The Citroën Méhari Is France’s Answer to the Mini Moke and VW Thing
Culture
Oddities
Lifestyles
Classics
European
Jeep is widely regarded as the American standard for adventure driving. But those paying attention know that modern Jeeps are nothing like the original lightweight runabout that helped the Allies win the Second World War. Since the mid-1950s, Jeep has strayed from its military and agricultural roots to mainly offer automobiles for the pavement.
But if you’re looking for something more elemental—like the original military Jeep—there are a few oddball vehicles out there. The Volkswagen Type 181 (better known as the “Thing”) - opens in new window or tab. is probably the most well-known example. But Austin had the Mini Moke - opens in new window or tab., and Fiat had the Jolly - opens in new window or tab..
Not to be left out, Citroën had to be different in the way all French automakers do. So the brand offered the Méhari like this impeccable 1977 example recently offered on eBay.
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No Broken Eggs
La différence? For starters, how about offering front-wheel-drive only? Four-wheel drive versions didn’t come until the late 1970s. Citroën engineers powered those front wheels with a 27-horsepower air-cooled flat two-cylinder engine. And the body? Rust-free, lightweight ABS plastic, molded into the primary body color.
Ultimately, the Méhari is mechanically very similar to the Citroën Dyane and the legendary 2CV - opens in new window or tab. before that. That means four-wheel drum brakes, meager horsepower, and a well-controlled ride.
Remember, the initial requirements for the 2CV—the car that got war-torn France moving—was a smooth ride so a French farmer could drive over an unplowed field without breaking eggs. That combo of ruggedness and pleasant ride means the Méhari can go just about anywhere within reason.
Fun Local Excursions
Select import dealers sold the Méhari in the US for a couple of years—frequently as a rental vehicle in sunny Hawaii, where the lack of weather protection provided welcome access to the warm rays and cooling showers.
Indeed, if you find yourself in a rainstorm, the folding top and doors shown here aren’t particularly weathertight. But the plastic body means you can easily hose out the interior if it gets wet or muddy.
The Méhari example for sale on eBay was perfectly restored. The plastic bodywork tends to fade over time, so this one was likely well-kept.
There’s not much to the interior—just a pair of vinyl-covered front seats and a cushion for the rear.
These are such simple vehicles that it could be a great first classic car for someone looking to get into the hobby. Of course, eBay’s abundant supply of Citroën parts - opens in new window or tab. is a big help.
No, the Méhari isn’t a hardcore off-road rock crawler. But it’s fun, and it’s cool looking. We can see this stripped-down vintage adventure machine being put to use in a beach town, retirement community, or on a campus. Wherever it might roam, this attractively priced 1977 Citroën Méhari will induce smiles.
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