Restoring a Citroën Méhari typically costs between 3,500 EUR and 8,000 EUR for an economical rebuild, 8,000 EUR to 15,000 EUR for a tidy standard restoration, and up to 18,000 EUR to 25,000 EUR for a concours level preparation. These 2026 ranges include labour if you hand the work to a specialist, or parts only if you do the work yourself. The Méhari is one of the most affordable classics to restore, provided you master the items that easily derail a budget.
Why the Méhari is a special case in the classic car world
The Citroën Méhari (1968 to 1988) shares its mechanical base with the 2CV and the Dyane. Its thermoformed ABS plastic body does not rust, which immediately removes the number one budget killer on classic vehicles. However, this plastic ages, becomes brittle under UV exposure, cracks and discolours. That is where the budget concentrates on this model.
To understand the model's history and technical specifics before sizing up your project, see our complete guide to the Citroën Méhari: origins, versions, and points to check before buying.
The three restoration levels and their overall budgets
Before breaking things down item by item, here is the framework that structures this article:
- Economical restoration: the Méhari drives, passes its roadworthiness test, but the finish still shows its age. Recoverable parts are kept, and only what is necessary for safety and the test is redone. Budget: 3,500 to 8,000 EUR.
- Standard restoration: the vehicle is returned to its original condition with new or genuine parts, a clean finish, an even colour and reliable mechanicals. Budget: 8,000 to 15,000 EUR.
- Concours restoration: every detail is period correct, colours are reproduced exactly, and the mechanicals are fully rebuilt. The vehicle can be entered in a specialist gathering or auction. Budget: 18,000 to 25,000 EUR.
Budget by item for a Citroën Méhari
Bodywork and paint
This is the Méhari's most distinctive item. ABS panels cannot be straightened like sheet metal, they are replaced. A new side panel costs between 120 EUR and 280 EUR depending on supplier and reference. The front bonnet ranges from 200 EUR to 350 EUR. If the entire body needs replacing (a common scenario on 1970s examples left outdoors), budget 800 EUR to 1,800 EUR in parts alone.
Painting ABS panels requires specific preparation (adhesion promoter, chemical surface prep). At a specialist bodyshop, a complete repaint costs 1,500 EUR to 3,500 EUR depending on the finish requested. For concours work, some preparers charge up to 5,000 EUR to reproduce original Citroën colours with a certificate of authenticity.
| Level | Bodywork + paint |
|---|---|
| Economical | 600 to 1,500 EUR |
| Standard | 1,500 to 3,500 EUR |
| Concours | 3,500 to 6,000 EUR |
Engine and transmission
The 2CV flat twin, in 435 cc or 602 cc form, is simple, robust and well documented. Parts are available and cheap. A full service with gaskets, spark plugs, a reconditioned carburettor, air filter, fan belt and timing adjustment costs 400 EUR to 900 EUR in parts. Add 3 to 6 hours of labour if you use a mechanic (an extra 300 to 600 EUR at a specialist 2CV workshop).
A full engine rebuild (reboring, new rings, reground valves, balanced crankshaft) climbs to 1,800 EUR to 3,200 EUR fitted. For a concours level rebuilt engine to the original specification, budget 3,000 EUR to 4,500 EUR.
The gearbox and clutch are rarely a major issue. Budget 150 to 350 EUR for a complete clutch kit fitted, barring particular cases.
Upholstery and interior
The Méhari was built without doors, with a removable canvas top and moulded plastic seats. The "original" trim is therefore limited to a few items: the seats, the floor mats (optional), the canvas top and any protective trim strips.
New remoulded ABS plastic seats cost 180 EUR to 400 EUR a pair depending on the source. A complete canvas top (cover, hoops, fixings) represents 250 EUR to 550 EUR. For concours work, a period correct canvas top fitted by a specialist upholsterer rises to 700 EUR to 1,200 EUR.
Chrome, trim and fasteners
The Méhari carries little chrome by nature: a tailgate handle, a few hubcaps, dashboard knobs. The trim mostly consists of the panel assembly hardware (clips, specific plastic screws), windscreen seals and mirrors.
Budget 100 EUR to 350 EUR for a complete fastener and fixing kit. Windscreen seals cost 40 to 90 EUR. For a concours restoration with all hardware redone and visible metal parts replated, this item rises to 400 to 800 EUR.
Wear parts and active safety
This item is often overlooked in initial quotes. It covers everything related to safety and passing the roadworthiness test: brakes, tyres, lights, wipers and steering.
- Pad or shoe set and wheel cylinders: 120 to 280 EUR
- 4 tyres, 125/80 R15 (fitted): 280 to 420 EUR
- Complete lighting kit (headlights, rear lamps, indicators): 80 to 200 EUR
- Battery plus reworked wiring: 80 to 250 EUR
- Fluids (brake, coolant, engine oil): 40 to 80 EUR
Total wear parts for a proper roadworthiness pass: 600 EUR to 1,200 EUR.
Ready to start your restoration?
Our Citroën Méhari restoration manual details every step, from disassembly to getting the car running again, with part references and critical checkpoints.
Discover the Méhari restoration manual →The 3 items where beginners blow their budget
1. Underestimating the real state of the plastic panels
An ABS panel that looks "just a bit faded" can be deeply cracked, brittle or permanently warped. At the slightest attempt to remove it, it breaks. The result: two panels were meant to be kept, and six end up being replaced. The lesson: inspect every panel once it has been removed, not before. Plan a 30 percent margin on this item.
2. Ignoring the wiring
The wiring loom on 1970s and 1980s Méhari cars has often been patched, bodged and cut down by several previous owners. A poor earth, a wire re-joined with aged insulating tape: redoing the full loom costs 300 to 700 EUR in parts and about as much again in labour. This is an item nobody anticipates in the initial quote.
3. Confusing "ABS paint" with classic body paint
Painting thermoplastic panels requires specific chemical preparation (plastic degreasing, adhesion promoter, flexible primer). A non specialist bodyshop that applies a standard polyurethane paint directly will deliver a finish that peels within 18 months. Redoing a botched paint job costs as much as the first attempt. Choose a bodyshop or preparer who has already worked on Méhari or 2CV models from the start.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a restored Méhari worth in 2026?
A Méhari in good roadworthy condition without a full restoration sells for between 6,000 EUR and 12,000 EUR. A carefully documented restoration can reach 15,000 EUR to 20,000 EUR at specialist sales. At concours level, or for rare versions (Méhari 4x4, Méhari Club Cassis), prices of 25,000 EUR have been observed.
Can you restore a Méhari yourself without mechanical experience?
Yes, largely. The 2CV mechanicals are well documented, parts are available and the engine comes apart without specialist tools. Replacing the ABS panels is also approachable with a bit of method. Painting the plastic parts and adjusting the carburettor, however, involve a learning curve: start with the mechanicals and bring in a professional for the paintwork.
How long does a complete Méhari restoration take?
In a professional workshop working full time, allow 3 to 6 weeks for a standard restoration. As an amateur working weekends, the real duration is 6 to 18 months depending on availability and the vehicle's starting condition. Plan for delivery times on specific parts, up to 3 to 6 weeks for some imported panels.
Which Méhari should you buy for the restoration to be worthwhile?
Favour a complete vehicle, with its gearbox, original panels and engine (even if not running). A stripped Méhari, missing panels or its gearbox, may look cheap to buy but will generate parts costs higher than the saving made. Also avoid examples that have suffered a fire: structural damage to the 2CV based chassis is a deal breaker.
Is there a restoration manual specific to the Méhari?
Yes. Beyond the original Citroën workshop manuals, which are hard to find, modern restoration guides now exist for amateur restorers, detailing every item with up to date part references. It is the best investment before starting, to avoid costly mistakes from the moment you begin disassembly.
Get started with the right guide
Every restoration step, every part reference, every critical checkpoint, brought together in a single Méhari restoration manual.
Access the Citroën Méhari restoration manual →