What the car is and where it came from
The Citroën Méhari is a lightweight recreational and utility vehicle made by Citroën from 1968 to 1988. It was designed by Roland de la Poype. It used the Dyane 6 chassis and a 602 cc flat twin engine. It was named after a fast-running dromedary camel.
How it works, in terms someone would actually use
It runs on a 602 cc flat twin petrol engine. It uses the Dyane 6 chassis. Its ABS plastic body is lightweight — just 535 kg — and features removable doors and a foldable fabric top.
What it gets right
It gets lightness right. It gets serviceability right. It gets open-air usability right — for beaches, farms, deserts and city streets — with a body that resists rust and dents.
What it does not
It does not offer high-speed stability. It does not isolate the driver from road noise or vibration. It does not provide weatherproof security with its fabric top or removable doors.
What it changed
It proved plastic could replace steel or fibreglass in mass-produced automotive bodies. It extended the A-Series platform into a rugged, open-air utility format without altering its core engineering.
Who it is for, and who it is not
It is for drivers who value mechanical honesty, minimal maintenance and physical engagement with terrain and weather. It is not for those who need weather protection, load security or highway composure.
Is it worth your time
Yes. It is a rare production car that prioritised low weight, simplicity and adaptability over performance or refinement — and delivered it for 18 years without redesign.
