1964 CITROEN 2 CV Sahara AZ 4/4 - Lot 245

1964 CITROEN 2 CV Sahara AZ 4/4 Chassis 0000678 Bodywork 0005 000028 Engine 05300029 Rear engine 05300022 French registration - Good condition - Exciting car - Same family since 1978 - Matching Numbers - Many period accessories - Rare configuration The Citroën 2CV should have been released in 1939, but the Second World War forced the French manufacturer to postpone the launch of its very inexpensive car. During the war, Citroën continued to develop its project. It wasn't until 1948 that the 2CV was officially presented to the public and the press. The public was initially bewildered. The new popular little car was soon nicknamed "the sardine can". The specifications were simple: 4 doors, 4 seats, 60 km/h, 5 liters per 100 km, 50 kg of luggage. The idea for the Sahara did not come from Citroën, but from Maurice Bonafous (an aeronautical engineer who had gone into public works). He was looking for a simpler, more economical alternative to the Jeep. So, in 1955, he developed an ingenious 4x4 system based on the addition of a second engine at the rear. Completed in February 1955, this twin-engined 2CV was tested by Citroën engineers in 1956. Convinced of the demand for a small 4x4 in the colonial market, Citroën launched series production of this new model in 1958 under the AW type and SAHARA trade name. In October 1961, the car was approved by the Mines as the AZ 4/4 type, and continued its career without major modification until 1967. The example we are offering is exceptional, having been in the same family for over 50 years. The car's current owner has told us that this Sahara was used in the first part of its life in Mende, Lozère, where it was sold new. It was then acquired in the 70s by the Grenoble Ricoux Citroën dealership. In those days, Sahara cars were still popular in steep terrain. It was at this time that it was acquired by the current owner's grandfather, mayor of a small Isère commune and quarry manager. In 1982, he registered it in his own name. In the early 90s, it entered a long slumber. It came out of this slumber in the early 2020s, when a major restoration project was launched. During this period, it was completely restored to its original Embrun Green (AC511) color, with matching soft top and interior, by a renowned model specialist. A family car with a great history, this Sahara is presented with its two original engines and gearboxes, as well as numerous period accessories such as the grille cover and Citroën snow chains. 1964 CITROEN 2 CV Sahara AZ 4/4 Chassis 0000678 Bodywork 0005 000028 Engine 05300029 Rear engine 05300022 French registration document - Good general condition - Exciting car - Same family since 1978 - Matching Numbers - Many period accessories - Rare configuration The Citroën 2CV should have been released in 1939 but the Second World War forced the French manufacturer to delay the release of its very cheap car. During the war, Citroën continued to develop its project. It was not until 1948 that the 2CV was officially presented to the public and the press. The public was initially disoriented. The new small popular car was quickly nicknamed "the sardine box". The characteristics are simple: 4 doors, 4 seats, 60 km/h, 5 liters per 100 km, 50 kg of luggage. The idea of the Sahara is not due to Citroën but to Maurice Bonafous (aeronautical engineer reconverted in Public Works). He was looking for a simpler and more economical alternative to the Jeep. Thus he developed in 1955 an ingenious 4x4 system based on the addition of a second engine at the rear. Completed in February 1955, this twin-engine 2CV was tested by Citroën engineers in 1956. Convinced of the demand for a small 4x4 on the colonial market, Citroën launched series production of this new model in 1958 under the type AW and with the commercial name SAHARA. In October 1961, the car was received at the Mines under the AZ 4/4 type and continued its career without major modifications until 1967. The model we are offering you is exceptional, in fact it has belonged to the same family for over 50 years. The current owner of the car told us that this Sahara was used in the first part of its life in Mende in Lozère, a town where it was sold new. It was then acquired in the 1970s by the Citroën dealership in Grenoble Ricoux Citroën. Indeed, at that time, Saharas were still popular in steep regions. It was at this time that it was acquired by the grandfather of the current owner, mayor of a small town in Isère and manager of a quarry. In 1982, he registered it in his own name. In the early 1990s, it entered a lo