1959 Citroën U55 Cityrama Currus
Built for Parisian sightseeing operator Groupe Cityrama, this extraordinary vehicle represented one of the most unconventional buses ever conceived. French coachbuilder Currus created the design in 1956 using a Citroën U55 truck chassis as its foundation.
Designer Albert Lemaitre drew inspiration from the curved hulls of Seine river boats, creating a double-decker with sweeping Plexiglas panels that enclosed both passenger decks.
The underlying mechanicals came from Citroën Type 55 utility trucks that featured either a 4.6-liter gasoline six making 73 HP or a 5.2-liter diesel six producing 87 HP. These trucks served as backbones for fire engines, flatbeds, and the handful of futuristic buses built for Cityrama.
The bus featured extensive glazing that wrapped around nearly every surface, including retractable roof panels that could slide open for open-air touring. Each seat offered multilingual audio commentary available in eight languages, an advanced feature for the 1950s.
The distinctive design included boat-like curves at the front, rounded tail fins at the rear, and a red character line that turned into a massive wing above the second deck. A spear-shaped ornament protruded from the front, adding to the otherworldly appearance.
Instead of two full decks, Lemaitre opted for a one-and-a-half configuration, with seating for about 30 passengers on the main floor and 20 more on the half-deck. The interior featured reclining seats, on-board catering, and the multilingual commentary system that made each journey both comfortable and educational.
However, the ambitious design created significant operational challenges. The non-air-conditioned glass structure acted like a greenhouse, heating up considerably in sunlight, while engines frequently overheated due to the added weight (around 15,000 lb / 6,800 kg).
Over time, Cityrama had second and third grilles added plus an oil cooler, making the buses look even more unusual. One bus actually caught fire on Rue de Rivoli and burned out, though no one was injured.
Despite these problems, the Citroën U55 Cityrama Currus became an instant hit with tourists and was so popular that it was featured in local movies. The buses appeared in films such as Zazie dans le Métro, becoming cultural icons of 1950s Paris.
Only three were ever built, with deliveries ending in 1959 due to the technical problems. The last Currus bus was decommissioned in 1980, closing an extraordinary chapter in automotive history.
Source
