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Citroën
History of Citroën in Argentina
The 2CV, Ami 8 and Mehari
It all started in France, but soon thereafter the 2CV was embraced by the whole world, and none more so than in Argentina. Citroën Argentina Sociedad Anónima produced 223,442 cars (all A-Series), in Argentina, from 1959 until 1979. Model designations produced were the 2CV sedan, 3CV hatchback, AZU van, AK van, AK 400 van, AMI 8, and Méhari. The derivation called "3CV" was a special Argentina model designation with various modifications such as a hatchback.
So 2CV sedans are readily available in conditions running from parts cars to museum pieces. The AK400 and AK350 Furgons are mildly scarse, with most being beaten like a rented mule as delivery vans over the past 50 years. Choosing a Furgon mostly entails finding a body that is in fairly decent condition and probably scrapping the chassis, suspension, motor and transmission for new ones. We work with several shops in both Buenos Aires and Mendoza that specialize in those replacement parts to in effect build you a totally new car. The Ami 8 station wagon is also very popular and readily available. Since these were family and not commercial vehicles good ones can be found in as is condition or refurbished back to new with 100% Citroen OEM parts at a reasonable price.
The body being made of ABS plastic for beach use, the Mehari is pretty indestructible and can be readily obtained. Conditions vary of course depending on use, but body work is eliminated and the chassis receiving most of the attention for soundness. The motor and transmission are identical to the 2CV so rebuilding or replacing is not a problem.
Citroën Argentina S.A. exported parts to France, Spain, and Chile. Complete automobiles were exported to Paraguay, Bolivia and Cuba. Chassis with mechanics to Uruguay (some returned to the plant as completed Mehari or AK-400 models). Citroën Argentina outsourced parts to 450 auto parts companies, the national content of the vehicles was over 95% by 1969.
The 2CV, along with the beach buggy Mehari and the small pickup Gringa were produced by an Argentinian company that bought the rights and factory from Citroën up until about 1986. These are designated as IES Citroens.
VW Buses
History of Volkswagen in Argentina
Today Volkswagen is a huge business in Argentina producing several different styles of cars on up to large semi-trucks.. Unlike neighboring Brazil where millions of buses and beetles were made, no beetles were every made in Argentina, and only 11,331 buses were made between 1982 and 1986.
While T2’s were made in mad volumes in neighboring Brazil, due to very strict Argentine auto importing laws those buses were never imported into Argentina. So belatedly VW decided to start making buses there in late 1982 and halted in 1990. When VW ceased making the T2 van in 1979 in Germany and started making the T3 model, the original T2 stamping molds/dies were shipped from Germany to Argentina to set up the new line there. All molds/dies were sent over…….but apparently VW couldn’t find the side and rear bed gate dies. Germans being resourceful stamped out a container full of the newer T3 Doka bed gates for the Argentina market and sent these over. So Argentine made vans are identical to their German conterpart and don't have funky windows like most Brazilian made vans. These are identical to German made buses.
However, the pickup truck market had matured in Argentina, with full size Chevy, Ford and Dodge pickups and a host of smaller trucks from Fiat and Peugot (all made in Argentina, no imports). And with air cooled technology being phased out, the VW pickup was just way too late to the market. Passenger and panel vans do remain after 30 years now and are much beloved. Pickups however ceased production in 1986 with fewer than 400 made in the entire 4 year run In all my years in Argentina, I have seen only about 3 other pickups across the country, and only one other that had the original bed doors (very beat up) like Goldie. Goldie is a unicorn in Argentina and she has been truly admired by all. Goldie was a pampered yet working farm vehicle shuttling workers and supplies between our two farms in Mendoza, Argentina from 2010 to 2019. Features a rust free body and frame, newish tires, a strong single port engine, drive her as is or start a fantasy restoration.
mercedes benz
History of mercedes benz in Argentina
Mercedes Benz Collector Cars
Who doesn't love old Mercedes cars?
Who doesn't love old Mercedes cars?
Who doesn't love old Mercedes cars?
Both made in Argentina and made in Germany cars are available as is or for restauration.
Model 170 Made in Argentina
Who doesn't love old Mercedes cars?
Who doesn't love old Mercedes cars?
The 170D was made in the early 1950's in sedan, coupe, panel trucks and pickup trucks. We can help you find the body style you want and return it to day one condition at a very nominal cost.
Imported Models
Who doesn't love old Mercedes cars?
Imported Models
Affluent people would just import a car from the US or Europe and pay the high import taxes regardless of cost. Many such cars exist in Argentina.