A man is on a mission to restore the world’s rarest bus, which boasts a bizarre, retro-futuristic design that resembles something you’d expect to see on The Jetsons.
The little-known Citroen U55 Cityrama from the 1950s was once built for tourists visiting Paris to take in the sights of the city.
But only three were ever created, and now this is the only surviving example.
Based on the Citroen 55 truck chassis, the odd-looking bus, which looks more like a submarine, was designed by French coachbuilder Currus, in collaboration with the famous carmaker.
For tourists, it offered the perfect views of the French capital thanks to its bubble-like glass roof, panoramic windows, and sleek curves - all heavily inspired by mid-century futurism.
Currently, the Cityrama Paris sightseeing bus is in 100 pieces after travel content creator, Tim Dunn, crowdfunded its restoration some two years ago.
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As reported by Supercar Blondie, Dunn said: “The vehicle has been completely stripped down so that each individual part can be restored, replaced, repainted, whatever needs to be done.”
The efforts include work on the bus’s engine, chassis, and body, with the unique curved glass panels proving the most challenging aspect, requiring specialised moulds and techniques that are no longer in use.
Dunn added: “The dream is that in three or four years’ time you will be able to come to France and ride around in a beautifully restored, beautifully bonkers bus.”
France is truly the place to be for weird and whacky motors, as we recently reported on an incredible ‘flying water taxi’ that’s used to shuttle people between lakes in France.
The bizarre machine even appears to float on the water while making zero waves, noise, or emissions - thanks to an amazing feature that balances it automatically and lifts it off the water on two foils.
Known as SeaBubbles, the all-electric flying water taxi is used as a commercial shuttle service in France.
It was the first electric hydrofoil machine approved for passenger transport in the country, according to the innovative startup.
First unveiled in 2017 in Paris and then launched for testing the following year, SeaBubbles embarked on its first passenger rides in Veyrier-du-Lac as it crossed towards Annecy les Marquisats in early July 2023.
Now, round trips throughout the day transport passengers between Veyrier-du-Lac and Annecy les Marquisats.
Elsewhere, a retro Rolls-Royce that was found hidden away in a barn and left to rot for years has been given a thorough restoration - but it might still need a bit more work.
A stunning Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II from the 1980s was recently brought before a mechanic after it was found virtually undriveable.
The famous motor, which featured in a video by YouTuber Alex Kersten of Autoalex Cars, arrived at a Farringdon-based shop and was diagnosed with issues with its ignition system, distributor cap, and carburetor.