1978 - Citroën Méhari - Lot 63

Lot 63
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Estimation :
13000 - 18000 EUR
1978 - Citroën Méhari - Lot 63
1978 - Citroën Méhari French registration Chassis n°09CA8816 Engine n°AK2/0504096983 - Symbol of the trendy, practical French beach car - Model of the 3rd series and advantageous 4-seater version - Restored a few years ago and little driven since then - Beautiful Montana green color, black canvas and hitch The result of a meeting between Citroën and plastics engineers, the Citroën Méhari is a clever blend of utility and leisure vehicle. This daring project was the brainchild of Roland de la Poype, then CEO of plastics specialist SEAB. The bodywork is made of ABS plastic, tinted through the mass. The advantage of this material is that it springs back into shape after slight impacts, and has little or no fear of scratches. It can also be easily repaired, or even replaced in the event of significant damage. Another essential aspect is that the Mehari was designed to be cleaned with a water jet. The choice was therefore made to use solid materials that would stand the test of time, and a minimalist interior. The first cars rolled off the production line in 1968, but were hard to sell due to the unfavorable political climate. It was only later, in the 1970s, that sales took off, with annual production rising to around 10,000 units. After a 10-year career, a reworked version appeared in 1978, featuring a new, wider, removable front end and a reorganized dashboard borrowed from the Citroën LN. The addition of a twin-barrel carburettor also enhanced the mechanics, which, like the chassis, had been slightly modified and inherited from the Citroën Dyane. In 1980, a 4-wheel-drive version was added to the catalog, but weighing in at 160kg, it remained confidential and production was discontinued in 1983. Production of the 2-wheel-drive version lasted until 1987, after 19 years in the catalog. The Citroën Mehari presented for sale was launched in October 1978. It is a "Series 3" with a removable front grille and a double-barrel carburetor engine, slightly more powerful than previous generations, developing 29 Din horsepower. This is an advantageous 4-seater version, which means it can be used to the full as an SUV with the rear seats folded down, or as a family vehicle with the rear seats up. According to the Histovec report, it has had just five owners since its launch. Prior to its acquisition by the current owner in July 2020 from a professional dealer, it had undergone a complete restoration (bodywork and mechanicals) and had a virtually clean MOT with 68681 kilometers on the clock. Since then, it has covered less than 2,000 kilometers and is therefore in a very satisfactory state of presentation and operation. Its Montana green configuration with black leatherette upholstery and matching black folding soft-top fabric is particularly attractive. It's also very practical, as it doesn't get very dirty. The trailer hitch is also a welcome addition to the practicality of this model. This two-wheel-drive Mehari, with 70,495 kilometers on the clock, has hardly been driven in over a year, so it is sold without a technical inspection, and should be serviced for safety reasons before further use. Nevertheless, given its simple design, this should be a simple formality. Acquiring such a beach vehicle, which is becoming increasingly popular and has already been restored, is a wise investment which, in addition to providing you with many services, will also give you a great deal of pleasure thanks to its inimitably charming adult toy character.
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