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30 Oct 2020
CITROEN CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITROËN 2CV CHARLESTON
Citroën is marking 40 years of the 2CV6 Charleston, which debuted at the Paris motor show in October 1980 Launched with a limited run of 8,000 units, the model was so successful that it was added to the Citroën range in July 1981 The Citroën 2CV range came to an end on 27 July 1990, with a final Charleston model going into production This is a great time to remember the iconic 2CV Charleston and admire its chic, quirky character 40 years after its launch
Citroën is marking forty years since the launch of the “Charleston” special series. In October 1980, Citroën released 8,000 2CV Charleston models for a price of 24,800 Francs. The new model was designed to satisfy 2CV fans, with iconic round headlights and distinguishable maroon and black body paint.
Following the Citroën 2CV Spot from 1976, the 2CV6 Charleston marked the start of a new wave of limited editions. Though its finish was 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 2 CV Spécial.
The following year, in July 1981, the limited series model was so popular that it was put into mass-production at the Levallois plant 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 27 July 1990, at 4:30 pm, 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 the last 2CV ever produced. The 2CV remains an icon of automotive history and a favourite of numerous collectors around the world. The Charleston contributed to this success over the last 10 years of production.
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. The Charleston remains a popular choice, with one out of every five 2CV miniatures sold is a Charleston.
The historic 2CV boasts 10 special editions launched in France and other European countries:
France:
1976: 2CV Spot
1980: 2CV Charleston
1981: 2CV 007 James Bond
1983 and 1984: 2CV France 3
1985 and 1986: 2CV Dolly
1986: 2CV Cocorico
Spain:
1982: 2CV Marcatelo
Germany and Switzerland:
1985: 2CV Ente Grün
England:
1987: 2CV Bamboo
Belgium:
1988: 2CV Perrier
In 2008, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 2CV, a limited-edition Charleston was launched based on the Citroën C3 Pluriel Charleston, with the same Delage Red and Black exterior.
For further information, visit: https://www.citroen.co.uk/about-citroen/our-brand/citroen-2cv
ENDS
CITROËN 2 CV 6 CHARLESTON SPECIFICATION
Length: 3.83 m Width: 1.48 m -Height: 1.60 m Track width: 2.40 m Number of seats: 4 Engine: A06/635 Cylinder capacity: 602 cm3 Bore: 74 mm Stroke: 70 mm Compression ratio: 8.5 Torque: 4 mkg at 3500 rpm Fuel: Petrol Taxable horsepower: 3 CV Actual horsepower: 29 DIN hp at 5750 rpm Tyres: 125/15 Weight-to-power ratio: 17.0 Curb weight: 560 kg Rear brakes: drum brakes, then disk brakes after 1982 Front brakes: drum brakes Hand brake: Mechanical (front brakes)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
JOHN HANDCOCK, HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS
07810 180249
SIMON BROOME, PR MANAGER
07827 840 050
MICHAEL ARNOLD, PRESS FLEET MANAGER
07831 829410
JEREMY TOWNSEND, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
07827 896480
FOLLOW CITROËN ON TWITTER AT: www.twitter.com/citroenuk
FIND CITROËN ON FACEBOOK AT: www.facebook.com/citroenuk
FOLLOW CITROËN ON INSTAGRAM AT: www.instagram.com/citroenuk
The Citroën Brand
At the heart of the automotive market, Citroën has asserted itself since 1919 as a popular brand in the true sense of the word, making people and their lifestyles its first source of inspiration. This spirit is underlined by the ‘Inspired by You’ brand signature and is embodied by cars combining unique design and benchmark comfort. Within the sector of mainstream brands, Citroën also stands out with a unique customer experience (Citroën Advisor, ‘La Maison Citroën’, etc.). In 2019, the Citroën sold one million vehicles in over 90 countries.
The Citroën Brand in the UK
The UK is the 4th largest market for Citroën globally, with 80,000 vehicles sold in 2019. Based in Coventry, Citroën UK’s range of hatchbacks includes C1 (city car), C3 (supermini) and C4 Cactus (compact family car). The UK SUV line-up consists of C3 Aircross (compact SUV) and C5 Aircross (mid-size SUV). The UK MPV range features Berlingo (5 or 7-seats), Grand C4 SpaceTourer (7-seats) and SpaceTourer (up to 9-seats). Citroën UK’s Light Commercial Vehicle offering covers all sectors of the market with Berlingo Van, Dispatch and Relay. Citroën has a clearly defined electrification strategy with all models across the range offering an electrified version by 2025. In the UK, 2020 sees the launch of New C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid (PHEV), plus the introduction of Dispatch and Relay battery electric vehicles (BEV).
Citroën UK media site: https://uk-media.citroen.com/ - @CitroenUK