The Bijou, introduced at the 1959 Earls Court Motor Show, wasn’t so much a British car as a British adaptation of the 2CV. It was basically an attempt at marketing the 2CV to the British public, but it remained as idiosyncratic and French as its heritage. In fact it was little different than the myriad of adaptations that were produced by various companies, designers and individuals throughout Europe during the fifties and sixties.
Citroën’s UK base was in Mill Street, Slough, where it also had an assembly plant. The right hand drive 2CVs assembled there since 1953 never sold in any great quantity - not surprising at a time when the British brought solid and unimaginative British cars. One source tells us that 350 2CV chassis were left over after its Slough assembly ceased, and although we can’t be sure of this, it would probably have helped persuade Citroën UK to go ahead with the Bijou.
What is certain is that the Bijou had pre ‘60 chassis and engines, the engines being the ‘three stud’, 12bhp, 425cc type and were nearly all fitted with centrifugal clutches. It isn’t known whether the centrifugal clutch was an option, or if Citroën UK eventually ran out of them.
What Made The Bijou different?
The fibreglass body shell was designed by Peter Kirwan-Taylor of Lotus Elite fame. It was a two seater, two door saloon with a back seat for children, and was often hinted at being a baby DS. In fact some DS controls, interior door handles and a DS type single spoke steering wheel were used and the overall lines had a distinct family resemblance.
Both doors had frameless windows which sealed by meeting rubber mouldings mounted on the body shell, and there was an ashtray in each door. The 2CV’s hammock style front sears were used but covered with a stiffer PVC material, and the rear seat folded down to give greater boot space. Under the back seat the jack, tyre pump, grease gun, starting handle and tools were stored. Both sides had internal lockers and there was a large front parcel shelf. The 6 volt electrical system used mainly Lucas components and there was a red light to warn of low fuel level.
Some Other Interesting Facts
The Citroën Bijou was available in five colours - Regal Red, Daffodil, Dove Grey, Sherwood Green and Coral. The body shells were spray painted by Citroën at Slough and the original body shells were not considered strong enough so the manufacturer/supplier was changed.
The first chassis number was 8/600101 and the last was 8/600313, in March 1964. This indicates that 213 Bijoux were produced. It is not certain whether one or two prototypes were built, but their chassis numbers would be 101 and 102.
At least four Bijoux were exported to Australia, another right hand drive market.