The Citroen Mehari is one of those cars that you either love or hate. It is a quirky, plastic-bodied, open-top vehicle designed for fun and utility. The Mini Moke inspired it, but it had its own personality and charm. The Citroen Mehari was launched in 1968, at a time when Citroen was known for its innovative and unconventional cars. The name Mehari comes from a type of camel that can endure harsh conditions and long journeys. The Citroen Mehari was created by Roland de La Poype, a French industrialist and former fighter pilot who had developed a new type of thermoformed plastic material called ABS.
The ABS plastic had many advantages: it was lightweight, durable, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and through-colored. It also allowed for a simple and modular design, with removable doors, hood, and tailgate. The Mehari had a canvas roof that could be rolled up or down depending on the weather. It had four seats that could be folded or removed to create more space. Its large wheels and high ground clearance allowed it to tackle rough terrain and even water crossings.
The Citroen Mehari was based on the Citroen 2CV platform, which meant it had a 602 cc flat-twin petrol engine that produced 29 hp and 28 lb-ft of torque. It had a four-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. It weighed only 1,179 lb and had a top speed of 62 mph. It was very economical, with a fuel consumption of 43 mpg.
