Registration - F112 DGC

Chassis No - VF7AZKA00KA339264

M.O.T. - 02/2024

Odometer - 124,000

Citroën’s charming 2CV has always possessed that je ne sais quoi quality that makes you want to own one, even if you have absolutely no requirement for such a car. One thing’s for sure, they don’t come much smarter than ‘F112 DGC’, which has been the subject of a body-off restoration within the last 12 months, and so should surely be fit to provide uninterrupted pleasure for many years to come. It’s finished in two-tone grey and trimmed in matching grey fabric, and rides on brand new wheels and tyres. The refurbishment is more than skin deep too, as the twin-cylinder engine has also been overhauled and, in a nod to modern motoring, has been equipped with electronic ignition. Unsurprisingly the vendor considers the 602cc motor, four-speed manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all now be in ‘excellent’ order. What’s more, the Charleston comes complete with every MOT from new, plus a current one valid to February 12 next year. What’s not to like?!

The creation of Citroën’s incomparable Deux Chevaux (2CV) dates back to 1936 and was intended to motorise the large number of French farmers still relying on the horse and cart. The unique design brief called for: a low-priced, rugged ‘umbrella on four wheels’ that would enable four peasants to drive 110lb of farm goods to market at 31mph in clogs and via muddy, unpaved roads; including transporting eggs across a ploughed field without breaking them. No less than 3.8million examples were ultimately produced via 11 factories across the world (including one in Slough, England) between 1948 and 1990, by when the ageing design had been defeated by contemporary legislation. However, the charm of the model never fades and good ones remain keenly sought by collectors and classic car enthusiasts alike. The Charleston version began life in October 1980 as a one-season-only special edition, but proved sufficiently popular to be incorporated into the main range in July 1981. Related changes to the specification included inboard disc brakes at the front and a mild uplift in power to 29bhp courtesy of a different carburettor – the maximum speed now topped 70mph, just!

In summary:

• An original righthand drive UK specification Charleston
• A very well presented eight-keeper, 124,000-mile example
• Recently treated to a body-off restoration and engine rebuild