2 Citroëns in RM’s August ‘Open Roads’ Auction

RM | Sothebys has 2 Citroëns listed in their August ‘Open Roads’ online auction happening from July 28 – August 4, 2021:

1) 1972 SM automatic

Est: $35,000 – $50,000 USD — Offered Without Reserve [Lot 211]
From: Chandler, Arizona
Chassis No. 01SB0102

Being from an Arizona collection, the interior seats and door panels look to be dried out and somewhat worn, but applying some leather oil should make them pliable again, and we do know were there are a decent pair of rib inserts for the front seats.

The lack of underside shots is concerning but hopefully being an Arizona car, the bottom is rot-free.

If it can be had for $35K or less (it is offered with no reserve) it could be a decent buy for someone wanting an automatic SM. View the lot and more pics here: https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0721/open-roads–august/lots/r0024-1972-citro%C3%ABn-sm/1131385

UPDATE – Aug 4, 2021: Sold for $22,000 US

2) 1972 Méhari

Est: $25,000 – $30,000 USD — Offered Without Reserve [Lot 201]
From: Irvine, California
Chassis No. 02CA9036

According to the listing;

It was originally registered in Siena, Italy. The first owner retained it until February 1979, at which point he sold it to another resident of Siena. The car changed owners yet again in 1987, when it was purchased by Giancarlo Zacchei. Mr. Zacchei un-registered the Méhari in 1995, citing “demolizione” as the reasoning.

The current owner purchased the vehicle in a poor state and undertook a complete body-off restoration. Photographs in the history file show that the frame and suspension were rebuilt, while the ABS body was carefully restored before being painted in the classic Méhari color of Orange Kirghiz. The seats, previously black vinyl, were refitted in white before being returned to the car.

No engine photos and what appears to be a hasty orange peel paint job over a bodywork that was fiberglass patched (see the underneath shot) detracts from its authenticity. And riding on cheapo non-Michelin tires doesn’t help. A fabricated front bumper, white seat coverings and spare tire cover go to further make this Méhari more of a “home resto”.

Overpriced at even $25K, it will be interesting to see how the bidding ends on this one.

View the lot and more pics here: https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/0721/open-roads–august/lots/r0029-1972-citro%C3%ABn-m%C3%A9hari/1132426

UPDATE – Aug 4, 2021: Sold for $30,000 US