The Citroen 2CV Charleston, 40 Years Ago They Introduced The Longest Running Special Editions.
Citroen introduced the Charleston special edition of the 2CV some 40 years ago at the Paris Motor Show in October 1980. This special edition was initially limited to 8,000 units. With an attractive price of 24,800 francs.
The Charleston sold out very quickly. It was immediately clear to Citroen that the Charleston should remain in the catalogue. In July 1981 the Charleston made it as an option and was mass produced at the Levallios plant in Paris.
Based on the Club, which was the higher specification of the two regular 2CV offerings, the Charleston was the top of the range. With round headlights, special interior trim and an art deco style colour scheme. The production model had subtle changes to the limited edition. Notably chrome headlights and diamond pattern upholstery.
The first Charleston was in the popular Delage Red and Black colour. Later in 1982 Citroen introduced the Hélios Yellow and Black variant, which lasted only for one year. The two shaded of Grey, Night and Cormorant, replacing it.
Citroen introduced the Charleston special edition of the 2CV some 40 years ago at the Paris Motor Show in October 1980. This special edition was initially limited to 8,000 units. With an attractive price of 24,800 francs.
The Charleston sold out very quickly. It was immediately clear to Citroen that the Charleston should remain in the catalogue. In July 1981 the Charleston made it as an option and was mass produced at the Levallios plant in Paris.
Based on the Club, which was the higher specification of the two regular 2CV offerings, the Charleston was the top of the range. With round headlights, special interior trim and an art deco style colour scheme. The production model had subtle changes to the limited edition. Notably chrome headlights and diamond pattern upholstery.
The first Charleston was in the popular Delage Red and Black colour. Later in 1982 Citroen introduced the Hélios Yellow and Black variant, which lasted only for one year. The two shaded of Grey, Night and Cormorant, replacing it.
In 1988 production was moved to Portugal at the Manguald plant. You can see the name of the Spanish glass manufacturer Covina on the windows. The last 2CV was made there on the 27 July 1990. The 5,114,969th 2CV was a Charleston, in the Night Grey and Cormorant Grey colour scheme.
The last ten years of the 2CV were pretty successful, the Charleston having made a large contribution.
The good news is that you can buy Charleston 2CV objects from the Citroen shop. Keyrings and small 1/64 scale models here: https://lifestyle.citroen.com/
Unsurprisingly, out of the small €5 cars, it’s a Charleston which is the biggest seller.
In 1988 production was moved to Portugal at the Manguald plant. You can see the name of the Spanish glass manufacturer Covina on the windows. The last 2CV was made there on the 27 July 1990. The 5,114,969th 2CV was a Charleston, in the Night Grey and Cormorant Grey colour scheme.
The last ten years of the 2CV were pretty successful, the Charleston having made a large contribution.
The good news is that you can buy Charleston 2CV objects from the Citroen shop. Keyrings and small 1/64 scale models here: https://lifestyle.citroen.com/
Unsurprisingly, out of the small €5 cars, it’s a Charleston which is the biggest seller.
Thanks to Citroen Communication for the use of the images.
Simon