French historic registration papers
Chassis no.: 00EA0449
- Rare prototype
- Beautiful original patina
- Good mechanical functioning
At the end of the 1960s, Citroën, in search of modernity, became interested in the rotary engine created by Félix Wankel. It then began a collaboration with NSU. A first contract called "Comoto" grants Citroën the license to operate the Wankel engine. Following this, Comotor was created in May 1967 and will benefit from a factory in Germany whose role will be to manufacture the rotary engine on a large scale. To test and improve this technology, Public Relations Director Jacques Wolgensinger proposes to produce a small series of experimental vehicles and to entrust their driving to customers, who will be responsible for transmitting their experiences to the Design Office. Manufactured by Heuliez, this prototype takes the form of a 2+2 coupe influenced by the silhouette of the Ami 8. Inside, the upholstery is inspired by that of the SM and the dashboard is very similar to that of the Ami 8. The M 35 adopts a hydraulic suspension system and disc brakes at the front. The 4-speed manual gearbox is combined with a 995 cc Wankel engine with 49 hp. All M35 models adopt a metal grey colour and the words "Citroën M35 Prototype" followed by their respective numbers on the front fenders. In the autumn of 1969, the brand launched a call for customers travelling more than 30,000 km per year. The objective was to select people from regions with different climates and landforms. Sold for 14,120 francs, customers benefited from a two-year total warranty on the engine. A series of 500 vehicles was originally planned, but only 267 will be manufactured between 1969 and 1971. Citroën will endeavour to buy back most of these cars once the experiment is over, most of them will then be destroyed.
The example we propose is the prototype M35 n° 449. Manufactured in 1971, it was sold new to a doctor in Fécamp. It then passed through the Citroën Conservatory and then met successive collectors until 2017, when its current owner acquired it.
This prototype is now in its original juice but remains nevertheless rather well preserved. A road test allowed us to see how well it works, the exhaust system and many parts have recently been replaced to make the mechanics more reliable. Our copy with its inimitable patina is the witness of a unique experience, offered today at an attractive price, no doubt that it will seduce collectors of the rarest Citroëns.

This car will be sold by auction by AGUTTES Auction House, in La Ferté-Vidame, at the Citroën Centenary, France, on July the 21th, 2019.
The digital catalog will be available soon on our website
https://www.aguttes.com/en/sale/99015
Please contact us for any further details.
Phones numbers:
+33 760 781 018
+33 668 362 622
+33 147 459 301