Citroën 2CV 007: The secret history of James Bond's iconic "Deuche"

Citroën 2CV 007: The incredible destiny of James Bond’s accomplice

Today, we continue our series dedicated to Citroën in Cinema by examining an icon that has sparked much conversation and vibrated many engines: the famous 2CV 007. Propelled onto the international stage in the hands of the world’s most famous secret agent, this version of the "Little Citroën" hides an astonishing history of bold technical compromises and unexpected marketing success. To this day, it holds a symbolic record for the brand with the chevrons: giving birth to the smallest limited series ever produced on a 2CV chassis, making it an absolute must-have collector's item for brand enthusiasts.

From the Mini to the 2CV: Rémi Julienne’s bold choice

The appearance of the Citroën 2CV in the twelfth installment of the James Bond saga, titled "For Your Eyes Only" (1981), was not a matter of luck but the result of one man’s determination. At the time, the film’s production planned to use a red Mini Cooper for the grand chase scene in Spain (though actually filmed in Greece). It was the famous French stunt coordinator, Rémi Julienne, who imposed the Citroën 2CV against the initial wishes of the British production team. Based on his past experience on "The Italian Job," where many Minis were destroyed and stuntmen injured due to their rigid chassis during jumps, Julienne wanted a more flexible and predictable vehicle.

For him, the Citroën 2CV possessed unique dynamic qualities: its long-travel suspension allowed for spectacular jump landings without disintegrating the vehicle’s structure, while offering a comic and quirky visual appeal during sharp turns. The filming of this anthology sequence took place on the island of Corfu, amidst rugged olive groves. To achieve the few minutes of breathtaking pursuit we see on screen, it took no less than twelve days of intensive filming, during which the little Citroën had to demonstrate extraordinary resilience against two black Peugeot 504s chasing it down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SPJB61Yad8

GS mechanical secrets for high-flying stunts

To allow the "Deuche" to compete with its pursuers and withstand the frantic pace of the stunts, the units used for filming were far from stock production models. In total, the production mobilized three highly specific 2CV units. Contrary to popular belief, these cars were not prepared by Citroën teams in Levallois, but in the British workshop of Ken Shepard, a stuntman himself. These vehicles benefited from structural chassis reinforcement and the installation of a safety roll cage, which was essential to protect the drivers during rolls and jumps.

The most spectacular modification, however, was found under the hood. The classic 602cc twin-cylinder engine lacked the power needed for the staging; it was therefore replaced by the 1015cc flat-four engine borrowed from the Citroën GS. This block, developing about 55 horsepower, allowed the 2CV to reach the speeds and accelerations necessary for the scene’s credibility, while maintaining the "boxer" architecture dear to the brand. At the end of filming, the fate of these three cars varied: the first is now proudly displayed in the Citroën Heritage collection (still bearing its real bullet holes), while the other two were sold to an English collector in 1982, one of which even served as a daily driver for several years.

The 2CV 007 special edition: an instant collector’s item

Aware of the media potential of this collaboration, Citroën decided to market a special series to accompany the film’s release. This edition was presented with great fanfare in October 1981, at the Place Vendôme in Paris, in the presence of the film’s actors, including the late Roger Moore. Produced in only 500 units (exclusively for the French market, despite rumors of a British version), it instantly became the most exclusive limited series in the range. However, several notable differences exist between the car on the big screen and the one sold in dealerships.

While the 2CV in the film featured a Mimosa Yellow (AC333) tint, the limited series adopted the more vibrant Helios Yellow (AC336), as the previous color was no longer in the catalog. Furthermore, the base used was not a Club version but a 2CV6 Special, recognizable by its simpler equipment, round headlights, and minimalist speedometer. The most distinctive element remained the decoration: the "007" logos and the famous bullet impacts were applied directly at the factory. However, to avoid alienating other customers, Citroën also offered a complete accessory kit in shops, allowing any owner of a yellow 2CV to transform their vehicle into a replica of the James Bond car, thereby popularizing the image of a bold and mischievous brand.

Without a doubt, James Bond's Citroën 2CV 007 quickly became memorable due to its major scene and numerous acrobatics, but also through the limited series that followed. With only about a dozen authentic units still recorded in service today, this version remains an automotive Holy Grail. It symbolizes an era when Citroën dared everything, making this 2CV 007 a car truly set apart, capable of turning a modest city car into a genuine legend of the silver screen.

Source : https://www.carjager.com/blog/article/citroen-2cv-007-rien-que-pour-vos-yeux.html