The 1922 Citroën B2 Scarabée d'Or, also known as the Golden Scarab, holds a remarkable place in automotive history for its pioneering expedition across the Sahara Desert. This groundbreaking journey took place between December 19, 1922, and January 7, 1923, marking the first-ever crossing of the Sahara Desert by an automobile.
The Golden Scarab was driven by Georges Marie Haardt and Louis Audouin-Dubreuil, two adventurous souls who embarked on this daring expedition. Covering a distance of approximately 3,200 kilometers on the outward journey, the Scarabée d'Or showcased remarkable durability and endurance in traversing the challenging terrain of the desert.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is the fact that no return journey had been initially planned. However, Haardt and Audouin-Dubreuil were so enthralled by their experience during the outward journey that they decided to turn around and retrace their steps back through the Sahara Desert.
This extraordinary expedition not only demonstrated the capabilities of the Citroën B2 Scarabée d'Or but also highlighted the spirit of adventure and exploration that drove early automotive pioneers. The successful crossing of the Sahara Desert by the Golden Scarab remains a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of discovery in the face of daunting challenges. This replica (pictured above) is named "the Golden Scarab half-track."
