Hidden Treasure: Unveiling the 2006 Citroën Xsara Picasso Desire at the Scrapyard
It’s not every day that you stumble upon a hidden gem in a scrapyard, but that’s exactly what I found in York, England – a 2006 Citroën Xsara Picasso Desire. While the American car market was dominated by pickups and SUVs at the turn of the century, compact MPVs like the Xsara Picasso were all the rage in Western Europe. This particular model was one of the best-selling compact MPVs of its time, and it’s a sight to behold amidst the wreckage.
Citroën’s history in the United States is a tale of missed opportunities, with the last new Citroën being sold in 1970. So, it’s no surprise that finding one in a junkyard is a rare occurrence. The French automaker began building cars in 1918, merged with Peugeot in 1974, and recently became part of the Stellantis Empire in 2021.
One interesting fact about the Citroën brand is its connection to Pablo Picasso. In 1989, the artist’s son sold the rights to use Picasso’s signature on Citroën cars for a hefty sum of $20 million. The brochures for the Xsara Picasso heavily emphasize this connection, making it a unique selling point for the vehicle.
While the Xsara Picasso never made its way to the United States, it’s intriguing to see it featured negotiating the Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles in the brochures. It’s as if this European MPV somehow found its way onto American soil. In fact, there are tales of California law enforcement using billboards featuring Picasso’s artwork to catch speeding Citroëns.
The 2006 Xsara Picasso was available in different trim levels for the U.K. market, including Desire, VTX, and Exclusive. The one I discovered in the scrapyard is the base Desire model, showcasing its simplicity and practicality. Despite weighing under 3,000 pounds, the Xsara Picasso offers an impressive amount of interior space. It comfortably accommodates five passengers and boasts airliner-style folding tables for the rear-seat occupants. The rear seats are also removable, allowing for additional cargo space when needed.
It’s interesting to note that this type of compact MPV never gained popularity in North America, despite efforts by Japanese manufacturers. However, the Xsara Picasso paved the way for its successor, the C4 Picasso, which evolved into a crossover SUV that would fit right in on American roads. It seems that the SUV craze eventually conquered Europe as well.
The Xsara Picasso holds significance not just for its design and functionality but also for the talent behind its creation. Donato Coco, who later worked at Ferrari and Lotus, was one of the masterminds behind this vehicle’s design. Coco’s expertise extended beyond Citroën, as he also played a role in styling the iconic Ferrari 458 Italia.
The particular Xsara Picasso I stumbled upon in the scrapyard is equipped with a petrol engine and a five-speed manual transmission, delivering 110 horsepower. However, buyers had the option of choosing diesel engines or automatic transmissions as well.
Digging into the car’s history, it’s fascinating to see that it had accumulated 114,279 miles before being retired due to front-end damage. Its last inspection took place in October 2022, with its registration expiring a year later. It’s a testament to the durability and longevity of this Citroën model.
All in all, Citroën certainly made the most out of their branding deal with Picasso. The connection to the famous artist adds a touch of artistic flair to the vehicle, making it stand out from the crowd. Assembly-line robots, once mindless machines, seem to have found inspiration from the spirit of a long-dead Spaniard. And ordinary French children, when riding in an Xsara Picasso, transform into living Cubist sculptures.
While the Xsara Picasso may be a hidden treasure in the scrapyard, it’s a reminder of the unique and innovative designs that Citroën brought to the automotive world. Richard Hammond, renowned television presenter and car enthusiast, even reviewed the first-year Xsara Picasso back in 2000. It’s a testament to its lasting legacy and impact on the industry.
As car enthusiasts, we often seek out rare and extraordinary finds. The 2006 Citroën Xsara Picasso Desire is one such discovery, reminding us of the rich history and creative brilliance behind every automobile. And while it may not have graced American roads, its presence in the scrapyard is a nod to its enduring charm and significance in the European automotive landscape.