In 1955 and 1956, Citroen produced a series of waterdrop-shaped concepts called the Prototype C series, better known as the Coccinelle. Coccinelle is French for “ladybug” and was an appropriate name for these tiny teardrop bubbles.
Ten of the cars were made in all, many of them being aerodynamic tests and proofs of concept rather than full models. Of the ten, only the C8 and C10 were full, operational designs.
The Prototype C concepts were design lessons in compact vehicles with maximum interior space and minimum propulsion requirements. Citroen was looking to find a vehicle to fit in the space between the entry-level 2CV and the upper-end Traction (later the D Series). Ultimately, Citroen went with the more conventional Ami 6, but not before producing ten Coccinelle prototypes.
Designed by André Lefèbvre and his team, the Prototype C series focused on aerodynamics and space saving. Designed to carry four or five people (including driver), the C innovated on several fronts.
Window glass was perspex and shaped in such a way that windshield wipers were not needed. A crank from the inside could wind the windscreen slightly downward to allow air to flow over it in such a way as to clear it without getting the interior wet.
Its front-wheel drive design was taken largely from the DS, as was its wheelbase design of wide front and narrow rear axles. The A-series flat twin engine used in the 2CV propelled the car. An interesting hydropneumatic suspension, lightweight bodywork, and two-part door system completed the C10 at the end of the project.
The C10 was shown at various shows in 1956 as a model of Citroen’s engineering.
After the Coccinelle designs were abandoned in favor of the Ami 6, the gap between models was will unfilled. Work commenced on the C 60 prototype, but never came to fruition as Citroen’s financial troubles led to the Peugeot buyout and the discontinuation of unfinished projects.
The Citroen C10 Coccinelle, the last of the Ladybug designs, still resides in the Citroen Museum. The discovery of a C8 prototype in a barn in France led to that concept entering a private collection.
Photos herein are courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and the Citroen Museum.
