Highlights
- Exceptionally well preserved in near showroom condition
- Untouched interior with no wear
- Original paintwork
- Drives like new, only minor fettling required before use
The Appeal
As untouched as you could hope to find, and with just 311 miles on the clock!
The first Owner, we’ll call him Mr R, worked at Tanfield Citroen in Horsham as a delivery driver, distributing Citroen parts to local motor factors and garages. He had admired the first 2CV Charleston models that had been in the showroom in 1980 with their Art Deco inspired two tone paint schemes in grey, maroon or yellow, all with contrasting black. In 1981 it became a regular model in the 2CV line up, boasting increased horsepower from an upgraded Solex carb (29hp!), new rear view mirror and inboard disc brakes. His wife’s car was getting a little tired, so in 1983 he ordered a new 2CV6 Charleston in maroon and black, and all the ordering and delivery documentation is still with the car. He added some options; a locking petrol cap, mud flaps, and alarm, and a tow bar that brought the total cost to £3,283.62p.
He drove it home, and over the next week a couple of times locally, and then they decided to put it in the garage, and keep it for when his wife’s car finally expired… but it didn’t! Months passed, and then after a couple of years they bought another 2CV to use so as to keep the Charleston fresh. He started the Charleston regularly and did the maintenance required himself, but it wasn’t going anywhere so didn’t require a proper service or an MoT.
Fast forward to 2019 and Mr T was having some work done to his house , and mentioned to the chap doing the plastering that he was thinking of selling the Citroens as he wasn’t able to maintain them any more himself. His plasterer bought both 2CVs and became the current owner of the Charleston. The second 2CV was sold, but he decided, quite rightly, to keep the Charleston in its “as new” state as at that stage it had covered just 301 miles. He started and ran it regularly and has done a few small jobs that needed doing. He even allowed himself a cheeky “once round the block” drive, and added a further 10 miles. But apart from that is as it left Tanfield Citroen in 1983.
The tyres are the original Michelins, the interior is untouched and like new, the exterior is factory fresh bar a few small marks here and there.
It’s not completely perfect, but it is original and that makes it a very special car.
History and Paperwork
- Built in 1983
- Ordered and delivered to the first owner in July 1983 by Tanfield Citroen dealer (operating until 2021)
- Delivered in Maroon/Black (officially Delage Red)
- Original New Vehicle Order form and sales invoice from Tanfield Citroen on file
- Pre delivery inspection sheet
- Original Citroen plastic wallet with Service book, Owner’s manual and Certicard
- Service book has one stamp, 8/7/83 pre delivery inspection
- Original tax disc from June 1983
- Two keys with original Tanfield Citroen key fobs
- No MoT certificates (it’s never been for one!)
- Old V5 document in first owner’s name
- Instructions for fitting and use of Dealer fitted MotoAlarm burglar alarm
- Original towbar included (was removed from car by first owner to fit car in garage)
- Current V5c In Seller’s name
- Driven just 10 miles since 2019
- Exhaust replaced in 2022 (original rusted away)
- Fuel pump changed, original item still with car
- Battery replaced in August 2023
- Front grille replaced with new item in 2021 (plastic was broken on original)
- Spare mirror, could be fitted to passenger side if desired
The Interior
- Untouched and intact interior, virtually as new
- Original grey fabric seats with no marks or stains
- One minor pulled thread on passenger seat
- Front seatbelts
- Rear seats as new and unused
- Black rubber floor matting throughout car, all in undamaged condition
- Untouched folding roof, no marks or damage. We didn’t fold the roof all the way back as it had never been fully opened!
- All interior trim, including door panels unmarked
- Clean simple gauges, no fading or scratches
- Stalks, switches and controls all as new
- Immaculate plastic single spoke steering wheel with no wear
- Immaculate painted boot area, looks unused with no scratches or corrosion
- Painted spare wheel with matching Michelin tyre
The Exterior
- Completely original two tone black and maroon paintwork, with factory applied tape stripes. Original Citroen “orange peel” finish in places
- Minor marks on paintwork including small mark on nearside rear quarter, small dent in nearside rear wing, small dent in bonnet
- All glass in great condition, side glass folds up and locks correctly
- Driver’s side wiper blade detached and perished, would need a new set
- Headlights and all plastic lenses in undamaged condition
- Steel wheels with factory fitted Michelin tyres. Some small marks to wheels where paint has rubbed away
- Front and rear bumpers with guards, both showing surface corrosion in places, see photos. All original and undented, would be easily renovated
- Dealer fitted mudflaps
- Original Tanfield Citroen dealer numberplates
- Correct Citroen 2CV6 Charleston badging and trim in good condition
- Original towbar included, not fitted and surface rusty
The Mechanics
- 602cc 29hp air cooled flat twin
- 4 speed manual gearbox with dash “trombone” shift
- Clean underside, waxoyled when new, mild surface oxidisation of some exposed metal parts
- NOTE: fuel line hanging down beneath car as old fuel had been drained, and pipe to be correctly routed, will be done by end of auction
- Engine bay in original condition, and uncleaned. Some surface corrosion on exposed metal, and plenty of cobwebs
- Fuel pump replaced, original with car
- New battery fitted August 2023
- Exhaust replaced in 2022
- Service book with single, pre-delivery inspection stamp
- Starts easily and runs, may require light re-commissioning prior to road use
- Seller assures us that the 2CV drives without fault, much like a new car
- Oil and brake fluid unchanged in past 4 years, may be original so we would advise this be addressed
Summary
There is little need to mention the fun that can be had in a 2CV. Described by CAR magazine journalist and author L K Setright as ‘the most intelligent application of minimalism ever to succeed as a car’, and that pretty well sums it up. Except it does not take into account the charm and character that 2CVs have in spades. You have to experience one to appreciate how slow, simple and involving driving can be.
This example is likely to end up in a collection, or a museum. With minimal tidying it would win a Concours easily; after all you couldn’t fault it on originality!
A rare opportunity to buy a motoring icon in as new and unrestored condition.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
