French Oddball - Innovation often stems from the desire to adapt and cater to unique tastes, a notion clearly embodied by Citroën Bijou. This compact coupé stands as a testament to Citroën's efforts to design a car specifically for the British market. While it ultimately failed to gain traction, the Bijou’s story remains a fascinating chapter in automotive history.
The Citroën Bijou produced between 1959 and 1964 at the French automaker's long-standing facility in Slough, England, which had operated since 1925. (Picture from: Autocar)
Citroën unveiled the Bijou in 1959, produced at its long-standing facility in Slough, England, which had operated since 1925. Built on the platform of the widely popular Citroën 2CV, the Bijou retained the 2CV's ingenious independent suspension system, offering a comfortable ride. However, the Bijou set itself apart with a more refined and elegant design, targeting British consumers who were thought to prefer a conservative aesthetic over the utilitarian look of the 2CV. The goal was clear: to capture a larger share of the British market with a car that blended style with Citroën’s engineering prowess.
The Citroën Bijou, unveiled at the 1959 London Motor Show, featured a 425cc 2-cylinder engine and was priced at a hefty £674. (Picture from: Hagerty)
The design of the Bijou was the brainchild of Peter Kirwan-Taylor, a designer celebrated for the 1957 Lotus Elite, another fiberglass-bodied masterpiece. True to its origins, the Bijou featured a lightweight fiberglass body mounted on the robust 2CV frame. Initially, these bodies were produced by Whitson & Co., a company situated near Citroën's Slough factory. Production challenges later prompted the transfer of body-molding duties to another supplier, adding complexity to the project.
The Citroën Bijou designed by Peter Kirwan-Taylor, featured a lightweight fiberglass body mounted on the robust 2CV frame.(Picture from: CitroenCarClub)
Despite its attractive design and innovative approach, the Bijou struggled to compete in Britain’s highly price-sensitive car market. At £674, the Bijou was significantly more expensive than competitors like the Ford Popular, which boasted a larger engine and cost £494. Even the revolutionary Austin Mini, introduced in the same era, undercut the Bijou’s price while offering remarkable practicality. The cost disparity, combined with the Bijou’s limited performance due to its heavier body, deterred potential buyers.
While the Citroën Bijou offered better fuel efficiency and a higher top speed than the 2CV, its increased weight hampered acceleration and overall performance. (Picture from: Hagerty)
While the Bijou offered better fuel efficiency and a higher top speed than the 2CV, its increased weight hampered acceleration and overall performance. Testers of the era often deemed it underpowered, especially when compared to other vehicles in its price range. Its distinctiveness as a stylish alternative to the utilitarian 2CV wasn’t enough to outweigh its shortcomings in a competitive market.
The Citroën Bijou retained the 2CV's ingenious independent suspension system, offering a comfortable ride. (Picture from: Hagerty)
Hopes were high that the Bijou would appeal to British tastes and boost Citroën’s presence in the UK. However, the project never reached its full potential. Between 1959 and 1964, only 207 units of the Bijou were manufactured in Slough, though some records suggest the total could be as high as 211. This limited production run cemented its place as a rare and quirky collectible among automotive enthusiasts.
The Bijou serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when blending innovation with market-specific strategies. Though it failed to achieve commercial success, its uniqueness and the ambition behind its creation highlight Citroën's willingness to push boundaries. Today, the Bijou is a cherished piece of automotive history, celebrated for its distinctive design and the story of bold experimentation it represents. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || CITROENCARCLUBAUTOCAR | HAGERTY | BARMYCARS | WIKIPEDIA ]
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The Bijou serves as a reminder of the challenges faced when blending innovation with market-specific strategies. Though it failed to achieve commercial success, its uniqueness and the ambition behind its creation highlight Citroën's willingness to push boundaries. Today, the Bijou is a cherished piece of automotive history, celebrated for its distinctive design and the story of bold experimentation it represents. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || CITROENCARCLUB AUTOCAR | HAGERTY | BARMYCARS | WIKIPEDIA ]
