COBI Citroen 2CV Charleston 1980 Set 24512

COBI's Citroën 2CV Charleston 1980 is a 1:35 model built from 85 blocks, 11 cm long, with four movable wheels, printed number plates carrying the model name and a plate with the period Citroën logo. Pad-printed throughout.

The front brakes are not at the wheels

The Charleston introduced inboard front disc brakes, and the phrase means exactly what it says: the discs are mounted on the gearbox, at the inner end of the driveshafts, rather than inside the wheels where brakes normally live.

The reason is unsprung weight — everything below the suspension springs that has to follow the road surface. Less of it means the wheel can react faster to bumps, and the ride and grip both improve. Moving the brakes from the wheels to the middle of the car takes several kilograms off each corner.

On a car with the 2CV's extremely soft, long-travel suspension, that matters more than it would elsewhere. The whole design depends on the wheels following the ground independently of the body, which is what let the original cross a ploughed field with a basket of eggs.

The drawback is servicing: getting at an inboard disc means working under the car rather than taking a wheel off. Citroën used the arrangement on the DS and the SM as well, and most manufacturers concluded the gain was not worth the inconvenience.

The Charleston

Launched in October 1980 as a one-season special edition with a two-tone body in a 1920s style. It sold so well that Citroën made it a permanent model in July 1981. The engine was rejetted to 29 hp, giving 115 km/h.

In the COBI range

Set 24511 is the 2CV Type AZ of 1962 at this scale, with the rolling canvas roof. Set 24340 is the Charleston at 1:12 as an Executive Edition.

Specifications

Pieces: 85 · Scale: 1:35 · Licensed by Citroën
Model dimensions: 11 × 4.5 cm (4.3 × 1.8 in)