CITROEN'S 2CV CHARLESTON IS 40

October saw another anniversary being marked – this time it was Citroën marking 40 years since the launch of the Charleston special series of 2CVs. In 1980, Citroën released 8000 Charleston models designed to satisfy 2CV fans with iconic round headlights and striking maroon and black paint. It marked the start of a new wave of limited editions. With a finish borrowed from the Citroën 2CV Club, the 2CV6 Charleston stood out from the crowd with its special upholstery and round headlights, just like those on the 2CV Spécial.

The limited series model was so popular that the following year, in July 1981, it was put into mass-production at the Levallois plant in France and added to the Citroën catalogue. This version differed from the limited edition with its chrome headlights and grey, diamond-pattern upholstery. Initially sold in Delage Red and Black, it later came with a Hélios Yellow and Black variant in July 1982, which was then replaced in July 1983 with a version coated in two shades of grey, Night Grey and Cormorant Grey. Production continued in 1988 at the Mangualde plant in Portugal. The models produced at this site can be identified by their windows, which bear the name of the Spanish glazier, Covina.

On 27th July 1990, the final 2CV to leave the Mangualde production line was a Night Grey and Cormorant Grey 2CV6 Charleston. This was the 5,114,969th and last 2CV ever produced. However, it is still possible to acquire one in the form of a three-inch miniature (€ 5) or key chain (€4) in the Lifestyle Citroën shop, where the Charleston remains a popular choice with one out of every five 2CV miniatures sold being one of them. In 2008, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 2CV, a limited- edition Charleston was even launched based on the Citroën C3 Pluriel Charleston, with the same Delage Red and Black exterior. For further information, visit: www.citroen.co.uk/ about- citroen/our- brand/citroen-2cv