1979 Citroën Méhari
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Highlights
- Comprehensively restored
- Hard top / soft top flexibility
- Perfect summer transport
- Healthy mechanicals
- Plastic bodywork
- Quirky 2CV alternative
The Appeal
Based upon the underpinnings of the legendary Citroën 2CV, the Méhari can perhaps be considered an ancestor of the modern SUV.
Constructed from durable ABS plastic, the Méhari featured optional / removable doors, and a range of roof options.
This 1979 Belgian-built example is finished in a vibrant shade of orange with contrasting white interior. Rebuilt between 2014 and 2017, this Méhari is reluctantly offered for sale due to the current owner no longer having the indoor space to keep this jolly little car in such nice condition.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1977 in Citroën’s Belgian factory
- Exported to the UK in 1979
- Purchased by Guernsey resident in 2008
- Restored in Guernsey and lately mainland Britain over a number of years
- Returned to mainland Britain in 2017
- Passed MOT in April 2018 (now exempt)
The Interior
- New seats upholstered in white vinyl
- Spartan dashboard
- 2CV controls
There’s little to say about the interior of any Méhari, as there is very little to them. However, we can report that this example has had new white vinyl seats fitted which really suit the character of the car. It has also received new seat belts.
The seats are in excellent condition, the colour choice being eminently suitable for use in hot weather, where black vinyl becomes rather uncomfortable!
The dashboard is part of the Méhari’s body moulding and therefore is uncovered, finished in body colour and rather spartan. 2CV enthusiasts will be familiar with the instrumentation and controls, which all work correctly in this example. Likewise, the floor is uncarpeted and part of the plastic bodywork.
Rear passengers have to share the space with a spare wheel, although this too has a matching white wheel cover, which we think is a nice touch.
Overall, the interior is in smart, restored condition. We should think it is also quite durable and simple to maintain.
The Exterior
- Soft top, hard top and side screens included
- Removable doors
- Small blemishes to original bodywork
- Presents very well overall
In its bright orange colour with white wheels, this Méhari is a charming sight and presents in very fine condition overall.
The vendor informs us that there are a few minor cracks in the plastic bodywork, but nothing that remotely compromises the car’s structure. There is a small crack visible on the front of the bonnet and some signs of patination where the starting handle enters the engine. The vendor also reports a small blemish on the driver’s side front wing. Being made of ABS plastic, none of this concerns us, as the bodywork cannot corrode in any way.
During the lengthy restoration process, this Méhari received a new galvanised chassis, making the whole car largely corrosion resistant. It also had a new base-frame fitted, so it is very smart underneath. There is some surface rust starting to appear on the central suspension tube, but nothing that would concern us unduly.
The white wheels complement the seats and are finished off with chrome hubcaps. The vendor informs us that these and indeed all the other brightwork and badging is in excellent shape. The wheels too are smart and the tyres have plenty of tread remaining.
The Méhari is offered with a choice of roofs, including a new soft top, a hard top and new side screens. There are also spare doors supplied with the car.
The Mechanics
- Numerous replaced components
- Accelerates well (considering mere 602cc displacement)
- Drives exactly as Citroën intended
Under the bonnet, this Citroën is really smart, clearly having had lots of attention lavished upon it over the years. A number of components were replaced or rebuilt during the restoration including the following:
- Gearbox rebuilt by 2CV specialist Rick Pembro
- New clutch assembly
- New front brake pads
- New drive shaft boots
- New track rod ends
- New steering rack
- New fuel tank
- New shock absorbers
The vendor informs us that this Méhari drives very well, accelerating, braking and changing gear exactly as it should. Given the nature of the rebuild, we’d expect this car to be ready to go for the next owner.
Summary
An unusual sight in the UK, the Méhari is a joyous little car. This restored example is the perfect summer accessory that is bound to make everyone smile.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Citroen
- Model Mehari
- Colour Yellow
- Odometer 11,751 Kilometres
- Engine size 602
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Alderney
- Country Guernsey
11
bids
from 6
bidders
- DW•••• £15,750 07/08/22
- Am•••• £15,500 07/08/22
- Am•••• £15,250 07/08/22
- DW•••• £15,000 07/08/22
- DW•••• £14,750 06/08/22
- Li•••• £14,500 04/08/22
- ca•••• £13,500 02/08/22
- co•••• £13,250 02/08/22
- ca•••• £12,750 02/08/22
- co•••• £12,500 31/07/22
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