It’s 40 years since Citroen revealed the 2CV6 Charleston. Launched as a special edition in October 1980, it became a regular model in 1981. It went on to become the best-selling 2CV of the 1980s.
That in itself would be enough to secure a chapter in the history of the Citroen 2CV. However, the significance of the Charleston extends to the fact that it was also the last model to roll off the production line in Portugal.
‘Tin Snail’ in rapid decline
By the time the Charleston was unveiled at the 1980 Paris Motor Show, the 2CV had been on sale for 32 years. Sales in France and elsewhere in Europe were in steep decline, prompting rumours of an uncertain future for the ‘Tin Snail’.
So it’s surprising that the Citroen managed to soldier on until July 1990. The success of the 2CV6 Charleston played a part, but we shouldn’t underestimate the role Britain played in its survival.
It look a while for British motorists to embrace the 2CV. It wasn’t until 1979 that it reached the peak of its popularity on these shores, when UK sales hit a high of 8,867 cars.
By the end of production, the UK represented the 2CV’s biggest market, accounting for a third of daily output at the Mangualde plant in Portugal.
New wave of 80s special editions
The Charleston wasn’t the first Citroen 2CV special edition. That honour belongs to the 2CV Spot of 1976. However, the Charleston sparked a new wave of special editions throughout the 1980s. The list includes the 007 James Bond, Dolly, Bamboo and Perrier.
The initial 8,000 examples of the Charleston sold out, prompting Citroen to make it a regular production model. Originally offered in Delage Red and Black, it later came in Helios Yellow and Black. This wasn’t popular, so yellow was replaced with Night Grey and Cormorant Grey.
Highlights included round headlights, hubcaps sourced from the Dyane, wheels painted to match the body colour, separate front seats and cloth upholstery from the Citroen LN.
Regular production models differ from the special editions thanks to their chrome headlight housings, diamond-stitched cloth upholstery and front disc brakes.
From ‘cheerio’ to Pluriel
Officially, a 2CV6 Charleston finished in two-tone grey was the final 2CV to leave the assembly line. In 2008, Citroen marked the 60th anniversary of the 2CV with the launch of the C3 Pluriel Charleston.
In 2012, a 2CV6 Charleston registered in 1991 sold for £14,560 at an RM Sotheby’s auction in London. The car had just 166km on the clock and was ‘essentially as new’.
Today, prices range from £5,000 to £10,000, depending on condition and mileage. Alternatively, you could buy a C3 Pluriel Charleston, of which there are thought to be 36 left in the country.
Click here to read about the history of the Citroen 2CV.
