Model history

The Citroen 2CV is one of the cult vehicles in automotive history. The small all-rounder was developed on the initiative of the later Citroen boss Pierre-Jules Bolanger from 1934 and as a prototype in 1939 was given the name TPV, which meant "quite small car". The vehicle never reached production readiness, not least because of the war, but was completely revised and presented as the 2CV at the Paris Motor Show in 1948. In the years that followed, production of the small car, derided as a "tin can", suffered from a permanent shortage of raw materials, but this did not stop the emerging cult of the "duck". The vehicle became a flagship for France and attracted additional attention with numerous special editions. Towards the end of production, Citroen brought out optically modified versions with "Charleston" and "Dolly", which still enjoy great popularity today.

General information about the vehicle:

In this auction, a lovingly restored Citroen 2CV Charleston can be purchased, which rolled off the production line in France in 1985 and was first registered a short time later. The vehicle with the VIN VF7AZK00KA141116 changed owners 5 times in the following years, but due to missing documents the exact history of the small cult car is only partially traceable. The transfer to Germany was followed by a complete rebuild of the "Charleston", which was subsequently certified as a historic car and has so far remained accident-free. The little Frenchman is registered and presents itself in its new shine unrestrictedly roadworthy, so that the new owner can look forward to the first drive with the original key set.

Exterior color/paint/body

The Citroen 2CV is painted in black and wine red colors, so that the typical look of the Charleston series has been perfectly interpreted. The exterior shines after the complete restoration in new splendor, moreover, due to the repainting no dents or dings are visible and on the attached photos neither rust nor scratches can be discovered. The body was rebuilt in its original condition and equipped with the classic folding roof as well as visually appealing chrome components, so that the vehicle appears as if it had just left the factory gates at Citroen.

Exterior Rims/Brakes/Chassis

The likeable Frenchman uses classic steel rims painted in body color and visually enhanced by chrome hubcaps. The result is a consistent look with the Mecotra tires used, which will make lovers of the brand rave. All components are in good to very good condition, as are the brakes fully functional. During the rebuild, attention was paid to a faithful reconstruction of the chassis in box construction, so that the character of the Citroen 2CV "Charleston" has been completely preserved.

Interior:

The design of the interior looks very true to the original and gives the 2CV a comfortable ambience. The fabric upholstery of the seats has been renewed with an appealing diamond pattern and gives the car a classic look. Typical traces of use are not to be discovered, likewise the used fittings and the large speedometer display appear very well maintained after the reconditioning. The spartan equipment gives the "Charleston" its typical character, while a classic radio accompanies the relaxed travel atmosphere.

Mileage:

The small Citroen has covered 2,800 kilometers so far after its restoration, as can be clearly seen on the display. A statement about the total mileage cannot be made, as complete documentation on the history is no longer available after more than three decades. During the inspection, all components and controls were found to be in working order, and there were no signs of failure on the gauges.

Engine:

The little Frenchman is powered by a two-cylinder boxer engine producing 28 hp (21 KW) at 5,750 rpm. The transmission has 4 forward gears and one reverse gear, which allows the Citroen 2CV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 35 seconds and reach a top speed of about 110 km/h (110 mph). A regular service on the vehicle has not been necessary so far after the repair, moreover, the good technical condition should be able to be confirmed at the next TÜV appointment.

Underbody:

The underbody presents itself in a very good condition for the brand. It was preserved and cavity-sealed during the restoration, so that only tiny traces of corrosion were visible during the inspection. All components are fully intact and the exhaust system fixed to the bumper is also in very good condition.

Documents:

The Citroen 2CV Charleston was out of service for a long time, so only a few documents are available. The vehicle was restored after importation and essential key data was documented by means of invoices. In addition, the MOT report and the registration certificates provide an overview of the status quo.

Who is the Citroen 2CV Charleston intended for?

The Citroen 2CV was voted French "Automobile of the Century" in 2002, having already achieved cult status since the 1960s. The fascination with the "duck" gripped not only France but also other European countries such as Germany and Great Britain, making the special edition "Charleston" the perfect vehicle for collectors and nostalgics. The purist charm of the "duck" inspires to this day and is often linked to personal memories. Stocks of the Citroen 2CV have steadily declined over the past decades, making a perfectly reconditioned "Charleston" a true rarity and, with its likeable charisma, the perfect leisure companion.