Imposing utility vehicle in an eye catching colour scheme
Highly original save for the convertible frame, pillars and fabric
Nicely kept throughout
The Appeal
Originally designed by a WW2 fighter ace, the Mehari was a direct response to the failings of the fashionable - but impractical - Mini Moke. The idea was to provide a plastic utility car with high-ground clearance and a convertible top. It immediately took off, with the French Army kicking off sales by purchasing over 7,000 examples.
This one comes to us from sunny Italy, where it’s clearly been kept in excellent condition. The Bodywork is entirely original, and we think it looks like a cracker of a summer leisure car.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1980
Has reportedly been in the same ownership since, up until December 2022
Sadly we don’t know much else about the history of this car
Indicates 84,298 miles on a five-figure odometer, although we can’t verify this as the authentic mileage
The vendor reports that it’s been recently serviced
Spartan, minimalist interior betraying the model’s origins
Left-hand drive example
Floor protected by very well-kept carpets
Plastic bodywork in exceptional condition with no issues we can spot
Seats in good order with black leather upholstery
Slight wear to the driver’s seat bolster
Instruments show some wear but are largely clean and well-presented
Rear bench in good condition with no rips or tears
Rear bodywork in excellent order
Storage space in good order with no issues we can highlight
The Exterior
Exceptional plastic bodywork
As you’d expect, the body is free of corrosion, by virtue of being unable to corrode
No signs of cracks or fractures in the body panels
Paintwork looks to be in excellent order
Windshield is in good condition with no cracks or fractures
Handles, branding and lenses all in good condition
Convertible accessories - including roof, weather-shield panels and frame - are all new
Car is sitting on its original wheels, which show only light signs of wear
Tyres look to be in good condition
Underside is in very good order, commensurate with the car’s dry-country home
The Mechanics
The Mehari is based on the 2CV platform
Powered by Citroën’s 602cc Flat-2 engine
4-speed manual gearbox
Engine looks to be in great order with no faults we can highlight
The vendor reports that this is a highly reliable car
No reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke from the engine
The car has reportedly been recently serviced
Summary
Rugged, versatile, and with a unique personality of its own, the Mehari is a perfect beach car, off-roader or day-to-day leisure car. This is one of the best examples we’ve seen relative to age - and it should make for a fabulous purchase.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1980 Citroën Mehari
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