The Citroën 2CV Sahara PTT 1962: An exceptional model car
This 1962 white Citroën 2CV Sahara model car in the colors of the French Post Office represents one of the most iconic and rare models in automotive history. This particular version, adorned with the PTT (Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones) insignia, testifies to the institutional use of this revolutionary car in the 1960s.
A sought-after collector's item, this model car perfectly captures the essence of an era when the 2CV Sahara represented pure adventure and versatility. Its immaculate white livery and official markings make it a unique piece that will appeal to both car enthusiasts and public service vehicle collectors.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën 2CV Sahara PTT
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1962
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: White with PTT markings
- Protective case included: Yes
The history of the Citroën 2CV Sahara
Launched in 1958, the Citroën 2CV Sahara represented a revolutionary approach to off-road mobility. Designed specifically for the extreme conditions of the African desert, this unique version of the famous "Deudeuche" was equipped with two engines: one at the front and one at the rear, thus providing permanent all-wheel drive.
This exceptional configuration allowed the 2CV Sahara to develop a total power of 24 horsepower and to tackle the most difficult dunes. Citroën engineers also provided two fuel tanks, two batteries, and even two starter motors, ensuring maximum reliability in hostile environments. The 1962 version benefited from the latest technical improvements, including an optimized cooling system.
Produced in just 694 units between 1958 and 1971, the 2CV Sahara remains one of the most sought-after French cars among collectors today. Its use by the French postal service is a testament to its exceptional robustness and its ability to serve even the most remote regions.
Citroën: Innovation in the service of automobile democratization
By 1962, Citroën was already recognized as one of the most innovative brands in the global automotive industry. Founded by André Citroën in 1919, the chevron brand had revolutionized French automobile production by adopting American mass-production methods. The 2CV, launched in 1948, perfectly embodied the brand's philosophy: to offer an accessible, practical, and revolutionary automobile.
The year 1962 marked a pivotal period for Citroën, which was already preparing the launch of its future DS , while continuing to innovate on its popular range. The creation of specialized versions like the Sahara demonstrated the company's ability to adapt its models to the specific needs of different markets and professional uses.
This collaboration with the PTT perfectly illustrated the confidence placed by French institutions in Citroën vehicles, renowned for their reliability and ease of maintenance under intensive use conditions.
A legend born in the sands
The history of the 2CV Sahara PTT is closely linked to the expansion of the French postal network in North Africa in the 1960s. These white vehicles, easily recognizable in the desert landscape, provided postal links between the most isolated oases of the Algerian and Tunisian Sahara.
A famous anecdote tells of a postman from the Ouargla region of Algeria who, in 1963, traveled more than 800 kilometers across the desert in his 2CV Sahara PTT to deliver an urgent letter to a geologists' camp. The journey, which should have lasted a day, turned into a three-day epic due to a sandstorm, but the car held its own thanks to its two engines.
These vehicles also became the unwitting stars of numerous desert adventure films. Their distinctive silhouette and immaculate livery made them perfect symbols of the French presence in North Africa. Some examples even participated in impromptu rally raids between postal workers, creating a veritable legend around these small cars with big hearts.
Today, finding an original 2CV Sahara PTT is nothing short of miraculous, as most of them were literally worn to the bone in the extreme desert conditions. This rarity explains why faithful model cars of these models are so sought after by collectors worldwide.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This 1962 Citroën 2CV Sahara PTT is a natural addition to any collection of French model cars . It is an ideal complement to other Citroën models, including classic 2CV model cars and the legendary Citroën DS .
Collectors with a passion for 1960s French cars will particularly appreciate this rare piece, which can be harmoniously combined with other advertising and service vehicles from the same period. Its meticulous finish and 1/43 scale also make it an excellent choice for fans of 1/43 scale model cars .
This model car is particularly aimed at discerning collectors looking for authentic models steeped in history. It will also find its place in thematic collections devoted to service vehicles, public services , or even Saharan adventures, testifying to an era when French automobiles shone well beyond the borders of France.
