior was refitted for use as a day van. This included sound insulation on the floor pan and front bulkhead; under bonnet sound insulation pad; floors have “coin-penny” 3mm rubber flooring to the rear and new front rubber mat (Der Fransose) on top of the sound insulation. The interior sound insulation works well to reduce road and engine noise. The rear cargo area is half panelled with side storage cupboards (top-access) either side above wheel arches providing ample storage for camping cooker, gas cylinder; water etc. (see photos for detail) - cargo net stowage above the storage cupboards. Even with the added internal storage above the wheel arches, the total internal space (and appearance) is the same as the original Acadiane before the 2017 modifications in Holland, but now with increased internal storage space. Outside - the full-length roof-rack was modified with a slide-out extended rear section to support a clip-on Bimini parasol / shade (see photo).
The rear passenger seat is an original Dyane/ Mixte folding bench seat which can be folded (back tilted forward), or unlocked (with the clever `French pull-cord) and fully rotated forward to free-up the full cargo area. The seat can also be removed completely (lifts out when retaining bolts are released) to use as seat outside. There is a passenger footwell for the rear seat under a hatch cover (see photo). Access to the rear seat is by the front passenger door. The front passenger seat has a lever operated mechanism in the base which, when unlocked, lifts / rotates the seat fully forward (as in the Mixte) to allow easy access to the rear. The rear seat is a great addition allowing a couple of adult passengers or children to ride in comfort while retaining the utility of the van.
A small 7 a/ h leisure battery - charges from main system on a relay, for continuity power when ignition is off - for 12V appliances such as cool box, phone / laptop charging etc from front and rear USB points.
Has a 4 speaker Caliber DAB radio/ media player with bluetooth. Mains electric hook-up using the original side fuel filler point to a 3 pin mains outlet socket in rear (behind front passenger seat); 2 USB points in rear and further 2 in front cab on shelf above passenger seat. Day van/ camping utilities include - LPG stove and water faucet; waxed canvas rear awning with ground sheet - see photos in use.
Exterior is tidy - paintwork is in very good order; front bumper has a small dink - see photo - from before I acquired the van - only noticeable when pointed out. Otherwise, she is very neat and draws many admiring comments, The above modifications and additions allow the van to be used as an every day runabout - an economic family tourer with camping facilities and a van with the capacity to carry a lot of gear.
I’ve always admired the Citroen Dyane since owning one years ago, and have been very happy with the van during 4+ years of ownership and 20, 000 kilometres of use. It is equally useable as a daily driver - or for extended family excursions. Totally reliable, economic and easily keeps pace with modern traffic. Has low insurance and running costs, and is a talking point wherever you go. I now need to move on, so reluctantly offering her for sale. Ready to go with a new MOT ( to October 2025) and recent new set of tyres.
