Citroen Mehari 45 Years Birthday

Inimitable sound of twin, full body plastic and color pétante. Do you recognize? But yes, it is the Mehari in question, which celebrates its 45 candles this year!

Launched in May 1968, the Mehari fits well in his time.

We May 16, 1968. The student revolt wins the Renault factories and the general strike eventually paralyze France. No luck, it was the day that Citroën has chosen to present the Mehari that Chevron will launch in the legs of the Mini Moke (1964), Deauville golf, beach and away from the pavement. Created by Roland La Poype fighter pilot during the Second World War and pioneer of industrial plastics, THE Citroën Mehari is recreation. This date more than unfavorable launch has not prevented her from meeting success. Today, it is always found on our coasts, particularly on the side of the Atlantic. She became the "last chic" to move on the Ile de Re and the Arcachon basin. Then it is ideal to go to the market and accommodate passengers tofinous rétais or arcachonnaises pinasses typical boats in the area, returning to port. When driving in Mehari, we try to capture the typical values ​​of this car: freedom, fantasy and carefree, values ​​finally "very May 68."

Not content to be completely washable by water jet, the Mehari is somewhat fragile and sensitive to corrosion thanks to its plastic body.

We usually associate the Mehari her little sister, the 2CV. It is actually based on the 2CV truck and the engine retrieves the Dyane 6, a two-cylinder 602 cm3 28 hp for a curb weight of 525 kg. Its name is taken from the name given in North Africa and the Sahara camel, known for its strength and ability to align miles in all weathers. Not content to be completely washable by water jet, the Mehari is somewhat fragile and sensitive to corrosion thanks to its plastic body. It is the expression of a multifunctional car with a removable cover partially transparent and adaptable to the folding windshield, like a Willys Jeep, as well as removable doors, it can go from completely closed to full sedan convertible . This extreme versatility was the happiness of the French army, the gendarmerie, professionals, artisans and merchants as well as individuals since 1970. The Mehari is also often appeared in movies (who has forgotten in "gendarmes of St. Tropez" for example?) And conducted various raids rally in the world.

Belatedly, Citroën has paid tribute to the Mehari, studies with C-Buggy (2006).

A 4x4 version appeared in 1979, recovering all the technical basis of the Mehari base by adding all-wheel drive and a gear that allow it to climb slopes of 60% and shine off-road with a mass contained 715 kg. It was also available in two special series launched in 1983: the Mehari Azur all dressed in blue and white for France, Italy and Portugal and the Mehari Beach, yellow, reserved to Spain. His career ends in 1987, the same year as his tricolor competitor, the Renault Rodeo, with close to 150,000 copies produced with about 1,000 for the United States, against 60,000 for the Renault. Clubs, such as Cassis, however, perpetuate the myth by reconstructing nine this model.

There is a Citroen Mehari side in this concept, which promotes leisure and simplicity.

Twenty-six years after his death, what remains of the Mehari? Citroen C3 Pluriel complicated since (2003-2010), approaches this concept with his studies C-Buggy (2006) and Lacoste (2010). Many artisans and style offices have sought to revive the myth as Rinspeed Bamboo and De Frémond with its Fargo, Wallyscar and Izis, GTF and Innovations The small car that runs under the stars, with a success or less mixed. Other manufacturers like Daihatsu and Basketball Concept (2009) or Toyota and me.We (2013) seek to adapt the values ​​of the Mehari in the world today. To celebrate its 45th anniversary, the dromedary Citroën entitled to any dedicated space in the Paris showroom rafters, C_42, on the current exhibition "Open Air".
There is a Citroen Mehari side in this concept, which promotes leisure and if ...