You live in Athens and want to buy a 2CV. The dealer tells you it might take a while for one to arrive… So why not make a trip to the factory in Paris to get one yourself?

In 1985, this Charleston’s first owner did exactly that. At the Champs de Mars dealership, specialized in foreign clients and export, a red Charleston is ordered. Red is out of stock at the time, so the ultimate choice falls on a grey Charleston, built on July 12th – just before the summer holidays. Just as fine!

The 2CV is prepared and begins its journey to Greece. It counts its first kilometers through Italy and via some detours, to then take the ferry from Brindisi to Patras on the 14th. On September 24th, the local dealer in Greece did the  1000km check. Would he have been jealous of this quick delivery…?

From here, this car’s history record becomes less detailed. It finds its second owner in 2003, counting only 23.000 kilometers at the time. He adds about 500 kilometers to the counter and continues to admire it as it is stored in a dry garage. A dry and sunny climate has its downsides: in 2006, the Charleston finds its way to us to have its faded paint and decals and its withered interior restored.

After getting a repaint, a new interior and several fresh parts, the Charleston travels back to Athens – this time on a truck. We receive annual Christmas cards from its owner, telling us his 2CV is doing well. He isn’t driving it, for he thinks the car is way too beautiful to be ravaged by the Greek sun and traffic.

Recently, he decided to say goodbye and insisted that we made sure the Charleston was sold to its next owner – something we are honored to do. Here it is: just as beautiful as when it left us ten years ago. We did do some maintenance, though, including replacement of the (square-formed) Michelin tires. We’re making sure it’s completely ready for you to drive off in.