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The yellow Citroën Méhari from 1978: a concentration of freedom on a 1/43 scale
This magnificent reproduction of the yellow 1978 Citroën Méhari captures the essence of this iconic vehicle from the 70s and 80s. Faithfully reproduced at a scale of 1:43, this collectible model car reveals all the details that made the charm of this unusual car, a symbol of the holiday spirit and freedom.
This piece is a must-have for any collector passionate about French automobiles and the models that have marked their era with their originality and conceptual audacity.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Citroën Méhari
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1978
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Yellow
- Protective case included: Yes
A revolutionary vehicle born of French audacity
The Citroën Méhari was born in 1968, the result of a collaboration between Citroën and Roland de la Poype , a former fighter pilot turned industrialist. This unique vehicle was born from a desire to create a lightweight and practical leisure car capable of meeting the new needs of a changing society. The 1978 Méhari represents the culmination of ten years of evolution, with its technical improvements and its now iconic design.
Built on the technical basis of the 2CV, the Méhari is distinguished by its bodywork in thermoformed ABS plastic Polyester-Fiberglass, a revolutionary innovation for the time. This design gives it exceptional resistance to corrosion and remarkable lightness. Its 602 cm³ air-cooled twin-cylinder engine develops 28 horsepower, enough to take its occupants on new adventures with a spirit of simplicity and efficiency .
The commercial success of the Méhari exceeded all expectations, with nearly 145,000 units produced until 1987. It quickly won the hearts of holidaymakers, tourism professionals and lovers of unusual vehicles , becoming a symbol of the French art of living.
Citroën: innovation in the service of automobile democratization
In 1978, Citroën entered a pivotal period in its history. The chevron brand, founded in 1919 by André Citroën , has always cultivated innovation as a driving force for development. After the technical revolutions of the Traction Avant and the DS, Citroën explored new territories with vehicles like the Méhari, which demonstrated its ability to anticipate societal needs .
This period also coincided with the gradual integration of Citroën into the PSA group, which was acquired by Peugeot in 1976. Despite these industrial upheavals, the brand retained its creative DNA and continued to offer original automotive solutions. The Méhari perfectly illustrates this philosophy: a simple, accessible, and resolutely different vehicle, which is in line with the French brand's bold creations.
The Méhari adventure: from the beach to the summits
The history of the Méhari is full of fascinating anecdotes that testify to its exceptional character. One of the most remarkable remains the African expedition organized in 1973, where several Méharis crossed the Sahara to demonstrate their robustness and reliability in extreme conditions. This adventure helped to forge the legend of the vehicle and to prove that behind its playful appearance lay a true capacity for adaptation .
The Méhari quickly became the emblem of French holidays . In the campsites of the Côte d'Azur as well as on the roads of Brittany, it symbolized the spirit of the seventies and the democratization of leisure activities. Its colorful design and removable hood made it the ideal companion for families looking for escape, helping to create a whole imaginary world around automotive freedom .
Even more surprisingly, the Méhari found its place in unexpected professional uses. Postal services, rural communities, and even some law enforcement agencies adopted it for its practicality and maneuverability . In Corsica, it became the vehicle of choice for forest rangers, while in the French Antilles, it equipped many tourist services. This exceptional versatility testifies to the genius of its designers.
The year 1978 also marked the peak of the Méhari in French popular culture . It appeared in numerous films and television series, reinforcing its iconic status. Its image is inextricably linked to a certain idea of simple happiness and authenticity, values that still resonate today among car enthusiasts.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This yellow 1978 Citroën Méhari naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to emblematic French vehicles . It dialogues perfectly with other Citroën creations such as the model car 2CVs or the reproductions of the Citroën DS , forming a coherent whole which traces the history of French automotive innovation.
Collectors with a passion for 1970s vehicles will find this Méhari an ideal addition to their French model cars . It also blends in with reproductions of other convertibles and recreational vehicles from the same era, creating a veritable gallery of automotive art of living.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and French car enthusiasts who want to own a piece that represents a bygone era. It is also an excellent entry point to discover the world of 1/43rd scale model cars , the absolute benchmark in terms of quality automobile reproduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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