1966 – Citroën 2CV Sahara

France's most legendary off-roader French road registration Chassis n°0782 Front engine n°0052000195 Rear engine n°0052000198 - Twin-engined 4X4 version of the iconic 2CV - Rare and sought-after, only 694 produced - Probably the penultimate model produced - Clear history, same family from 1966 to 2023! - Original number plates! - Partially restored some thirty years ago Location: Paris region Our 2CV is an exceptional 4x4 "Sahara" which was launched on October 1, 1966. This is one of the very last examples to feature forward-opening doors. It is said to have been ordered new by a Citroën agent in the Aisne department, and used as a service vehicle in the garage for the first part of its life. It then remained in his personal collection as a family vehicle, and was kept as such until 2023. And it's because of this exceptional history that it was able to retain its original number plates! Partially body restored some thirty years ago, it was used as a leisure vehicle until the 2010s. During this time, it appeared in the specialist press on several occasions. In particular, it was the subject of a detailed article in the LVA of January 1, 1998. After that, it was out of action for a while. Recently, it was put back into operation. On this occasion, the engines and tanks were drained, brake hoses replaced and tires changed, along with various components such as fuel filters, coils and hoses. However, it will need a more thorough overhaul if it is to take to the road on long journeys in complete peace of mind. Today, this 2CV Sahara displays a certain patina that befits its character, with stigmata due to time, use and certain repairs, but which is fairly homogeneous, even if the paintwork still presents well. It shows 64144 kms on the odometer, which may correspond to its original mileage. As amusing as it is moving, the 2CV Sahara represents a myth for all enthusiasts of the brand with the chevrons, and this example represents a unique opportunity to make it your own through one of the last examples, perpetuating its singular history. So, are you ready for a trip to the countryside? A symbol of the French automobile, the 2CV is a particularly endearing car, as its long career can testify. The genesis of this venerable popular car is now the stuff of legend. Its prototypes were hidden in an attic during the Occupation. Once the war was over, studies resumed to take account of the scarcity of certain materials, and the 2-hp was presented to the public in 1948 at the Paris Motor Show. Enthusiasm was not immediate, however, as the car's extreme economy and design were criticized: no door lock, no fuel gauge, only one color... The car was clearly aimed at a rural audience. Particularly as certain materials, such as steel, were not so easy to find in the late '40s, leading to delivery delays. The reputation of the "ugly duckling" was established. Nonetheless, Citroën believed in its concept and, in the end, orders continued to flow in. It must be said that the decision to prioritize deliveries to country doctors and priests cleverly helped spread the word about this strange, high-set car: everyone wanted the "two-legged one"! A van was even presented in 1951, and was officially selected by the postal service to deliver mail. However, the 2 CV was still very rustic and uncomfortable. Improvements came with the new AZ version, featuring a 425 cm3, 12 hp engine, enabling the little car to cruise at 70 km/h. A "Luxe" version was even launched in 1956. It featured windshield defrosting, chrome parts, speedometer illumination and a larger soft-top window. This made the car better suited to urban traffic. It was a real success, and the car was produced for almost 10 years. However, this was only the beginning of a constant evolution that lasted until 1990, with almost 5 million units produced. It was in this context that, in the mid-1950s, Citroën became interested in the prototype of an industrialist from Normandy, who was looking for a light all-terrain vehicle, and had the idea of modifying the car.