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2014 Shannons Sydney Late Spring Classic Auction
Lot
6

1984 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston Sedan

$24,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine 2-cylinder,602cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Sedan
Colour Maroon/Black
Interior Grey
Trim Cloth
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Disc/Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

Originally conceived as mass transportation in the 1930s by Citroën's boss Pierre Boulanger, the 2CV was launched following the Second World War at the Paris Motor Show of 1948 with distinctive corrugated body panels, a roll-back sunshine roof (to improve load carrying) and minimalist interior. Powering the Deux Chevaux was a tough little 375cc flat-twin engine driving through a four-speed gearbox, with simple but effective independent suspension all round and early cars were available in any colour - so long as it was matt grey. As time went by, the engines grew in both capacity and power output, the bodywork underwent some subtle changes (smooth panels, front-hinged doors, six-light windows etc.), the electrics switched to 12-volt system and front disc brakes were standardised in September 1981. A rash of special editions in the 1970s helped revive interest in the 2CV, many of these offered for one season only. This trend continued into the 1980s with introduction of the hugely popular, retro chic Charleston, based on the better-appointed Club model, boasting two-tone paintwork. Although marketed as a limited edition of 8,000 cars when launched in October 1980, the hugely positive response to the Charleston kept it in production until the 2CV's ultimate demise a decade on. Giving the model a more Art Deco appearance thanks to the inspired paintwork and classic details like the round headlamps, the Charleston was sold in three colour combinations but the red/black always proved the most popular (other choices included two-tone grey and black/yellow). When the last 2CV rolled off the production line in 1990, total production - with offshoots like the Dyane and Mehari taken into account - exceeded an extraordinary 8,800,000 units and it remains a distinctively different classic car today with a cult following around the world.