Terry Ito Column Vol.37 The most beautiful car in the world, the Citroën C6, has arrived

I bought another car. As I'm known by myself and others as the king of wasteful spending, I did it again. My new car is a 2007 model Citroën C6, a French car. It's said to be the most beautiful sedan in the world, and was even used as the private car of the 23rd French President, Nicolas Sarkozy. Its retail price at the time was 750 million yen, making it a truly luxurious car. Its beautiful form was admired around the world, and I had always wanted one myself.

Time passed, and I discovered my long-awaited C6 lined up at a Yokohama car dealership I know, "AZ Auto." The C6, once said to be the most noble and elegant car in the world, looked lonely among other European compact cars and mass-produced cars! Despite its spectacular debut at European social events, the C6 never gained popularity, likely due to its Citroën-specific ride comfort features and complicated hydro system, and its production life was short, lasting just eight years from 2005 to 2012. Knowing this story, I found the C6, left out in the open, all the more endearing.

I was surprised to see the price tag of 180 million yen including all expenses posted on the windshield. While popular used cars these days are often sold for more than their retail price, this car was priced the same as the Citroën 2CV, another ultra-affordable French car parked next to it. A high-society lady C6 and a downtown girl 2CV. To think that after 17 years, the two cars were lined up side by side. I wondered how the C6 felt. I had no choice but to take it. I decided to buy it straight away.

Mr. Kodama, the person in charge, said, "It's a fragile car, so please be gentle with it. If possible, it's best not to open the sunroof. The cup holders are also delicate, so use them sparingly. If they break, it's difficult to get parts." Normally I would be put off by his advice, but having driven an old car for many years, I had already taken this kind of thing into consideration.

After receiving the car, I went for a drive straight away. I dressed up like a Parisian in a red beret and a French white coat, and drove straight to Yokohama. Everything was going surprisingly well. Citroën's pride and joy, the Hydro, was also in good spirits. The music playing in the car was, of course, French chanson singer Charles Aznavour. I was able to spend a wonderful time. However, the next day, when I looked at the door handle to get in, I noticed that the thumb grip was missing. It must have flown off during the drive the day before. But I remained unfazed. It was something I had expected. Fortunately, I was able to find the part.

My relationship with the lady Citroën C6 has just begun. I don't know what's going to happen. The excitement is endless.

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry