1982 Citroën 2CV Charleston

Monsieur Bourdon (‘Bumblebee’ for obvious reasons) is a 1982 Citroën 2CV Charleston that has spent the bulk of its life in Spain, which means it dodged the four decades of winter salt it would have otherwise suffered.

Dial in an early Ziebart treatment and the fact it’s a genuine Charleston rather than an, er, shall we say evocation and you’ll understand our enthusiasm for this example.

It’s also finished in black and yellow and because it is unrestored it still has its original roof, graphics, and even the seats, all of which add yet further desirability to an already very desirable car.

‘PGC 503Y’ was supplied by Citroën in New York, something the seller hasn’t managed to uncover the reasons for yet but the presence of a red marking under the front number-plate suggests it may have been a diplomatic vehicle…

It came back to the UK in 2012 and was owned by a chap whose garage had underfloor heating for the next eight years until the seller bought it in 2020.

Interestingly, he spent many years searching for a yellow and black variant before finding one just seven miles away from his home – and the coincidences kept piling up as the chap he bought it from turned out to have been a great friend of his late parents.

He’s enjoyed his time with the 2CV, keeping it in a small collection alongside the Citroën Dyane we are also selling for him. Sadly, ill health forces its sale, and he’s hoping it’ll sell to a fellow enthusiast who will appreciate its rarity and originality – and maybe even uncover the mystery of its early years!
 

The yellow and black colour scheme was wildly unpopular when the car was new, which means not many were sold in the two years it was offered.

How times have changed as they’re now so keenly sought-after that folk are now creating them in this very colour scheme. (We can see the appeal, but then we love the BMW R100GS in this colour scheme – and what a great two-vehicle, two-cylinder-apiece combination one of each would make #justsaying)

Monsieur Bourdon is original though, even down to the graphics and pinstripes, and it’s not like he’s survived in a highly patinated condition either because the auld fella presents very, very well indeed; it’s clear that his previous owners understood just how special he is and treated him accordingly.

The front and rear bumpers still run straight and true, and while it’s true that the panel alignment or graphics won’t be troubling the slumber of anyone at Audi, this is how they were back in the day.

This one is also still running 125R15 Michelin X tyres on those super-skinny 15-inch steel wheels. Painted yellow and gently touched up in places, the wheels are set off by very good, chromed hubcaps.

The rubber they’re fitted with might be dated 2007 and starting to crack but, as we keep telling you, cars are only original once and it pleases us to see the choice on whether to keep ‘em or change ‘em for new boots is being left to the next owner.

As for the rest, the lamp lenses, badges, glazing and windscreen, all are good including the iconic side windows which open and close as they should and latch firmly in place. It’s a genuinely brilliant solution to giving plenty of elbow room inside such a narrow car.

Incredibly, the roof is in a fine condition with just one small rip (#170). Again, like so much of the 2CV, the roof is as clever as it is simple and light. It offers the driver two different modes: the first is to leave it connected to the frame and simply ‘flop’ it backwards, exposing just the front of the cabin. The second mode is to detach it from the (very good) frame and roll it all the way back.

As for work to do, if you’re a perfectionist then a small section of the trim on the offside mirror has come adrift, while the same trim on the nearside mirror has perished. The fuel filler cap is showing its age too, and there is a small crack in the offside rear indicator lens.

None of these are especially notable or even in need of fixing and we mention them purely for the sake of completeness.
 

Then originality continues inside with Mr. Bourdon even still wearing his original seat fabric; aficionados will know that the quilted fabric of this period was renowned for rotting within only a handful of years, so the fact that his has survived for so long largely intact is remarkable.

Sure, there are a few small holes here and there, but it is all still very presentable and highly usable – and the seat still have their original springs and webbing, too.  

He has had a small amount of welding to his front toe boards, and there is some light surface rust that could do with being taken care of, although most of what you might think is rust looks like rust-proofing fluid. Continued conservation rather than wholescale restoration should be the name of the game.

Good black rubber mats cover the floor-pan, and they are as simple as the door cards, single-spoke steering wheel, and dashboard.

All are in a very good condition, albeit showing signs of use. Not consistent with either the car’s age or mileage though; oh no, it’s way, way better than that.

The boot contains a bumblebee car rug (obviously) as well as a full-size spare wheel, a jack and a starting handle, two hazard warning triangles, and some engine oil in addition to a few spare parts and a Hanes workshop manual.
 

The Citroën’s service history is recorded as follows:

•    25.04.1983 and 2,286 miles – service by Eurocars (London) Ltd
•    02.08.1986 and 8,762 miles – service by N.C. Michael
•    09.10.1986 and 17,173 miles – service by West Shore Garage
•    Unknown date and 25,222 miles – service by West Shore Garage
•    25.09.1997 and 33,063 miles – service by Modurdy Menai Garage
•    26.10.2004 and (unknown) mileage – service by Saez Torrens Citroën 
•    19.01.2012 and 38,202 miles – service by Mark Lilly Garages
•    11.04.2013 and 40,753 miles – service by Mark Lilly Garages
•    09.07.2016 and 41,251 miles – service by Mark Lilly Garages
•    02.12.2017 and 41,358 miles – service by Mark Lilly Garages
•    21.04.2018 and 41,382 miles – service by Mark Lilly Garages
•    06.04.2019 and 41,429 miles – service by Mark Lilly Garages
•    20.07.2020 and 41,583 miles – service by Mark Lilly Garages
•    14.07.2021 and 41,887 miles – service by Driving Spirit including new starter motor, alternator, and voltage regulator
•    30.09.2021 and 41,937 miles – brake and rust remedial work by Simon Bowles at a cost of over £1,220
•    30.09.2022 and 41,959 miles – new front exhaust section by Simon Bowles

Mark Lilly Garages Ltd also fitted an electronic ignition system back in 2012 for easier starting and better running, and the seller has built on this work since he bought him four years ago.

As you can see that investment has paid off because the flat-twin fires into life with its customary enthusiasm and revs beautifully.

The engine bay is good, if patinated. However, keystone indicators such as the cardboard heater tubes are in a fine condition, and we’re confident any work you might like to undertake will be cosmetic rather than mechanical.

The underside looks good and strong and is well protected by underseal.

There is some evidence of grease having escaped out of the CV joints though, so you might like to check that before setting off on any long journeys.
 

The 2CV doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies…

That said, its last MoT only expired in August of this year and given it was issued with no advisories getting afresh one might not be too onerous.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear and the 2CV comes with the handbook and blue plastic Citroën wallet, a V5 in the seller’s name, the original sales invoice and the export certificate for its sale to its first owner here in the UK, a Ziebart rustproofing guarantee after it was treated in November 1982, and plenty of invoices for the work that’s been carried out on it over the years. 
 

Well known within the Citroën Car Club, Mr. Bourdon needs to find a new home with someone who will appreciate his originality: There are hundreds of restored 2CVs out there providing low-cost reliable fun for their owners but not many unrestored cars like this – and for many of us, originality is where the interest (and, often, value…) lies.

Not that his remarkable condition and rarity will necessarily translate into big numbers; we estimate he’ll fetch somewhere between £10,000 and £15,000 but as he is being offered with no reserve, the market will have the final say.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am- 12pm or 2pm-4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.