The forgotten Citroën C10: Was it the small car of the future?

The forgotten Citroën C10: Was it the small car of the future?

The automotive world is constantly changing, and sometimes true treasures are overlooked in history. One such example is the Citroën C10, a futuristic vehicle that never saw the light of mass production. The development of this special creation began back in 1953 under the creative direction of André Lefebvre. The C10 was supposed to build a bridge between the popular 2CV and the esteemed DS model, but fate had it differently. How newsdanciennes reports, this remarkable car was presented to the public in 1956 and was passionately nicknamed the “Citroën Coccinelle”.

The C10 was not just another vehicle in Citroën's long line, but an innovative prototype that promised to usher in a whole new era of automobiles. Weighing just 382kg and with a body made from lightweight materials such as aluminum and Perspex, the car was designed to offer high energy efficiency. The special drag coefficient of 0.258 highlighted its aerodynamic design, which was strongly inspired by aviation. Particularly noteworthy are the large doors with their characteristic “butterfly” windows, which made access to the interior easier.

Technical innovations and design features

One of the most impressive features of the C10 was the 425 cc engine, which enabled a top speed of 110 km/h. This was an engaging ride for a vehicle that aimed to be light and maneuverable. The C10 also had hydropneumatic suspension, which ensured exceptional driving dynamics, putting even contemporary opponents in the shade.

Nevertheless, the C10 project remained a prototype. The ambitious plans to bring this innovative idea into mass production were ultimately abandoned due to the high industrialization costs and daring design. Instead, they turned to the more conventional Ami 6 project, which ultimately paved the way for the subsequent C60 model, which later became the well-known Citroën GS. This decision was not easy, but the engineers had to adapt to the market and the circumstances.

The legacy of the C10

Interestingly, however, the C10 never completely disappeared from the memory of automotive history. The prototype series was of great importance between 1953 and 1956, and the C10 was even exhibited at international motor shows, including the prestigious Rétromobile, in 2014 and 2019. How Wikipedia described in detail, the C10 remained a remarkable example of Citroën's innovative spirit and a glimpse into a sometimes daring future.

The development history of the C10 shows us how important it is to also recognize the less successful projects. Not only do they offer us a glimpse into the technical prowess of bygone times, but they also remind us that not every idea finds its way onto the street, even though it has the potential to do so. While the 2CV, another Citroën model, is still considered a symbol of simple elegance and functionality, the C10 remains a fascinating chapter that should not be forgotten in automotive history.

Looking back at the Citroën C10 is not only a tribute to past technical masterpieces, but also an exciting story about vision and privation in the development of automobiles, an area that is still characterized by rapid changes and economic challenges. Further insights into the history of Citroën models can be found at GTÜ Classic.