Citroën 2CV Sahara 4x4 1964 for sale

In addition to the Volkswagen Beetle, Mini, and Land Rover as one of the mass classic cars of the post-war era, the quirky Citroën 2CV debuted in 1949. Intended to provide basic transportation during a period of post-war austerity, the 2CV survived its humble beginnings and achieved cult status as the car of choice for the environmentally conscious motorist. Although the original air-cooled 375cc flat-twin engine grew to 602cc, the performance of the 2CV remained relatively modest, at around 110 km/h, not that this concerned most of its supporters for whom the spacious cabin, full-length folding roof, and economical fuel consumption were far more important. It was a sad day for many when the last 2CV built in France left the Levallois factory in 1988, although production in Portugal continued for another two years. One of the more unusual variants of the many 2CVs, and certainly one of the most collectible today, is the four-wheel-drive ‘Sahara’ which, unusually, used a second engine to drive the rear wheels. This ingenious way of providing all-wheel drive had already been tried by some Citroën dealers, and by the late 1950s the factory decided to produce its official version, primarily intended for use in the harsh desert regions of France's North African colonies. The first prototypes were shown to the motoring press in 1958, with actual production starting in December 1960. In addition to the extra engine, the Sahara had a special chassis, reinforced suspension, wider wheels, dual fuel tanks (under the front seats), and countless other modifications to enable the car to tackle difficult terrains and climates. In 1962, after Algeria's independence, Citroën dropped the name ‘Sahara’ and the car became the ‘2CV 4×4’. It is estimated that around 700 of both designations were originally built, but only a few survive to this day. These dual-engine 2CVs rarely come up for sale. Ready for its next adventure, this example is offered with a manual and parts.