1977 Citroën Dyane Caban

‘RHC 781S’ is even rarer than the standard Citroën Dyane being one of a limited run of Caban models produced in 1977. Distinguished by the navy-blue coachwork, white roof and wheels, and unique decoration, just 1,500 were built.

As you might expect, even those figures dwarf the number that remain: Miles, the seller, who also happens to be an avid, long-standing collector, tells us that there are only two right-hand drive models left in the UK, with France being home to one more.

‘Doris’ has been known to him since the early 1980s, and this is the second time he’s owned her. She’s been in his care since 2009 this time around and after being kept in storage for a few years, he commissioned marque expert Simon Day of Driving Spirit to restore her in 2020. The work took around 14-months to complete and set him back more than £20,000, but the quality is such that he doesn’t regret a single penny of it.

Now being reluctantly offered for sale, this is an incredibly rare opportunity to get your hands on a show-quality example of a model you probably haven’t heard of.
 

As you can see from the invoices on file, the Dyane received an awful lot of new metalwork when she was restored, which will set your mind at ease with regard to rust.

(Speaking of which, all four wings are fibreglass, new metal ones being almost impossible to source. We doubt you could tell what they’re made of just by looking at them and you’ll never have to worry about them corroding, of course.)

Regardless of what they’re made of, the panels were clearly assembled with a high degree of care as they align beautifully. They’ve been well curated in the intervening three years too as they are completely clear of dents, dinks, and ripples.

The navy-blue paintwork was applied with equal skill, and the Caban decorations are the icing on an already very attractive cake.

The white fabric roof is free of any marks much less wear and tear. It furls and unfurls in a very satisfying way (no pesky electronics to go wrong here…) and gives the full open-top experience with it rolled back. It’s more useful than you might think for carrying large loads, too #justsaying

A colour coded accessory panel is to the rear, which was designed to protect the rear of the roof and the top of the tailgate.

Further simplicity comes via sliding side windows, which aren’t only virtually impossible to go wrong but give the cabin more room than a more conventional window winding design would have.

The 15-inch steel wheels are painted in the correct hue for the model and are finished with very good chrome hubcaps. Tyres are diminutive 125R15 Michelin X radials, and all have excellent tread, which is hardly surprising given their youthful age and the limited torque they’re asked to channel.

Plus, we will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

The Caban has plenty of chrome trim with the headlamps, fuel filler cap, bumpers, door mirrors, and hubcaps being made of the material. As you’d expect, it’s all in an excellent condition and needs nothing more than regular polishing to keep it looking this good.

The lamp lenses, badges, window glass, windscreen, and panel beads are all excellent too, which means there’s nothing for the new owner to do other than. to enjoy their new car.
 

The interior was also retrimmed by Simon Day in an attractive blue-and-white houndstooth upholstery. The front seats are wonderfully simple and devoid of fripperies such as bolsters and electronic adjustment. However, there’s no need to feel shortchanged as they’re way more supportive and comfortable than they look and there’s almost nothing to go wrong.

The rear bench seat is similarly straightforward, as is the dashboard which comprises a single instrument, a single-spoke steering wheel, an ‘umbrella’ handbrake, and a rifle-bolt gearchange.

Sensible rubber mats line the floor, a floor that is rock solid and free of rust and corrosion thanks to that recent replacement.

Again, nothing to do here other than sit and admire how clever you are to have found such a machine.
 

Obviously, a restoration of this quality involved a high degree of mechanical work, and this included rebuilding the engine with new barrels and pistons and fitting a new carburettor body. It was also fully recommissioned, with too many new parts to list here.

They are detailed on the invoice though and suffice it to say Doris passed her first MoT in twelve years with no advisories in September 2021.

That said, she doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while the car is exempt by virtue of her age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have her MoT’d at the earliest opportunity.

As you can see, the twin-cylinder fires into life with the same enthusiasm that defines the car’s character. The new alternator gives a good charge too, and it revs like a dream.

Miles tells us that she “starts, stops, and drives as she should – and looks very pretty!”

The engine bay is very clean and beautifully presented. The high-lift factory jack and spare wheel are under there too, as is the starting handle that means you need never fear a flat battery ever again.

Peering underneath reveals a galvanised chassis, neatly applied underseal, a recent exhaust and Spax dampers, and solid metal floors.
 

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the Dyane comes with a photo album showing the restoration and it in use, plenty of invoices for the work that’s been carried out over the years, and a V5 in the seller’s name.

And, as we mentioned earlier, this is the second time his name has been on that V5. He first bought Doris back in the early nineties, only selling her when he moved to the ‘States for work. Doris went to a member of the Citroën Car Club who took her with him when he moved to France.

Miles regretted selling her immediately and eventually managed to persuade the chap who’d bought it to sell her back to him.

Oh, and you might be wondering why she’s called Doris? Well, her first owner, used a bequest from her Aunt Doris to buy it. Isn’t that lovely?
 

Only being sold due to ill-health, Doris has barely covered 200 miles since being completed, making her the closest to a new Citroën Dyane you’re likely to find in the UK.

As for value, how do you even begin to put a price on such a rare and immaculately restored car?

We certainly aren’t brave enough but if it’s any help the first number will probably start with a one, and there will be another four digits after that…

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £10,000 - £15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.