Back in the 1950s, Citroën was all about making cars that everyday folks could actually use. Citroën 2CV Sahara, their little “Tin Snail,” was a hit—super cheap and simple, built to bounce over France’s bumpy farm roads after World War II. But then came the Sahara version in 1958. This wasn’t just any tweak; it was a wild idea to turn the 2CV into an off-road beast for the hot sands of North Africa. Oil companies needed reliable rides for exploration in places like Algeria, and Citroën thought, why not slap in another engine? Yeah, you read that right.
Design That Says “Keep It Simple”
The 2CV Sahara looks like your grandpa’s old jalopy, but that’s the charm. Measuring just 12 feet long and weighing around 1,600 pounds, it’s compact in every way—perfect for squeezing through tight spots or parking anywhere. The body is steel, with that signature hammock-like seat and a canvas roof that folds back for starry desert nights. What sets it apart? A beefed-up chassis for rough terrain, wider tires gripping sand like nobody’s business, and a skid plate underneath to fend off rocks. Ground clearance? High enough to tackle 40% slopes that’d stop most cars dead. No frills here no power steering or fancy dashboard.
Smart Tech That Broke the Mold
Here’s where the shocking part kicks in. Forget modern all-wheel drive; the Sahara’s trick is two engines. Yep, twin 425cc air-cooled flat-twos—one up front powering the fronts, one in the trunk driving the rears. Each spits out about 13-14 horsepower, for a total of 27 when both fire up. You shift with one stick, but there’s a switch to run front-only for roads, rear-only in a pinch (hold the clutch!), or both for 4×4 glory. Separate gas tanks under each front seat mean you can switch fuels on the fly, and the gearboxes link up via rods. It’s clunky and noisy—buzzing like angry bees from both ends—but brilliant.
Mileage That Won’t Break the Bank
Fuel sipping? The Sahara shines here, even doubled up. Running on one engine, expect around 50-60 mpg—better than many cars today. Fire both? It drops to 30-40 mpg, but hey, you’re conquering deserts. Top speed hits 65 mph solo, 100+ with the duo, though who’d rush in sand? That light weight and simple carbs keep thirst low, making it a budget champ for long hauls. Swiss postmen loved it for snowy deliveries; it sipped gas while others guzzled.
Price: Back Then and Now
In 1958, a base 2CV cost about 5,200 francs—like $1,000 bucks today. The Sahara? Double that at 10,230 francs. Ouch, but worth it for oil crews. Fast-forward, and rarity rules. Survivors number maybe 30-100 worldwide, fetching big bucks. Recent sales? $93,000 to $150,000, with averages around $100,000. A low-mileage barn find might go for 60,000-100,000 euros. It’s not cheap, but owning a piece of quirky history? Priceless.
