The Citroën Méhari is an iconic off-road vehicle that was produced between 1968 and 1988. This lightweight vehicle, built on the chassis of the 2CV, had a unique plastic body and was loved by both adventurers and the military. With its robust but playful appearance, the Méhari became a symbol of freedom and holiday spirit.
A car that can take a beating
What made the Méhari so special was its ABS plastic bodywork . This material was light, rustproof and flexible enough to absorb minor impacts. The car was intended as an affordable and functional off-road vehicle , ideal for the beach, the countryside or even military applications.
There were two versions :
✔ A standard front-wheel drive model
✔ A rare four-wheel drive (4x4) version , launched in 1979 – of which less than 1,500 were sold
Where does the name Méhari come from?
The name “Méhari” refers to the méhariste , a French colonial soldier in Algeria who rode a camel. Just as a camel is designed for the harsh conditions of the desert, the Citroën Méhari was intended as a robust, agile off-road vehicle that could go anywhere.
Not just a recreational vehicle
Although the Méhari was often associated with sun, sea and sand, it also had a serious side . The car was used by:
🔹 The French army as a light all-terrain vehicle
🔹 The Gendarmerie for patrols in hard-to-reach areas
🔹 International markets , such as the United States, where the Méhari was introduced in 1970
In addition, the same concept was also applied worldwide. Citroën developed several variants, such as:
✔ Citroën FAF : an aluminium version for Africa
✔ Dalat : a similar model produced in Vietnam
✔ Pony : a Greek variant of the Méhari
Competition: Renault Rodeo
Citroën was not alone in bringing a lightweight off-road vehicle to market. Competitor Renault introduced the Renault Rodeo , based on the R4. However, the Rodeo remained largely confined to the French market and could never match the popularity of the Méhari.
Colors: a limited but striking palette
Because the Méhari was a low-budget car , it was only available in a limited number of colours. However, these colours were perfectly matched to its adventurous character. The most famous shades were:
🎨 HOPI (red)
🎨 TIBESTI (green)
🎨 MONTANA (dark green)
🎨 KYRGYZ (orange)
🎨 HOGGAR (beige)
🎨 KALAHARI (beige)
🎨 ATACAMA (yellow)
🎨 AZUR (blue with white)
Why is the Méhari so popular as a classic car?
Today, the Citroën Méhari is a popular classic among vintage car enthusiasts. Its simple technology, unique design and playful character make it a sought-after collector's car. It is also relatively easy to restore and many parts remain readily available.
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