Almost certainly inspired by BMC's Mini Moke, the Citroën Mehari first appeared in prototype form in 1967 and like its British counterpart was based on a standard production car. In the Citroën's case it was the Dyane 6 version of the inimitable 2CV, so the Mehari featured the latter's torsion-bar, suspension and air-cooled 602cc twin-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. The open body was made of ABS plastic and, like the Moke, a detachable soft-top and side screens served as weather protection. Taking its name from a type of camel known for its speed, the Mehari was launched at the Paris Auto Show in October 1968 and would remain in the range for the next 20 years, only disappearing when 2CV production ceased in France in 1988, by which time a total of 144,953 had been made.

This example has been in our vendor's ownership for the last four and a half years, since importing it into the UK in 2020. The overall condition is impressive, it certainly looks as though it has been restored in the past and it would make for some great fun this summer. The engine fired up and ran very smoothly on our visit and the car has been presented for an MoT ready for the sale, which will expire in April 2026. The Mehari is a very rare car in the UK, probably rarer to see than most Ferrari's and we're certain this would get more attention than them all too! Supplied to auction with aforementioned MoT test certificate and a V5C registration document. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1979
Make: Citroën
Model: Mehari
Registration: DHN 486T
Chassis No: 10CA1948
Engine No: tba
Mileage: 1,910

* Attractive colour combination
* Rare sight in the UK, perfect summer car