To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
- Rare twin-engined 4�4 Sahara model
- Very rare in the United States
- Well-maintained restoration; nicely presented
One of numerous innovative versions of Citroen's famous and
long-lived 2CV, the Sahara was built to traverse the rugged North
African terrain. Its design was simple yet intriguing. There were
two engines, one in front and one in back, each driving its
corresponding wheels, with a transmission set up so that the car
could be driven by either engine or both, depending upon the road
conditions.
The car's 1,600-pound weight was nearly perfectly divided between
front and rear, giving it excellent off-road capabilities. It was
especially ideal, as the name suggested, for use by the French oil
prospectors working in the Sahara Desert. These were utility
vehicles, and the majority were run into the ground by their
owners. Thus, the Sahara has become quite rare today, especially in
the United States.
This 2CV reportedly resided in a prominent collection in Mexico. An
excellent older restoration, it is finished in Desert Sand and, in
typical Sahara fashion, features a roof-mounted spare tire. The
interior was redone in the current ownership in a black vinyl
material on the original "lounge chair" seat frames. The body and
floors are overall solid, always a concern on this model, with only
slight oxidation visible to the undercarriage from regular use.
Typical of the cars in this collection, the engine compartments are
both very clean and tidy.
This is a very charming automobile and, as one of the few
production dual-engined cars, always a surefire conversation piece
and favorite oddity in any collection. With the "sunshine roof"
opened up, it would be a delight to drive under the sun or stars,
be it in the Sahara or elsewhere.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.
