Lot number	118
Hammer value	£2,500
Description	Lohr Fardier FL500
Registration	OPP 715V
Year	1979
Colour	Green
Engine size	602 cc
Chassis No.	1283

You probably won’t have seen one of these before, but the Lohr Fardier FL500 was designed specifically for the French Army Parachute Division. The French word ‘Fardier’ refers to a flat bed transport used by the military.

Lohr’s design won the day thanks to its clever layout, its low cost (achieved by using regular Citroen components) and its amazing off-road performance. Built around a sturdy tubular frame, it used the Citroen AK2 Mehari engine (derived from a 2CV unit) mounted amidships with the steering communicated though an H Van steering box.

Driving all four wheels and making the most of the huge travel offered by the 2CV suspension, it was capable of fording two foot of water and climbing 50 degree slopes. Whether dropped by parachute or lowered from a helicopter in pairs, the FL500 had a payload of 500kgs and could tow a 120mm mortar virtually anywhere.

This presumably wasn’t so useful on the sporting estate where this 1979 example has led much of its life in this country, but its 35mpg and top speed of 50kmh probably was. Able to go anywhere and do anything, this fascinating machine is a must for the Citroen enthusiast, offering far greater flexibility, comfort, ability and safety than a similarly priced quad-bike. Road registered, but not currently MOTd or taxed, it is great fun to drive and has already proved itself indispensable on many shoots.