The Citroen Mehari is one of those cars you love or hate. For some, it's a quirky, charming vehicle that offers a fun and carefree driving experience. For others, it's a flimsy and impractical toy that has no place on the road.
But regardless of your opinion, you can't deny that Citroen Mehari has a fascinating history and a loyal fan base. This year marks the 55th anniversary of its debut, and Citroen is celebrating by releasing a series of tribute models that honor its legacy.
The birth of a legend
The Citroen Mehari was born in 1968 when Citroen was looking for a new way to attract customers who wanted a versatile, low-cost, and easy-to-maintain vehicle. The company teamed up with Roland de la Poype, a French World War II fighter ace and a plastics expert, who had the idea of creating a car with a plastic body.
The plastic used was ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), which was resistant to corrosion, scratches, dents, and water. It was also lightweight, flexible, and through-colored, meaning that it didn't need any paint or coating.
The plastic body was mounted on a modified Citroen Dyane chassis, which was derived from the famous Citroen 2CV. The engine was a 602 cc flat-twin that produced 28 horsepower and drove the front wheels.
The Citroen Mehari had a simple design, with no doors or windows, just a foldable fabric roof that could be removed entirely. The seats were made of canvas and could be taken out as well. The rear part of the car could be transformed into a flatbed or a bench seat, depending on the needs of the owner.
The name Citroen Mehari comes from a type of camel that can endure harsh conditions and long distances. It was chosen to reflect the car's ability to adapt to different terrains and climates.