Introduced forty years ago Citroën a special version of the 2CV. He got the name Charleston. That name symbolizes the use of two colors and a few nods to the origin. De CItroën 2CV6 Charleston was the most beautifully finished version of all 2CVs. After the 1976 Spot, the 2CV 6 Charleston capitalized on the then new phenomenon of special series. It would not stop with a special series, because the Charleston became immensely popular. And also became the namesake of the very last 2CV, which rolled off the line in Mangualde, Portugal.
The special one Citroën 2CV6 Charleston was a nice addition to the still loved 2CV theme. It was based on the Club execution. The Charleston was distinguished by its specific color scheme and interior trim. The round headlights of the 2CV6 Spécial gave it its own face, as the Club version did with the rectangular headlights Citroën from 1974.
Initially one-time series of 8.000 units
The Citroën 2CV6 Charleston was to be made in an edition of 8.000 units. A year after its introduction, however, the Charleston proved so successful that the limited special edition became a regular version from July 1981. Citroën included the Charleston as standard in the program.
Annonce in September 1980
Citroën announced the Charleston in September 1980. And it had made visible work of the special version. The bumpers were painted in metallic gray and the tailgate was labeled with the model name Charleston. The sills got a chrome frame. And Citroën mounted the chrome wheel covers. The dashboard was the same as that of the 2CV 6 Club. A single-spoke steering wheel was fitted. Behind it was the large speedometer. The buyer also found the rectangular buttons for the operation of the windscreen wipers and hazard lights. And to keep an eye on the brake fluid level Citroën an indicator.
“Luxurious” interior with Pieds de Coq upholstery
Furthermore, the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston twin sun visors. And the roof could be opened from the inside, which was not new with the 2CV versions. The front passenger had access to a make-up mirror. The interior of the doors was covered with gray fabric. A black plastic panel, with a loop to pull the door closed, framed the door handle and concealed the locking mechanism. The first (predestined temporary) series of the 2CV 6 Charleston got the Coq upholstery and a broken checkered pattern from Pieds.
Differences between fixed value and limited series
Citroën so decided to make the Charleston a fixture within the program. That step involved some changes. The regular version was different from the first and limited edition. The fixed Charleston value in the program was given the chrome round headlights and the gray interior trim with a graceful diamond pattern.
Trademark paint scheme
The color palette has always been a trademark of the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston. The Charleston was initially offered in the Rouge Delage color with black, but from July 1982 onwards, the purchaser could purchase the Citroën Order 2CV6 Charleston also in Jaune Hélios with black. That color combination was replaced in July 1983 by the version in two shades of gray: Gris Nocturne with Gris Cormoran.
Trusted technology
De Citroën 2CV6 Charleston was technically based on the 2CV6 Spécial and Club. That meant: an air-cooled 602 cc engine with 29 SAE-HP. Fuel was supplied via the Solex 26/35 CSIC two-stage carburettor. The centrifugal clutch was not available in combination with the Charleston equipment level, in the luxury retrospective of the Charleston it was a curious decision by Citroën. Well mounted Citroën from model year 1982 disc brakes on the front wheels, and that was in line with the other versions of the 2CV6.
End of a success story
Citroën originally produced the Charleston at the factory in Levallois (Paris), but in 1988 it transferred production to the factory in Mangualde, Portugal. The cars produced there can be recognized by the name of the Spanish glass manufacturer 'Covina' on the windows. On July 27, 1990 at 16.30 pm the last 2CV rolled off the production line in Mangualde; that was a 2CV 6 Charleston in Gris Nocturne with Gris Cormorant. That was it 5.114.969e and last copy of 'de Eend'.
Success factor paid heavily today
The Charleston was a major contributor to 2CV's success over the last ten years of production. And told a chapter of its own in the long history of the Citroën 2CV. Today is going to be a good one Citroën 2CV6 Charleston away for amounts between € 10.000 and € 15.000. For a copy from the very first series, count a few thousand euros extra. Lovers work so, but a real Duck fan with some reserves in the bank will gladly transfer that amount to the selling party.
Credit to: Ellis Blase
Photo credits: © Guyot
bought another late, luxury version new in France with the red TT number (tax-free hire purchase). Went to cover 15,000 kms in 3 weeks, have a cup of tea in Copenhagen on the autostrada from Livorno to Venice, visit a girlfriend in Barcelona, etc.
all with 110 km / pu I was actually waiting for the engine to explode, but no!
hey Jeroen bttr. the duck I think your friend Flaminio had little to do with the styling of the 2CV, that was all pre-war designs by Ing. Lefevre
What is also nice about a 2CV? Put it in the wax and you will feel the soft shapes while brushing. A little later you will see drops of blood, cut on a sharp edge. Then you see your shiny duck with raindrops splashing off. A 2CV is the true car feeling: “happiness and hardship” go hand in hand 😉
Another wonderful story Erik. Thank you!
My first car was a 2cv… sold for one Citroën BX instead.
Wanted to buy it back afterwards, but not found it again.
2 2CVs from 1990 (including a Charleston), one from 1987 and one from 1960
What a car. We ourselves are in possession of a 'Perrier' version of the duck that has been restored to new condition. We will of course continue to cherish them because there are not that many of them. The duck simply remains a masterpiece, in all versions.
A former friend, in 1974, drove a special
fortified order duck, to the Caucasus Mountains,
and back too, and then the Michelin tires were SO
worn out by the unpaved roads then,
that they had to be covered in Sofia!
What a car!
I think that's what the designer had in mind with the 2CVCharleston. How good is this colorful swing found in the lines of the 2CV. Flaminio nods approvingly from his grave: it rocks.