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Curated Auction

1976 Citroen Lomax 224

At a Glance

Citroen Ami/2CV Base | 3 Long-Term Owners Since 1988 | Smart Presentation

  • Mileage~57,831
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine0.7L
  • LocationAldershot

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below - we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report - learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

A back-to-basics motoring experience that will guarantee to put a smile on your face!

The UK's penchant for low-cost open-top sports cars goes back to the ethic of Colin Chapmans famous "Simplify, then add lightness" quote. Using a proven platform with robust engines is always a positive starting point, and by using the Citroen flat 2CV chassis and running gear, the Lomax could also accommodate the clever built-in cantilever suspension system without the need to reassemble.

First seen in 1982, like many kit-car companies, the ownership of the body components was often shared or transferred to successive companies, Lomax's were generally built by owners using donor parts from expired Citroens. The Lomax could accommodate any of the Citroen air-cooled engines, all offering a legendary reputation for durability, economy and reliability. The 4-wheeled Lomax 224 uses a similar body to the three-wheeled 223, retaining the same 1930s Morgan-influenced styling. Offering a genuinely thrilling driving experience, despite the modest power output, these lightweight and nimble cars could easily exceed the national speed limit. But the B-road is the greatest place to enjoy its charm.

Based on a short-wheeled chassis from a 1976 Citroen Ami Saloon, this smartly presented example is powered by a 652cc 2-cylinder engine. Finished in yellow with largely standard trim, it has been in the hands of several long-term enthusiasts and has always been used as a fair-weather car. Tax and MOT exempt, it has a box of spares and its "weather gear" comes in the form of a flying jacket and helmet!

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Mary the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It had spent its previous 25 years living a charmed life on the Isle of Wight before we bought it in 2019.

David had an eye for open-top motoring at its purest, and the appeal of the Lomax suited his aptitude for classic cars and enjoyment of being on the road. As a former mechanic and MOT inspector, he cast a meticulous eye on the market for the best Lomax he could find, which led him to this car.

Having bought it in 2019, the car has only been driven in the summer months, and it also was the nucleus to set up a regular classic car pub meet. Sadly since his passing two years ago, his family have decided to part with his pride and joy, to allow someone else to enjoy its undeniable charms. Mary or her daughter Marie will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

David and Mary
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Well cared for and garaged, the exterior presentation is positive.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” steel rims show mild signs of age but do not show any road wear or significant damage. They are all fitted with Citroen CX Pallas wheel trims, which are in great shape as pictured.

The Firestone tyres are all over 20 years old, but that said they all have plenty of tread and look free of sidewall cracks.

Bodywork

The underside looks solid with decent suspension mounts and chassis rails. The wooden floor looks in good shape too. The glass fibre body looks smart, with no signs of cracks and is evenly mounted. The bonnet is a flush fit with good fastenings. There are a couple of observations of superficial damage, which is limited to a small hole on the bonnet, a section near the nearside front wheel and a flaw on the tail.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The yellow paint has a consistent and even finish, the gel coat is free of crazing or advanced oxidization. There are a few mild scuffs in places, generally around the lower front section and what appears to be a touch-up on the offside tail end of the body. Overall, the car displays nicely.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The trim is complete with no issues spotted on the headlamps or rear lenses. The Brooklands screens show mild signs of age but the glass is free of cracks or chips.

The chrome headlamp units show mild signs of age. The rest of the chrome trim would also benefit from effort with some metal polish. The nearside front mudguard has a paint touch-up. The bonnet straps and catches are all up to the job.

Interior

The cabin is in great condition, and being a driver focused car, is simplicity itself.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in very good condition, with no major signs of wear.

The car has been fitted with a carpet lining and has a set of footwell mats, all are tidy and damp-free.

Dashboard

The dashboard facia is part of the bodywork and displays positively. There are no issues with the dials, all appear to function and read as they should. The rest of the interior trim is cleanly presented.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel looks good, wrapped in leather with red stitching, and the Lomax logo at the centre as pictured.

The gear lever shows age-related wear. Take a look at the images in the gallery for a closer look at both.

Mechanics

The Lomax is the most enjoyable when the 652cc engine is worked up to its rev limitations.

Engine and Gearbox

The car has been kept in storage for over 2 years, so the Lomax showed a little reluctance to fire up, however after several attempts, the engine burst into life and sounded positive. There were no unwanted clacking noises, excessive exhaust smoke or dashboard warning lights. The engine soon settled down and maintained an even beat - a service and good long run will no doubt help it. The car was leak-free on the day.

The air-cooled Citroen 652cc engine shows signs of a previously active maintenance schedule, with decent ancillaries and hoses. The engine metalware shows signs of age but has no impairment to anything other than cosmetics. It is fitted with an 123ignition electronic ignition kit, the alternator belt was replaced in 2016 and has been fitted with Cherry bomb exhaust. The gearbox works without issues, the gear pattern (1-R-2-3-4) shifts cleanly, watch the video to see it in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension components are in good physical shape and during our brief test drive, we didn’t hear any creaks but we would advise a checkover to the kingpins and grease points as a matter of precaution, as the car has stood unused for two years.

The car has seen attention to its braking over the last 10 years, they operate without any drama, stopping the car effectively.

The Drive

Combining the charismatic air-cooled engine with an open-top roadster body offers a genuinely thrilling experience. While the 652cc engine has obvious power limitations, the chassis setup and Morganesque driving style of the Lomax does an effective job of making the car feel far faster than it actually is.

The engine sounds more like a vintage motorcycle than a 2CV, which adds to the experience. The steering is quick and was demonstrated to be free of wobbles or pulling to the side. It handles neatly, with no unwanted noises heard from the wheels. Once warmed up, the engine was unburstable and started up easily when warm. It pulls well, with no misfires and is free of exhaust fumes on the move.

Electrics and Other

The headlamps are not currently operational - Mary has informed us that it's likely to be a minor wiring issue. The car has a tonneaux cover, it provides a good tight fit and is free of damage. David also managed to obtain a rear luggage rack specifically for this model.

History and Paperwork

This car comes to market from ~6 year ownership, and had been in some 25 year ownership prior to that, it presents well and offers an not often seen OTS experience on a Citroen base.

It's not known when the kit was first built, but the donor car chassis number is from a late model Ami saloon 8, which makes it a rare short-wheel-base example of the 4-wheel Lomax. Some further investigations with the Lomax club may uncover more of its provenance. The V5 states that it has seen 9 previous owners, but this is likely to have included the original Ami's keepers too.

The car comes with several of its older V5 certificates, which allows us to track its ownership back to 1988 when it was used by an owner in the Bath area. It was then sold to an enthusiast on the Isle of Wight in 1994, where it remained until 2019 when it was purchased by David. The car has since been transferred over to Mary's name.

It comes with invoices back to 1996, with the most recent dating from 2016, all covering brake and sundry parts. The car also has a number of MOT certificates dating back to 1995. Also included is a handbook, a published book on the first ten years of the Lomax, and a flying jacket and helmet as part of the sale. The car has a box of spares and is MOT and Road Tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
04-07-2019 MOT 57,324
05-07-2018 MOT 57,270
15-06-2017 MOT 57,212
17-06-2016 MOT 56,843
01-05-2015 MOT 56,401
13-05-2014 MOT 56,390
14-05-2013 MOT 56,249
15-05-2012 MOT 56,056
28-06-1999 MOT 55,500
02-07-1998 MOT 55,374
05-08-1996 MOT 54,814
03-03-1995 MOT 54,730
Key Details
  • Model Lomax 224
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 01-10-1976
  • CC 652
  • Mileage ~57,831
  • History Since 1996
  • Colour Yellow
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # 23JA6700
  • Engine # 0485001210
  • MOT 04-07-2019
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 9
  • Tyre Brand Firestone
  • Tyre Age 20+
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~6 years
  • Key Feature Ami Chassis model
  • Auction ID 2709


    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,000
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    Auction Ends Thu 15th May at 7.30pm
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Citroen like this is £158 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
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    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Spring 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Aldershot

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