Miguel Sánchez
Despite the military escalation and the desire of French colonialism to preserve its possessions in Africa, in 1962 Charles De Gaulle recognized the independence of Algeria. Thus ended years of war between the FLN insurgency and French troops, establishing a new benchmark for the Non-Aligned Movement in the midst of the Third World rebellion. However, the efforts made by the Gallic government to perpetuate its presence in the area were so intense that a new car was even created. The Citroen 2CV Sahara. Presented in 1958, its mission was to facilitate the presence of the colonial police in areas of dunes and difficult access.
And so he did. Of course, only during the two years in which he was able to carry out his mission in Algeria before it agreed to independence. Fact that motivated the change of name of the model to 2CV 4 × 4 in an exercise of diplomatic tact and knowing how to lose. However, despite having lost the purpose for which it was manufactured, this small Citroën had drawn the attention of other bodies and security forces. Point where we connect with the story of the factory of the brand in Vigo, since it had precisely been inaugurated during the same year in which the 2CV Sahara was presented.
In this way, the Civil Guard took advantage of the possibility of manufacturing this vehicle in Spain to order 85 units. The only ones built here. Being part of a special order that did not result in the serial production of the model for Spanish dealers. In fact, the 2CV Sahara did not even sell too much outside of official orders. This fact is verified by verifying how only about 800 units were assembled, of which just over thirty are preserved. Something that makes this simple off-roader a particularly valued classic, easily exceeding 50.000 euros at auctions where it has been seen in recent years.
CITROËN 2CV SAHARA, VIRTUE OF NEED
Looking at the 2CV, one might think that it is not an off-roader. And, in fact, it is not. However, this model presented in 1948 with the French rural public as a potential public is indeed a good basis for thinking about difficult terrain. Let's see. To begin with, it has a fairly low weight since in its design almost everything that was minimally accessory was removed. In addition, the trailing-arm suspensions running along the sides of the chassis were perfect for negotiating obstacles thanks to their wide approach and departure angles.
To all this, the Citroën 2CV Sahara added more height to the ground than in the base model. An important feature complemented by the cutout of the overhangs, thus improving the ability to negotiate obstacles. That's the way it is, the only thing holding the 2CV back on its way to becoming an off-roader was its engine. A twin-cylinder with only 425cc and 14CV with 26Nm of torque. Really insufficient to generate at low revs the force required when negotiating rough slopes.
At this point, it is where the Citroën engineers come up with the solution that most and best defines the 2CV Sahara. Neither more nor less than putting two engines. One per axle. Something a priori simple, but that actually hides a enormous complexity by requiring their synchronization. In this way, both the starter and the gearbox and fuel tank were doubled. All this with a device capable of coordinating the two engines and the two changes when you wanted to go from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive.
FROM THE CIVIL GUARD TO AUCTIONS
Thanks to its ingenious design, the 2CV Sahara was a simple, economical and easy to repair alternative to the 4×4 of the time. Even more so if it had the possibility of being manufactured in the national territory, thus avoiding the costly taxes imposed on imports. Against this background, it goes without saying that the Civil Guard was interested in the model as a perfect option against the more expensive Land Rover. Manufactured under license in Linares since the late fifties. Finally very popular in the Civil Guard mobile park, although at first rather intended for the army and agricultural activity.
For all these reasons, the 85 units that we mentioned previously were commissioned. Ideal for operating on more or less steep terrain with the lightness that, at the same time, a 2CV has on asphalt. Rugged and reliable, some were in service for almost two decades before being replaced by more modern and effective 4×4 models. In this way, almost all of those 2CV Sahara of the Civil Guard were going to be dismantled and scrapped. After all, at the time it didn't look like a future classic but simply an old car that had already done its duty.
However, some collectors did see the value of this rare variant of the popular model. Launching to rescue units like this one, which was registered in 1983 by an employee of Citroën United Kingdom. From then on, a restoration process began where various visual references to its past in Spain were maintained. All a success. Since this once simple car It will be auctioned on May 14 in Monaco for RM Sotheby's sharing space with a Lamborghini Miura or a Ferrari 340 MM Vignale. Things of collecting, where the scarcity of the model is valued upwards.
