The Citroen Mehari set the standard for plastic-bodied cars that could be converted into various configurations. By the mid nineties, it had become a an old-timer, so Aixam, a builder of ultra-light cars in France decided to create something of an update on the idea. The result was the Mega Tjaffer, and Corey Behrens caught this one in Amsterdam, still sporting the front portion of its removable roof.
Here’s a picture from the web of one fully buttoned up. These were based on the Citroen AX, and a 4×4 version was available.
Before we go back to our featured car, here’s one with as much of its body parts removed as possible.
I’m not sure if the “Playmobil” on this one’s front end is original or added, but it’s certainly mission-appropriate.
Typical Amsterdam street scene, although these are not common. Only some 150 were sold in The Netherlands, between 1995 and 1998, when production ceased.
Presumably that’s an enclosed trunk, as I doubt it’s an aerodynamic fairing behind the seats.
If you want to be seen, including your legs, this is the way to go.
WOW! I have never even heard of one let alone seen one. This looks like fun! Thanks for the information.
A machine only it’s mother (or the French) could love indeed!
Looks like something you’d see on Fantasy Island!
Just a correction Paul, the badging (and the children’s plastic toys) are Playmobil without the “e”. I’d heard of Aixom but never seen these. The front immediately brings to mind a SsangYong Korando, which is not praise. The rear end is just unique, perhaps even worse than the front. But overall, looks fun if not with the Mehari’s brilliant blend of playfulness and utility.
Oh, I really love those, I always have… although I’ve never seen one in flesh!
Is Tjaffer the model name for the NL market? I’ve always known it was called the Mega Club / Mega Ranch. I wonder what were the total production figures for these, across all markets (there wouldn’t have been too many countries it was sold I guess – France, NL and a few other countries in Western Europe?)…?
The Mega-branded part of Aixam-Mega seems fascinating with their 90s supercars and even the bugeyed microtrucks of the 21st century, compared to the ugly, noisy and just generally unappealing microcars they are selling under their Aixam brand.
Guten Morgen,
es ist ein AIXAM Mega Club, der Mega Ranch wurde aus Steuerlichen Gründen, hauptsächlich in den Niederlanden, als 2-Sitzer verkauft. Es gab auch die Version Mega Cabrio, mit einem Faltverdeck auf dem Kofferraum. Insgesamt wurden von 92 – 98 ungefähr 1500 Fahrzeuge gebaut, danach ging die Firma in die Insolvenz.
Heute gibt es die Fa. AIXAM wieder, aber nicht als”richtigen” Autohersteller sondern als Leichtfahrzeugbauer.
Es gab sie mit diversen Diesel und Benzinmotoren und als 4×4.
Allen gemeinsamwar die Kunststoffkarosserie und der Feuerverzinkte Stahlrahmen. Serienmässig wurde das Auto offen verkauft, ohne Türen, Kofferraumabdeckung und Verdeck. Ebenso waren Stahlräder Serie. Türen, Kofferraumabdeckung, Verdeck und Alufelgen waren Sonderausstellung. Mit Allrad und Vollausstattung lag das Auto bei rund 28 000 Deutsche Mark (DM).
Die Technik stammt vom Citroen AX, daher auch 3 Radchrauben, ausser beim 4×4.
Das Leergewicht ist je nach Modell ca. 680 – 750Kg.
Übrigens kann der Tjaffer offen im Regen stehen: Er hat einen Kunststofffussboden mit integrierten Wasserabläufen.
Woher ich das alles weiss?
Ich besitze einen Aixam Mega Club. Da meiner original aus BeNeLux kommt ist meiner ein Tjaffer.
Es gab für BeNeLux einen Zentralhändler in den Niederlanden. Da der Verkauf der Fahrzeuge in BeNeLux unter der Originalbezeichnung Mega sehr schleppend lief nannte er die BeNeLux Fahrzeuge Tjaffer. Das war übrigens der Name seines Schäferhundes.
Falls noch Fragen meldet Euch.
Viele Grüße aus Deutschland
Willi
Let’s see; what to put on the foredeck. This, or a Jolly?
No contest this is a Citroen and plastic it will not rust away even all steel ones like mine are fully galvanised.
pedantry alert, but it’s ‘Aixam’ – actually AIXAM on their website
Looks cool!
The feature car has four lug alloys, but the others have three lugs – would this be the 4×4 version then?
Its based on a Citroen AX Peugeot 106 they had 4 stud rims later models than the 2CV
Looks about the usual level of weather protection offered by French machines of this era, ie: one-touch, once-only electric windows, retractable sunroofs that don’t un-retract, and doors rusted off, but at least it’s not an automatic (an Axiomatic?) because my dear French cousins still haven’t mastered those now, let alone then.
I’m fascinated by the Bungee House behind it – a lift going up, no floors, down by stretchy cord, no? – a real ’30’s Functionalist piece that is apparently a national monument, once part of a public University, and these days re-invented as a private hotel and playplace for the better-off, as are so many things in current times.
Looks like a modernised Moke. Always did like the Mehari, but I could go with this. Sans side panels of course.