1 Owner/Garage Kept/602cc Boxer 2 Cylinder/4-Speed Manual/Desirable Model

1985 Citroen 2CV Charleston 4 Door Sedan

”There’s an undeniable charm to the Citroën 2CV. Maybe it’s the shape, beetle-like without being Beetle-like. Maybe it’s that soft roof, which rolls from stem to stern along an impossibly thin framework to meld the car’s occupants with the universe above them. Maybe it’s the fact that, for the most part, none of the above changed, at all, in the car’s crazy long 42 year production run. Certainly, it’s all of those things and more.” From Hagerty’s feature article, May 2025 

For consignment, a 1986 Citroen 2CV-6 Club showing 1,923 kilometers, but the true miles are unknown due to a PA title exemption. The Charleston edition, first launched in 1980, was limited to 8,000 units in its initial introduction. Here’s a one owner car originally imported from Belgium, and our consignor believes the mileage to be correct.

Exterior
This garage kept example where the distinct Rouge Delage and Noir paint combination which became so popular, Citroen added it to the regular production line beginning in 1981.  There’s no mistaking the unique shape, lovingly referred to as the tin snail, and you can see the resemblance. Unlike the classic Beetle, this car’s side windows follow the rounded edges of the doors, front and rear, and the fixed quarter window maintains the contour fitting both the door seam line and the C-pillar. This is all made that much more apparent by the way the two paint colors interplay. While in profile, note the air flow indentation under the hood, and the flared rear fenders which partially cover the rear wheel. 15-inch wheels are painted burgundy to match, with the tires and polished hub cap creating a coordinated set. The vinyl top folds back to create an open air experience and, like the rest of the exterior, is in good shape. Imperfections include some chips, scratches, scuffs, dings on the waistline of the driver’s door, and spots of surface rust. 

Interior
Famously minimalistic, the interior is adorned with simply black vinyl door cards and plastic shrouded door levers and all four present cleanly. The seats wear diamond stitched gray cloth covers which dress the buckets up front and rear bench. Up front, the wild single spoke steering wheel fronts a simple instrument panel consisting of the arched speedometer with numbers and shifting diagram on a crystal clear cover. The gray plastic dash is in fine condition and the shifter emerges from the firewall. With the transmission out front, the floor is left flat and is protected by a fitted rubber mat while the trunk is a modest and simple affair, housing a spare on within the stamped and sculpted metal with some room left for storage. 

Drivetrain
Presenting as original, here we have a 602cc boxer 2 engine, fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor and rated at 29 horsepower. It’s mated to a 4-speed manual which routes power through 4.125 gears in front, part of the first front wheel drive to sell over a million units.

Undercarriage
The narrow base is covered mostly by flat pans, with the single exhaust traveling down the left side and through a stock style muffler. The suspension is another wild feature, a complex system of horizontal cylinders, springs, swing and trailing arms. Brakes are here as front disc and rear drum. The underside presents cleanly. 

Drive-Ability
This is not our first rodeo, so we know what to expect! A unique experience from a unique car, impeccable French, and a car designed as accessible transportation for the masses. It trots along just fine and the odd shifting position becomes familiar in no time, spinning this 2CV around our test loop in good form. All functions operated as designed. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

People have a soft spot for Citroens in their croissant loving hearts and we can see why. There’s absolutely nothing like it on the road and they garner attention and smiles at car shows for their brilliant independence, distinctive shape, and small car features. Here’s a desirable Charleston model that will get you into that exclusive world of French car enthusiasts; yes, there are clubs and activities all over the country and likely, world.   

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that’s more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit [hidden information] or call us at [hidden information]. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your state’s titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!