1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

The Citroën 2CV6 Charleston represents the final major success in the long and storied career of the 2CV. Originally intended as a one-season special edition, its extraordinary commercial success led Citroën to integrate the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston into the regular model range in July 1981. From 1982 onward, it became a fully fledged production model, officially positioned as an enhanced version of the Club and the most refined 2CV available.

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

Technical Details:

The Citroën 2CV6 Charleston is powered by the well-known A06/635 engine, a 602 cc air-cooled two-cylinder boxer that had been in service since February 1970. For the Charleston, performance was optimized through the adoption of a Solex 26/35 CSIC twin-barrel carburetor, introduced in 1978, allowing the engine to deliver 29 hp (21 kW) at 5,750 rpm. Maximum torque of 4 mkg is achieved at 3,500 rpm, and the engine features a compression ratio of 8.5. Bore and stroke remain unchanged at 74 x 70 mm. These revisions enabled the Charleston to reach a top speed of 115 km/h, a notable improvement within the 2CV range.

Power is transmitted to the front wheels, and unlike the 2CV6 Club and Spécial, the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston was never offered with a centrifugal clutch. The suspension retains the classic 2CV principle of interaction between front and rear wheels via coil springs, delivering the characteristic ride comfort for which the model is renowned. Braking initially relied on drum brakes at all four wheels, operated by a single master cylinder, with a mechanical handbrake acting on the front wheels. From 1982 onward, the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston received inboard front disc brakes, further improving stopping performance.

The electrical system operates on 12 volts and includes a 28-amp alternator driven by a belt connected to the cooling fan, which features nine blades. With a curb weight of just 560 kilograms, the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston maintains a power-to-weight ratio of 17.0. Its compact dimensions—3.83 meters in length, 1.48 meters in width, and 1.60 meters in height—are paired with a 2.40-meter wheelbase, accommodating four passengers. Narrow 125/15 tires underline the car’s focus on efficiency and comfort rather than outright performance.

Manufacturer: Citroën
Model Name: Citroën 2CV6 Charleston
Year of Manufacturing: 1981–1990

Design:

Introduced in October 1980 as a limited series of 8,000 units, the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston was conceived as a stylistic homage to the two-tone Art Deco color schemes of Citroën models from the 1920s. Initially offered exclusively in Rouge Delage and black, the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston stood apart with its elegant yet playful appearance. According to Citroën’s original press release, round headlights with body-colored housings were deliberately retained to satisfy “2CV purists,” reinforcing the car’s nostalgic charm.

The Citroën 2CV6 Charleston represented the highest level of finish and power ever seen on a 2CV. Based on the better-equipped 2CV6 Club, it featured distinctive upholstery, originally in a black-and-white houndstooth pattern for the limited edition, later replaced by grey diamond-patterned fabric for series production. Chrome hubcaps, a grey plastic grille, and a grey anthracite fabric roof completed the exterior presentation. Over the years, additional color combinations were introduced, including Hélios Yellow and black, followed by dual-tone grey schemes such as Gris Cormoran and Gris Nocturne.

As production evolved, design details were gradually simplified. Later versions featured chromed headlamps, revised paint separation lines, black-painted windscreen frames, and eventually adhesive films replacing painted color divisions. Despite these changes, the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston consistently remained the range-topping 2CV model throughout the 1980s, embodying a blend of chic styling and deliberate eccentricity.

Historical Significance:

This success came at a crucial moment for Citroën. In 1988, production of the 2CV ceased at the historic Levallois-Perret plant, where the model had first been built some 40 years earlier. Manufacturing then continued exclusively in Mangualde, Portugal. The very last 2CV produced was a specially prepared Citroën 2CV6 Charleston, built on 27 July 1990. In the two years following the end of French production, only 42,365 units were built in Portugal, underscoring the Charleston’s role as the final chapter in the 2CV story.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

The Charleston’s distinctive two-tone design made it a favorite subject for renowned photographers such as I. F. Archer, David J. Sparrow, and L. M. Désert, who highlighted its playful lines and bold color contrasts. In 1981, the Charleston starred in a Citroën advertising film that won the Bronze Lion at the Cannes International Advertising Film Festival. This retro, lighthearted, and gently snobbish commercial showcased the car’s timeless appeal and youthful spirit. Broadcast on Antenne 2 and shown in cinemas in a 60-second version between September and December 1981, it cemented the Charleston’s place in Citroën’s cultural legacy.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Retro Classics Stuttgart in 2022. This car show is one of the major events on the classic car calendar in Germany. In 2022, it took place across five exhibition halls. Visitors can enjoy special showcases, hunt for rare parts and books, and buy cars—both private sellers and dealers offer a wide range of classic and youngtimer vehicles. In 2022, there was a noticeable increase in low-mileage youngtimers and classic cars.

Conclusion:

The Citroën 2CV6 Charleston stands as a fitting and stylish farewell to one of the most unconventional automobiles ever produced. Combining the proven simplicity of the 2CV’s mechanical layout with enhanced performance, distinctive Art Deco-inspired styling, and a higher level of comfort, it elevated an already iconic model to cult status. Its journey from limited edition to series production, and ultimately to the very last 2CV ever built, ensures the Charleston a permanent place in automotive history as the charming, colorful final expression of Citroën’s most beloved car.