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MEET THE MHM FLEET
The Max Hyde Motors Fleet
As well as producing some of the most unique cars on the road, the enjoyment gained from working with Citroen 2cv's has meant that Max Hyde Motors has over the past few years steadily built a small collection of other Citroen's and unusual vehicles.
Kermit and Gonzo
These pictures are of "Kermit" so called called because he looks like a frog, and he's French! It is a very unique van indeed, as unlike most 2CV vans that have rotted away, Kermit is still going strong as he is a replica AK350 with a fibreglass body, 2CV cab, 602cc engine and a new, much stronger chassis. Kermit became a part of the Max Hyde Motors fleet in 2004 to use as a working vehicle for an associate company “Handy-Max”. It has proved to be a perfect advertising tool as it stands out from anything else on the road. Owing to Max Hyde Motors engineering background many modifications have been applied to the van, some copied from the MKI and MKII. You can see what a standard 2CV engine looks like with its cooling ducts and heaters still in place, but this van now has a forced air induction system, and is fitted with silver PVC heater ducting - not only because it looks better, but the standard cardboard ones have a reputation for catching fire! The Accel super ignition coil helps boost the bhp too!
CONTACT: MAX@MAXHYDEMOTORS.COM
The other 2cv van in the fleet is "Gonzo", which as you can see is a bit of a wreck, it is a 1956 AZU, with a 425cc engine and may well have been used as an ambulance in the past? Luckily Max Hyde Motors expertise will come in handy for some special repairs, as the plan is to restore the van to perfect mechanical condition, but retain the appearance of a wreck! The van was Imported from the Calvados region of France in 2006 where it had been abandoned in a field for over 20 years, and literally became part of the undergrowth.
As the van hadn't turned a wheel for some years it took a little effort to shift it from it's previous owners house. After they decided it needed a little more work than they had anticipated, it was transported to join the Max Hyde Motors fleet in 2006. But as you can see, friends and fellow Citroen enthusiasts are always willing to lend a hand.
Miss Piggy
Another of the fleets unique vehicles is a 1965 Citroen HZ72, better known as "Miss Piggy". It became part of the fleet in November 2006 and was imported by Max Hyde Motors from Normandy in northern France, and re-registered in England to be used for another associate company "The Snail Doctor". The van was in need of both mechanical and body restoration but sympathetic repairs have been carried out in order to retain it's authentic patination. It is fitted with a 1911cc petrol engine and three speed gearbox, incorporated in a monocoque bodyshell and has some very unusual characteristics such as suicide doors!
Animal, Statler & Waldorf
As well as many Citroens, Max Hyde Motors also has a small selection of French mopeds. "Animal" is a 1970 VeloSolex in finest French Bleu whilst "Waldorf" dates from 1958, both use a 49cc engine mounted on the handlebars driving the front wheel via a rotor on the tyre. "Statler" is a 1965 Mobylette, again with a 49cc engine and a combination of two chains and belt drive!
© COPYRIGHT 2006 - MAX HYDE MOTORS
