After a period of development and testing, the 2CV 4×4 Sahara was launched in 1960. Born from the idea that cooperation takes you further, 2 drive lines were built in, each driving an axle. This resulted in a four-wheel drive 2CV with a fairly simple design. With 1 gear lever, 1 accelerator pedal and 2 ignition keys.

The chassis was reinforced for the heavier labour in the sand, the bodywork was modified to provide cooling for the rear engine, to accommodate the petrol tanks under the seats, to be able to handle a steeper angle of inclination and to be able to place the gearshift rods forwards and backwards.

The panels also changed. The rear wings were cut out to better dispose of the sand, the front doors each had a hole to allow the petrol filler pipe to pass through. The bonnet was given the task of carrying the spare wheel, the bumpers were reinforced. Everything was custom-made in the Panhard workshops based on a standard 2CV.

The tyres became higher and wider. The clutch was made hydraulic to be able to shift front and back at the same time. The accelerator operated both carburetors via a pulley and cable. In fact – just like the strange concept – almost everything was different from normal.

It was aimed at the army and use in Africa, in the French colonies. Neither came to much. In the Alps, in the Dutch polders and with the Guardia Civil they were popular, but after 694 copies in 7 years the party was over.

The strange concept made it a sought-after gadget for Citrophiles in the 1970s, if they were not too expensive. Over time, a lot of them disappeared into the shed, from where they rolled out again in recent decades – restored or not. Now even more appreciated, also by other classic car enthusiasts, which quickly drove up the prices. Rare goods, there are probably just over 100 left.

This car is one such survivor. A very early one, the 34th. It left the factory on January 30, 1961 and went on the road on February 17. Which road is unknown, unfortunately. A registration number from department 11, Aude, is stated on a form, it was issued in 1975. We found out somewhere else that it was later seen just east of Toulouse.

In this century, it came into the hands of someone south of Paris, presumably he had it restored or did it himself. The color matches the year of manufacture, so it could well be its original. The engines are also original, Citroën confirmed. In 2018, it came to the Netherlands and was part of a collection for a while.

Now it is shining here. It drives and brakes, but it does require some attention to do that really well. With a few dots on the i, it will once again be a proud possession, in a cheerful color. The price is based on the car in its current condition, on a French registration.