Man tracks down the world’s ‘rarest’ bus which is a five-year restoration project
- The Citroën U55 Cityrama is the world’s rarest bus
- The 1950s double-decker bus showed tourists the sights of Paris
- It is now part of a five-year restoration
Published on Jan 17, 2025 at 8:12 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Jan 17, 2025 at 8:12 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
Looking like a cross between a submarine and The Jetsons family car, the Citroën U55 Cityrama is the world’s rarest bus and is now part of an epic restoration.
The 1950s double-decker bus was created to show tourists the sights and sciences of Paris, France.
Only three were ever created, and this is the only surviving example.
Now, after decades of disrepair, it is being restored to hit the streets of the French capital again.
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Rarest bus in world: Citroën U55 Cityrama
The Eiffel-Tower-esque bus was built in the 1950s by French coachbuilder, Currus, in collaboration with Citroën.
The ‘weird’ vehicle was based on the Citroën 55 truck chassis but its body was completely custom-built for its unique purpose.
It offered lucky tourists unparalleled views of Paris as an exciting yet practical alternative to traditional tour buses.
The resulting design was heavily inspired by mid-century futurism, with a bubble-like glass roof, panoramic windows, and sleek curves.
Its unique design made it the rarest bus in the world.
The restoration project
Two years into its crowdfunded restoration, the Cityrama Paris sightseeing bus is currently in 100 pieces per travel content creator, Tim Dunn.
“The vehicle has been completely stripped down so that each individual part can be restored, replaced, repainted, whatever needs to be done,” Dunn explained.
The painstaking work involves extensive work on the engine, chassis, and body.
Its unique curved glass panels have proven to be a particular challenge.
They require specialized molds and techniques that no longer are in use plus, with no other existing models, there are no parts to model it on.
“The dream is that in 3 or 4 years’ time you will be able to come to France and ride around in a beautifully restored, beautifully bonkers bus,” Dunn shared.
Paris was set to have a fleet of flying taxis in time for last year’s Olympics before plans were scrapped.
However, Dubai looks sweet to make that dream happen with eVTOL aircraft taxis this year.
London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
