Discover this remarkable orange-red Citroën Méhari from 1970, reproduced at 1/43 scale by Auto-Plus. This miniature perfectly captures the free spirit and originality of this iconic vehicle of the 1970s, a true symbol of the French art of living.
This faithful reproduction is aimed at car enthusiasts and collectors seeking an authentic piece representing one of the most daring creations of Citroën. The miniature Méhari alone embodies an era of carefree spirit and automotive innovation.
Model specifications
- Model: Citroën Méhari
- Brand: Citroën
- Year: 1970
- Scale: 1/43
- Colour: Orange-red
- Manufacturer: Auto-Plus
- Protective case included: Yes
The real car: a plastic revolution
Launched in May 1968, the Citroën Méhari represents a revolutionary approach to the leisure utility vehicle. Designed by the Italian designer Cesare Pallavicini at the Moretti coachbuilder, it rests on the proven technical base of the 2CV and Dyane, but features a body made entirely of ABS plastic coloured in the mass.
This leisure off-road vehicle stands out for its exceptional versatility: fully convertible, removable seats and a waterproof tarpaulin allow it to be adapted to every use. Its plastic body, initially available in several bright colours, resists impacts and corrosion perfectly, ensuring remarkable longevity even in the most demanding conditions.
The Méhari enjoyed respectable commercial success with more than 144,000 units produced until 1987. It quickly found its place among a young and active clientele, appealing in particular to enthusiasts of water sports and residents of coastal regions for whom it quickly became indispensable.
Citroën in 1970: innovation in the service of audacity
At the start of the 1970s, Citroën went through a period of intensive innovation under the leadership of André Citroën and then Pierre Bercot. The chevron brand multiplied bold projects, from the revolutionary DS to the SM grand tourer, including more niche creations such as the Méhari.
This era marked the peak of Citroën's creativity, a period in which the brand did not hesitate to explore uncharted territory in the automobile. The use of plastic for the Méhari reflects this constant desire to push technical and aesthetic limits, a hallmark of Citroën's DNA since the 1920s.
A star of the cinema and the beaches
The Citroën Méhari quickly transcended its status as a simple utility vehicle to become a true cultural icon of the 1970s. Its appearance in numerous films and television productions, notably in the "Gendarmes" film series with Louis de Funès, greatly contributed to forging its popular legend.
More surprisingly still, the Méhari charmed personalities from around the world. French President Georges Pompidou owned one for his leisure, while many international celebrities adopted it for their summer getaways. Its silhouette became inseparable from the landscapes of the Côte d'Azur and the Mediterranean islands.
The French army also recognised its qualities by adopting a military version, proof of its real off-road capabilities despite its toy-like appearance. This institutional recognition confirms that behind its playful look lies a true working vehicle, able to adapt to the most varied missions.
Even today, the Méhari remains a symbol of the seventies, regularly cited as the perfect embodiment of the bohemian and relaxed spirit of that decade. Its value continues to rise on the classic vehicle market, testifying to its firmly established status in the French automotive pantheon.
Complete your collection of French miniatures
This Citroën Méhari miniature naturally finds its place in any collection dedicated to French miniature cars from the 1970s. It harmonises perfectly with other Citroën models of the period, notably reproductions of the Citroën DS or miniature versions of the 2CV whose technical base it shares.
Collectors passionate about the 1970s will particularly appreciate this piece, which ideally complements thematic collections devoted to this creative decade. Its relative rarity and iconic character make it a prime choice for lovers of convertibles and leisure vehicles.
This reproduction appeals to experienced collectors as well as enthusiasts of French automotive history. It also constitutes an excellent entry point into the world of 1/43 scale miniatures, offering a perfect balance between attention to detail and ease of display in a personal collection.