1963 – Citroën 2CV Sahara - Lot 22

Lot n° 22
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Estimation :
70000 - 90000 EUR
1963 – Citroën 2CV Sahara - Lot 22
1963 – Citroën 2CV Sahara The most legendary off-road vehicle in French automotive history French registration certificate Chassis No. 0613 Body No. 4005000484 Front engine No. 05400251 Rear engine No. 05400244 - 4x4 version of the iconic 2CV with two engines, of which only 694 were produced - Registered in the Landes region and having had only three owners since 1981 - Previously restored, acquired in 2004 by its current owner - Citroën Vert Mélèze (AC 507) paint job redone in 2009 and upholstery refurbished in 2011 - A rare, authentic Sahara in beautiful, well-maintained condition, with 42,200 km on the odometer - Sold as-is, with the option to complete the restoration and including some spare parts Find the complete catalog for the “Rétromania” auction, which includes this lot, on the Collector Cars Auction (CCA) website. The file and additional photos for each vehicle are available at the following Drive link (after requesting access): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aluJ7ZZJvUKBib-4eJDbaGH6vxu5ePC4 A symbol of French motoring, the 2CV is a particularly endearing car, as evidenced by its long history. The origins of this venerable, popular model have now become the stuff of legend. Its prototypes were hidden in an attic during the Occupation. Once the war ended, development resumed to account for the scarcity of certain materials, and the 2CV was unveiled to the public in 1948 at the Paris Motor Show. However, enthusiasm was not immediate, as its design—driven to the extreme by cost-cutting measures—and its aesthetics drew criticism: no door locks or fuel gauge, and only one color… The car was clearly aimed at a rural audience. This was especially true since certain materials, such as steel, were not easy to come by in the late 1940s, leading to delivery delays. Its reputation as the “ugly duckling” was cemented. Nevertheless, Citroën believed in its concept, and orders eventually kept pouring in. It must be said that the decision to prioritize deliveries to country doctors and priests skillfully helped popularize this strange, high-riding car: everyone wanted the “two-legs”! A van version was even introduced in 1951 and was officially selected by the postal service to deliver mail. However, the 2CV was still quite basic and not very comfortable. Improvements came with the new AZ version, which featured a 425 cm³ engine producing 12 chevaux, allowing the little car to reach speeds of 70 km/h. A “Luxe” version was even launched in 1956. It featured a windshield defroster, chrome trim, an illuminated speedometer, and a larger rear window. The car was now better suited for city driving. It was a huge success and remained in production for nearly 10 years. However, this was only the beginning of a continuous evolution that lasted until 1990, with nearly 5 million units produced. It was in this context that, in the mid-1950s, Citroën took an interest in a prototype developed by an industrialist from Normandy, who—in search of a lightweight off-road vehicle—had the idea of modifying a 2CV by equipping it with a second engine in the rear to turn it into a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The brand then refined the design for mass production, with an eye toward opportunities in the Sahara Desert for oil exploration and extraction, which were booming at the time. The 2CV Sahara was born! Its all-wheel drive, combined with the 2CV’s original qualities, gave it surprising off-road capabilities. It was equipped with two 425-cc engines producing a total of 26 chevaux, which offset the model’s extra weight compared to the base version. It is easily recognizable thanks to its spare tire on the hood, its fuel filler caps in the doors, its notched rear fenders, its stamped rear trunk, and its ventilation vents on the rear quarter panels, all of which give it a very distinctive look. Despite all these qualities, since the price of the 2CV Sahara at the time was more than double that of an AZLP, only 694 units were produced. It is therefore a model that is as rare as it is legendary and highly sought after. All the more so given that fewer than a hundred are believed to remain today. Our 2CV 4X4 is an exceptional “Sahara” that was first registered on August 3, 1963. It is a mid-production model that still features “suicide” front doors that open in the opposite direction of travel. Its early history remains partly unknown.
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