The “Gendarme” Car Returns: A Classic Citroën Méhari Finds a Home in Germany
By Rachel Kim, World-today-News.com
For generations, the image of a French gendarme chasing down criminals in a shining, open-top vehicle has been synonymous with the iconic “Gendarme de St. Tropez” film series. That vehicle? The Citroën Méhari. A symbol of carefree French living and slapstick comedy, the Méhari has captured hearts worldwide. Now, one enthusiast in Germany is ensuring this classic carS legacy continues.
The Méhari, originally conceived as a lightweight, utilitarian vehicle, quickly transcended its practical origins thanks to its starring role alongside Louis de Funès‘ hilariously frantic Ludovic Cruchot. The films cemented the car’s place in popular culture,turning it into an instantly recognizable icon.
Tim Neugart, of Großschafhausen, Germany, was captivated by the Méhari from a young age, inspired by the films. While his initial passion lay with classic Lloyd cars - a collection he impressively houses in a dedicated museum dubbed “Lloydhausen” – a 2016 vacation to Provence sparked a new automotive desire.
“Méhari is at home in Provence,” Neugart observed, struck by the car’s natural habitat. He purchased his first Méhari in 2024, adding it to his growing collection of automotive treasures.
[Image of a Citroën Méhari in a scenic setting. Caption: The Citroën Méhari, forever linked to the “Gendarme de St. Tropez” films, is finding a new home with classic car enthusiasts like Tim Neugart.]
Neugart’s acquisition speaks to the enduring appeal of the Méhari. More then just a car, it represents a specific era of French cinema and a certain joie de vivre that continues to resonate with car lovers and film buffs alike. as interest in classic vehicles grows, the Citroën Méhari is poised to remain a beloved and sought-after piece of automotive history.
Keywords: Citroën Méhari, Gendarme de St. Tropez, Louis de Funès, Classic Cars, automotive History, Germany, Provence, Lloyd, Vintage Cars, Car Collection.
